Although dog food doesn't come in as many shapes, colors, sizes and flavors as human food, there are still a few varieties to choose from. No matter which type you choose, the most important factor in your decision should be finding a food that meets all of your dog's nutritional needs. In this guide, we explain to you the main types of dog food and how you can know the best and most suitable among them for your dog. You will also find various types in our store with the highest possible quality.
What are the main types of dog food for all species?
Here are the main types of dog food for all species:
Dry food
Dry food is the least expensive type of dog food, and this makes many dog owners feed it to their dogs as a basic diet. It also lasts longer without spoiling or molding, and it doesn't even need to be refrigerated. Dry food can help keep your dog's teeth healthy; Chewing dry, crunchy food helps reduce tartar accumulation on his teeth. When it comes to choosing a specific commercial dry food for your dog, read the ingredients carefully, and choose a brand that uses healthy food as its primary ingredient.
Canned food (wet)
Most dogs love wet canned food. These foods have a long shelf life and are easy to find in any store, but they may be more expensive than dry food. For some dog owners, it's certainly worth some of the cost, but not every brand of commercial canned food provides the protein your dog needs. The real question is how much digestible protein this food provides. Indigestible protein will pass through your dog's system without being broken down into absorbable nutrients, so it is largely useless to him.
Also, most canned wet foods contain about 75% water. The higher the water content, the lower the nutritional content, the more food your dog must consume in order to get the nutritional value his body needs. So if you decide to feed your dog a canned wet food, it is best to choose one that is labeled “100% nutritionally complete.”
Semi-moist food
Commercial dog foods from many different companies that are in the form of chopped or ground steak or other meaty foods are called semi-moist foods. These types of foods are the least nutritious of all other dog foods out there, and contain many added artificial flavors and colors. So you can feed it to your dog as a reward during training, for good behavior, or just to pamper him, but it should not be considered a staple diet in itself; Because it does not provide the nutrition that the dog needs.
Home-cooked food is one of the best types of dog food
Some dog owners like to control their dog's diet. A home-cooked diet allows you to know exactly what's in everything that goes into your dog's mouth, and make absolutely sure his nutritional needs are met. However, feeding your dog with cooked, home-prepared food can be time consuming and expensive, but many believe the extra effort is worth the peace of mind they get about their dog's diet. But if you decide to feed your dog home-cooked food, get to know the nutritional needs of dogs so you can make sure your dog is not missing out on any vital nutrients.
Raw food
A raw diet consists of raw meat, preferably with some bones that are not cooked as well, and mixed organs, as bones are a natural source of phosphorus and calcium. This type of diet works well for many dogs, as dogs have short intestinal tracts and strong stomach acids, both of which make it easier for them to eat raw food and digest it without struggle. However, before switching your dog to a raw diet, talk to your veterinarian to find out how it suits your dog's needs, and its potential benefits and risks.
Fresh foods
Another category of dog food has recently begun to appear, which is fresh whole foods. The idea is that they provide a convenient version of home cooking, tending to include a balanced range of fresh, high-quality ingredients, cooked and packed in trays or bags. With fresh ingredients and a low level of cooking, fresh whole foods are more likely to retain a high percentage of natural nutrients, at least compared to traditional dry and wet foods.
Because no preservatives are added and the food is not usually pasteurized like standard wet foods, fresh foods generally do not stay fresh as long. Therefore, most fresh student foods should be kept in the refrigerator even when they are closed and not yet opened. They usually keep in the refrigerator for up to 14 days from the date of manufacture, but can also be frozen and defrosted later before feeding to your dog.
Among the whole dry foods that we recommend to you from our store:
How do you choose the best type of dog food?
With so many options available, it's easy to see how many pet dog owners feel overwhelmed by it all and are confused about choosing the best type for their dog. But what you should know is that each type of food described above has its advantages and disadvantages, and no single category is best for all dogs or all owners. While you will certainly encounter all kinds of opinions about what you should feed your dog, we at Petaholic say that you like to make the final decision that is best for you in terms of personal preferences, budget, comfort, ethical considerations, etc., and of course your dog's preferences and individual health.
Among the best wet foods that we recommend for your loyal dog from our store are:
Finally, once you have determined the types of dog food you want to feed your dog, you can use the filters in our store to find the best options among the available categories at the best prices. Take your time and don't be afraid to try a few options before committing to any particular regimen.
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