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Dry or wet dog food?

March 14, 2022

 

There is no right or wrong answer when choosing between dry and wet dog food. Each is healthy for their own reasons, so it all depends on your dog's individual needs. Whichever it chooses, the most important thing is that your dog is getting the nutrients it depends on.

 

Dental health

 

One advantage of dry foods versus wet foods is the crunch factor. The hard, crunchy kibble scrapes your dog's teeth and cleans away plaque and tartar that can wreak havoc on its mouth. It also keeps your dog’s jaws nice and strong, making dry food a strong contender in even the most heated games of tug-of-war. If your little one doesn't like chewing on hard toys, or you just want to promote healthier teeth and gums, dry food might be the way to go.

 

Amount of calories

 

Contrary to its reputation as a treat, wet food is generally less fattening than dry food. In fact, it typically contains only half the calories, making it a satisfying meal for overweight animals. When you feed your dog wet food, it can eat more without gaining weight, as it would if it ate dry food. If your dog loves to chew but you don't want its weight to skyrocket, wet food might do the trick.

 

Hydration

 

It may seem obvious, but it's true: wet foods are wet because they're mixed with water. The point is that getting more water into your dog's system is never a bad idea, and wet food promotes proper hydration. If your dog isn't getting enough water, it could suffer from dehydration or even an uncomfortable urinary tract infection. When it eats moist foods, its body absorbs a lot of moisture, which keeps everything running smoothly.

 

Delicate constitutions or conditions

 

Some dogs just don't have what it takes to eat dry food. It's not their fault, it just depends on their bodies. For example, if yours has broken or missing teeth, it's just not equipped to break down all that crunchy food. It may even have a weak jaw, which makes dry food too difficult to eat. Even a sensitive stomach can prevent you from eating dry foods; Veterinarians sometimes prescribe a switch to wet food because it's easier on the digestive system. If your dog regularly refuses dry kibble, it's time to contact an expert to see if there's a physiological reason.

 

Conclusion

 

Dry food is better for dental health since it can scrape away plaque, tartar, and other dental buildup. In addition it is cheaper, has a longer shelf life and can be left out throughout the day. However, wet food has a higher water content and it is more filling even containing less calories. Furthermore, it is more appealing and easier to eat for dogs with dental problems or other delicate conditions.

 

For more information, talk to one of our Pet Experts and get customized advice by submitting a request in our Mavyn app.