Kibble, Wet Dog Food, Homemade Dog Food, BARF

As dog parents, we want nothing but the best for our fur babies. There are so many options available that it can be difficult to determine the best option. Whether it’s dry kibble, wet dog food, homecooked, or a raw meat diet, each option has its own benefits and drawbacks. With all the different options out there it can be hard to know which type of food is the best for our dog’s specific needs.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of dry, wet, homemade, and raw food, and help you determine the best option for your dog. We’ll take a look at the nutritional content, convenience, cost, and other factors to help you make an informed decision about what to feed your dog.

Table of Contents

Dry Dog Food or Kibble

First, let’s take a look at dry food. Dry dog food or kibble is a popular option among pet parents because it’s convenient, easy to store, and can last for long periods of time. Additionally, kibble can be beneficial for dogs who are prone to dental issues, as the crunchy texture can help keep their teeth clean. However, dry food is usually made with high-heat processing, which can destroy some of the nutrients found in the ingredients. Additionally, kibble may not contain enough moisture, and as a result, dogs may not drink enough water to stay hydrated.

Benefits of dry dog food

Convenient and easy to store: Kibble is easy to store and does not need to be refrigerated, which makes it a convenient option for pet parents who are always on the go.
Long shelf life: Dry dog food can last for months, which means it’s an excellent option for pet parents who want to stock up on dog food without worrying about it going bad.
Affordable: Dry dog food is often more affordable than other types of food, which can be beneficial for pet parents on a budget.
Can help keep teeth clean: The crunchy texture of dry dog food can help keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy, which can help prevent dental issues.
Suitable for dogs of all ages: Dry dog food is suitable for dogs of all ages, which makes it an excellent option for pet parents who have multiple dogs with different needs.

Drawbacks of dry dog food

Made with high-heat processing: Dry dog food is usually made with high-heat processing, which can destroy some of the nutrients found in the ingredients. This means that dry dog food may not provide the same level of nutrients as other types of food.

May not contain enough moisture: Kibble may not contain enough moisture, which can lead to dogs not drinking enough water to stay hydrated. This can be a concern for dogs that are prone to urinary tract infections or kidney issues.
Some brands may have fillers and low-quality ingredients: Not all dry dog food brands are created equal, and some may contain fillers and low-quality ingredients that can be harmful to your dog’s health. So make sure to read the ingredients list carefully.

If you decide that kibble is the best option for your pup, choose a reputable brand to ensure your dog is getting the best nutrition possible. Yumwoof Perfect Kibble is a premium air-dried dog food that contains Cocomega™ superfats which improve your dog’s gut health and stop inflammation. All Yumwoof products are made with fresh USDA meat and they’re completely GMO-free. The Yumwoof Perfect Kibble comes in two flavors, Coconut Chicken and Beef Pot Roast.

Wet Dog Food

Next, there’s wet food. Wet food is typically made with high-quality, fresh ingredients and has a higher moisture content than dry kibble. It usually comes in a can or a single-use pouch. Wet food can be beneficial for dogs who are prone to urinary tract infections or who have kidney issues. Additionally, wet food is often easier for senior dogs to chew and digest. However, it can be more expensive than dry kibble, and it doesn’t have a long shelf life once opened.

Benefits of wet dog food

Made with high-quality, fresh ingredients: Wet dog food is typically made of fresh ingredients, meaning it has a higher nutrient content.
Higher moisture content: Wet dog food has a higher moisture content than dry kibble, which can be beneficial for dogs who are prone to urinary tract infections or who have kidney issues. The extra moisture can also help keep your dog hydrated and prevent urinary tract infections.
Easier to chew and digest: Wet dog food is often easier for dogs to chew and digest, which can make it a better option for older dogs.

Drawbacks of wet dog food

More expensive than dry kibble: Wet dog food can be more expensive than dry kibble, which can be a concern for pet parents on a budget.
Short shelf life once opened: Wet dog food has a shorter shelf life once it’s opened, which means it needs to be used quickly or stored in the refrigerator.
Some brands may have fillers and low-quality ingredients: As with dry dog food, not all wet dog food brands are created equal, and some may contain fillers and low-quality ingredients that can be harmful to your dog’s health. So read the ingredients list carefully.

