Dry Vs. Wet Dog Foods: Which Is The Right Choice? Part 1

by Sabine Contreras

Updated: July 25th, 2022 Published: August 4th, 2014

dry vs wet dog foods which is the right choice part 1

As pet parents, it’s important to get all the information we can about we should be feeding our dogs. After looking at all the dog food available on the market, it can be confusing as to which one to pick. And it’s not just about brands; it’s also about whether to go with dry kibble or wet food. So what’s the right answer? Sabine Contreras, Canine Care and Nutrition Consultant, weighs in with her expert advice in this three-part series.

Comparing Wet and Dry Foods Fairly

Pet owners today have a wide variety of commercially prepared foods to choose from. Unfortunately, over the years canned food has fallen out of favor and gained a rather negative reputation – for no good reason at all.

Before we examine various claims about the advantages and disadvantages of dry and wet food, I’d like to explain how to correctly and fairly compare the nutritional value of different types of foods:

Since percentages always express a relative content, we have to eliminate the weight of the moisture by looking at the “solid part” only. This is accomplished by converting all percentages to “dry matter basis” and mathematically removing the moisture.

As an example, we will look at a dry food with 10% moisture and a wet food with 78% moisture – average values for common products. If you know how much moisture a food contains, it is easy to determine the solid parts (the dry matter) by subtracting the moisture percentage from 100%: 90% and 22% respectively.

To determine the dry matter values for the various components like protein, fat, fiber, etc., we divide the given percentage by the amount of dry matter and multiply the result with 100. Here’s an example: 24% protein in a food with 90% dry matter will convert to (24% / 90) x 100 = 26.67%, 9% protein in a food with 22% dry matter to (9% / 22) x 100 = 40.91%.

As you see, while the wet food contains a higher amount of moisture, the solid part has a better nutrient concentration than the dry food. The main advantage of canned food is that even standard varieties that include some grains or other sources of starch, veggies, fruit and so on have a better concentration of protein and fat (the important parts in the diets of carnivorous animals like dogs) than dry food, which has a high content of carbohydrates.

Here are some actual numbers by weight to further illustrate:

90% dry matter in a food means that in one pound of dry food

Approximately 14.43 ounces is the solid part
Approximately 1.57 ounces is moisture,
You would have to dehydrate 17.78 ounces of dry food to get one pound of dry matter

22% dry matter in a food means that in one pound of wet food

Approximately 3.53 ounces is the solid part
Approximately 12.47 ounces is moisture,
You would have to dehydrate 72.8 ounces of wet food to get one pound of dry matter

Expressed in simpler terms, the dry food is just over four times as concentrated as the wet food.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wet and Dry Foods

After looking at the comparison, you will probably ask: “why should I pay money for water in food when I can add that myself at almost no cost”? The answer is easy: the concentration of nutrients isn’t the only aspect to take into consideration, in fact in many cases it may even become a health problem.

Higher intake of (natural) moisture at mealtime

The amount of moisture in canned food is closer to the composition of what a dog or cat would naturally eat “in the wild” – whole prey. Their digestive process requires moisture on many different levels, for example protein is processed in the liver and any waste materials are filtered and excreted by the kidneys. The liver needs water to process protein and as a medium to carry waste products to the kidneys, where they are filtered out and most of the water is reabsorbed.

Pets who eat mostly canned food or a home prepared diet automatically take in more moisture than those eating kibble, so they do not need to compensate as much by drinking and excrete less concentrated urine. Contrary to what many people think and pet food companies claim, dogs (and cats even more so) do not instinctively know how much extra water they have to drink to make up for what is lacking in dry food.

A greater incidence of bladder diseases and stones/crystals in animals eating dry food is one result. An increasing number of American Veterinary Medical Association members, including board-certified veterinary nutritionists, are now strongly recommending the feeding of canned food only instead of dry kibble to cats, but the issue has not been officially addressed in dogs, since they have a somewhat better ability to compensate by drinking from their water bowl.

Fewer “empty” calories

Overweight pets also benefit from eating canned food, since unlike carbohydrates, water adds bulk without any extra “empty” calories (dogs and cats have no nutritional requirements for carbohydrates, but they do for protein and fat), making the pet feel full faster, without overeating.

