Wet Dog Food
Wet dog food is a brilliant addition to your dog’s mealtime, offering them a rich aroma and a tasty texture that even the fussiest eaters can’t resist. As a result, it has a much higher moisture content than dry kibble, making it an excellent way to keep your dog hydrated while supporting their urinary health. It is also packed with high-quality proteins and essential nutrients to keep them active and healthy. So much so that here at Pets & Friends, we stock a fantastic selection of recipes, from smooth patés to meaty chunks, suitable for every life stage. So, shop our range to find their new favourite, today.
Wet Dog Food Explored
Here at Pets & Friends, we stock a wide range of recipes from top British and UK brands, many of which use locally sourced ingredients, for every dog’s life stage and lifestyle, including specialist hypoallergenic wet dog food, working dog food and paté dog food for dogs who prefer that slightly different texture, so you can be assured that you can find the right one to buy for your dog today, we are more than sure of that.
Furthermore, many of the brands we stock also use recyclable packaging, and some are even carbon-negative, so you can feel good about your choice.
Why should I add wet dog food to my dog’s diet?
That is a great question, and to answer it, wet dog food can be more appealing thanks to its primary animal protein and fat content.
Here, they also have a more appetising smell from fresh meat-based products, which can help ‘fussy’ or picky eaters and dogs who may not enjoy filler ingredients to actually enjoy their meal, especially as these recipes use freshly prepared meat and vegetables to ensure the best possible flavour and nutrition possible as well.
Furthermore, it can also be combined with crunchy kibble as part of a mixed diet too.
Pro Tip: If you are considering a mixed diet, here you may be interested in the Pets & Friends Guide to Feeding Your Dog Mixed Food, or Five Signs You May Need to Switch Your Dog’s Food.
Higher Water Content
Wet dog food recipes not only have a higher water content than dry food, meaning each tinned recipe can help keep your pooch hydrated, but they are also nutritionally balanced at the same time, to ensure your dog gets the perfect supply of vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy and happy too.
Range of Textures
Moreover, wet dog food can also come in a range of textures, such as chunks or paté, so there’s a texture for every dog’s palate!
Here, higher water content can also help benefit your dog’s toilet regime, particularly as they get older. As more moisture intake equals a healthier urinary tract, which can also help prevent bladder stones (more common in smaller dog breeds) when served with fresh water.
Ideal for More Specialist Diets
Wet dog food recipes may also suit more specialist diets. For example, there are fewer filler ingredients and grain-based ingredients in wet food recipes, which can help alleviate digestive upset in some dogs and breeds as a result.
Also, for dogs with sensitive stomachs, you can also find single-protein recipes to help pinpoint and avoid allergens.
Pro Tip: For specific health concerns, it's always best to consult your vet. They may recommend a veterinary diet, and our nutritionists can help you find suitable options. Many of our brands are formulated with input from vets and are highly vet-recommended.
Weight Management
Dogs who may need help with their weight management can also benefit from a wet or mixed diet as well. With fewer calories per serving than dry food alone, it can be an easy way to manage your dog’s daily calorie intake without swapping to a specialist recipe to do so.
Pro Tip: We would always recommend speaking to a pet nutritional specialist and your vet before changing your dog’s diet to a calorie-controlled one to get the best for them.
Is wet dog food more expensive?
Meat-based canned food can cost more per feed than kibble. However, feeding a mixed diet can help keep your costs down if your dog prefers the wet texture and taste in their diet. For smaller breeds that have smaller servings, wet dog food can be more cost-effective per portion here too.
So, if you’re thinking of switching your dog’s food to a wet or mixed diet, our nutritional experts are on hand online or in-store to talk all things food and how to pick the perfect recipe for your dog.
Why Choose Wet Dog Food?
Wet dog food is much more than a canine treat; as it offers several key benefits for your dog's health and wellbeing.
For instance, one of the most significant advantages of it is its high moisture content. This is particularly beneficial for dogs who don’t drink enough water, as it helps to keep them hydrated and supports urinary tract health.
Here, the added moisture also helps to fill them up, which can be useful for weight management, as they feel fuller on fewer calories as a result.
Palatability
Another major draw of wet food is its palatability. For fussy eaters, senior dogs with a reduced sense of smell, or dogs recovering from an illness, the strong smell and soft texture of wet food can be a game-changer for them.
For instance, it’s often easier for older dogs or those with dental issues to chew, making mealtime a more comfortable experience.
Types of Wet Dog Food
Complete Wet Food
This type of food is nutritionally balanced and provides everything your dog needs for a healthy diet. A "complete" food can then be fed alone as a meal, without the need for additional supplements or mixers.
Complementary Wet Food
As the name suggests, this is designed to complement a dry food diet. It's not nutritionally complete on its own and should be fed alongside a balanced kibble. This is a great way to add flavour and moisture to your dog's bowl without disrupting their core nutritional intake.
How to choose the Right Wet Dog Food For Your Pet?
When selecting a wet dog food, you really need to consider your dog's specific needs. You should look for recipes that are free from artificial preservatives, colours, and flavourings. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, opt for grain-free, hypoallergenic, or single-protein recipes.
Dog's Life Stage
You should also think about your dog's life stage. Puppies, for instance, need wet puppy food with a higher calorie and protein content to support their rapid growth, while senior dogs might benefit from recipes with added joint care supplements like glucosamine.
Storing and Handling Wet Dog Food
Proper storage and handling of wet dog food is key to ensuring you get the best freshness. Unopened wet food should be stored in a cool, dry place. Once you open a can or pouch, any unused portion should be covered and refrigerated immediately. It is then best to use the food within 2-3 days of opening.
Who Are Pets & Friends?
Pets & Friends is more than just a pet shop; we're a community of pet lovers, backed by the experience of our parent company, a family-run business that's been around for donkey's years. Our whole approach is actually built on providing you with friendly, down-to-earth advice.
Whether you're shopping with us online or visiting a local store, our customer service team is always ready to lend a hand.