Dog food is not just dog food. There are many different types of dog food for all sorts of needs, whether it’s due to your dog’s age, breed, or certain allergies. It can be overwhelming at first to know what type of diet will best suit your pup, but fear not! We’ve got you covered with this helpful guide on how to choose the right kind of dog food for your pup’s needs.
What is the difference between wet, dry, and raw dog food?
Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food has been around for more than 100 years, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that technology made kibble possible. Dogs who eat “wet” or canned food are exposed to more water-soluble vitamins, but dry kibble contains the necessary nutrients your pet’s needs.
Wet Dog Food
Wet dog food uses fewer preservatives than its dry counterpart, and it can be easier on your dog’s stomach. Because of this, wet dog food is usually made with meat or meat byproducts as opposed to grain fillers.
Raw Dog Food
Raw dog food is just that – raw meat, bones, and vegetables for your pup to chew on. Unfortunately, this type of food can be dangerous if it isn’t prepared correctly or if you don’t know what you’re doing.
What are the benefits of each type of food?
Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food has the benefit of lasting a long time, which saves you trips to the store. However, some dogs don’t do well with dry kibble because it isn’t always moist enough for their dietary needs.
Wet Dog Food
Wet dog food is known for having more protein and fat content than its dry counterpart while also offering more water. Some dogs can’t handle the extra meat, however, and it can cause diarrhea or other stomach issues.
Raw Dog Food
Raw dog food is a great choice for picky eaters because many pups love to chew on raw pieces of meat, bones, and vegetables. It also provides a good dose of fiber, which helps with regularity.
What does my dog’s age have to do with diet?
As your pup gets older, he will require less protein intake than when he was younger. Puppies need about 28% protein in their diet, while adult dogs need around 18%. Seniors should have even less protein – usually 10-15%. This is because excess protein can cause calcium to leach out of the bones.
Do I need to give my dog supplements?
While most high-quality dry foods are complete and balanced, some don’t contain the proper nutrients your dog needs. Your best bet is to talk to your vet about what supplements you can add to your dog’s food for a balanced diet and healthy life.
What should I look for when buying my dog food?
When choosing between the different types of foods, many factors may affect your decision. For example, if your dog has a sensitive stomach or is overweight, you may want to go with wet food rather than dry kibble. If you have an active pup who needs plenty of protein and fat in his diet, try raw food instead of regular kibble or canned food. If your dog’s breed tends to have health issues, you might want to look for dog food that contains fewer carbohydrates. The best thing to do when trying to decide between types of food is to read the label on the back of your dog’s kibble or canned food and check out its ingredients, so you know exactly what he’s ingesting while making your decision.