It is important not to overfeed though, since canned food contains a comparatively higher amount of fat, which delivers over twice as many calories per weight unit as protein and carbohydrates. Where obesity and not just weight maintenance is a concern, you should choose lower fat varieties of wet food.

Less processed nutrition

One of the most important advantages of wet food is that it is much less processed and often made from higher quality ingredients than dry kibble. Wet food requires no cooking prior to the canning process, since it is cooked in the can to create a bacteria-free environment. Food being less processed means it is also more digestible, the body doesn’t need to work as hard to utilize it.

Unlike during the manufacturing of dry food, moisture does not have to be removed from the ingredients of canned food, so food ingredients like meat, grains, potatoes/sweet potatoes, pasta, vegetables and fruits remain fairly unchanged. Many ingredients used to manufacture dry food have already been processed at least once before they are mixed into kibble “dough” and cooked yet again (rendered meat meals and animal-based fats, dried vegetables and eggs etc.).

Beware though, some canned foods are made with rendered meat meals, and feeding these defeats our purpose. Check the label, it should list fresh meat only.

Longer shelf life, less additives and preservatives, no flavoring agents

Canned food generally has a shelf life of two years and more without degradation of nutritional value, compared to dry food, which can lose much of its nutrient content within a year of the manufacturing date – depending on how it is preserved and stored. The more natural stabilizers are used, the shorter the shelf life.

A 1997 study by the University of Illinois Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition found that canned fruits and vegetables for example provide as much dietary fiber and vitamins as the same corresponding fresh foods, and in some cases, even more. Fresh produce starts to lose vitamins as soon as it is picked, and often travels long ways before it ends up on store shelves.

Although small amounts of preservatives may be present in canned pet food if they were already added to specific ingredients used for the formulation, it does not need added preservatives since the canning process sterilizes and preserves the food in an oxygen-free environment.

There is plenty of meat and fat to make the food palatable without flavoring agents, and since the can is sealed no humectants are needed to keep moisture in, and no mold inhibitors (like in semi-moist food products) to prevent the food from becoming moldy.

Wet food offers a more enticing smell and taste

Trying to convince a dog to eat that is a pickier eater or one that has stopped eating due to feeling “off” can be a challenge. Dry kibble may have some quality nutrients to offer but it’s not going to do any good for your dog if he’s not willing to eat it. Wet foods preserve not only the nutritional value of the food but also the tempting scent and delicious taste. They also often incorporate gravy which is a great way to give your dog a little taste to encourage him to take a bite. If you are feeding dry kibble that you and your veterinarian feel is important for his health, you can try mixing some wet food in to make it a little more palatable.

Easier for dogs to chew and eat

There are many reasons why a dog may have a harder time chewing its food. Some examples include missing or sensitive teeth, misaligned jaws, jaw pain, or simply having a smaller mouth. This can prevent a dog from eating enough to meet their nutritional needs. Especially if they are trying to eat a larger kibble. Wet food has a softer texture that is easier to chew. If your dog is still struggling, you can easily break it up or mash it using a fork, making it even easier. After all, as a dog owner, you will do everything you can for your dog’s health and happiness – and this is an easy one!

It's convenient when traveling

Many pet owners prefer kibble claiming that it’s easy to feed making it a convenient choice. But, when you’re traveling, lugging along a large bag of dry kibble isn’t always ideal. Wet foods are packaged in smaller packaging making it easy to bring only what you need without having to measure everything out first. If you’re stopping for the night in a hotel or Airbnb, you can leave your dog’s food in the vehicle, grabbing only the bare minimum of what you’re going to need until you’re back on the road again. But be cautious, mealtime can get a little sloppy. Keep the space clean by placing a mat or towel underneath your dog’s dish to catch any spillage.

It reduces the chances of bloat following your dog's meal

Bloat is a condition that occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, food, or liquid and becomes twisted. Not only is kibble easier to eat quickly, which increases your dog’s risk, but the dry food can also contribute to a problem when it encounters liquids in the stomach. As a dog inhales dry kibble, it is also swallowing gulps of air. The combination causes the stomach to expand. Adding to this problem, the dry kibble absorbs liquids and expands. Dogs that eat wet food often eat at a slower pace simply due to the texture of the food. You can also try filling a KONG or other interactive dog toy with your dog’s food and freeze it to slow down mealtime even further.

