Should I Feed Wet Food
for Puppies?

For all the new puppy owners out there, at some point you’ll probably get the question: should I feed my pup wet food? Does puppy wet food provide superior nutrition? Is puppy wet food just a waste of money?

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Before you make the decision on which dog food to choose, you need to understand when and why wet food might be a good option for your puppy. There are several factors to consider before choosing wet food for puppies.

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What Do You Need to Know About Puppy Nutrition Basics?

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Puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs, so it is important to feed them food specifically formulated for their needs.

Puppy-specific food not only includes differing amounts of amino acids but also different total protein contents.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials

(AAFCO) recommends that puppies should get 22% of their calories from protein sources, while adult dogs need only 18%.

Additionally, puppies grow best when provided with a little more fat, so the AAFCO recommends that at least 8% of their calories come from fat sources, while adults need only 5%.

Fortunately, you don’t have to worry too much about these differences; you can just purchase a high-quality, AAFCO-compliant food that is formulated specifically for puppies.

What are the Pros and Cons of Wet Food?

Wet puppy food can be a great choice for your pup. It is often more palatable than kibble, and it can be used as a “topper” to encourage picky eaters to finish their meals.

Additionally, wet foods are typically made without artificial colors or preservatives, making them a healthier option for your pup.

The high water content of wet food also helps keep your dog feeling fuller than dry kibble with the same number of calories, and it can help keep them hydrated in warmer climates.

However, there are some drawbacks to wet puppy food. It is generally more expensive than dry kibble and has a shorter shelf life once opened.

Wet food also tends to spoil faster if left out at room temperature, so you need to make sure that you store it properly in the refrigerator after opening it.

Additionally, wet foods may not provide all the nutrients that your pup needs for optimal health, so it’s important to supplement their diet with other sources of nutrition like fresh fruits and vegetables or vitamins and minerals.

What are the Pros and Cons of Dry Dog Food?

The pros of dry dog food, or kibble, are numerous. For starters, it is usually much more affordable than wet food. This makes it a great option for pet owners on a budget.

Additionally, some owners and veterinarians believe that dry dog food helps to clean your puppy’s teeth as they chew and crunch the kibble.

Dry dog food also doesn’t require any special preparation; simply scoop out the correct amount of food and pour it into your pup’s bowl.

Finally, many dry dog foods include ingredients that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, providing essential nutrients for your pup’s health.

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to feeding your pup dry dog food.

For one thing, many brands contain fillers and artificial ingredients which can be unhealthy for dogs over time.

Additionally, if you don’t provide enough water with their meals, dry dog food can cause dehydration in puppies and adult dogs alike.

Finally, because kibble is so easy to store and prepare, many pet owners forget to rotate their pup’s diet with different types of proteins or wet foods which can lead to nutritional deficiencies over time.

Should I Mix Wet and Dry Food?

Mixing wet and dry food is a great way to give your dog the best of both worlds. Wet food can provide flavor and health benefits that dry food may not have, but it can be expensive.

By mixing wet and dry food together, you can lower the overall cost of your dog’s food while still giving them some of the flavor and health benefits of wet food.

When mixing wet and dry food, it is important to make sure that you are feeding the appropriate amount of calories for your dog’s size, age, and activity level. If you are unsure about how much to feed your dog, consult with your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist for advice.

Additionally, if you are switching from one type of food to another, do so gradually over a period of several days in order to avoid digestive upsets.

With careful consideration and planning, mixing wet and dry food can be an excellent way to provide variety in your pup’s diet while keeping costs down.

How Often Should You Feed Your Pup?

Providing your puppy with healthy food is an important part of ensuring his well-being. Puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs, so it’s important to feed them on a different schedule.

Weaned puppies should typically be fed four times per day until they reach 12 weeks of age. It may be necessary to moisten the food with a bit of water for young puppies, but by 9-13 weeks they should be able to handle crunchy kibble.

Between 3 and 6 months of age, you’ll want to provide the same amount of food each day but split it up into three meals instead of four.
After another 6 months, you can further reduce the number of daily feedings to two.

Once your dog is about 12 months old, he’ll probably be ready for adult food.
It’s important to stick to this feeding schedule in order to ensure that your pup gets all the nutrition he needs during his growing years.

Which Is Best? Dry vs Wet Dog Food?

When it comes to the debate between wet and dry dog food, there is no clear “right” or “wrong” answer. Ultimately, the quality of the food you provide is more important than the amount of moisture in it.

However, most owners would probably agree that wet food has some distinct advantages over dry kibble.
Wet foods are generally higher in protein and fat content, making them a better choice for active dogs who need more energy.

Additionally, canned foods tend to be more palatable and easier to digest than kibble, which can be beneficial for picky eaters or those with sensitive stomachs.

Ultimately, the decision between wet and dry dog food comes down to personal preference and budget.

If you have the means to do so, wet food may be a better option for your pup due to its higher nutritional value and palatability. On the other hand, if you’re looking for convenience and cost-effectiveness then kibble might be a better choice.

Whatever you decide on, make sure that you’re providing your pup with high-quality nutrition that meets their individual needs.

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