Dry dog food has
been around for a while (since the late 19th century actually). Canned dog food
came along a bit later (in the early 20th century). While both types of food
have remained popular since their introduction, many dog owners are curious as
to what the specific nutritional differences are between the two food types.
There’s a
multitude of differences between wet and dry dog food, most of which can have
both positive and negative effects on your dog’s health. Deciding which type of
dog food to feed your pup can be a bit more involved than it sounds, which is
exactly why we’ve outlined the primary differences between these two dog food
types in the below sections.
Wet dog food has
been getting a lot of flack lately for numerous reasons, however, one of the
primary ones is the fact that it directly leads to increased levels of
BPA (in both dogs
and humans).
What is BPA? BPA
is a type of chemical that causes changes to the body’s endocrine system as
well as its gut system. Dry dog food simply doesn’t suffer from this problem
(which is a major plus to its other benefits).
Dry Dog
Food: Popular Since the 1800s
The first dry dog
food product was introduced to the public in England, all the way back in the
1850s (as a “dog cake�). Fast forward to 2020, and dry dog food is just as
popular as it must have been back then (although the ingredients have certainly
improved).
There are many
reasons why using a high-quality dry dog food (such as Nature’s Variety dry dog food
recipe) can be beneficial
for your pet. While different brands use different ingredients (which all vary
in quality depending on the specific brand/recipe), the pet food industry is a
government-regulated industry that needs to conform to predefined standards
(which guarantees a certain level of nutritional value).
Some of the main
benefits that come with using dry dog food include:
- Decreased severity and/or presence of plaque on your dog’s
teeth. - A lower level of gum diseases/gum-related health issues.
- Much more difficult to become spoiled (compared to wet food).
- Significantly less expensive than canned/wet dog food.
- Not as prone to bacterial exposure.
What to
Look for When Choosing a Dry Dog Food Brand
There are many
benefits to dogs eating a dry food diet, but how do you determine which product
to purchase? Which brand should you buy? Are there certain ingredients to
avoid? What about macronutrients?
These are all
excellent questions, and if you’re serious about your dog’s diet then they are
necessary questions to be asking. Generally speaking, the primary ingredient of
any high-quality dog food is going to be protein (ideally animal-based). So,
that’s the first thing to look out for. Some of the top brands/recipes contain
a single source of animal-based protein as their primary ingredient (e.g. duck,
chicken, cow, etc.).
The second thing
that you need to look for is the carbohydrate content. While protein is important
in a dog’s diet, carbohydrates are equally as important (especially when it
comes to giving your dog the energy that it requires throughout the day). Keep
in mind, though, that many dogs have allergies (or sensitivities) to certain
types of carbs (e.g. wheat).
One very
important aspect of dry food that needs to be considered is the fact that
nearly all of them use some type of preservative (in order to stay fresh). This
is particularly a problem with “cheap� dog food brands (which are notorious for
using large amounts of artificial ingredients and preservatives). This is one
more reason to only go with a reputable brand that only uses high-quality
ingredients (and minimal preservatives).
Canned
vs Dry: Closing Thoughts
The debate
between canned dog food and its dry alternative has been raging for quite a
while (ever since canned dog food came onto the scene in the 1920s). Thanks to
research developments in the veterinary science field (particularly in regards
to nutrition), we now understand that dry dog food is usually the optimal
choice for most dogs. Of course, this
all depends on your dog’s medical history, breed, age, etc.
Dry dog food has
numerous benefits, especially when compared with wet food. However, in order to
provide your dog with the highest level of nutrition possible, you need to
purchase your food from a high-quality brand that uses nutrient-dense
ingredients.