Today's dog foods have gotten a face lift. You can serve your dog a blend of beef, lamb, chicken, and nutritious vegetables and grains, and all of which play a major role in providing balanced nutrition for your dog through all stages of his life. Though dry food has often been thought to be the healthier option, wet dog food is just as healthy too–here's why.
1. Easier to Chew
Many pet parents shy away from offering canned dog food to their pets. They're worried they aren't giving their dogs adequate nutrition, or that wet food harms a dog's teeth. A good-quality wet food can offer your pet balanced nutrition to support and maintain his health throughout all stages of life, and veterinarians say that feeding your dog wet dog food won't harm his teeth or gums. In fact, for older dogs with tooth or gum issues, wet food may be easier to eat than dry.
2. Healthier for Growing Dogs
When might wet food be better than dry?
During puppyhood, when young dogs need more protein to help grow up strong, and typically wet foods contain more protein than dry food. Dry dog food contains more grains, such as corn, oats or other whole grains, which helps older dogs with healthy digestion.
Tasty Tips
3. Keeps Well
Brands of wet food such as Hill's Science Diet contain plentiful meat and vegetables that offer the vitamins and minerals your dog needs to stay healthy. Real beef, lamb, chicken, and wholesome grains and vegetables offer your dog a rewarding mealtime through these nutrients. Also, wet dog food can be stored longer than dry food-depending on expiration date; cans don't need preservatives to maintain their freshness.
When to Serve Dry
One reason to serve dried food over canned is because it can be easier to feed and ration. Dogs who bolt through their food may slow down slightly with kibble. Dry food can be purchased in larger bag sizes too, which can be more convenient for some pet parents. And if your dog is a grazer, dry food is a better fit as wet food will spoil within four hours after being served if left out. Kibble is easy to use in food puzzle toys to enrich your dog's life and satisfy him without overfeeding. If you do decide to feed kibble and wet dog food to your dog, look for high-quality foods such as Hill's Science Diet whose dry kibble provides a high concentration of the most beneficial nutrients in each serving.
Why Not Both?
If you're worried your dog's canned food won't provide all the nutrients he needs under certain deficiencies, consider blended feeding. Blended feeding mixes wet food and dry into your dog's daily routine so he gets some of both each time he visits his bowl. Some pet parents choose to feed dry kibble in the morning and offer their dog a can of wet food at night. This covers all your bases, and provides your dog with some variety as well as a tasty treat.
Related products
Adult Light Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Large Breed Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition shown to support joint health and improve mobility
Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Adult Light Large Breed Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active large breed dogs
Related articles
Exercise Tips to Keep Your Dog Active
A little exercise can make a big difference. Not only will it enhance your pet’s health, but it will beef up your relationship as well.
Keeping Your Dog From Begging at the Dinner Table
Learn how to stop your dog from begging at the dinner table, and understand how it can help contribute to his health.
What to Look For in Food for a Mature Dog
Learn about choosing the right dog food to help ensure your mature older dog will receive the correct balance of nutrition.
Helpful Tips for Exercising with Your Dog
Though it may seem like your four-legged friend loves nothing more than to nap on the couch, dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy just like people do.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.