If your dog is finicky eater or struggling with chewing hard kibble, softening their food could help them. This strategy may especially prove helpful in older dogs with teeth issues.
This grain-free food features chicken and turkey meal as its primary protein sources. Other ingredients include pearled barley, peas, oat groats and brown rice as well as fish oil and glucosamine supplements for extra health benefits. Ideal for moderately active normal-weight dogs.
Contents
Dry Kibble
Dry dog food is often the preferred choice of many pet owners for multiple reasons, including cost effectiveness, ease of storage and keeping teeth clean. Furthermore, its long shelf life makes it an attractive proposition.
Kibble manufacturing requires collecting raw materials such as meat (typically chicken, lamb or beef), grains and concentrated vitamins and minerals. Once this step has been completed, these components must be ground or milled to release nutrients, mixed together and bound with starch for binding purposes; carbohydrates can serve as fillers as they have no nutritional requirement in dogs’ diets.
Ingredients are first put in an expander machine, which uses pressurized hot water or steam to cook them into dough, which then moves on to be compressed through dies with specific shaped holes to produce our favorite pet kibble.
Wet Kibble
Wet food may provide extra hydration for dogs living in hot climates. Furthermore, its higher water content makes eating simpler for those who struggle to chew due to dental issues or illness.
Wet dog foods typically come in the form of pouches or tins and offer various meat-based sauces, pates or chunks that are designed for easy feeding and enhanced palatability. You can feed these wet foods either alone or mix it in with dry kibble for enhanced palatability and soft textures.
Many wet food brands contain vegetables or grains as fillers to increase protein counts, but dogs’ internal organs must work harder to process these plant-based sources than high-quality animal protein sources such as meat. Furthermore, vegetables contain many calories which could contribute to weight gain in some dogs. Therefore, it’s best to stick with one type of food at first and only change when following guidelines for diet changes as this will ensure an easy transition without upsetting their digestive system.
Wet Dog Food Formulas
Canned dog food, also referred to as wet food, usually contains high levels of moisture and palatability-boosting meat proteins for enhanced palatability. They must meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutrient requirements which exceed even those found in dietetic recommendations.
Wet food can be an excellent option for dogs with weak, arthritic jaws or dental issues, as it’s easier for them to chew than dry kibble. Plus, its long shelf life means no refrigeration is required after opening!
Look for recipes with high water content to provide adequate hydration and flavor, as well as nutritious fruits and vegetables to provide essential vitamins and minerals. Zignature canned Zssential Formula provides at least 78% moisture with its single protein combination of red meats and fish (grass-fed beef), non-GMO superfoods and vegetables – creating a delectable meal made in America using human grade ingredients and safety standards.
Softening Methods
If your dog has difficulty chewing dry food, softening it could be beneficial. This approach may especially benefit senior dogs or those suffering from dental issues as it will help stop them from chewing hard treats which could result in broken or lost teeth.
One way to soften your pup’s food is by mixing in some wet canned food for flavor and softening their consistency, but this tends to provide less nutritional value than dry alternatives.
Soaking dry kibble in warm water is another effective method of softening it at home, using just a bowl and some dry food. Just remember to stir it frequently while it absorbs liquid before serving; airtight containers must also be used or bacteria can start growing and spoil its taste!