Sabine Contreras is a Canine Care and Nutrition Consultant based out of Los Angeles, California. She specializes in natural, preventive dog care as well as canine nutrition and offers personalized feeding plans for dogs of all sizes, breeds and ages, no matter if they are companions, performance, working or show dogs. She shares her home with a husband, Jack Russell Terrier and five cats.

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Dry Vs. Wet Dog Foods: Which Is The Right Choice? Part 2

Are you thinking about feeding your dog wet food? In the second part of her series, Sabine Contreras, Canine Care and Nutrition Consultant, takes a look at the types of wet food on the market and talks about the different formulas you have to choose from. Available Types of Wet Foods No matter if they are packaged in a can, pouch or tray, wet foods not only come in many different flavors and ingredient combinations, there are also several different types of formulas. “Complete and balanced” vs. “For supplemental feeding only” Products labeled as “complete and balanced”, either for a specific life stage (“growth” for puppies, adult “maintenance” foods), or those suitable for “all life stages” must meet the same standards of AAFCO nutrient profiles as dry foods and any other regulated food product. You can feed these foods exclusively or mix them with dry food if desired, without disrupting any nutritional balances. If a food is labeled as “for supplemental feeding only”, it is not “complete” in terms of added vitamins and minerals and not suitable to be fed “stand-alone” for any extended period of time. Use it as an occasional “special” meal, or serve mixed with dry food, but do not replace more than about a quarter of the dry portion with a supplemental addition. Different formulations Oddly enough, the types of wet food labeled “for supplemental feeding only” can be one of the most valuable things you can add to your dog’s diet if you are feeding mostly dry food. Products that contain nothing but meat and enough water to facilitate the manufacturing process belong into this group. It can just be a single type of meat (such as tripe, chicken, salmon), or a combination (e.g. beef and liver). These are best suited to be added to the diet of animals who otherwise only eat dry food, since they provide the most important aspect: less processed animal protein. The next tier are products labeled “95% meat”, and these can either be “complete” (necessary vitamins and minerals added), or “supplemental only”. Small amounts of fruits and vegetables, various vegetable-based gums or other processing aids and natural flavors make up the remaining five percent. Ninety-five percent meat complete diets are one of the best feeding choices among commercial foods, since they provide a species appropriate dietary composition. Both of these high-meat products are also excellent to be mixed with dry food, especially if they already contain a large amount of carbohydrates. Last but not least we have standard formulas of wet foods that contain meats as well as grains, potatoes/sweet potatoes, pasta, fruit, vegetables and supplements. The meat content can vary quite a bit, so make sure it’s the first listed ingredient. Broth, stock or water is often named second, since it is needed for processing the food. This product type is generally labeled “complete and balanced” and can be fed exclusively. Of course you can still add this type of wet food to dry food as well. As you now already know, canned food is much less concentrated than dry food, which also has the advantage that feeding a variety of different flavors and formulas is less likely to cause digestive upset. With all these positive aspects, please don’t forget that the foods are still commercial products and the ingredient quality can vary drastically between manufacturers. Have a look at the articles “Label Information 101” and “Ingredients to avoid” at www.dogfoodproject.com and read the information about artificial vitamin K at www.dogfoodproject.com/menadione. Miss Part 1 of this series? Read it here.

