Commercial “wet” or “canned” food is widely advertised and recommended to many dog owners across the world. While we find the look and smell to be… less than appetizing… dogs tend to scarf it down. In this article we’re going to break down how wet food is produced, and the pros/cons of feeding it to our woofs.
How is it Made?
Wet food is produced by taking a meat or protein source and grinding it up. Once the protein is grinded, a gravy-like substance is added that contains the other nutritional requirements such as vitamins, minerals and grains. Once combined, it is then cooked, sanitized and packaged.
Benefits
Due to this gravy substance, the levels of moisture are much higher in canned food than in kibble fed diets. Not only does wet food help keep our dog hydrated, it helps dogs feel full without overeating. Since it helps our dogs feel full sooner, it can also benefit goals related to weight loss while supporting muscle mass growth. On top of hydration benefits, it is easier to digest than kibble or dry diets; the smooth texture allows for proper digestion and breaking down of nutrients. Because of this soft texture it is a reasonable choice for puppies being weaned off milk, or older senior dogs with sensitive teeth.
Unlike dried food, commercial wet food does not need as many carbs to support its structure . Since it needs less carbs, higher protein levels are typically present in wet food versus dried food/kibble. Since wet food is stored in a sealed container, it contains lower levels of extra preservatives, artificial flavors or coloring you would see in kibble; overall, supplying your dog with fresher ingredients. Kibble/dry food typically comes in much larger stock, making them last for nearly a month, if stored properly. Typically canned food is used within a few days allowing you to rotate through different flavors such as chicken and beef. Because of the fresher taste, it is known to be more palatable to most dogs, making it a great choice for picky eaters.
On top of the tasty benefits, there are a few health benefits as well. Due to the high moisture contents, it does not take a lot of water from the body itself. This supports organ function by allowing the body to function stress free while also helping avoid kidney disease.
Drawbacks
As a result of fresher ingredients, and less artificial additives, canned food is typically more expensive than kibble/dry food options. This can make buying in bulk preferable if it leads to discounts. While wet food is often preferable to kibble, it does have a shorter shelf-life. Once opened the food must be consumed in a short amount of time or it will spoil and serving sizes within a particular can or packaging are unlikely to meet the necessary portion sizes for many dogs. Leading to leftover food and a need to use it in the next couple meals or lose it.
Finally, wet food can typically contain lower quality contents such as meat by-products or meat meals. To ensure you’re getting the best, always check the ingredient list looking for fresh and whole ingredients as each of the first five listed contents.
