Category: Nutrition

Mixing wet and dry dog food is a popular trend among dog owners these days. This popularity is due to the different benefits associated with practice. Some dog owners can be picky about their food and everyone wants the best for their dog.

If you are a dog owner and you are confused about which food type you should prefer for your canine companion, you are at the right place. In this article, we will describe the benefits of mixing things up up and why you should give it a try.

Mixing wet and dry dog food; Many Options are Possible

Being a responsible dog parent, it is your responsibility to provide the best food to your dog. Food plays the most important role in maintaining the health of your lovely friend.

There are plenty of benefits of mixing wet and dry food. Before we move to mixing food types, let’s look at the different pros and cons of both food types.

Dry Or Wet Food?

Whether you are feeding dry or wet food to your dog, both have advantages and disadvantages. Choice of wet or dry dog food depends upon your dog’s preferences and your budget.

We are going to describe some benefits of dry and wet foods.

Dry dog food

Dry food only contains around 10% of water but it is the most popular choice worldwide because of its convenience to handle and store. You can easily carry it anywhere and leave some for your dog for the rest of the day without it being spoiled. Kibble food provides a balanced diet and energy to your dog.

Dry dog food helps in maintaining the dental health of your pet. It has a low moisture content, so it has a longer shelf life than wet dog food. Dry food is also cheaper than wet dog food. Cost-effectiveness makes it the preferred food type for dogs amongst owners.

Wet dog food

Canned food has a high water content, usually more than 70 %. Wet food will not let your dog get dehydrated. So, if you are feeding your dog wet food, the risk of heatstroke and kidney problems lessens. It is a little costly, but it contains more protein portion and is healthier for your dog, compared to dry dog food.

High moisture dog food is a preferred food type for senior dogs with weaker teeth or suffering from dental diseases. High moisture content also makes wet dog food better suited for dogs with kidney problems.

Some dogs may stop eating dry food at some point in their life due to their age or health issues, or maybe they don’t like it anymore.

Then you can shift them to wet food and they are likely to it appetizing and it also helps if they have urinary tract infection.

Why Mixing Dry and Wet Food Is a Good Idea?

With all the dry and wet food options available in the market, things might get a bit overwhelming sometimes. It confuses many dog owners, but you need not worry. There is a solution for that as well. Mixing dry and wet food is a good idea and it comes with many benefits.

You can mix the dry and wet food in one bowl, but it is not necessary to do so. There are many ways of feeding mixed food to your dog. You can keep both foods separate as well.

You can give wet food in the morning and dry food for dinner. Or you can give the wet food as a treat because most dogs love wet food more than dry food.

Whatever way you choose, make sure you are giving them a balanced diet. The one thing you always need to make sure of is that you should fulfill their nutritional needs.

Low daily calorie intake can make your dog weak and above normal will make your dog obese. Both of these come with certain health risks. If you are going to feed mixed food to your dog, always give an appropriate portion of both foods to maintain a healthy balance.

Dogs’ digestive systems might react to the sudden changes in their diet if you start mixing dry and wet food, but the benefits of mixed food overcome it all. Make sure the change is gradual and the transition should be quite smooth.

Benefits Of Mixing Wet and Dry Dog Food

Here we are the key benefits of feeding mixed wet and dry dog food:

• The best part of mixing dry and wet food is that it keeps your dog hydrated and energetic throughout the day.
• Mixing different aromas and food types will get your dog excited, especially if your dog does not eat much.
• Mixing both foods will give your dog’s coat a shiny and glossy look as the wet food contains more natural and direct sources of protein and fatty acids.
• Mixing dry and wet food is also a budget-friendly option. Wet food is more expensive than dry food but mixing both ensures that your dog gets the health benefits while keeping his diet cost-effective for you.

Important Things to Consider Before Mixing Both Types of Food

Before you start giving mixed wet and dry food to your dog, there are some things you need to consider.