Dry Vs. Wet Dog Foods: Which Is The Right Choice? Part 3

In Part 3 of her series on Dry vs. Wet dog food, Sabine Contreras, Canine Care and Nutrition Consultant, goes over a few popular myths of feeding wet food, and leaves us with some tips to keep in mind. Debunking The Myths Incorrect information about wet food ranges from simple misinformation to outrageous old wives tales. Let’s have a look at the facts! “Kibble keeps the teeth clean and exercises the jaws” First things first—cats and dogs are not “chewers”, they do not have the type of teeth with flat “grinding” surfaces required for significantly reducing the particle size of their food through mastication, like for example humans and cows. They also have no lateral (sideways) movement in their jaws to help the process. The natural way of eating for dogs and cats is to rip at their prey and tear out chunks which are then mostly swallowed whole. Bones are gnawed and crushed, again without any lateral movement of the jaws. What truly exercises the jaws and keeps teeth clean is the friction from gnawing on tendons, tissue, and bones (or, as the case may be, a good chew toy, regardless whether it’s edible). The much touted “scraping action” of dry foods only happens if the dog actually “crunches down” on the pieces of food, and only around the top of the molars, but not the canine teeth or incisors, and not where cleaning is most needed: at and below the gum line. The “cleaning action” of special dental kibble comes from its larger size (the pet is forced to “chew”), higher fiber content, and often also a specific coating that changes the chemical composition of the saliva. Sadly the ingredient quality of these products and their nutritional composition leave a lot to be desired. How easily your dog’s teeth stay clean is also very dependent on genetics. Just like people, some dogs just accumulate plaque and tartar more quickly than others and need extra help—no matter what they eat. Unfortunately a dog I have owned was one of the more unlucky individuals, despite eating a raw diet with plenty of bones to gnaw on, his teeth need frequent attention and were even more difficult to keep clean before I stopped feeding kibble. I always tell my clients to pay close attention to their dogs’ teeth no matter what they are feeding, and to start my recommended maintenance program for dental and gum health if they aren’t doing it already. Keeping your dog’s mouth healthy is one of the best things you can do to extend his life, since chronic inflammation and infections spread toxins to all vital organs through the blood stream. “Wet food does not provide the same adequate nutrition as dry food” Nothing could be further from the truth. If a wet food formulation is labeled as “complete and balanced”, it must conform to the same AAFCO nutrient profiles as dry food and other products. “Feeding canned food only will make a pet overweight” While it is true that most canned foods are comparatively higher in fat content, no type of food “makes a pet overweight”; feeding inappropriate amounts does. Don’t “eyeball” portions or rely on the manufacturer’s feeding recommendations, but calculate how many calories the usual dry food portion contains and feed accordingly if you are replacing dry with wet food. If you are adding wet food as a “topping”, don’t forget to reduce the amount of kibble you feed. “Wet food makes the pet’s stool soft or gives them diarrhea” The most common cause for soft stools or diarrhea is overfeeding—regardless whether you feed dry or wet food. Start with smaller amounts and increase slowly. Pets with a sensitive stomach may also react to the higher fat content, so when you begin transitioning to feeding wet food, switch slowly, start with lower fat varieties and reduce the portion size a bit. Adding a few teaspoons of canned pumpkin (plain without salt added, not the spiced pie filling mix!) to each meal will help to normalize stools quickly. “You can’t leave out wet food for free-feeding animals” This is correct—canned food should not be left out for extended periods of time. Free-feeding is not a particularly healthy thing to do though, dogs and cats both are better off eating at set mealtimes and giving the digestive system time to work in between. If your pet needs to eat more frequent small meals due to medical reasons and you are not home during the day, I recommend feeding two meals consisting of wet food for breakfast and dinner, and putting a small amount of dry food into an electronic feeder or a treat-dispensing toy like a Buster Cube or Tricky Treat Ball, so that the pet has to work for it instead of just eating it from a bowl. “Wet food is more expensive to feed” This is one is also true—due to the inclusion of more meat and fewer carbohydrates, higher quality meat ingredients overall, and the more expensive packaging, wet food is generally not as economical to feed as kibble. However, spending a little more on your dog’s diet may save you much more in vet bills over a lifetime. After all you have read about the benefits of less processed food, even if you do not switch completely, I hope that I have convinced you to at least choose to enrich and enhance your dog’s diet by adding some wet food and feed a lesser amount of kibble. Tips on Feeding Wet Foods If a can is dented, misshapen, or leaking, don’t buy it or feed its content to your pet. Bulging cans are an indication of spoilage and should not be used – exchange them for undamaged product.Likewise, if you hear a distinct hissing when opening (other than the normal noise when air enters the can and releases the existing vacuum), do not feed the food and report the problem to the manufacturer.Keeping remaining food in an opened can (sealing it with a reusable plastic or rubber lid, or cling wrap) in the refrigerator for a day or two isn’t a problem, but it’s better to transfer the leftovers to a glass or plastic container for storage to prevent oxidation.Since the price per weight unit is generally lower for larger cans, owners of small dogs can take advantage of larger containers and freeze smaller portions in suitable containers for later use.Freeze canned food in a Kong toy for a wonderful treat that relieves boredom. You don’t have to feed wet food out of a bowl either! Don’t forget to read Part 1 and Part 2 of the series. Sabine Contreras is a Canine Care and Nutrition Consultant based out of Los Angeles, California. She specializes in natural, preventive dog care as well as canine nutrition and offers personalized feeding plans for dogs of all sizes, breeds and ages, no matter if they are companions, performance, working or show dogs. She shares her home with a husband, Jack Russell Terrier and five cats.

