Just like humans, the food that dogs consume effects their health and well-being.
We all want the best for our dogs, so its important to research and understand the nutritional advantages and disadvantages of feeding dogs wet pet food.
Table of Contents
1. Wet Dog Food is Not Bad for Teeth and Gums
Dry dog food, sometimes known as kibble pellets, has long been thought to help remove plaque build-up on the gums and teeth of dogs that eat them.
Touted as an abrasive when chewed and eaten, it has been promoted as beneficial to the dental health of dogs.
This idea is often pushed forward by dry dog food producers, who’ve conducted somewhat subjective studies to endorse the idea to sell more feed.
However, recent more objective studies have disproven this theory.
These new studies observed, that when a dog eats dry pellets, they do not chew them in a way that has any such impact on plaque and tartar build up.
In fact, as dry dog food often gets stuck to the teeth and gums of dogs, and as it has a higher content of carbohydrates and sugars contained within it; it can actually do the reverse and cause damage to your dog’s dental health.
2. Change It Up
The best sort of diet for a dog is a healthy and balanced one. Although you may prefer to regularly purchase a particular brand of dog food, it’s good for your dog to mix up their menu a bit, and every now and then offer them something different.
Dogs nutritional needs change as they age, and different breeds of dog have different nutritional requirements, so even dog foods that claim to be complete in all needed nutrients should be rotated on your pooch’s menu, to ensure they are getting a good variety of vitamins and minerals, and so that they continue to enjoy mealtimes and don’t become bored with what you give them.
3. Not All Dog Foods are Made Equal
Depending on price, ingredients, and the production process; wet dog foods come in a range of different qualities. Some wet dog foods at the lower end of the spectrum are high in Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA.
BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that has been linked to reproductive problems and other issues in humans, and it is now thought that this chemical can also threaten the health of dogs and other pets.
Some brands of canned wet dog food can triple a dog’s BPA levels in just two weeks, so it is important to look out for BPA-free dog foods.
4. Some Wet Dog Foods Use Fillers
A food filler is defined as a low-quality ingredient, used as a cheaper alternative to meat to bulk out wet dog food.
Fillers are often made up of corn and soy and have next to no nutritional value.
Fillers in small quantities are not bad for a dog’s health, but when used in high amounts, they can contribute to poor dental health, and an excess of sugars in the bloodstream.
Although not that common, some dogs may suffer from grain allergies, so if you suspect this is the case for your pup, speak with your vet, and look out for soy and wheat free dog food alternatives.
5. Wet Dog Food Can Contain Animal Products
Most dog food producers have good practice standards in place to ensure that the content of the dog food they make is nutritionally valuable and a well-rounded offering.
There is also legislation in the United States and Europe to protect what can and cannot go into dog food.
Animal by-products are allowed in wet dog foods, and do not come under the description of a filler.
Animal by-products are defined as the parts of an animal other than flesh.
These are usually organ meats such as livers, kidneys, and intestines; all of which make a tasty, and protein-rich, nutritional meal for a dog.
However, by-products should not include inedible parts of an animal such as hair and feathers, or hooves and horns, as these have very little nutritional benefit.
When choosing the best wet dog food for your pup, make sure you read the listed ingredients to find out exactly what it is you’re feeding them to confirm it contains the essential nutrients they need to live a long, healthy, and happy life!