• Never give mixed food to your dog on your own. There are different foods available in the market made for specific purposes and conditions. Mixing some of them might not be a good idea. So, it is best you consult your vet or the food manufacturer’s guidelines before starting.
• You need to maintain calorie control. Wet food has different calorie levels than dry food. If you are mixing dry food with wet food, you would need to make sure you are feeding your dog enough calories to keep him healthy.
• Do not make sudden changes in your dog’s diet. It will be best if you make gradual changes your dog’s digestive system is sensitive and it needs some time to adjust to the new food.
• If you are mixing dry and wet food at the same time, you should add 75% of dry food and 25% of wet food for a balanced meal. You can also go for 50% wet food and 50% dry food. But always follow the feeding guidelines provided by your vet and the product manufacturer.
• Mixing wet and dry dog food doesn’t necessarily mean mixing both foods at the same time. It actually means giving both types of food in a daily diet but at different times of the day. Just keep a balance between the two.
• You need to provide fresh drinking water to your dog at all times, even if you are giving them wet food. Always keep water in a cool place because wet food doesn’t quest his thirst entirely.
• When buying wet and dry food, make sure they are compatible with each other and match your dog’s preferences.
• Therapeutic foods should not be mixed with other foods because their purpose and characteristics differ much from normal food. Mixing therapeutic food with normal food may affect the efficacy and may create some problems for your dog’s health.
• You can give your dog a large portion of wet food if he is having trouble chewing dry dog food. On the other hand, if your dog develops dental plaque, then you can give him more dry food in the mix.
• Mix both food types in appropriate portions according to your dog’s needs. If your dog is a working breed, you can give him more wet because his nutritional requirements are higher.
• You should consider brands and the ingredients or contents provided in both the wet and dry food to make the best choice.
• Pay attention and read thoroughly the label listing the ingredient of both food types before mixing them.
• Pay attention to ingredients that your dog may be allergic to.

Mixing Wet and Dry Dog Food – Other Options

Instead of mixing wet and dry dog food you can also consider Adding Water to Dry Dog Food.

What should you do when your dog doesn’t chew food in his bowl, swallows too quickly and sometimes even ends up throwing up?

Unfortunately there is no miracle solution but only common sense, patience and trial and error to determine what works or not with your dog, keeping an open mind and not stick to preconceived ideas.

My dog doesn’t chew food: the risks

A dog that eats too quickly runs several potentially serious risks:

Risk of dental problems as the dog’s dentition is not “cleaned” by the friction of the croquettes.

Risks of vomiting or even a stomach upset as your dog swallows too much at once and his stomach cannot keep up. In the first case, he risks heartburn. In the second case, it is a veterinary emergency where every minute counts. To put it simply, the overloaded stomach pocket turns around, thus blocking the entry and exit, the stomach swells and hardens. Without surgery, death is guaranteed!

My dog doesn’t chew food: testing is key!

Look at the size of the kibble, is it the right size for YOUR dog? The right decision is not necessarily to choose a large kibble for a large dog, and vice versa. If your dog “sucks” his food, are you sure a large kibble is best? What if it didn’t change anything? Worse, if he choked?

Best is to do your own test with your dog. Make your own opinion, do not fall for the major kibble brands and their marketing scripts. A small kibble may not be chewed and it will not “clean” the dog’s teeth, but if it helps the stomach to work properly it maybe the best option?

Find the ideal height for the bowl so that your dog eats less quickly. Often times, large dogs are more comfortable if they eat from a bowl on raised support. It’s a good thing for their cervical spine area. On the other hand, nature has not designed our dogs to eat at this height … What if, by making eating too easy, you encourage your dog to eat too quickly? Obviously, a calm dog can eat at height without problem. But wouldn’t a nervous dog, as big as it is, have an interest in being “uncomfortable” to eat and be forced to “slow down”?

You should test both approaches (bowl on the ground or at the level of the dog) and see if it changes anything.

The last test we recommend which does not work on all dogs generally works really is to use the food bowl to control your dog at meal time. First drop the food bowl. If your dog is rushing at it and will clearly suck up the food, take it back without saying anything. Wait for the dog to calm down (it may take time, but it’s worth it!), then try again.

You should repeat the process until your dog understands. When you take back the bowl you add a gentle command such as “calm down”, “easy”, etc.. Do not push the exercise to a point where you will scare your dog away from the food bowl. The process would turn into a total failure!

My dog doesn’t chew food: use a slow-feeding bowl

The use of a slow-feeding bowl can also be an interesting way to solve the problem. There are dog food bowls which are specially designed to help your dog not swallow his kibble too quickly.

