Best Canned Dog Food – LIFE WITH DOGS

Choosing canned dog food, or wet food, for your beloved canine friend is not as easy as simply walking into a store and picking one up off the shelf. Well, it could be, but it won’t necessarily mean that wet dog food is the right choice. There are so many things to consider when choosing canned dog food from the ingredients to your dog’s needs and everything else in-between. Therefore, in this post, we are going to explain what you should look for in canned dog food along with some of our top picks.

Why Choose Canned Dog Food?
Some owners love canned food, and other owners prefer to stick with dry dog food only like dry kibble or freeze-dried dog food. Since our furry little buddies aren’t able to tell us what they want and need, it’s up to us to do the research to find out. Granted, canned dog food can be messy, and you could only be using half a can or less at a time, which means there might be half a can of pongy pet food hanging around for a while. However, there are can caps to help with that. The additional moisture from wet dog food is another way for your pooch to stay hydrated. Furthermore, the additional water content also means that they can eat a much larger amount without consuming extra calories. Many owners settle on the 50/50 approach, half of the portion being kibble and the other half being canned food.

Meat

Canned dog food was mostly created for senior dogs. But, no matter what age the dog is, protein is a very vital part of their diet. Meat is an excellent source of protein, and almost all canned dog food will contain real meat. A little bit of research into the brand will clarify how good the quality of the meat really is.

Other Ingredients
There is a multitude of ingredient variations when it comes to canned dog food, and the best choice for your dog will largely depend on their age, breed, and health. All dogs have different requirements as well as tastes. Not all dogs will like certain brands, and it can get particularly tricky if you are trying to switch to a new formula. If you are looking for dog food for a new puppy, be sure to choose a specialized puppy blend as they usually contain specific ingredients such as DHA that encourage healthy development and optimal brain and eye function. Alternatively, older dogs can also benefit from particular ingredients like glucosamine which helps with joint pain. For breeds that are prone to suffering from joint issues later in life, many vets suggest feeding them foods that include glucosamine from a young age to help keep their joints healthier for longer. On top of everything, there are also many grain-free canned dog foods available. This is usually always stated on the can, and due to the fact that a lot of dogs are allergic to common grains and wheat, this is also an important factor for some owners.

Handling Canned Dog Food

The main issues that people have with canned dog food are that it can be messy and quite smelly. Unless there are several dogs in the household that eat the same food, you may find that canned food needs to be stored for a while after it’s first opened. It is recommended that the remaining amount of food in the can be stored in the fridge and used within seven days of opening. Some people tend to leave the cans on the side until later that day, although companies do recommend storing the food in the fridge immediately after opening. However, in doing this, you may notice that during the next meal your dog doesn’t want to touch the food as its too cold. Once it’s reached room temperature, however, they usually tuck in. Most companies say that any food that your dog might of left should be thrown away within four hours. Afterward, the bowl needs a hot soapy wash, which is definitely a job that nobody enjoys.

The Benefits of Canned Dog Food

So, we have already covered the water content. But what are the other benefits of canned dog food? Well, for starters almost all dogs adore the taste of canned food, which, in turn, makes the pooch’s humans very happy. It also contains a much higher protein content than a majority of kibble types do due to the amount of meat that they contain. The additional water included in wet dog food keeps the dog hydrated, which also promotes healthy kidneys. When comparing them to a majority of kibbles, you will likely find that most canned foods have eliminated artificial flavors and have a significantly lower amount of grains and carbohydrates.

Canned Dog Food Reviews
Much of what will determine how good the canned food is for your dog will be the needs and overall health of your pet. With that in mind, we have composed our list of the best canned dog food on the market from well-known and highly regarded brands.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets
The brand Purina has been around for many years and is a very respected food producer in the canine world. So much so that they designed the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet, which is specially formulated to help dogs that suffer from gastrointestinal issues. The formula itself can only be purchased with the confirmation of a veterinary prescription. Although Purina does have many other canned food formulas available if you would like to stick with this brand.

• Designed with a high focus around intestinal health
• Improves digestion
• Low in carbohydrates
• Optimized nutrition
• Prebiotics and low fiber
• Brilliant palatability

Hill’s Science Diet Canned Dog Food
This formula contains real meat pieces mixed in with vegetables and brown rice. Users of Hill’s Science Diet Canned Dog Food have seen impressive results in terms of gastrointestinal health and it comes recommended by a large number of veterinarians. The ingredients used are of high quality to provide balanced nutrition.

• Made with lean protein
• Additional vitamins and minerals
• Promotes healthy digestion
• Contains vegetables such as peas and carrots

Natural Balance Ultra-Premium Beef Formula
What makes the Natural Balance Ultra-Premium Beef Formula a favorite is the elimination of artificial ingredients and by-products. A rich doggy meal with plenty of beef and vegetables will keep many dogs happy.

• High-quality beef
• Suited to all breeds
• Enables high nutrient absorption
• Contains vitamin A and B12 for a healthy immune system
• Helps gastrointestinal movements

As messy as it may be, many dog owners feel that the addition of canned food is a lot more enjoyable for the dog. Not only that, but the premium brands will definitely aid in both the immune and intestinal systems. Canned dog foods are a great way for dogs to get a hearty, balanced source of vitamins, minerals, and proteins.