Among the myriad of pet foods available on the market, the main distinction to make is between the wet food and those BUCKETS. As you can easily tell from the names, these are differences primarily observed in terms of water content percentages is more pronounced in one option than the other, and this gives rise to distinct pros and cons — or, better said, unique inherent characteristics that let you choose between them based on your specific needs, and why not… combine them together!
WET FOODS, ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES.
But let's take things in order: when discussing wet food, let's look at the advantages that this type of feed offers:
- SO MUCH WATER. The high humidity level, truly significant, hovering around the 60-80% of their total weight, making them an excellent source of hydration even for animals that are less inclined to drink from standing water throughout the day, with cats being a prime example.
- MORE FLAVORFUL. Water gives food greater palatability, allows flavors to unlock their full potential, and the softer texture also appeals to even the pickiest eaters.
- IT'S EASIER TO ADJUST. The range of flavors and textures is wider, and it is also more practical to vary between them day by day, stimulating the animals' curiosity and appetite.
- PREMIUM RAW MATERIALS. Wet foods often contain premium cuts of meat and fish (chicken breast or human-grade tuna steaks) cooked using a gentle, non-invasive process, which allows you to supplement the diet with high-biological-value nutrients.
- EASY CHEWING. They are easier to chew, making them suitable for puppies, convalescing animals, or pets with dental issues.
Among the flaws:
- MINOR CONSERVATION. After opening, if partially consumed, they must be stored in the refrigerator and finished within a few hours. However, the commercially available pack sizes allow you to use up each variety within a day or slightly longer, without waste.
- LOWER ENERGY DENSITYThe energy density is lower: for the same weight as dry foods, there is more water that dilutes the concentration of nutrients, so a larger quantity of food is required to reach the necessary kilocalorie intake.
- DENTAL HYGIENE. In some cases, especially for individuals predisposed to periodontal conditions, a diet consisting exclusively of wet foods may encourage tartar buildup and have a less positive effect on dental hygiene.
PROS AND CONS OF DRIED FOODS
For the same reasons, by contrast, dry foods have their own set of pros and cons. The pros include:
- EASE OF MANAGEMENT. With regular dry kibble, you have the option to purchase formats that are easier to store, handle, and serve. They can be stored at room temperature for long periods without any signs of spoilage, making them extremely practical for pet owners. Their low moisture content makes them far less prone to microbial proliferation and contamination.
- COST. Compared to wet or natural foods, they are also more affordable. This however stems from a difference in the raw materials used. In fact, natural wet foods use raw materials sourced from processing food supply chains intended for human consumption, while dry food ingredients are flours and dehydrated animal-derived by-products and grains.
- COMPLETENESS. The options available for sale are complete formulations that we may not need to make any additions or modifications to at all in order to meet our animals' nutritional requirements. Furthermore, they are highly concentrated, with a high energy density in a small weight of feed, delivering a complete, balanced diet in relatively small portions.
At the same time, however:
- LOW STOCK. The limited availability of water is a limiting factor for animals that need to stay properly hydrated but do not tend to drink enough, especially if they only consume dry food.
- TOO MANY CALORIESTheir high energy density, concentrated in just a few grams of the product, creates a potential risk of overweight or obesity in the event of incorrect dosing if not administered in moderation or without accurate monitoring.
- RAW MATERIAL QUALITY Not all dry foods are the same, and what sets them apart are the ingredients and raw materials: they are often used low-quality flours, fillers, or artificial preservatives that can negatively impact the health of some patients over the long term
- MILD FLAVOR. Last but not least, the palatability of these foods is reduced, precisely due to their water content, which leads to greater dispersion of aromas and flavors.
MIX FEEDING, WE COMBINE THE BENEFITS
The practice of mix feeding involves the use of high-quality complete dry and wet foods. This is the nutritional choice that, through a precise, carefully researched approach, allows us to use commercial food to deliver a practical, appropriate diet that most closely matches the needs of our dog or cat.
This combination of different foods has 3 main benefits:
- Provides a balanced diet, combining the advantages of both types in the same day
- Guarantees a greater variety in the diet, offering a more interesting and stimulating diet, boosting appetite, reducing the risk of food boredom, and also supporting proper balance of the gut microbiome
- Guarantees proper water intake and that best fits the daily needs of household pets
However, this practice requires a few key precautions to be truly effective, rather than just creating extra confusion and potential problems. First and foremost, it is essential to seek advice from your veterinarian, who, being familiar with your pet as their patient, will be able to advise you on the best way to feed them.
Choose high-quality foods It is the second essential requirement to ensure an effective, nutritionally sound mixed feeding routine.
Once you have selected the foods, it is important Dose them correctly and in proportions appropriate for the animal and suited to a sustainable daily routine. These serving sizes may vary based on the animal's breed, age, size, activity level, and individual preferences.
In conclusion, mix feeding can be an excellent option for many pet owners, but it is important to do so responsibly, under the regular supervision and monitoring of a veterinarian, to ensure the animal receives a nutritionally adequate, balanced diet every day.
Dr. Alessandra Calini
Veterinary Nutritionist