Not only can slow-feeding bowls help your dog chew its food better and considerably improve digestion, resulting in less bloating, less gas, less regurgitation, choking, and better gut health but they also mentally stimulate your dog. Mental exercise is an important, but often overlooked, way to help a puppy grow healthy and balanced.

Slow-feeding bowls can increase the time to eat by 10 while keeping your dog mentally active.

There is now a large selection of bowls with different sizes, materials and designs so choosing the best slow feeding bowl for your canine companion can be a daunting task. After all, you are looking for something that would specifically suit the needs of your own dog.

What you should look for first is something that is effective, safe and durable. Here are the 3 criteria to consider to make the best choice:

Slow-feeding bowl types

The way the dog bowl is designed is something you should really look at before making a choice. The ideal design will make your canine friend work to finish his kibble and thus slow down the food. You should make sure you opt for a non-slip bowl, as the lighter weight of these bowls can allow your pet to tip it over easily.

The most common model is the bowl with the shape of a puzzle or labyrinth with a low profile and a non-slip bottom (usually made of plastic). Non-metallic bowls have interesting patterns. For more difficulty, orient yourself towards one of these models with a labyrinth shape which obliges the dog to move food towards the center of the bowl to catch them.

The metal bowls are generally less complex in shape with a dome in the middle, or small columns to create kibble compartments and they are generally better suited to large dogs.

Another popular model is the carpet shape, most commonly made in silicone. The bowl looks more like a sort of carpet filled with grass-like obstacles on which the dog must work with his nose. This model is strongly inspired by the way a dog would eat food outside. The only drawback to this design is that the side edges may not be able to prevent some kibble from overflowing on the floor.

The difficulty level of most bowls is often very similar, so new shapes and different puzzles pose a new challenge for dogs. If your dog becomes good with a particular form of puzzle, consider swapping it for a different type and it will bring your dog a new challenge.

My dog doesn’t chew food – 3 important rules to follow

If your dog doesn’t chew food at meal time there many tricks available to solve the problem. In all cases it’s important to follow the following rules:

1) Split meals as many times in the day as you can. The volume of food eaten too quickly at once will be less traumatic for the digestive system of your dog

2) Limit the activity level; of your dog an hour before and after the meal (at least). This will minimize the risk of stomach upset or other digestive issues.

3) Create a stress free setting at meal time. Make sure the surroundings are quiet and no other animals are circling around. It’s important that your dog does not get excited by outside elements so it can have a peaceful meal.

4)  My dog doesn’t chew food and literally sucks it? You may want to try adding water to dry dog food.

Adding water to dry dog food is one of the easiest and affordable ways to incorporate more healthy habits into their daily lives! There are many great benefits associated with adding a bit of water to dry dog food like kibbles.

We all know how vital it is to drink enough water throughout the day, and our pets are no exception. Adding water to our pets’ food is a simple, almost cost-free way to guarantee that they remain healthy. The advantages of adding a little water to their bowl are too significant to overlook. First, here are a few do’s and don’ts when adding water to your dog’s dry food.

Adding Water to Dry Dog Food: Do’s and Don’ts

While mixing some water into your dog’s food may seem pretty straightforward, there are certainly a few questions that are sure to arise when you first get started. These are a few things that you should do when starting to mix your dog’s water with their dry food.

Mixing Canned and Dry Pet Food Can Be Great

Adding canned food to dry food is a great option to consider as you begin to add moisture and taste to your dog’s meal. Canned food contains a fair volume of water, check the contents on the label as it varies from one recipe to another. This also allows you to buy a variety of foods that are much kinder to your budget.

As always, you should consult with your veterinarian about supplementing your dry dog food with a portion of canned food. This is to ensure that the mixed food meets his or her nutritional requirements, as well as making sure that the proper dry to wet food ratio is met for each meal.

If You’re Using Dry Kibble, Consider Adding Some Water

Dry kibble is a favorite food of many dogs and other pets.  However, if your pet has lost interest in the meal, it may be time to add some “gravy”, aka water.  It’s also really simple and costs almost nothing!

