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Benefits of Wet Food for Dogs

Wet food , often called wet food, offers several unique benefits that make it a valuable addition to or a complete base for your dog's diet:

• **Increased Fluid Intake:** The most prominent benefit of wet food is its high water content, typically between 70-85%. This contributes significantly to a dog's daily fluid requirements, which is especially beneficial for dogs who drink poorly, or those with kidney and urinary tract problems where a high fluid intake can help flush the system and dilute the urine.
• **High Palate and Appetizing:** Wet food is generally much more palatable and aromatic than dry food . The rich aroma and soft, juicy texture often entice even the pickiest eaters. This makes it an excellent choice for dogs with reduced appetites due to age, illness, stress or medication.
• **Easy to digest and gentle:** The soft texture makes wet food easier to chew and swallow, which is ideal for puppies, older dogs with dental problems or dogs recovering from illness. It can also be gentler on the stomach and help with better digestion for some dogs.
• **Weight Control:** Although wet food appears to be a larger serving per calorie, it is actually often lower in calories per volume compared to dry food due to its high water content. This can be beneficial for dogs who need to lose weight, as they can eat a larger volume of food and feel fuller on fewer calories.
• **Variation and Enrichment:** Alternating between dry and wet food , or mixing them, can help enrich your dog's diet and keep mealtimes interesting. Some dogs benefit from a variety of protein sources and textures.

Types of Wet Food and How to Choose the Right One

Just like with dry food, wet food comes in many varieties, adapted to different needs:

1. Complete Complete Food vs. Supplementary Food:

It is crucial to understand the difference between a complete wet food (whole food) and a complementary food.

• **Complete Complete Food:** These wet foods are nutritionally balanced and can be your dog's only diet. They contain all the essential proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals your dog needs to thrive at their specific life stage. Look for the label "complete dog food" or "complete food" on the packaging.
• **Complementary Foods:** These are not nutritionally complete and are intended to be mixed with a complete dry food or as a tasty addition. They lack the complete nutritional balance to be a complete diet. Feeding only complementary foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies over time.

2. Adaptation by Age and Size:

• Wet food for puppies : Wet puppy food is specially formulated to support rapid growth with higher protein and fat content. Its soft texture is ideal for puppies who are getting used to solid food. Milk replacer and puppy porridge are also available for the very little ones.
• Wet food for senior dogs : Older dogs can benefit from wet food that is easy to digest and gentle on the joints. The high water content is good for older dogs who may have a reduced sense of thirst.
• Adaptation for breed size: Some brands offer wet food with different nutritional profiles adapted for small, medium or large breeds.

3. Special Needs and Health Conditions:

• Allergies and Sensitive Stomachs: For dogs with food allergies or sensitive stomachs, wet foods with limited ingredients (Limited Ingredient Diets, LID) or hydrolyzed protein are available. Grain-free wet foods are also a popular choice for sensitive stomachs.
• Veterinary food : For specific medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, urinary tract problems or severe allergies, special veterinary foods are available in wet food form . These should only be used on the recommendation of a veterinarian.
• Weight control: Wet food with a lower energy density can help dogs feel full during weight loss.

Quality and Ingredients in Wet Food

When choosing wet food , as with all dog food , it is important to review the ingredient list. A high-quality wet food should have:

• **Named Protein Source:** The first ingredient should be a specific meat or fish source (e.g. chicken, lamb, salmon, beef). This ensures you know what your dog is eating.
• **High Quality of Raw Materials:** Feed made with fresh, high-quality ingredients is always preferable.
• **Limited Fillers:** Avoid foods with unnecessary fillers, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.
• **Balanced Nutritional Profile:** Even though wet food has a high water content, it should still be balanced with necessary vitamins, minerals and trace elements if it is a complete complete food.

Combining Wet Food with Dry Food and Other Supplements

Many dog owners choose to combine wet food with dry food . This "hybrid feeding" concept allows you to benefit from the advantages of both forms of food:

• Wet food palatability and fluid intake.
• The economic benefits of dry food and its contribution to mechanical dental cleaning.

Remember to also include dog treats and chews in the total calorie calculation to avoid overweight.

Proper Storage of Wet Food

Unopened cans and pouches of wet food should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Once a package has been opened, any leftovers should be refrigerated in an airtight container and consumed within 3-5 days. Never leave opened wet food out at room temperature for extended periods.

Zoostar.se – Your Partner for Tasty Wet Food

At Zoostar.se we are dedicated to providing your dog with the best possible nutrition. Our range of wet dog food is carefully selected to ensure the highest quality, palatability and nutritional value. Whether you are looking for a complete complete food, a tasty addition to dry food , or specially adapted wet food for a dog with special needs, you will find it with us. Explore our full range of dog food and feed and give your dog a well-deserved and healthy meal. With us you will find the wet food that your dog will love!

Frequently Asked Questions about Wet Dog Food

Here we answer some of the most frequent questions we receive regarding wet food for dogs.

When is wet food a good choice for my dog?