The Effect on the Environment of Feeding Cats and Dogs

Up to 30% of the adverse effect on the environment is caused by feeding our cats and dogs. That’s 64 million tons of carbon dioxide each year! Many of us are concerned about the environment. We spend time recycling our waste, and we may switch to an electric vehicle to reduce emissions. But how many of us give a second thought to the impact on the environment of feeding our pets? Probably not many! The problem is, feeding cats and dogs does actually contribute massively to climate change as recent research has uncovered. Feeding all the pets in America for a year has the same impact on the environment as driving 13.6 million cars! Related: Dry vs. Wet Dog Foods: Which Is The Right Choice? Part 1 If all the cats and dogs of America were to form their own country, despite being a great place for all of us pet lovers to go on vacation, this brave new world would rank fifth in the list of countries ordered by meat consumption levels. The production of all this pet food contributes to the use of pesticides and also to erosion. A massive amount of poop Picking up the poop and cleaning out litter trays isn’t the most fun part of pet ownership, unless you’re particularly weird. Our pets produce a whopping 5.1 million tons of poop every year. Interestingly, the problem is actually getting worse. In the past, most pet foods were made from leftover meats from the human meat trade. the parts of the animals that weren’t put into human food were made into pet food. However, these days, there is a growing trend for luxury and gourmet pet foods. These types of food are made from higher quality meat that could actually be made into food products for humans. Related: What Does “Human Grade” Mean When it Comes to Dog Food? So what can we do? A vegetarian diet is not healthy for cats and dogs. So this really isn’t an option. If you are worried that you are contributing to climate change through feeding your pets, then what can you do? You could balance it out by making some changes to your own life, to counteract the effect your pets are having on the environment. Perhaps you could eat less meat yourself? Or reduce your car journeys to lower your own carbon dioxide emissions. If your pet is overweight, you could cut down on their meat a little. You’ll be reducing the environmental impact of their diet and also ensuring they are fit and healthy too!

Dog-Killing Flatworm Discovered in California

Fleas and ticks aren’t the only parasites that dog owners have to fear in southern California this summer. Scientists from the University of California, Riverside, are warning dog owners to keep their pooches out of the water this summer after they have discovered a potentially deadly parasite.A deadly flatworm species that has previously only existed in Texas and other Golf Coast states, has made its way to the west coast and is now present in the portion of the Colorado River that runs through California. The worm, Heterobilharzia americana, is a flatworm commonly known as the liver fluke. The parasite can cause canine schistosomiasis, an illness that affects the liver and intestine of dogs. Although treatment options are available once the dog becomes infected, they aren’t always effective leaving vets no other option than to euthanize the dog. “Dogs can die from this infection, so we are hoping to raise public awareness that it’s there,” said Adler Dillman, a nematology professor at the University of California, Riverside. “If you’re swimming in the Colorado River with them, your pets are in peril.” After learning about several cases of infection in local dogs, professor Dillman and his research team headed to Blythe, a border town in Riverside County. All of the sick dogs have spent time there, swimming in the river.Since snails are responsible for transmitting the infection, researchers collected more than 2,000 along the banks of the Colorado River. The team used DNA testing to identify the snails and the flatworm.The team was astonished to find not one, but two species of snail that can carry the parasite!“We actually found two species of snail that can support H. americana in the river in Blythe and we found both snails actively shedding this worm,” said Dillman, according to UC Riverside News. “Not only was it a surprise to find H. americana, we also didn’t know that the snails were present here.”The flatworm first makes its way into the snail's body, traveling through its system. Once transformed, it moves out to find a mammal host to infect. Without a host, the parasite can’t survive more than 24 hours on its own. Dogs and raccoons are particularly susceptible to becoming infected after coming into contact with water, whether from drinking or swimming in it. The worm gets inside the veins of the intestinal lining, where it develops into an adult and mates. The presence of adults in the veins isn’t as problematic as the eggs that get into the lungs, spleen, liver, and heart. The dog’s immune system reacts by forming clusters of cells, called granulomas. In time, the organ tissues stop functioning.It may take several months for a dog to show any signs of the infection. Symptoms start slowly and include loss of appetite, and progress to vomiting, diarrhea, profound weight loss, and signs of liver disease. “If your dog has these symptoms after swimming in the Colorado River, it’s a good precaution to ask your veterinarian for a simple fecal test,” said Emily Beeler, a veterinarian with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “Treatment typically involves use of multiple medications and close monitoring of the dog by a veterinarian.”Although potentially deadly for our canine companions, this parasite can’t cause the same issues in humans. “ It can cause swimmers itch, a red rash where it penetrates human skin. But it’s not able to cause an infection,” Dillman explained.Steer clear of bodies of water that could contain infected snails to prevent your pooch from catching flatworms. If your pooch can’t resist taking a dip, monitor them for symptoms of flatworm infection in the weeks afterward. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Should I Include in a Pet First Aid Kit?

