Do dogs need kibble
Dry Dog Food vs. Wet Dog Food: Which Is Better?
The number of dog food products on the market can make it very confusing for you to choose a diet that is appropriate for your pet. Not only are there tons of different brands and ingredients, but even the most basic choice of wet versus dry dog food can be overwhelming.
Its important to always consult your veterinarian for more specific recommendations that best fit your dogs lifestyle, but this article will go over the main differences between dry and wet dog food.
What's the Difference Between Wet and Dry Dog Food?
Both dry dog food and wet dog food can provide nutritionally balanced diets, but the major difference is in the way they are processed.
How Is Wet Dog Food Processed?
Wet food starts with grinding the protein sources, or meat ingredients. Then a gravy that contains vitamins, minerals, and grains is added. Once those are mixed, the food is cooked and sterilized to produce the canned product.
As a result, wet food has a much higher moisture content than dry food. You can see the percentage of maximum moisture on the label, under the Guaranteed Analysis section. A dry food might have around 10% moisture (max.) while a wet food might have something like 78% moisture (max.).
How Is Dry Dog Food Processed?
Dry food contains very similar ingredients, but instead of adding gravy and canning the product, the meat mixture is pulverized in order to create a consistent dough that can be cooked.
Once cooked, the dough is extruded through specifically shaped holes to form kibble. The kibble undergoes a drying process, and then is sprayed with fats, oils, vitamins, and minerals and packaged before the fats and oils can spoil.
Some dry dog food diets also add live probiotics to aid in digestive and immune health.
Is Wet or Dry Food Better for Dogs?
Both types of dog food are good choices, but each has their own benefits and drawbacks depending on the nutritional needs of your pet.
Benefits of Wet Dog Food Compared to Dry Dog Food
Wet dog food, or canned food, sometimes provides benefits that dry food doesnt offer, such as:
Higher moisture content: Wet food may be a good choice if your dog doesnt drink as much as they should, or if they have a medical condition that could benefit from proper hydration. One example would be a dog with a history of urinary or kidney disease.
Palatability: Canned dog food is often more aromatic and flavorful when compared to dry food. This may entice sick or older dogs to eat if their appetite is decreased.
Satiety: Wet dog food tends to create a longer-lasting feeling of being full. Increased satiety is useful in weight management, especially in dogs that seem to have a never-ending appetite.
Easier to chew: Dogs that have dental disease or other oral abnormalities may find wet food easier to chew than dry food.
Benefits of Dry Dog Food Compared to Wet Dog Food
Dry dog food, or kibble, often offers certain benefits that wet food doesnt provide, such as:
Dental health benefits: Dry food encourages dogs to chew their food, which aids in preventing tartar buildup and secondary periodontal disease.
Convenience: Compared to wet food, dry diets are much easier to pre-portion, and they wont spoil if left out all day. This can be beneficial for dogs that are grazers.
Financially feasible: Depending on the brand of food, dry diets may be less expensive to purchase and store long-term.
Food enrichment: Kibble is easier to integrate into food puzzles and slow feeders that may improve a dogs quality of life through cognitive stimulation.
What Dry Dog Food Do Veterinarians Recommend?
The most commonly recommended dry dog food brands, by veterinarians, are the same as for wet food: Royal Canin, Science Diet, and Purina Pro Plan. Here are a few dry dog food options for puppy, adult, and senior life stages:
Guide to Mixing Wet and Dry Dog Food
Mixing wet and dry dog food is another option that may provide the best of both worlds. However, it is very important to ensure you are still providing the properdaily feeding amountto prevent overfeeding.
The best way to do this is to have your local vet calculate your furry friends daily calorie requirements for maintenance. Then you can calculate how much dry and wet food your dog should have each day to reach that number of caloriesand dont forget to factor in any calories from treats.
Featured image: iStock.com/NickyLloyd
WRITTEN BY
Heather Hoffmann, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Heather Hoffmann is a 2018 graduate from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a certificate in...
Is Kibble Really Bad for Dogs? The Pros and Cons
When it comes to our furry friends, we want nothing but the best for them. We love them unconditionally and do anything to keep them healthy and happy.
But sometimes, in our quest to give them the best life possible, we can make mistakes like feeding them kibble. Kibble is a type of dry food typically made from grains, vegetables, meat by-products, and preservatives.
Its often seen as an affordable and convenient option for dog owners.
However, you may not know the many disadvantages of feeding your dog kibble. For example, kibble can be very hard on a dogs digestive system because it doesnt contain any moisture.
This can lead to dehydration and constipation problems. Additionally, since kibble is usually high in carbohydrates, it can cause weight gain in dogs without getting enough exercise.
And finally, many commercial brands of kibble contain harmful chemicals and fillers that could cause health problems down the road.
So whats a pet owner supposed to do?