To moisten and enhance the flavor of the pet food, simply pour about a quarter cup of filtered water over the top of the bowl of kibble. This is particularly helpful for dogs that don’t meet their recommended water intake throughout the day, as they are prone to dehydration.

Consult your veterinarian to see if adding water to your pet’s diet might be beneficial.

If Your Dog Is a Picky Eater, Then Mix It Up!

Shape, texture, and aroma are three of the most significant aspects of pet food that tempt your dog to dig in!

Offer your pet a variety of foods with varied forms, textures, and/or scents to mix things up a little. You might just be astonished to learn how much your dog enjoys the adventure of eating something that is a little more surprising to their palette!

What You Should Avoid When Adding Water To Dog Food

Even though adding water to your pup’s dry food is usually harmless and doesn’t induce any unwanted side effects, there are still a few things that you should keep in mind or avoid when taking on this new routine.

Don’t Start Mixing Without Talking To Your Dog’s Vet

Many pet foods are designed to cater to a specific life stage, lifestyle, and, in some cases, specific health conditions. Mixing foods at random without taking this into account might have the potential to lead to undesirable or harmful outcomes.

A few of these include creating unwanted weight gain, overexposure to particular vitamins and minerals, as well as some other health effects. Instead of guessing, consult an expert – your veterinarian. This helps to ensure that you are doing what is truly best for your beloved dog.

Hold Off on Mixing Therapeutic and Specialty Foods – Consult Your Vet

Therapeutic diets provide major advantages for our dogs, but it is important to remember that the science behind pet meals continues to advance and change.  Therapeutic diets are designed to prevent or delay the onset of a variety of illnesses.

However, you should never add anything to a therapeutic diet regime without first consulting your veterinarian. It may have the unintended consequence of diluting the specific composition and, as a result, counteracting the benefits intended for your furry friend.

Why You Should Add Water to Your Dog’s Dry Pet Food

After you have determined, with the help of your dog’s healthcare provider, whether it is acceptable to add water to their dry food, it is important to understand all of the many health benefits that are provided by this practice.

Aside from helping to encourage your dog to eat the proper amount of his or her food, adding water to dry dog food can aid in health factors such as digestion, water intake, and much more! Here is what you need to know.

However, you should never add anything to a therapeutic diet regime without first consulting your veterinarian. It may have the unintended consequence of diluting the specific composition and, as a result, counteracting the benefits intended for your furry friend.

It Makes Them Eat Slower

Is your dog gulping down his food? For a quick fix, all you need to do is add water. Dry kibble is readily gulped down in large mouthfuls, but adding water prevents your pet from “vacuuming” up all of the food in a short period of time.

Speed feeding has been linked to health issues such as bloat, which is especially problematic in larger dogs. Adding water to your pet’s food will help them eat more slowly and avoid potentially dangerous stomach problems.

Aids In Digestion

Let’s face it, kibble is difficult to eat. It’s dry and brittle, and most dogs will swallow whole chunks rather than chewing them up, causing their digestive system to work harder to break down the bits.

Because our dogs’ GI tracts are much shorter compared to ours, food is digested in a fraction of the time. When we add water to our pet’s kibble, it softens and becomes simpler to digest, reducing the likelihood of GI distress.

For pups and senior dogs, moistened kibble might make chewing simpler, encouraging them to be excited for feeding and better enjoy their experience.

It Makes Preventing Health Issues Easier

Do you know what can happen if your dog doesn’t consume enough water and experiences dehydration? Their bodies begin to experience a variety of health issues.

Dehydration can result in an electrolyte imbalance, which can harm nearly every organ in the body. Circulation is also affected, and the risk of urinary tract infections rises.

Unfortunately, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common health concerns in pets, and they are virtually always caused by a lack of water intake.

Adding water to dog food is one of the most effective and simplest ways to ensure they are getting enough water throughout the day.

Adding Water To Dry Dog Food: One Thing You Need to Remember!

Wet food cannot be left out all day. If you leave your dog’s food out for the majority of the day while they pick on it, then this practice will require a bit of an adjustment.  Moisture encourages bacteria development, so that bowl of food could spoil in a matter of hours, and you’ll have to toss it out.

Otherwise, you run the risk of exposing your dog to bacteria that can cause illness.

