Good nutrition is vital for all dogs and choosing the right food is often a difficult task. There are hundreds of brands of commercial dog food to choose from, and you also have to decide whether you want to give your dog dry food or wet food.

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Many dog owners choose dry food for its price and convenience. But more and more people are opting for wet food because of its potential health benefits. Here's how much wet food is good for your dog and what to look out for if you choose it.

Of course, the dog may have an individual preference, but the owner should also keep the health of the dog in mind when choosing the food / Photo: welovedogz.hu/en

The Benefits of Wet Food for Dogs

Wet food is usually more appetising for dogs than dry food. It is more like fresh meat, which dogs instinctively crave, and can also be much tastier and more fragrant. (Of course, there will always be dogs that prefer dry food, or seem to have no particular preference - we are speaking in general terms.)

However, wet food can also have health benefits - of course, it's important to remember that no two wet and dry foods are the same, and the quality of the product is very important. In general, however, wet food is generally lower in carbohydrates but higher in protein and fat than dry food. Too many carbohydrates can lead to obesity in dogs, so some wet foods can help prevent weight gain or even promote weight loss.

In addition, the high water content helps to maintain hydration, which is particularly beneficial for dogs that drink little or are in a warmer period.

But again, not all wet food is the same, so always check the nutrition facts and ingredients on the packaging. It's also worth asking your vet about different diets and reading other owners' experiences online.

The Disadvantages of Wet Food for Dogs

Dry food is popular with dog owners for two main reasons: price and convenience. Wet food is generally more expensive, especially if you feed it exclusively to your dog. It's also more cumbersome and time-consuming to prepare - many owners prefer to just pour a portion of dry food into the bowl rather than open a can, then spoon it in and possibly worry about how to safely store the leftovers.

Related to this, although it may seem banal at first, another reason why many people prefer dry food is the smell of wet food. While dogs are attracted by the smell, most owners find it unpleasant. Many people also complain that the smell can linger in the home even when ventilated, and that the aroma can still hit us when we cover the fridge.

Both dry and wet foods have their advantages and disadvantages

Wet food spoils quickly if left outside for too long, so it is not ideal for dogs that eat for long hours. As mentioned above, opened food should be stored in the fridge or it will spoil, which can also cause discomfort in some cases.

Possible Health Risks of Wet Food

Wet food often contains more fat, which can be too much for some dogs, especially those prone to pancreatitis or sensitive to fatty foods.

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Wet food - in the absence of chewing gum, regular dental care or dry food - can promote tartar formation more quickly, or at least not help prevent it. This is particularly the case if you do not have a regular dental care routine.

Mix The Wet and Dry Food?

Many owners mix wet and dry food. This reduces the cost of feeding while allowing your dog to enjoy the taste, texture and health benefits of both wet and dry food.

There are also so-called semi-moist dog foods. Unfortunately, these often contain a lot of sugar and are not suitable as a dog's main food - but there are also some foods that are specifically high in meat, so you need to check the ingredients list carefully.