The Pros and Cons of Kibble for Dogs
There are a lot of different opinions out there about whether or not kibble is bad for dogs. Some people say its the best thing you can feed your dog, while others claim its the worst possible option.
So, whats the truth?
Is kibble bad for dogs?
To answer this question, we need to look at what kibble is. Kibble is a dry food made from pellets of processed meat, grains, and vegetables.
Its then typically coated in a tasty flavor (like chicken or beef) to make it more appealing to dogs.
So, what are the pros and cons of feeding your dog kibble?
Lets start with the pros. One of the biggest benefits of kibble is that its extremely convenient.
Its easy to store and transport, and you dont need to worry about it doesnt go well. Additionally, kibble is typically very affordable, which is great for pet parents on a budget.
Another big pro of kibble is that its typically nutritionally complete, which means it contains all the nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy. This is important because it helps ensure your dog gets everything it needs in its diet.
Now, lets take a look at the cons. One of the biggest downsides of kibble is that its often made with low-quality ingredients.
This means that it may not be as nutritious as you might think.
Additionally, some dogs may be allergic to the grains and other ingredients used in kibble, which can lead to health problems. Finally, kibble can be very high in calories, leading to weight gain in dogs.
If your dog is already overweight, kibble may not be the best option. The answer is that it depends.
If youre looking for a convenient and affordable option, kibble can be a good choice. However, if youre concerned about nutrition or your dogs weight, you may want to consider other options.
Key Takeaway: Kibble has both pros and cons. Its important to consider your dogs needs when deciding whether or not to feed them kibble.
Is Kibble Bad for Dogs?
We want to give them the best food, the best toys, and the best care possible.
So when it comes to their food, we want to ensure were giving them the best.
But is kibble bad for dogs?
The short answer is:
No, kibble is not bad for dogs, and in fact, kibble can be a great option for your pup.
Kibble is a complete and balanced meal that provides all the nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy and happy. There are a lot of myths out there about kibble.
Some say that kibble is full of fillers and preservatives that are bad for your dog. Others say that kibble is processed and doesnt contain all the nutrients a natural diet would.
But the truth is, kibble is a healthy and nutritious option for your dog. Kibble is made with high-quality ingredients carefully selected to provide your dog with all the necessary nutrients.
Plus, kibble is highly digestible, so your dog can get all the nutrients they need from its food. Kibble is a great option for dogs of all ages.
Puppies, adults, and seniors can all benefit from a kibble diet. Kibble is also a great option for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.
Kibble is a healthy, nutritious, and delicious option for your pup.
Key Takeaway: Kibble is not bad for dogs; it can be a great option for your pup. Kibble is a completely balanced meal that is highly digestible and full of nutrients that your dog needs to stay healthy and happy.
How to Choose the Right Type of Kibble for Your Dog
Choosing the right type of kibble for your dog is important to their health and well-being. With so many different types of kibble on the market, it cannot be easy to know which one is right for your pup.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best kibble for your four-legged friend:
1. Consider Your Dogs Age, Breed, and Activity Level.
Puppies and senior dogs have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. Similarly, small breeds and large breeds often require different types of kibble.
And, of course, a couch potato will need a different diet than a dog who loves to run and play.
2. Check the Ingredients List.
You should always check the ingredients list on any kibble youre considering for your dog. The first ingredient should be a protein source, such as chicken, beef, or lamb.
Avoid kibble that contains fillers, such as corn or soy.
3. Choose a Quality Brand.
When it comes to kibble, you generally get what you pay for. Cheap, off-brand kibble is often made with inferior ingredients and may not provide the nutrition your dog needs.
Opt for quality kibble from a reputable brand.
4. Talk to Your Vet.
If youre still unsure which type of kibble is right for your dog, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation. They can help you choose a kibble that meets your dogs needs.
Key Takeaway: Bring your dog to the Vet for the best dietary advice.
FAQs about Is Kibble Bad for Dogs?
Do dogs need kibble?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as opinions vary greatly.
Some people believe that dogs do not need kibble and that it is bad for them, while others believe it is perfectly fine for dogs and can even be beneficial.
Ultimately, it is up to the owner to decide what they believe is best for their dog.
Is kibble food bad for dogs?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as opinions vary greatly. Some people believe kibble is an unhealthy option for dogs, as it is often made with low-quality ingredients and fillers.
Others argue that kibble can be a healthy option for dogs if it is made with high-quality ingredients and contains no artificial additives or preservatives. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to feed kibble to a dog is up to the owner.
Is kibble or real food better for dogs?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual dogs needs. Some dogs do better on kibble, while others do better on real food.
It is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine what is best for your dog.
Is kibble worse than wet food?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on the individual dogs needs and preferences. Some dogs may do better on a wet diet, while others prefer kibble.
Ultimately, it is up to the owner to decide what type of food is best for their dog.