As loving pet parents, we do everything possible to keep our furry companions safe and healthy. However, life is unpredictable, and accidents happen, so we must be prepared for unexpected emergencies. This includes ensuring we have a fully stocked, pet-friendly first aid kit available. In this article, we’ll discuss the essential items you should have on hand to care for your pet in those unforeseen moments. From basic cuts and scrapes to more severe injuries, you’ll be prepared to act as your pet’s first line of defense when it matters most. Can You Use a Human First Aid Kit on Dogs and Cats? Yes, sort of. Most of the items included in a human first aid kit can be used to treat your pet in the case of an emergency. You may be wondering – if they can use the same supplies, why do I need a first aid kit specifically for pets? Some items you won’t find in a human first aid kit may be necessary depending on your pet’s injury or ailment. These could address a problem that only a dog or cat could experience, or they may involve finding alternatives for human products that are unsafe for our pets, like human medications. What Human First Aid Products Can Be Used on Dogs and Cats? Most standard items in your first aid kit can be used on dogs and cats. For example, bandages, gauze pads, ice packs, and medical tape are all suitable for pets. They are the exact same items often included in both human and pet first aid kits. Tools like scissors, latex gloves, and tweezers will also be helpful when performing first aid on a pet. This means that if you currently have a standard human first aid kit at home, you are already well on your way to being prepared to take care of your pet in an emergency. To update your human first aid kit and make it suitable for pets, you will just need to add a few important items:

Why Do Some Dogs Have Bad Body Odor?

Dogs are cute, no doubt about that, but most of them are not winning awards for their lovely BO – in fact, if we’re being honest, most pooches are a bit stinky. Of course, if you make sure to keep them clean with regular baths, grooming, and teeth brushing, you can eliminate or at least significantly reduce any unpleasant smell. But sometimes, even if you are very attentive about your dog’s hygiene, they can still smell a bit funky. Why does this happen? And what should you do in that case? Lastly, is there a way to prevent unpleasant body odors in your dog? Let’s try and answer all these stinky questions.Why Does My Dog Smell Bad?Are you catching a whiff of something foul whenever your dog enters the room? Are you struggling to keep them clean and smelling fresh? There could be a number of reasons why your pupper is stinky, and it is important to go over everything in order to properly address this issue. Firstly, you want to consider their hygiene. Lack of regular grooming and bathing can lead to a buildup of dirt, oils, and bacteria on a dog's skin and coat, resulting in a bad odor. Make sure you are giving your dog a regular wash or a bath, and that you are using  special shampoos that are safe for pets and smell nice.

Holiday Gifts for Your Cats: Tips and Recommendations

Your cat is a member of your family, so why not include them in the gift giving tradition of the holidays by getting them something special? With a wide range of pet products on the market, you can find an item that your kitty is sure to love, and you can make sweet memories in the process. Whether you have a stocking for your furbaby or you plan on wrapping a little gift for them, here are some holiday gift ideas for cats to help you get started.

