Feeding and Nutrition, Nutrient Requirements of Dogs, Types of Dog Food, Dry food, Canned food, Semi-Moist food.

Types of Dog Food

Pick a dog food specially formulated for puppies that will ensure the proper nutrition for the pup’s developing organ systems. Whether you choose a canned, dry, or other type of dog food depends not only on your dog's needs, but also on your budget, what's most convenient for you, and how you feel about certain types of ingredients. Consider all these factors when you're choosing a food. Each type has advantages and disadvantages.

Dry food:

Most veterinarians will recommend a dry food. These foods are generally more nutritious and better balanced by virtue of being mostly food and not water like the canned foods (canned foods are close to 75 percent water). Dry food is easy scoop out, measure, and serve. It’s less expensive than canned food and doesn’t need to be refrigerated, even after it’s opened. Dry food doesn’t have much of a down side, although most dogs, if given a choice, will prefer canned food. Dry foods are better than canned foods for maintaining healthy teeth and gums (control tarter).

Canned food:

Canned food has a long shelf life until it’s opened. On the down side, it’s expensive, and it must be refrigerated after it’s opened. Canned food requires more fed because energy content is relatively low, especially for large breeds. Canned foods are more likely to put tarter on the teeth.

Semi-Moist food:

Semi-moist foods will not spoil at room temperature and comes in prepackaged servings. On the down side, it’s contains larger amounts of sugar and preservatives in order to maintain freshness without refrigeration.