Is wet or dry food better for senior dogs?

Wet dog food, or canned food, sometimes provides benefits that dry food doesn’t offer, such as: Higher moisture content: Wet food may be a good choice if your dog doesn’t drink as much as they should, or if they have a medical condition that could benefit from proper hydration. One example would be a dog with a history of urinary or kidney disease. Palatability: Canned dog food is often more aromatic and flavorful when compared to dry food. This may entice sick or older dogs to eat if their appetite is decreased. Easier to chew: Dogs that have dental disease or other oral abnormalities may find wet food easier to chew than dry food. On the other hand, dry dog food, or kibble, often offers certain benefits that wet food doesn’t provide, such as: Dental health benefits: Dry food encourages dogs to chew their food, which aids in preventing tartar buildup and secondary periodontal disease. Convenience: Compared to wet food, dry diets are much easier to pre-portion, and they won’t spoil if left out all day. Both types of dog food are good choices, but each has their own benefits and drawbacks depending on the nutritional needs of your pet. Mixing wet and dry dog food is another option that may provide the best of both worlds.

Generally, you will want to look for healthy wet food for your senior dog because it has many advantages. Wet food is easier to eat for dogs with dental health issues, but if they have good dental health, dry kibble can help keep teeth and gums clean and healthy. Wet food contains more moisture, so it helps older dogs stay hydrated. It contains more Omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for older dogs, than kibble because it can be destroyed as the kibble is being processed. The main thing is to find a quality food that has been designed for the health needs of senior dogs. But just because wet food is labeled “for senior dogs” doesn’t mean that it is good for your older dog. Older dogs need about 50 percent more protein to maintain muscle mass compared to younger ones. Balanced nutrients to lower strain on various organs Lower in calories to help with weight Lower in salt to maintain cardiovascular health.