As a result, ensure sure any wet food you feed your pet is eaten within an hour or two. This not only protects the integrity and taste of the food – which will make for a much better eating experience for your dog, but it also better protects them from suffering an illness resulting from spoiled food.

Remember, adding water to dry dog food is meant to improve their health, not put them at a greater risk of developing harmful health conditions.

Dog Food Tips

Homemade Dog Food

A dog is not only a member of the family, but it also deserves to eat healthy food, and this is one way to do so. You can make homemade dog food for your beloved pet, or opt for a diet that is rich in raw eggs or salmonella. Whichever way you go, you should read the ingredients list carefully. Avoid ingredients such as “meat meal,” or anything without actual meat.

Myths

Homemade dog food has a few myths surrounding it. The first is that it doesn’t have all the nutritional value that commercial pet food does. In fact, homemade dog food has a lower nutritional value than commercial foods and may not provide your dog with all the essential nutrients he needs. But there are ways to make homemade dog food that your pet will love.

Grain-free diet

If you’re trying to find a better diet for your dog, a grain-free diet can be the best option. These foods are often more nutritious and contain less fat, carbohydrates, and additives. And they’re much cheaper. Plus, many grain-free foods also contain higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and a strong immune system.

Low protein diet

A low-protein diet is beneficial for dogs with certain medical conditions. It may help to reduce stress and anxiety, and it can also help a dog with a medical condition like kidney failure. Proteins are broken down by the body to release potent toxins, and a high-protein diet can stress the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure. A low-protein diet for dogs can keep the kidneys functioning properly and keep the dog happy.

Hypoallergenic

A dog’s health is very important and it should be fed a diet that is high in natural nutrients. Using hypoallergenic dog food will help prevent the development of a range of conditions, such as arthritis, blockage of the anal glands, kidney ailments, heart disease, digestive problems and obesity. It will also save you money on vet bills.

Maybe we should start with another question… How to choose the right diet?

Dry food with or without cereals, cheap or holistic food, raw meat diet with or without supplement, household ration (preparing meals for your dog) … Difficult to choose when you are not an expert you might say! Well, even the experts cannot find a consensus: veterinarians, agronomists, food advisers in specialized shops, everyone has a different opinion and everyone has good arguments … So, let’s dissect these questions, including grain free puppy dog food.

Feeding Your Dog = The Basis of Good Health

One thing the world is beginning to be aware of and on which all dog professionals are unanimous is that good nutrition is the key to good health (as in humans). Yes, it’s worth taking a good look at it, but how do you know what a good diet is? The goal here is not a kibble debate versus a raw meat diet. We will focus only on kibble and only on dogs!

Is the dog carnivorous or omnivorous?

The dog, Canis lupus familiaris, is part of the mammal family, and of the order Carnivore. The shape of its jaw, the prominent canines, the absence of flat molars, the length of its intestine (very short: about 2 meters), the musculature of the cheeks, neck and mouth are characteristic of carnivores. Saliva, free of amylase (essential for the digestion of starches) or cellulase (which allows the digestion of plant cellulose), is not that of herbivores, or even omnivores.

However, the pancreas can still make amylase, allowing it to digest starches more or less well, and fruits and vegetables once ground can be digested and assimilated. But can we say that the dog is a carnivore with an omnivorous tendency, or an opportunistic carnivore? This is debatable … Again? You tell me! Yes again!

One thing is certain! A dog is not a hen and carbohydrates or starches should not be the main ingredients of his diet even if he is able to digest them (partly and by making his pancreas work hard)… And yet…. Most croquettes are stuffed with it!

Dog food with or without cereals?

You will understand that since the dog is a carnivore (or opportunistic carnivore 😉), its diet should consist mainly of meat or meat products (meat, bones, organ meats) and as little carbohydrate as possible.

The fashion is for “grain-free” or “grain-free” feeds, but don’t be fooled by the label: cereals are necessarily replaced by legumes, sweet potatoes or potatoes … which, themselves, contain starch, and a higher or lower glycemic index!

What you should watch to choose your dog’s feed

The quality of these ingredients in terms of digestibility, nutritional intake and glycemic intake is therefore also to be taken into account. Isn’t oat better than potatoes? We like the sweet potato for its low glycemic index and its satiating side. We avoid (like the plague) corn, wheat, soy and potato.

