What Is Best for Your Pet: Dry, Semi-Moist, or Canned?

by Rosanne Lorraine November 4th, 2008 |

Cats, Dogs



There is no right answer to this question because one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to pet nutrition. Think of your pet as an individual who has individual needs and food requirements. Consider your pet’s size, age, breed, and any existing medical problem. And of course, you also should look into the nutritional content of the food you buy.

It is recommended for you to choose dog food that meets the guidelines of the Association of American Feed Control (AAFCO) to ensure that you are giving your dog the best possible nutrition. Remember that the best feeds are those that contain meat, as their first and second ingredients. As much as possible, you should try to avoid dog feed that has too many artificial colors and preservatives.

Generally, semi-moist feeds are not recommended for dogs and cats because of their high salt and sugar content. Pets do not need these ingredients in their diets, and they can be the cause of dental problems. For example, while it is uncommon for pets to have dental caries, they might develop gingivitis. It is a condition associated with the infection and inflammation of the gum; it can later lead to tooth loss.

A lot of people prefer to feed their pets with dry food believing that dry kibble has a scraping action on the teeth that will slow the growth of plague and tartar. Also, dry food is easy to store, transport, and prepare. For convenience, pet owners usually decide to purchase this type of food for their dogs and cats. Canned pet food is also good, but because it contains a large percentage of water, it is less economical compared to dry pet food.

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One Response to “What Is Best for Your Pet: Dry, Semi-Moist, or Canned?”

  1. Cynthia says:

    Actually a raw diet cleans the teeth very well, the enzymes in the meat, even if the dogs don’t crunch bones on a raw diet. My dogs eat a raw meal and a kibble meal each day.

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