A Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Wet Dog Food

When it comes to feeding your canine companion, the choice between wet food, dry kibble, or a mix of both is an important one.

Wet dog food, with its rich aromas and succulent textures, can be a fantastic and nutritious choice, but how do you go about choosing the right one for your furry friend?

Well, in this guide we will help you understand the benefits, the different types, and how you can choose the best wet food for your dog.

Why Choose Wet Dog Food?

Wet dog food is much more than a canine treat; as it offers several key benefits for your dog's health and wellbeing.

For instance, one of the most significant advantages of it is its high moisture content.

This is particularly beneficial for dogs who don’t drink enough water, as it helps to keep them hydrated and, as stated above, supports urinary tract health.

Here, the added moisture also helps to fill them up, which can be useful for weight management, as they feel fuller on fewer calories as a result.

Palatability

Another major draw of wet food is its palatability.

For fussy eaters, senior dogs with a reduced sense of smell, or dogs recovering from an illness, the strong smell and soft texture of wet food can be a game-changer for them and also help to improve their quality of life by doing so.

For instance, it’s often easier for older dogs or those with dental issues to chew, making mealtime a more comfortable experience.

High-quality, Whole-food Ingredients

Finally, many wet food recipes are made with 100% natural, high-quality, whole-food ingredients that are minimally processed, helping to preserve essential nutrients.

This can then lead to a more protein-rich diet, which supports a dog's strong muscle development and overall vitality as well as a result.

Types of Wet Dog Food

The world of wet dog food is incredibly varied, with options to suit every dog's needs and preferences.

As a result, it is ideal if you understand the different types available, as this can help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

For instance, here you have:

Complete Wet Food

This type of food is nutritionally balanced and provides everything your dog needs for a healthy diet.

A "complete" food can then be fed alone as a meal, without the need for additional supplements or mixers, and it's an excellent choice for a simple, convenient, and healthy feeding routine.

Complementary Wet Food

As the name suggests, this is designed to complement a dry food diet.

It's not nutritionally complete on its own and should be fed alongside a balanced kibble to ensure your dog gets all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

This is a great way to add flavour and moisture to your dog's bowl without disrupting their core nutritional intake.

Paté, Chunks in Gravy, and More

Beyond nutritional completeness, wet food comes in a range of textures, such as paté, chunks in gravy or jelly, and formats like trays and pouches in addition to cans.

For instance, here you have Paté, which is a smooth, minced meat consistency, perfect for puppies and dogs who prefer a softer meal.

Chunks in gravy or jelly are also another popular choice, providing you with a more textured and flavourful experience as a result.

Then you can even find shredded or flaked options that mimic real meat, offering you a more natural feel to the meal too.

So, How to choose the Right Wet Dog Food For Your Pet?

As you can see, when selecting a wet dog food, you really need to consider your dog's specific needs.

As a result, you should look for recipes that are free from artificial preservatives, colours, and flavourings, and if your dog has a sensitive stomach, opt for grain-free, hypoallergenic, or single-protein recipes to help avoid common allergens, as those will help here.

Each recipe will also come with a feeding guide on the packaging to help you with the correct portion size for your dog as well.

Dog's Life Stage

You should also think about your dog's life stage.

Puppies, for instance, need wet puppy food with a higher calorie and protein content to support their rapid growth, while senior dogs might benefit from recipes with added joint care supplements like glucosamine.

Many brands also offer specific formulas for large and small breeds, ensuring the nutrient balance is tailored to their unique requirements as well.

Best Ways to Transition Your Dog to Wet Food

If you're thinking of switching your dog to a wet food diet, it’s important to do so gradually, as this will help you to avoid upsetting your dog's digestive system.

As a result, we recommend a slow transition over 1-2 weeks, and a good practice is to start by mixing a small amount of the new wet food with their current dry food.

Here you can then switch by day, gradually increasing the wet food portion over time.

For fussy eaters or dogs with sensitive stomachs, this gradual approach is particularly important. Our in-house nutritionists are always on hand to offer advice.

Once opened, any leftover wet food should be stored in an airtight, freezer-safe container in the fridge and must be used within two days to maintain freshness.

Storing and Handling Wet Dog Food

Proper storage and handling of wet dog food is also more than key to ensuring you get the best freshness, safety, and nutritional value from it as well.

Here, the general rule for unopened wet food is to store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, such as a kitchen cupboard or a pantry, which is usually the perfect spot.

Once you open a can or pouch, any unused portion should be covered and refrigerated immediately.

It is then best to use the food within 2-3 days of opening to maintain its quality and prevent bacterial growth from occurring.

You should also always check the shelf life on the packaging before opening and before feeding your dog, too, as this will ensure the food is still at its best and safe for your pet to eat. Then, once opened, you must refrigerate any unused portion

Who Are Pets & Friends?

Pets & Friends is also more than just a pet shop; we're a community of pet lovers, backed by the experience of our parent company, Kennelgate, a family-run business that's been around for donkey's years.

Our whole approach is actually built on providing you with friendly, down-to-earth advice to help you give your pet the best life possible.

Furthermore, we believe that every pet is a friend, and as their owner, you're a friend of ours too. We're also passionate about what we do, and we're here to help you every step of the way.

Here to Help, However You Shop

So, whether you're shopping with us online or visiting a store, our customer service team is always ready to lend a hand.

Online, you can easily track your delivery or get in touch about returns.

In-store, our expert team can offer brilliant, practical advice on everything from finding the right food for a sensitive tummy to fitting your dog with the perfect harness.

We're also properly trained and genuinely love pets, so no question is too silly. So much so that we are committed to making sure you and your pet have a happy experience with us every single time.