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​Dog food - which one is right?

Choosing the right dog food is one of the most important decisions dog owners have to make. A balanced diet is crucial for the dog's health, well-being and quality of life. There are different types of food available to dog owners. In this article we will look at the following types: dry food, wet food, semi-moist food, BARF (organic raw food) and home-cooked food. Each type of food has its advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into account when making a decision.

Dry food is probably the most well-known type of food for dogs. It is produced industrially and consists of pressed or extruded croquettes. ​​ ​

 

advantages:

  • long storage life and easy stocking: Dry food can be stored for a long time and does not need to be refrigerated, which makes it particularly practical.

  • teeth cleaning: By chewing on the hard kibble, dry food can help reduce plaque and care for the teeth.

  • inexpensive: Compared to wet food or BARF, dry food is usually cheaper.

  • easy to dose: It is easy to portion the required amount and take the food with you when traveling. ​​ ​ ​

 

​​disadvantages:

  • Little moisture: Since dry food contains little water, dogs that are fed exclusively with it must drink enough. Dogs that don't drink enough water can develop kidney or bladder problems.

  • often inferior ingredients: Some dry foods contain a lot of grains, fillers or artificial additives that are not ideal for the dog's health.

  • harder to digest: Due to industrial processing and the low water content, dry food is often more difficult to digest than wet food.

dry food

wet dog food

Wet food consists of meat or vegetable ingredients that are packed in cans or bags. It contains a higher water content compared to dry food. ​

 

advantages:

  • high moisture content: Due to the high water content, wet food supports the dog's fluid intake and can help prevent problems such as bladder stones or kidney problems.

  • easily digestible: Wet food is easier to digest due to its high moisture content and often softer consistency. This is particularly beneficial for dogs with digestive problems or seniors.

  • high acceptance: Many dogs prefer the taste and consistency of wet food because it often smells more intense and contains more meat. ​​

 

disadvantages:

  • more expensive than dry food: Wet food is usually more expensive, especially for larger dogs.

  • short storage life after opening: Opened cans or bags must be refrigerated and used quickly.

  • can lead to dental problems: The soft consistency does not help clean teeth and there is a higher risk of tartar formation.

Semi-moist food has a consistency between dry food and wet food. It has a higher moisture content than dry food but is less moist than wet food. ​

 

advantages:

  • easily digestible: Due to its higher moisture content, semi-moist food is easier to chew and to digest than dry food.

  • convenient storage: It doesn't need to be refrigerated, but is still softer than dry food, which can be particularly beneficial for dogs with dental problems.

  • good acceptance: Many dogs like the consistency and taste of semi-moist food as it is often more strongly flavored. ​​

 

disadvantages:

  • high sugar content: Semi-moist foods often contain sugar or other preservatives to retain moisture, which can be harmful to the dog's teeth and health in the long term.

  • less common: There are not as many quality options on the market as there are for dry or wet food.

semi-moist food

BARF means feeding the dog raw meat, bones, vegetables and other fresh ingredients to mimic the diet of a wild wolf. ​

 

advantages:

  • natural and fresh Ingredients: BARF allows dog owners to closely control their dog's diet and ensure that only fresh and natural ingredients are used.

  • no artificial additives: Since BARF does not require industrial processing, it does not contain any artificial preservatives, flavor enhancers or fillers.

  • high acceptance: Many dogs love the taste of raw meat and eat BARF with great appetite. ​

 

disadvantages:

  • time-consuming: Preparing BARF requires a lot of planning, shopping, and preparation to ensure the dog gets all the necessary nutrients.

  • increased risk of pathogens: Raw meat can contain bacteria such as salmonella or parasites, which can endanger both the dog and the owner.

  • malnutrition due to incorrect composition: Improper meal composition can lead to nutritional deficiencies, especially if appropriate vitamins or minerals are not supplemented.

  • storage: Fresh meat products need to be properly refrigerated or frozen, which can be challenging.

​BARF

biologically species-appropriate raw food

​Some dog owners choose to cook their dog's food themselves. Meat is gently cooked in combination with vegetables, rice or other carbohydrates. ​

 

advantages:

  • control over the ingredients: As with BARF, the owner can decide exactly what ends up in the bowl and avoid artificial additives.

  • lower risk of pathogens: Compared to raw meat, cooking significantly reduces the risk of bacteria or parasites.

  • easily digestible: Cooked food is often gentle on the gastrointestinal tract and is good for dogs with sensitive digestion.

 

disadvantages:

  • time-consuming: Cooking dog food is time-consuming and requires careful planning to ensure all nutrients are covered.

  • increased risk of nutrient deficiencies: Without professional advice, it can easily happen that important nutrients such as calcium or vitamins are missing.

  • no long storage life: Freshly cooked food must be consumed within a few days or frozen, which requires more complex storage.

cooked dog food

conclusion:

Choosing the right dog food depends on many factors: the dog's health, his individual preferences, the owner's lifestyle and his own ideas about feeding.

 

  • dry food is good for dogs that don't have any particular health problems and is practical and inexpensive.

  • wet food is a good choice for dogs that have difficulty consuming fluids or need food that is easy to digest.

  • semi-moist food offers an alternative for dogs who prefer both soft and long-lasting food, but should be chosen with caution due to possible additives.

  • BARF and home-cooked food enable a natural and tailored diet, but require a lot of knowledge and time investment.

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