Dry vs. Wet Pet Food: Which One to Opt for Your Pet?
For any pet parent, offering their furry companion nutritious food is of utmost priority. However, the wide range of pet food types available on the market can get overwhelming. When it comes to pet diets, there are two popular categories to consider which are wet and dry food. But which one is good for your pet?
In this article, we will provide you with the primary differences between wet and dry dog food and cat food to help you make a conscious decision for your pet. Read on to find out more.
Difference between wet and dry dog food
Both dry food and wet food offer nutritionally balanced diets and one of the key differences lies in the way they are processed.
How is wet food processed?
Processing wet food involves grinding the protein sources like meat ingredients. Then a gravy containing vitamins and minerals is added to the diet. It is further cooked, sterilised and packed in a vacuum-sealed can. As the name suggests, wet food has a higher moisture content than dry food. The percentage of maximum moisture of the diet can be found on the product label, under the ‘Guaranteed Analysis’ section.
How is dry food processed?
Dry food contains ingredients that are quite similar to wet food. However, instead of adding gravy and packing the food inside a can, it is crushed into a fine powder and a dough or paste is formed that can be cooked. After cooking, the dough is extruded through a wide range of moulds to form kibbles. The kibbles are then dried and cooled and then sprayed with oils, vitamins, minerals and fats and then packed in air-tight bags.
Certain dry foods contain probiotics to support the digestive and immune health of pets.
Which is better for pets, wetfood or dry food?
Both wet and dry pet foods offer nutrition to pets but each has its own unique set of benefits.
Benefits of wet food
- Higher moisture content
If your dog or cat doesn’t drink enough water, then wet dog food or cat food can be a good choice as it will keep your pal hydrated. Also, if your pet has some medical condition like urinary tract infection or kidney disease where it needs proper hydration, wet food is what you should go for.
- Palatability
Pet wet food is generally more flavourful and aromatic when compared to pet dry food. If your pet is choosy, sick or old, wet food will surely entice them into eating.
- Easy to chew
If your pet is suffering from dental issues or an oral condition, they may find wet food easier to chew and consume compared to dry food.
- Satiety
Wet food tends to offer a long-lasting feeling of being ‘full’ resulting in increased satiety. This may be particularly helpful for pets with never-ending appetites and support weight management.
Benefits of dry food
- Improves dental health
Dry cat food and dog food encourage pets to chew their food which helps in the elimination of tartar build-up and prevention of plaque and secondary periodontal disease.
- Convenience
Dry diets are easy to pre-portion and don’t get spoilt even if they are left in the open for a long period of time. This makes dry food ideal for pets that prefer grazing.
- Financially feasible
Generally, dry pet food is priced lower than wet pet food. They can also be stored for a longer period of time.
- Food enrichment
Dry kibbles are easier to add to food puzzles and slow feeders, thus improving your pet’s quality of life.
Renowned Brands
Here are a few brands that you can trust while selecting the best food for dogs and cats.
Wet Food
- Royal Canin
- Advance
- Ziwi Peak
- Zealandia
- Hill’s Diet
- Prime100
- Black Hawk
Dry Food
- Orijen
- Royal Canin
- LifeWise
- Black Hawk
- Ziwi Peak
- Eukanuba
- Hill’s Diet
- Acana
- Ivory Coat
Wrapping Up
When choosing the perfect food for your pet, it is always advisable to look into your pet’s needs and carefully read the diet’s food label. For an expert’s opinion, you should seek your vet’s advice to determine a diet that suits your pet’s requirements and lifestyle. You can find a wide range of both dry and wet pet foods at VetSupply at discounted prices. Visit our online store today to enjoy attractive deals from the comfort of your home.
