Complete feeds - the optimal composition in dog food

Whether you go for wet food or dry food, check that it is a complete food. This means that in this food the nutrients, minerals, vitamins and the amount of energy are already matched to each other and to the respective phase of your dog's life. Complete feeds are always labelled as such. 

If it is a supplementary food, then you will need to take care of the appropriate composition for a balanced diet. Some supplements can be fed in support of complete feeds. For others, however, it is advisable not to put "too much of a good thing" in the bowl, as excess can lead to physical discomfort. If you are unsure about the composition of supplementary feed, please seek veterinary advice.

Wet food - advantages and disadvantages when feeding

One advantage of feeding wet food is the automatic fluid intake. If you have a pet that is lazy about drinking, wet food can help regulate the water balance. Nevertheless, fresh water must of course always be available, even with wet food. The can contents on their own do not provide enough liquid.

One disadvantage of wet food is the cans, which take up more space than dry food and need to be kept in the fridge for a few days after opening. On the other hand, it is often the better choice for dogs with a tendency to obesity, as the energy concentration in dry food is often too high for them. 

Many an old dog with wobbly teeth is happy when his senior food is easy to chew. On the downside, wet food offers no opportunity for natural tooth wear, which encourages the formation of tartar. 

Picky dogs are usually more likely to choose wet food as it smells stronger than dry food. 

Dry food - feeding advantages and disadvantages

As already mentioned, dry food can be a disadvantage for dogs that are lazy about drinking. However, if you soak the food in water 15 minutes before feeding, you will ensure regular fluid intake. In addition, this makes the food even easier to digest, as it does not swell up as a result due to the stomach acid. Nevertheless, fresh water in the bowl is of course a must. 

Dry food has a much longer shelf life than wet food. Usually up to 12 months from production. This has the advantage that you can stock up more easily. It is best to store dry food in a dark and dry place to prevent mould or mite infestation. 

Some of the dry food can be used like treats during training so that the dog has to work for its food. At the same time, the chewing muscles are trained and tooth wear is encouraged.

However, although dry food is easier to portion, you should be careful if your furry friend has a tendency to be overweight. The energy is more concentrated here and therefore wet food might be the better choice in this case.