What is a Hydrolyzed Protein Diet for Dogs?

Protein is a very important part of a dog’s diet. However, some doggos might have a sensitive digestive system or even allergies. In such cases, a hydrolyzed protein diet becomes essential as it provides important nutrients without being heavy on their tummy. But what is hydrolyzed protein exactly? A hydrolyzed protein diet for dogs is a type of food that is formulated specifically for dogs that have allergies or certain food sensitivities. The protein sources in this diet are all broken down into smaller molecules, thanks to a complex process called hydrolysis. What this process does is reduce the size of the protein molecules, making them less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. So, if your doggo is a bit sensitive, this could be what’s needed!Veterinarians often recommend hydrolyzed protein for dogs that are diagnosed with intolerances or  food allergies. Thanks to this, your pet can receive all the essential nutrients without any adverse reactions being triggered. The most common sources of hydrolyzed protein in these diets are beef, chicken, salmon, or soy. So it’s just like most of the common dog foods - but in a different, better form. 

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More Dogs Than Ever Euthanized as Shelters Hit Capacity

Each year millions of cats and dogs enter shelters and rescues nationwide. Almost a million more animals have entered and lingered in the nation’s shelters in the last three years, resulting in an ongoing capacity crisis. Last year, 3.2 million dogs entered shelters and rescue organizations nationwide. More than 359,000 dogs were euthanized in 2023, compared to 330,000 cats that were euthanized last year. This marks a four-year peak in non-live outcomes for dogs and the first time the number of dogs euthanized has surpassed the number of euthanized cats.  These heartbreaking findings were published in an annual report of shelter populations compiled by Shelter Animals Count, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization founded in 2012. “Everywhere you turn, the shelters are in crisis,” said the organization’s executive director Stephanie Filer. “It’s truly about an imbalance of animals coming in at faster rates than they’re leaving.”According to Filer, for years cats were considered most at risk because they entered shelters at high rates, but faced low adoption rates. However, focused efforts to reverse these trends are giving results, and the newest data shows a positive shift.“We have seen major positive change,” said Filer. “Adoption rates are high and intakes have decreased, and there are efforts to keep cats at home or in their communities.”Unfortunately, dog programs are suffering, with adoption rates significantly lower than in recent years. “Too many dogs are entering shelters and being left behind,” added Filer, according to USA Today. “Unlike cat adoptions, which continue to increase, dog adoptions have essentially flatlined.”When people think of animal shelters, most imagine scores of large-sized mixed breeds and pit bulls. But in reality, there are purebreds like huskies, French bulldogs, Labradors, and even designer dogs.The one thing no animal advocate thought possible happened - the rates of dog euthanasia surpassed the rates of cat euthanasia for the first time in a long time. “The real reason we’re saying, ‘Wow,’ is that it wasn’t that way for a lot of years. And now it is,” said Filer.More than 6.5 million cats and dogs ended up in U.S. shelters and rescues in 2023. While the number of intakes remained relatively steady, this was the fourth consecutive year of overpopulation. While more dogs were adopted in 2023 than in 2022, the adoption rates were insufficient to meet the demand.The high cost of living, job loss, and housing cost challenges are the main reasons adoption rates aren’t keeping up with animal intake. At the end of 2023, an additional 70,000 cats and 107,000 dogs are waiting for a forever home in one of the many shelters and rescues nationwide. “With more animals entering shelters than leaving, animal welfare organizations and their communities need to continue working together to keep pets in loving homes and out of shelters, including finding ways to increase access to veterinary care and advocating for pet-friendly housing policies,” said Matt Bershadker, president and the CEO of ASPCA.Experts agree that the promotion of shelter adoptions is the best way to solve the ongoing capacity crisis. Adopting an animal from a shelter saves a life, but it also supports the struggling shelters and their staff. Although adopting a cat or a dog from a shelter isn’t possible for everyone, there are other things you can do to help. Volunteering in your local shelter, fostering a pet, or donating are great ways to get involved and help alleviate the shelter crisis.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How to Tell Your Cats Are About to Fight, According to Scientists

