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Dog Articles: Wellness

What Are the Benefits of Feeding Wet Dog Food?

If you have a dog who’s a fussy eater, you may be losing patience trying to find a dog food your canine will love and continue to enjoy. Mixing up mealtime with some wet dog food can help tempt your canine back to his bowl.

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dog being petted by woman as it eats out of its bowl

Here are some reasons why:

Wet dog food is all about pleasing taste buds. 

Wet dog food is a palate pleaser for most canines. It enhances the flavor of your dog’s kibble when used to top dry dog food, and it can expose your dog to a variety of new tastes and nutritious ingredients.

Wet dog food helps hydrate.

If your dog is like many canines, he may not drink enough water. Wet dog food can help keep your dog hydrated because it has a higher moisture content than dry food.

Increasing your dog’s water intake helps put less strain on major organs, such as the kidneys, as well as on the urinary tract. A moisture-rich diet is often recommended for diabetic dogs who have kidney issues. Naturally, always check with your veterinarian before you change your dog’s diet, especially when specific health conditions are involved. 

Wet dog food makes chewing easy.

Wet food is easier to chew making it ideal for dogs with missing teeth, misaligned jaws or smaller mouths.

Older dogs also do well chewing softer food. Rich in flavor and aroma, wet dog food can entice senior dogs to eat if their sense of smell has weakened.   

Aroma-rich wet dog food can also tempt dogs with poor appetites to eat. This is especially important if your dog needs nutrition to heal during an illness, yet may not feel like eating.

Wet dog food tips.

Wet food can be a bit messier for your dog to eat but if your buddy loves the taste, it’s worth it. Try placing a washable or disposable mat under your dog’s bowl so the moist food has someplace to land other than on your floor.

Always choose the best wet dog food possible. Look for high-quality ingredients like real meat, fruits and veggies. Read the can’s label because some wet dog foods use wheat as a filler while other brands don’t.   

Once opened, never leave wet food out for more than 30 minutes. Cover, refrigerate and use the food within five days to prevent spoilage. Also, store leftover wet dog food in its can or inside a glass container sealed tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to help preserve the taste.

When it comes to mealtime, our four-legged companions appreciate diversity as much as we do. That’s why supplementing your dog’s dry food with wholesome wet food is a great way to add taste, moisture and variety to your buddy’s diet.