Canned Dog Food Buyer's guide
Just in case you might need a little more help, we introduced the ultimate buyer's guide. Below you will see all you have to know to help you in your selected of wet canned dog food.
Advantages Of Canned Dog Food
- It contains higher levels of nutrients and protein
- Dogs generally prefer the taste of canned food
- It is easy to digest
- Moisture levels are beneficial for dogs' kidneys
- They come without additives and preservatives
- More water content than dry dog food
Disadvantages Of Canned Dog Food
- More expensive as compared to dry dog food
- Once opened, it can't be stored
- Messier and requires cleaning up
What Ingredients Should You Look Out For?
To make sure your dog gets the ultimate diet and all the nutrients it needs, there are a few ingredients you will have to consider. Also, pay close attention to the amount of the ingredients present in the wet dog food.
Protein
It is the primary nutrient for dogs and should be present in canned food. Make sure that the protein source is included in the packaging. It should be chicken, beef, lamb, turkey or salmon.
Vegetables
They are commonly added to provide additional nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Vegetables should not be the main ingredient and they are a supplementary ingredient.
Grains
Almost all wet canned foods will contain some grains. The key element to look for is to pay attention to the source or origin of these grains. Unprocessed and whole grains are the best option possible. Brown or wild rice are among the safest and the healthiest choices.
AAFCO Stamp
Try to lookout for wet canned dog food that has the AAFCO stamp. With the Association of American Feed Control Officials' accreditation, it means that the dog food is well balanced and comes with all the necessary nutrients for a complete meal.
What Ingredients Should Be Avoided?
To make the best choice and provide food that your dog will love, you should also consider a few ingredients that must not be present in the dog food.
By-products
These ingredients can also be known as "alternative or modified beef". They are definitely something to avoid, and they don't have any positive effect on the diet.
Unnamed meat sources
Each canned food should clearly label its primary source of meat used. It can be chicken, beef, etc. The goal is to avoid foods that offer unnamed body parts of those animals. If they are not mentioned, it is likely that they come from by-products or from meat that was rejected for human foods!
Artificial chemicals
They consist of several sub-types, but it is essential to avoid all of them. They are usually added to make the dog food stay or look juicier. Ethoxyquin is one such example. It is a chemical preservative that can be found in popular dog foods. Ethoxyquin is currently being studied as a potential cause for certain blood and liver problems in animals.
Another example is Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). These chemicals are found in a number of dog foods. BHA has been identified by the State of California as a possible carcinogen, while BHT is linked to forestomach cancers in animals.
Additives
They may make the wet dog food look better and have a longer shelf life, but they are not good for dogs. After all, when you are looking for food you will eat, you will always avoid those with additives.
Binders
Food binders are used to keep the meat together so that it will appear in larger chunks. It is used when a manufacturer doesn't have a proper meat source, so they use low-quality meat. It will make the meat look bigger and juicier, but these chemicals are not great for dogs, and you should avoid them.
Customize The Diet According To Your Dog
The best-canned wet food can't be generalized. It means that no generic food will suit all dogs. The health, age, and condition of your dog matter the most.
You will want to take into consideration additional factors that will help you in making the right choice. All of them are mentioned below.
- Dogs that have or are prone to urinary tract infection will generally need food with a lower pH level. Look for foods that are less acidic and your dog will be perfectly fine.
- If your dog is extremely active, you must help him manage the need for nutrients. Look for foods that are richer with protein and fat.
- Older dogs need a different type of diet, so you will need food which is rich in lean protein, not fat.
- Make sure that the canned dog food is easy to find and you can always purchase it readily. Dogs will quickly get used to the dog food you are giving them, so you will need to provide it for a longer period. It is always difficult to switch dog foods once your pooch has become accustomed to the taste. Online retailers such as Amazon or Chewy's can deliver the dog food directly to your doorstep.
- Choose the best-canned food within your budget. Keep in mind that you will have to provide it daily and monthly, meaning that this will be a recurring cost.
