Among the myriad of pet foods we can find on the market, the big distinction is to be made between the HUMID foods and those DRY. As easily guessed from the names, these are. differences mainly found in terms of the percentage of water present in one more than in the other, and from this derive merits and demerits or, rather, characteristics of their own that make it possible to choose them on the basis of specific needs, and why not–combine them together!

WET FOODS, ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES.

But let's go in order, speaking of wet foods let's see what can be considered merits of this type of feed:

  • LOTS OF WATER.. The high moisture content, really significant enough to hover around the 60-80% of the total weight, makes them an excellent source of hydration even for those animals less likely to consume drinking water during the day, one example among all cats.
  • MORE TASTY.. water gives the food greater palatability, allows the flavors to be released to their fullest potential, and the softer texture also promotes interest from even the most finicky individuals.
  • IT IS EASIER TO VARY. The range of tastes and textures is wider and it is also more practical to vary among them from day to day, stimulating the animals' curiosity and appetite.
  • NOBLE RAW MATERIALS. Wet foods often contain noble parts of meat and fish ( chicken breast or tuna steaks for human use ) cooked in a non-invasive way, this gives the opportunity to supplement the diet with nutrients of high biological value.
  • EASY CHEWING. It is easier to chew, making them suitable for puppies or animals that are convalescent or have dental problems.

Among the shortcomings:

  • LESS CONSERVATION. After opening, if partially consumed, they should be stored in the refrigerator and finished within a few hours. However, commercially available formats allow varieties to be managed over the course of a day or so without wastage
  • LOWER ENERGY DENSITY: Energy density is lower: for the same weight with dry foods we have more water, which dilutes the presence of the nutrients; therefore, more of the food is needed to equalize the required kilocalories.
  • DENTAL HYGIENE.. In some cases, especially for individuals predisposed to periodontal disease, it is possible that a diet consisting exclusively of wet foods will promote tartar formation and have less effect on dental hygiene.

PROS AND CONS OF DRY FOODS

For the same reasons, in contrast we have pros and cons of dry foods. Among the pros we see:

  • EASE OF MANAGEMENT. With common kibble, there is the option of purchasing formats that are easier to store, handle and administer. They can be stored at room temperature for long periods without signs of deterioration, making them very practical for pet owners. The low water concentration makes them less prone to proliferation or contamination.
  • COST. Compared with wet or natural foods, they are also cheaper. This however results from a difference in raw materials used. In fact, in natural wet foods, materials derived from the processing of foods from supply chains such as those for human consumption are used, while in dry foods the ingredients are flours and dehydrates of animal by-products and grains.
  • COMPLETENESS. The options for sale are complete formulations to which we may potentially not need to make any additions or modifications to meet our animals' needs. In addition, they are highly concentrated, high energy density in little food weight, providing a complete and balanced diet in relatively small portions.

At the same time, however:

  • FEW LIQUIDS.. the reduced presence of water is a limitation for those animals that need to stay properly hydrated but do not have the tendency to drink enough, especially if they consume are dry food.
  • TOO MUCH HEAT.. Their high energy density in just a few grams of product promotes a possible risk of overweight or obesity if not administered in moderation or without close monitoring
  • QUALITY RAW MATERIALS. Not all dry foods are the same, and the ingredients and raw materials make the difference: often used are low-quality flours, fillers or artificial preservatives that can negatively impact the health of some patients, in the long run
  • POOR TASTE. Last but not least, the palatability of these foods is reduced, precisely because of the water intake, which promotes greater dispersion of aromas and flavors

MIX FEEDING, WE COMBINE THE ADVANTAGES

The practice of MIX FEEDING involves. The use of quality dry complete and wet foods. It is that nutritional choice that allows us, in an accurate and studied way, to provide in a practical and correct way, with commercial foods a diet that most closely matches the needs of our dog or cat.

This combination of different foods has 3 main benefits:

  • Provides a balanced nutrition, combining the benefits of one type and the other in the same day.
  • It ensures a greater variability in the diet, offering a more interesting and stimulating diet, increasing appetite and reducing the risk of food boredom, as well as promoting proper gut microbiota harmony
  • It ensures correct water intake and that most closely matches the daily needs of pets

However, this practice needs a few tricks to be truly effective and not just create more confusion and potential problems. First and foremost, it is essential to seek advice from your veterinarian, who, knowing the patient, will know how best to feed him or her.

Choosing high-quality foods is the second basic requirement in order to ensure effective and nutritionally correct mix feeding.

Once the foods have been chosen, it is important to to dose them correctly and in proportions appropriate to the animal and the sustainability of a daily routine. These dosages may vary depending on the breed, age, size, activity and individual preferences of the animal.

In conclusion, mix feeding can be a great option for many pet owners, but it is important to do it responsibly and under the supervision and periodic monitoring of the veterinarian to ensure that the pet is receiving a nutritionally adequate and balanced diet every day.

Dr. Alessandra Calini

Veterinary physician nutritionist