When considering dog boarding services, one of the most crucial aspects is how well your pet is treated and trained. As dog owners know, dogs have a tendency to eat anything that is chewable and colorful. Each breed of dog requires different diets due to their genetics and health status. There are five main Types Of Dog Food diets, and understanding the benefits of each can help you choose the perfect fit for your canine companion. This guide delves into these options to help you make an informed decision about your dog’s nutrition.
Kibble Diets
Kibble is by far the most common and well-known type of dog food that owners purchase. These dry pellets are cooked and contain all the necessary nutrition your dog needs, including meat, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins. There are three significant benefits to feeding your dog a kibble diet. Firstly, kibbles are incredibly convenient and ready to serve immediately. For owners with busy schedules, the simple scoop-and-serve nature of kibble can be a lifesaver. Secondly, kibbles can support your dog’s oral health. While it’s not a substitute for regular brushing, chewing kibble helps remove plaque and tartar buildup around the gums through abrasion. Brushing, in turn, handles the removal of sugars. Lastly, when stored properly in a dry environment, kibbles have a long shelf life, lasting up to a few months after opening, making them an economical choice for all pet budgets.
Canned Foods
Canned food, also known as wet food, is the second most popular choice for dogs. Incorporating wet food into your dog’s diet can add great variation and deliver a wider range of nutrients. The primary benefits of canned food stem from its moisture content. The appealing taste of canned food often strikes a chord with many dogs, and the variety of flavors achievable can entice even the pickiest eaters. The texture of wet food also increases palatability. However, it’s important to note that because canned food lacks the abrasive quality of kibble, you must actively enforce dental hygiene to prevent potential health issues. On the positive side, the high moisture content in canned foods contributes significantly to a dog’s stomach and overall physical health, promoting better digestion and nutrient absorption for healthy muscle development.
Dehydrated Diets
Dehydrated or freeze-dried dog food represents a middle ground between canned and kibble options. These foods are easier to prepare and store than canned foods while still offering digestive benefits similar to wet food. Dehydrated dog food can be served as is or rehydrated by simply adding water, which extends its shelf life closer to that of kibbles and provides slightly more moisture. The most common reason owners opt for dehydrated food is its higher content of natural and fresh ingredients compared to other options. However, this often comes at a higher cost, akin to humans choosing organic food.
Raw Diets
The fourth type of canine diet involves consuming raw dog food. A raw diet is often considered the most nutritionally complete for pets. The benefits include improved bioavailability, dental health, skin health, and coat health. Bioavailability, a measure of how digestible and useful the food is to your dog’s body, is typically high in raw diets. The retention of natural vitamins and minerals aids in increasing mobility, energy levels, and fat loss, even in older pets. Dental health sees significant improvement, surpassing the benefits of kibble. Beyond abrasion, the enzymes in raw food help eliminate bad bacteria and soothe inflamed gums, though it doesn’t replace brushing but helps prevent rapid bacterial growth. Furthermore, raw, unprocessed foods are rich in omega fatty acids and amino acids, which can enhance the quality of your dog’s skin and coat, reducing shedding and dander.
Freeze-Dried Raw Diets
Our final dietary option is a form of raw food that has been dehydrated to enhance palatability for picky dogs and is then rehydrated before serving. It is crucial to rehydrate freeze-dried raw food properly before feeding to prevent dehydration and potential bloating in your pet. The benefits of freeze-dried raw food include convenience and its suitability as a perfect meal topper. Its lightweight nature makes it ideal for travel, and it takes up less space in your kitchen. Additionally, it serves as an excellent topping for any other type of dog food, adding extra flavor or nutrition to a familiar diet.
Remember, if you have any concerns about the types of food available when boarding your dog, please reach out to us at (856) – 694 – 0980! We can provide any general or specialty diet needed for your best four-legged friend.