Wet food, also known as wet food, is an excellent complement to or alternative to dry food for many dogs. Its high water content and palatability make it an advantageous choice in several situations. Here are when wet food may be a particularly good option for your dog: 1. To Increase Fluid Intake: This is perhaps the most prominent benefit of wet food. With a water content of 70-85%, wet food contributes significantly to a dog's daily fluid intake. This is especially important for: - Dogs that do not drink enough water. - Dogs with kidney or urinary tract problems (e.g., urinary stones), where a high fluid intake can help flush the urinary system and dilute the urine. - Dogs that live in hot climates or under physically demanding conditions. 2. For Picky Dogs and to Stimulate Appetite: Wet food is generally much more palatable and aromatic than dry food. The rich aroma and soft texture often entice even the pickiest eaters. This makes it an excellent choice for: - Dogs with a reduced appetite due to age, illness, stress or medication. - Dogs that just don't seem to like their dry food. - To make mealtimes more attractive and varied. 3. For Dogs with Dental Problems or Difficulty Chewing: The soft texture of wet food makes it easier to chew and swallow for dogs that: - Have dental problems (e.g. missing teeth, painful teeth or gingivitis). - Are older and have weaker teeth. - Have some form of mouth or jaw injury. 4. For Weight Management (Weight Loss): Although wet food appears to be a larger serving per calorie, it is actually often lower in calorie content per volume compared to dry food due to the high water content. This can be beneficial for dogs who need to lose weight, as they can eat a larger volume of food and feel fuller on fewer calories. 5. To Provide Dietary Variety: Alternating between dry and wet food, or mixing them, can help to enrich your dog’s diet and keep mealtimes interesting. Some dogs benefit from having a variety of protein sources and textures. 6. For Small Puppies Starting Solid Food: Puppies who are transitioning to solid food may find it easier to eat wet food or a mixture of wet food and soaked dry food. 7. After Surgery or Illness: Wet food may be easier for a dog to digest and eat while recovering from illness or surgery, when appetite may be reduced and stomachs may be sensitive. 8. Certain Medical Conditions: For specific conditions such as constipation (high water content can help), or when a specific diet is required that is easier to administer in wet food form (for example, some veterinary foods). Choosing wet food can be an excellent way to supplement your dog's diet or provide a complete meal that is especially appreciated. Many choose to mix wet food with dry food to combine the benefits of both types.

Can wet food make up a dog's complete diet?

Yes, wet food can absolutely make up a dog's complete and balanced diet, provided it is a so-called "whole food" or "complete food". It is important to understand the difference between a complete wet food and a complementary food. Complete wet food (whole food): These are formulated to meet all of a dog's nutritional needs alone. Just like dry food, a complete wet food is carefully balanced with the right proportions of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals that a dog needs to thrive during its specific life stage (puppy, adult, senior) and any special needs. If the packaging clearly states that it is a "complete food" or "complete food", it can be given as your dog's sole source of food without the need for other nutrients. Complementary foods: These are not nutritionally complete on their own. They are often designed to be a supplement to your dog's primary diet (usually dry food) to increase palatability, provide extra hydration or as a reward. Complementary food lacks the complete nutritional balance required for a complete diet. Feeding only a complementary food can lead to nutritional deficiencies over time. How do you know if wet food is complete? Always read the label on the package carefully. Look for terms such as "complete dog food", "whole food", "nutritional complete" or similar formulations. Manufacturers are required to declare whether the product is a complete food or a complementary food. Advantages of a diet based solely on complete wet food: - High fluid intake: Makes an excellent contribution to the dog's daily fluid needs, which is beneficial for the kidneys and urinary tract. - Very appetizing: Excellent for picky dogs or those with reduced appetite. - Easily digestible: Can be gentler on the stomach of some dogs. - Easy to eat: Perfect for dogs with dental problems or older dogs. Disadvantages of a diet based solely on complete wet food: - Cost: Generally more expensive per serving compared to dry food. - Dental health: Does not contribute to dental cleaning in the same way as dry food, which may require more active dental care. - Storage: Opened packages must be stored in the refrigerator and consumed quickly. - Environmental aspect: Generates more packaging waste. In conclusion: If you choose a wet food that is labeled as a "complete food" for your dog's specific life stage, it can absolutely be your dog's only diet. However, many choose to combine wet food with dry food to take advantage of the advantages of both forms of food - the palatability and fluid intake of wet food, as well as the economic benefits and contribution to dental health of dry food.

How do I store wet food correctly after opening?

Proper storage of wet food after the package has been opened is crucial to maintaining its freshness, nutritional value, and to preventing bacterial growth that can make your dog sick. Due to the high water content, wet food is more susceptible to spoilage than dry food. Here are the key steps to properly storing wet food: 1. Refrigerate: Once a can or bag of wet food has been opened, any leftovers should be immediately refrigerated (at a temperature between 4°C and 7°C). The cold slows the growth of bacteria that can spoil the food and make it unsafe for your dog to eat. 2. Use an Airtight Container or Cover: It is best to transfer the wet food to an airtight, food-grade container (glass or plastic) with a tight-fitting lid. This will prevent the food from drying out, pick up odors from other foods in the refrigerator, and protect it from contamination. If you don't have a suitable container, cover the original can tightly with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or a special can lid designed for pet food. 3. Shelf Life in the Refrigerator: Opened wet food should be consumed within 3-5 days of opening. Even if it looks and smells okay, bacteria may have started to grow in amounts that are unsafe to eat. The shorter the time it sits, the better. If your dog doesn't finish all of the wet food within this time frame, you should throw away the leftovers. 4. Avoid direct exposure to air: Even in the refrigerator, air can dry out the food and affect the taste. This is why airtight storage is so important. 5. Serving temperature: Most dogs prefer to eat wet food that is not refrigerated. If you have stored the food in the refrigerator, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving, or gently warm it in the microwave (make sure it doesn't get too hot and stir thoroughly to avoid hot spots). Discard any unused food from the bowl after 30-60 minutes, especially in warmer climates, to prevent bacterial growth. What to AVOID: - Do not leave opened wet food out at room temperature for longer than absolutely necessary (maximum 2-4 hours, depending on room temperature). Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature. - Freezing: Although wet food can be frozen, it is rarely recommended to maintain optimal quality and consistency, as it can change the texture and palatability of the food upon thawing. It is generally better to buy smaller packages that your dog can finish within the recommended time. By following these simple storage guidelines, you can ensure that your dog’s wet food is always fresh, safe and retains its nutritional value, contributing to their health and appetite.