If it is hard for you to choose the most suitable type of food for your furry friend, this guide can be helpful. Yes, you have heard it right. Here, we will discuss the pros and cons of various dog foods.
By knowing the pros and cons of various dog foods, it would be easier to choose the best option. So, without further delay, let’s dive into the main section of this article.
Dry Dog Food
This type of dog food is one of the most commonly used options. The most prominent reason for such preference is affordability and longer shelf life. Dry dog food is widely available in almost every grocery and pet store.
Here are some of the pros and cons of dry dog food.
Pros
- Proves to be reasonably priced dog food.
- Availability isn’t an issue.
- Storing dry dog food is easy. After opening the sealed pack, you can store it in a regular container.
- Comes in various types of dietary formulas, offering a variety to your dog.
- Easy to feed, as dry dog food doesn’t create much fuss. Hence, you won’t face hard times feeding your dog.
- Ability to choose the required package size, as this type of dog food is available in different packages.
- By buying dry dog food in bulk, it is possible to save some money.
Cons
- In some cases, brands offering dry dog food use filler ingredients. This lowers the overall nutritional value of the food.
- Contains artificial colors, flavors, and additives
- Your dog may suffer from allergies, as some ingredients in dry dog food are considered common allergens. These include corn, soy, wheat, and similar other grains.
- Dry dog food usually contains a limited amount of meat content to other options. In addition, meat byproducts are also used to lower the price. However, this minimizes the quality of dog food.
- In order to increase the shelf life, preservatives are added to dry dog food.
- Dry dog food won’t be that suitable for older dogs. Especially this particular food isn’t suitable for dogs with dental issues.
Wet Dog Food
Apart from dry food, a variety of dog owners also prefer serving wet food to their dogs. There are various reasons for such preference. Almost all types of dog breeds love the smell and taste of wet food. Listed below are the benefits and drawbacks of wet dog food.
Pros
- Wet food contains higher protein and fat content as compared to dry dog food.
- Since there are fewer fillers in wet food, it offers high nutritional value.
- A range of dog breeds prefers the texture and taste of this type of dog food.
- Wet food is a great choice for dogs with kidney issues. You can check our Kidney Care Dog Food which contains low phosphorus.
- The soft texture of this dog food makes it easier to chew and swallow. Therefore, it would be a great choice for dogs with dental problems.
- Canned or wet dog food offers a longer shelf-life. When kept under required conditions, wet dog food can last up to 2 to 3 years. Obviously, the shelf life differs from brand to brand.
- Highly palatable, making it easy for owners to deal with dogs that are picky eaters.
Cons
- Storing the leftover is challenging, as wet dog food has a strong odor.
- Some dogs may suffer from indigestion or diarrhea while eating canned or wet dog food.
- Preservatives are added to enhance the shelf life.
- Usually, wet dog food is more expensive than dry kibble.
- In some cases, the presence of BPA proves to be a health risk.
- Once opened, wet dog food becomes vulnerable to contamination.
Fresh Refrigerated Dog Food
Most people like to offer fresh food to their dogs. However, this might not be possible all the time. To deal with this issue, companies have launched fresh refrigerated dog food.
This type of dog food is suitable for a variety of dog breeds. It is a great way to introduce fresh nutrients into the regular diet of a dog.
Before choosing this option, make sure to go through the pros and cons mentioned below.
Pros
- The raw food ingredients can stay fresh for a specific time
- The food is less processed
- Apart from offering additional nutrition, this type of food also provides health benefits
- Fresh refrigerated dog food can help to deal with appetite loss and digestion issues
- Suitable for a wide range of dogs irrespective of their age and breed
Cons
- Shorter shelf-life even under controlled temperature
- Storing this food in a fridge alongside human food might not be an option for some
- Relatively expensive than other types of dog foods
- Availability might be an issue in some areas
Freshly Delivered Dog Food
A few years ago, fresh or customized dog food delivery services came into the scene. Hence, it turns out to be a new option to try. This is a great option if you pay much attention to dog food’s nutritional value and quality.
These dog food companies deliver fresh, pre-packed, and portioned dog food to their customers’ doorsteps. Here are a few of the most notable pros and cons of fresh and customized dog food.
Pros
- Each meal offers only the required amount of calories as per your dog’s dietary needs
- Highly nutritious, as this type of dog food is freshly prepared before shipping
- Dog food that not only tastes better but is healthy too
- The automatic shipment option ensures a consistent and timely supply of dog food
- Free from preservatives
Cons
- One of the most expensive options on this list
Final Thoughts
The dietary requirements of a dog may vary depending on its age, breed, and health condition. So, it might be difficult for some to identify the best type of food for their furry friend. However, after going through the pros and cons of various dog foods, it would be much easier for you to make a wise decision. You are now in a position to choose the most suitable food that meets the specific needs of your dog.
