Wet vs Dry Food: What’s The Better Choice For Your Pet?
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Now that pooch ice cream and puppuccinos are a thing (we see you Ben & Jerry’s and Starbucks), it’s no surprise that paw-rents truly care about picking the best (and most delish) chow for their furry friends. Even If you’ve been a long-time pet owner, you’re still probably wondering whether you’re serving your pals the appropriate food during mealtime. The perennial question remains: Wet or dry? Or a combination of both?
Animal experts and veterinarians would tell you, though: “The best option depends on your preference and your pet’s breed, health status, and lifestyle.” But this blanket statement can still be perplexing to the best of us. There are tons of dog and cat food options in the market, so even the most basic choice of wet versus dry food can be overwhelming.
So, we’re here to help. But first, a lowdown on some pros and cons—the paw-sitives and the not so.
Content matters, not the variety
For starters, it’s the content that matters and not the type or variety. You’ll be happy to know that both wet and dry food can provide your pets with all the significant nutrients, vitamins, and minerals they need on the daily—so long as the ingredients are of high quality and the composition is right.
The main difference between these two options is the water content. Dry food has a moisture content of between 3% and 12%, while wet food has about 60% to 80%. This ultimately affects the product’s shelf life—with wet food going off or bad sooner than dry food, which can be kept significantly longer.
This alone can already a deciding factor. Is storage a concern? If it is, you’re better off with dry food. If you think your pet needs to up his or her water content, then wet food can be a viable, even palatable option compared to plain H20.
Other points to consider
Cleanup plays a factor here, too. Dry food doesn’t have mushy spills—even if a little bit of kibble ends up on the floor, they can be easily swept or vacuumed away. No sweat! Wet food, on the other hand, is prone to leakage and can be tougher to clean. If you’re big on convenience, it’s obvious that dry food’s the winner here.
What about energy content? Kibble can be given in small and lower quantities to meet your pet’s calorie requirements so it’s the cheaper choice. Meanwhile, wet food is often tastier and more satiating so your pet might tend to eat more and go through packs quickly. The result? You’d need to stock up more often.
Consider ease of eating and oral health, too. Wet food is softer and perfect for mature cats or those who have dental disease or abnormalities or have just had a dental procedure. Dry food, on the other hand, encourages your pets to chew their food, which aids in preventing tartar buildup.
How to pick the best?
Now that you’ve all these bits of information—it’s time to pick. TBH, there’s really no right answer (we can’t emphasize this enough). Below are six options you can consider for your pooch or feline friend—all at discounted prices (10% off for the whole month) and easily available for purchase via the SM Malls Online app. Pro tip: Until December 31, get an extra P100 off with a minimum purchase of P1,000 (valid for single use only) when you use the voucher code HAPPYCHRISTMAS! Make sure you’ve got the app on your device to start shopping.
Dry food
For puppies
If you want a grain- and potato-free formula, shop the Carnilove Puppy Salmon and Turkey Dry Dog Food 1.5kg for only P539.10 (from P599) via the SM Malls Online app.
This one’s suitable for puppies aged one to 12 months old and a good source of highly digestible proteins as well as omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, which are ideal for mental development, the cardiovascular system, and metabolism. This is made of 70% wild-origin meats and 30% forest fruits, veggies, and berries.
For small and miniature adult dogs
Want a hypoallergenic option? Buy the Brit Care Adult Small Breed Lamb and Rice Dry Dog Food 3kg via the SM Malls Online app for P687.69 (before P764.10).
Perfect for small and miniature adult doggos, this has no corn, soy, or wheat—and is non-GMO (produced without genetic engineering). It’s also enriched with vitamin C, rosemary, and cloves. Rounding up its content are prebiotics with inulin and increased levels of omega-3.
For kittens and pregnant cats
Growing kittens and expectant cat mommas need a complete and balanced diet. So spring for the Kit Cat Kitten and Pregnant Dry Cat Food 5kg, now only P2,114.77 (from P2,349.75) via the SM Malls Online app.
This pH-balanced wholesome nutrition’s packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy heart, skin, and coat, taurine for healthy eyes, prebiotics for gut health, and vitamin E for overall immune function.
Wet food
For all dog breeds at all life stages
Shop the Inaba Grilled Chicken Fillet Cartilage Vegetables Wet Dog Food 60gx3 (QDR-24) if you want an extra dose of green tea for your furry friend, which helps reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels and provides oral support for healthier teeth and gums.
This one, which goes for PP107.77 (from P119.75) via the SM Malls Online app, also contains vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant and reduces debilitating conditions like allergies and arthritis.
For all cat breeds at all life stages
This is the jelly counterpart of the Inaba dog food mentioned above, with the same ingredients (vitamin E and green tea) that your cat also needs on the daily. Get the Ciao Jelly Chicken Fillet and Crab Stick Wet Cat Food 85g (C-13) for P62.77 (from P69.75) via the SM Malls Online app. The added jelly in this formula helps with urinary and digestive support.
Another instant wet food option for your senior cats that’s grain-free and low-fat is the Inaba Pudding Cup Chicken Fillet Wet Cat Food 65g (IM-153) for only P53.77 (before P59.75) via the SM Malls Online app. This contains modified tapioca starch, jelly, guar gum, vitamin E, and green tea powder as well.
Our final word
While you may be set now on which chow to get your furry pals, remember that your pet’s dietary needs change over time. So, keep your mind open to a plethora of food choices. Pro tip: Try offering your pets a varied diet from time to time so that they learn (you too!) which one they like best. Because you know what? At the end of the day, it’s still your furry best friend’s preference that matters most.
Shop all pet nutrition and essentials at great deals via the SM Malls Online app. Until December 31, get an extra P100 off with a minimum purchase of P1,000 (valid for single use only) when you use the voucher code HAPPYCHRISTMAS! Plus, don’t forget to check out SM Deals to be informed of price markdowns, exclusive promos, and shopping bargains before they’re gone.
