Many owners of four-legged friends do not know what food to choose for their pet to keep it healthy and happy. Sometimes it can be very difficult to buy a pet food that is well balanced and that your pet will enjoy eating. It is not only the ingredients of the food that prove questionable but also the form of administration that should be chosen. In this article, we have prepared all the necessary information on wet pet food to satisfy even the most demanding dogs and cats.
What is wet pet food?
When deciding on a wet food for your dog or cat, it is worth first finding out how it differs from dry food. Wet food contains a minimum of 60% water, usually around 75%. It is therefore not only a source of energy but also a means of hydration. Wet food is dosed differently to dry food, as the same portion of both has a different ingredient content. Many people say that this is why, in the end, it is slightly more expensive to feed than the dry counterpart.
Hydration is key
When it comes to the main advantage of wet cat or dog food, it is usually said to be the high water content per serving. Many pets do not drink regularly enough, resulting in electrolyte disturbances in the body, kidney problems or elevated glucose levels. It is for such pets that wet food is the ideal solution, allowing the pet not only to eat, but also to hydrate its body.
Less calories
Wet food for cats and dogs is much lower in calories. This is why it is ideal for sterilised kittens, for example, who, due to the increased secretion of the hunger hormone, demand food more frequently and thus struggle with excessive body weight. However, in order to cover daily energy requirements, 2-4 times the volume of wet food should be given compared to dry food. This all depends on the breed, age and activity of your pet.
Consistency
Another plus when it comes to wet food is, of course, its texture, which is soft and easy to take in. This is a huge advantage for dogs or cats with dental problems or for older pets losing some of their teeth. Wet foods are also often given to puppies in the process of replacing their teeth.
Does wet food taste better?
When it comes to the palatability of food, the matter is more complex because it all depends on your pet’s preferences. Sometimes we hear the theory that pets prefer wet pet food because of its composition similar to the natural diet of dogs or cats (specific macro-element content). In reality, however, it all depends on the preferences of the individual pet. Pay attention to which food your pet chooses first or when it starts its meal more quickly, and adjust the type of food it is given according to this.
Remember to store it properly!
The storage of the wet dog or cat food itself is also important. The ideal situation is when the pet starts consuming immediately after opening. Leaving the food in the bowl for a long time, especially in a warm place, can cause the meal to spoil and make your pet feel unwell. It’s a good idea to get can lids to put on top of the open food, so that it can be kept in the fridge for a while if your pet is unable to eat the whole pack at once. Handy sachets are also a good option, which are ideal as a portion for one meal.
Never forget to…
Remember not to make hasty decisions when choosing food for your pet. Whatever form, company or flavour you choose, it is essential to analyse the composition at the outset. Artificial colourings, glucose or excess salt are ingredients to absolutely avoid. It is also a good idea to stay away from foods in which it is not specifically stated what meat has been used.
Wet food is a great choice for your pet. Take your pick and see for yourself!
