Perhaps the most important advantage of using dry food is the lack of vitamins and minerals.
The next advantage is that using dry cat food is less troublesome and convenient compared to wet food because it does not spoil as much as wet food throughout the day and dogs and cats can easily eat it.
Of course, one negative aspect is the possibility of overeating and obesity. However, if you feed your pet high-quality dry food, they are likely to eat less because they get all the proteins and vitamins they need from a smaller volume of food.
The second advantage is that dry food costs less than wet food.
Compared to wet food, dry food is cheaper. As a result, your pet gets all its daily needs for a lower price.
An advantage of wet food over dry food is its abundance of water.
You should always leave plenty of fresh water next to the dry food for your pet to get enough water. If your pet doesn’t like water, use a wet food along with dry food.(Benefits of Papaya for Dog and Cat Hair)
And finally, because dry food is denser, less plaque is formed.
Some reputable dry food brands in the US for dogs
- Main Proteins: Chicken, poultry by-product meal, fish meal, dried egg
- Main Carbohydrates: Rice, whole grain wheat, whole grain corn, beet pulp
- Fats: Beef fat (preserved with mixed-tocopherols), soybean oil
- Vitamins & Minerals: Comprehensive list including A, C, D, E, B vitamins, zinc, iron, selenium
- Other: Natural flavor, probiotics (Bacillus coagulans), garlic oil, L-lysine
- Proteins: Chicken, chicken meal, chicken liver flavor, pork liver flavor
- Carbohydrates: Barley, brown rice, brewers rice, wheat, corn, oats, beet pulp
- Fats & Oils: Chicken fat, soybean oil, flaxseed
- Prebiotics: Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
- Vitamins & Minerals: Complete range (A, C, D, E, B vitamins, taurine, zinc, selenium, etc.)
- Preservatives: Mixed tocopherols
- High-Quality Proteins: Chicken, turkey, salmon, herring, liver, eggs, sardines
- Legumes: Lentils, pinto beans, navy beans, chickpeas
- Fruits & Vegetables: Pumpkin, squash, collard greens, apples, pears, cranberries
- Fats: Chicken fat, pollock oil
- Supplements: Probiotics (Bacillus coagulans), vitamins, minerals
- Preservatives: Mixed tocopherols, citric acid, rosemary extract
Some reputable dry food brands in the US for cats
- Proteins: Chicken, herring, turkey, rabbit, organ meats (liver, heart)
- Carbohydrates: Oat groats, peas, lentils, chickpeas, miscanthus grass
- Fats: Chicken fat
- Supplements: Probiotics (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium), taurine, L-carnitine
- Antioxidants: Cranberries, kelp, mixed tocopherols, rosemary extract
- Vitamins/Minerals: Complete profile (A, C, D, E, B vitamins, zinc, copper)
- Proteins: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, menhaden fish meal, egg
- Carbohydrates: Brown rice, barley, oatmeal, peas, potatoes, sweet potatoes
- Fats: Chicken fat, flaxseed (Omega-3 & 6)
- Fiber & Prebiotics: Chicory root, alfalfa, pea fiber, powdered cellulose
- Probiotics: Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Fruits/Vegetables: Cranberries, blueberries, carrots, kelp, parsley, turmeric
- Vitamins/Minerals: Comprehensive, including chelated minerals
- Preservatives: Mixed tocopherols, rosemary oil
Important questions from users
1. Can I only feed my cat dry food?
Yes, as long as fresh water is always available. Cats that eat dry food should drink more water to avoid urinary problems.(Chocolate poisoning in dogs and cats)
2. Is wet food better or dry?
The answer depends on the animal’s physical condition. Dry food is more suitable for active animals, and wet food is more suitable for older or less active animals. The best case scenario is a balanced combination of both types.
3. How do I know if my pet is allergic to its food?
If you notice symptoms such as itching, vomiting, or loss of appetite after eating food, your pet may be allergic to one of the ingredients in the food. In this case, you should change the type of food or brand.
4. Can you make homemade dry food?
Yes, you can make homemade dry food by combining cooked meat, rice, vegetables, and a little fish oil. You just need to ensure complete drying and hygienic maintenance.
5. How many times a day should I feed my cat?
For adult cats, two meals a day is enough, but kittens need more meals and smaller volumes to provide the energy they need for growth.(5 of the best cat food)