Homemade Dog Food

Homemade dog food is another option for pet parents who want to ensure that their dog is getting the right balance of nutrients. It involves preparing meals for your dog using fresh ingredients, such as meat, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, you can control the ingredients and avoid any potential allergens or fillers. However, homemade food can be more time-consuming and may not be as convenient as store-bought options. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of homemade dog food:

Benefits of homemade dog food

Control over ingredients: By making homemade dog food, you have complete control over the ingredients that go into your dog’s meals. This means you can avoid any potential allergens or fillers and ensure that your dog is getting the right balance of nutrients.
Tailored to your dog’s needs: Homemade dog food allows you to tailor meals to your dog’s specific needs and preferences. For example, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, you can adjust the ingredients to suit their digestion.
Cost-effective: Preparing homemade dog food can be cost-effective, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk and make large batches.

Drawbacks of homemade dog food

Time-consuming: Preparing homemade dog food can be more time-consuming than other types of food.
Lack of convenience: Homemade dog food may not be as convenient as store-bought options, especially if you are on the go or have a busy schedule.
Lack of proper balance of nutrients: Without proper knowledge, pet parents may not provide the right balance of nutrients, which can lead to health issues.
Risk of bacterial contamination: Preparing homemade dog food can be risky if not handled and stored properly, as it could lead to bacterial contamination, which can be harmful to both dogs and humans. It’s important to use fresh ingredients, clean utensils, and equipment, and properly store the food to prevent contamination.
Requires proper planning and research: Preparing homemade dog food requires proper planning and research to ensure that your dog is getting the right balance of nutrients. This includes consulting with a veterinarian or a certified pet nutritionist to create a balanced diet that meets your dog’s specific needs.
Can be expensive: Depending on the ingredients used, preparing homemade dog food can be expensive and may not be a feasible option for all pet parents.

If you’d like to offer your pup homemade meals without devoting too much time and effort to meal preparations, try the Perfect Dog Food Mix by Yumwoof. You simply pick a recipe created by Yumwoof, add your preferred meat, and mix it with the Perfect Dog Food Mix. Then bake in the oven at 250F degrees and voilá! You’ve just prepared a nutritious homecooked meal for your dog in only 5 minutes!

Raw Food: BARF & The Prey Model Diet

Another option to consider when it comes to feeding your dog is raw food. Raw diet recipes can range from meat with vegetables and grains, to are more minimalist diet, using only meat, bones, and organ meat.

The most known type of raw food is “BARF” (Bones and Raw Food) diet, which is a type of diet that consists of uncooked meat, bones, legumes, and vegetables.

The Prey Model Diet mimics the diet that wild dogs and wolves would eat in the wild. This diet consists of 80% meat, 10% bones, and 10% organs.

The benefits of a raw diet include

Higher protein and nutrient content: Raw food is typically made with high-quality, fresh ingredients, which means it has a higher protein and nutrient content than other types of food.
Improved dental health: Chewing on raw bones can help keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy.
Improved digestion: A raw diet can be easier for dogs to digest, which can lead to less stomach upset and diarrhea.
Improved coat and skin health: A raw diet can lead to a healthier coat and skin.

However, raw food also has some drawbacks

Risk of bacterial contamination: Raw meat can be a source of bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can be harmful to both dogs and humans.
Cost: Raw food can be more expensive than other types of food.
Preparing raw food can be time-consuming: Preparing raw food can be more time-consuming than other types of food.
Not all dogs are suitable for a raw diet: Some dogs with certain health conditions, such as pancreatitis, should not be fed a raw diet.

Whether you choose to feed your dog kibble, wet food, homemade meals or raw food, always consider your dog’s unique needs and preferences, consult your veterinarian, and reflect on how much time you’re willing to devote to meal preparations. These will help you determine the best type of food for your dog.