For a long time, the question of what to feed your pet was answered with either wet food, dry food, or a combination of the two. In recent years, freeze- dried raw, dehydrated raw, and raw foods have become increasingly popular amongst pet owners as an alternative to wet or dry.
The multitude of options now available can make it difficult to decide what to feed your pet.
To help make this decision easier, here is a little bit about each of the types of food available
and the differences between them.
Dry Kibble
Dry foods are a cost effective, easy option to feed your pet. They have a long shelf life, are easy to portion, and often contain a high level of energy per kibble. Medium and larger dogs might not get enough nutrients and/or energy from a wet food only diet, as they might feel full of the heavy, moist food before they have consumed enough calories. A calorie dense kibble, however, is able to deliver a much higher amount of energy and nutrients in fewer mouthfuls. Dry foods also provide pets with a satisfying crunch.
Wet Food
Wet food has a high moisture level, helping your pet to drink more water in a very tasty way.
If you’ve ever opened a can of pet food, you know that they have a much stronger smell than dry kibble. They are also much more flavourful, and their scent and flavour combined can tempt a picky eater who otherwise may under eat. Wet food is also good for over-eaters, as the higher moisture content and lower density of energy will make a dog feel full sooner than they would eating
a high calorie kibble. Most wet foods can be fed on their own or as well as another food.
Refrigerated Raw
Refrigerated raw food contains fresh or frozen meat, meaty bones and vegetables that are easily digested by pets. There are no fillers, making it an excellent option for pets with food allergies and sensitivities. The fresh ingredients of raw food also have a high moisture content, helping to keep pets hydrated. Raw food is also highly palatable.
Freeze-Dried Raw
Freeze-dried raw food is exactly as its name sounds. Raw meats and vegetables are minimally processed before being freeze dried into small cubes or pellets. The freeze-drying process turns water found in fresh meats and food into vapour, removing the water from the ingredients while locking in nutrients. Most of these foods are intended to be rehydrated or can be served as toppers over a regular kibble. Once re-hydrated, freeze dried raw food yields a much larger
portion size than if left in its natural state. Pet owners choose freeze-dried raw food to get the benefits of a refrigerated raw diet without the mess. Freeze dried raw also has a long shelf life, unlike its refrigerated counterpart. Similar to wet food, freeze-dried raw is very palatable and
is attractive to very picky pets.
Dehydrated
Dehydrated foods are minimally processed and highly concentrated. The dehydration
process allows the food to retain vitamins and minerals that may be lost in conventional methods used to process food into kibble. Ingredients are washed and diced to make sure they’re easy
to digest & chew for dogs and cats of all sizes. Like freeze dried, it is intended to be rehydrated prior to being fed and has a long shelf life. It offers the ability to feed your pet whole, premium ingredients without needing to prepare the meals from scratch yourself!
Bark & Fitz carries a variety of each of these types of food. Our pet food experts are happy
to explain these differences further or answer any questions you may have. If you are unsure
of your pet’s dietary requirements, talk to your vet so they can help you determine what type of food is best for your pet's needs.
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