The quantity of the ingredients is also important. Choose croquettes with as much meat as possible, even if there are cereals rather than a grain-free recipe, but with a majority of potatoes and legumes and very little meat. Standards do not require this, but most brands list the ingredients in order of quantity. If your feed starts with corn flour or wheat gluten, run away!

Pay attention to the separation of ingredients which allows to place the meat in first position! An example of what you might read on a dog food product label: 25% chicken, 15% corn flour, 14% corn gluten, 9% wheat gluten, 8% rice… etc.

We have the chicken as the first ingredient, we say to ourselves “Good! … the meat is in greater quantity so it’s a good kibble! “Nay! Count the cereals: 29% corn products (so ultimately the first ingredient) and the rest… More cereals! Here I put the percentages, but in some countries they are not indicated.

Commercial feed: Meat, meat meal and by-products?

Put the priority on meat (muscles) rather than by-products (what remains after the meat is extracted: bones, organ meats, tendons).

Regarding the meat or meat meal debate, the line is less clear-cut: fresh meat contains 70 to 80% water so once cooked it loses 2/3 of its weight and can then be the first ingredient the second or third after cooking unlike meat meal. However, it is more cooked and processed and may therefore have lost nutrients.

You will find all the definitions concerning, meats, flours, poultry, by-products on the AAFCO website.

What does a dog need to be healthy?

Ideally, you want the dog ‘s nutrition to include water, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals … But, no carbohydrates! We are therefore looking for a good percentage of protein and fat which are the main source of energy for our pooches. But beware! Another debate persists… again! Too much protein (cooked) would be harmful to health and especially to the kidneys.

So then … What percentages to aim for? A good base would be around 35-40% carbohydrates, 35-40% protein, 22-25% fat and our 8% minerals.

The right price for food

It is obvious that the price of a kibble with a large quantity of quality meat cannot be the same as that which essentially contains corn or meat by-products.

There are even feeds with organic ingredients, fish from respectful fisheries or “holistic” ranges. Be careful however on the marketing side: brands play a lot on anthropomorphism to make us want to serve this beautiful recipe that looks so much like a great chef’s dish (sun-dried tomatoes, shiitake mushroom, wild rice). This does not mean that the recipe is balanced!

 

 

Dry dog ​​food, allergies and health problems in dogs

If your dog has health problems or food intolerances, refer to a nutritionist veterinarian or an agronomist who will help you find the most suitable food for your pet’s specific needs. Certain breeds are also more sensitive on the digestive side. Ask your breeder or veterinarian.

So what about grain free puppy dog food?

Puppies need more nutritious food or at least more calories than adults. You will find “special puppy” feeds which essentially contain a little more protein and fat than their adult equivalent but also a DHA supplement, an amino acid essential for the development of different organs including the brain, the heart, the retina or the bones. For a food to be labeled as “special puppy” or “all stages of life” it must contain it.

Be careful foods that are too rich in fat especially if you own a breed which is prone to panosteitis (pain and limping due to a growth spurt that is too fast).

It is best not to change your newly arrived puppy’s food. The change of environment is a big upheaval for him not to add more … After a couple of weeks, start to introduce the new feed gradually.

Transition to grain free puppy dog food

Do you decide to change brands or recipes to give your dog a better diet? Make sure to make a gradual transition from old food to the new one. Start by splitting in half and gradually increase the new food over a week or so. Some dogs have more difficulty than others … go at your dog’s pace.

Unraveling Your Dog’s Nutrition Puzzle

To help you dissect the ingredients and the protein, fat and carbohydrate ratios of many brands, I recommend the Dog food advisor site. The analysis and the assigned score are only based on the ingredients used and the guaranteed analyzes (and not on experiences) however it provides a good base evaluation of the food.

The best way to know if your dog’s food is of good quality and well suited to him is to observe the results: skin, coat, quantity and quality of stool (we talk a lot about droppings when we take a close look at the animal feed), flatulence, vomiting, allergies or energy level.

Watch your dog, find out from competent people and don’t forget to be critical when it comes to the answers you get!