Have you ever wondered if your cats are play fighting or fighting for real? People living in multi-cat households know that the occasional scuffle or a full-blown cat fight is bound to happen. However, many cat owners have a hard time figuring out whether their cats are fighting or roughhousing. A new study published in Scientific Reports can provide some clues. As it turns out, certain behaviors could indicate whether an interaction between two felines is friendly, aggressive, or something in between. In this study, scientists, including Noema Gajdoš-Kmecová from the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Slovakia, analyzed 105 videos of interactions between 210 cats. The videos were obtained directly from cat owners and YouTube. After watching around one-third of the videos, Gajdoš-Kmecová pinpointed six types of specific behaviors, including wrestling, chasing, staying still, vocalizing, interactive, and non-interactive activities. She then watched all the videos again to see which cats exhibited one of these specific behaviors and for how long. After running a statistical analysis, Gajdoš-Kmecová was able to identify three distinctive types of interactions between the cat pairs - playful, intermediate, and aggressive. To confirm her findings, other members of the research team also watched the videos and classified each interaction between cats. Over half of the cats from the videos, 56% to be exact, exhibited playful interactions. According to the study, playful interactions included wrestling and a lack of vocalization. About 29% were labeled as agonistic, meaning they exhibited any type of social behavior that included threatening, aggression, and submission. Cats in this group vocalized and exhibited recurring bouts of inactivity.The cats in the intermediate group were involved in both aggressive and playful encounters. According to researchers, this group showed prolonged exchanges of specific behaviors, like laying on the back with the belly exposed, pouncing, stalking, and grooming each other. Scientists believe that this mixture of playful and aggressive behavior may be a sign of short-term friction between the cats rather than the end of the relationship. “This might escalate into a fully agonistic encounter but does not necessarily reflect a breakdown in their social relationship but rather a short-term disagreement in social priorities,” researchers wrote in the study. This study is the first to apply a scientific approach to cat behavior that can be identified by experienced and first-time owners alike. Thanks to this study, scientists can now classify inter-cat interactions as either playful, agonistic, or intermediate. “Wrestling can be a sign of a fight but if it comes with bouts of inactivity then that often means it is playful,” explained Profesor Daniel Mills, who led the study.“Playfighting is also without vocalizations. That’s the profile of a friendly cat. The agonistic cat, they might not do as much wrestling with inactivity but they do lots of vocalization.”“Owners should keep an eye out on how much they are wrestling and whether or not they’re vocalizing. Vocalizing can be broad and include meowing and also yowling,” he added. We all know when cats are fighting fur real, but it’s important to recognize intermediate interactions, where things could end in play or escalate into a real fight. “A lot of cats end up at cat rescue centers because the owners think that they’ve fallen out. In the clinic, I’ve seen cats that are playing and the owner thinks it’s a real fight,” said Professor Mills. If your cats are really getting along (share food and toys and sleep together), an occasional bout of agonistic play is okay. But if your cats aren’t the best of friends, you should look for signs of agonistic behavior. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Drug That Could Extend Lifespan of Senior Dogs Enters Clinical Trial

A new and revolutionary drug that could possibly extend the lifespan of healthy, senior dogs, is now entering a major clinical trial. It also has a first patient - an 11-year-old Whippet named Boo. Going by the codename LOY-002, this drug is designed to provide a few more years to senior dogs of most sizes. It is the product of a startup biotech company called  Loyal and is the fruit of their hard work and arduous research. Celine Halioua, the founder and CEO of Loyal, said that the company is working hard to develop several products aimed at the longevity of dogs. One of their initial projects, the LOY-001, was a drug aimed to extend the lifespan of giant and large dog breeds. In November of 2023, this project received the support of the FDA, paving the way for the company's further successes. The underlying mechanisms of aging were the first focus of the company as it developed LOY-001. The drug works by reducing IGF-1, an insulin-like growth factor that is a key biomarker hormone that drives cell growth. It is believed that this reduced the lifespan of extra-large dogs. Similarly, the LOY-002 project aims to extend the lifespan of normal-sized dogs, by improving their metabolic health and thus delaying the onset and the impact of diseases that come with old age. “LOY-002 is a slightly different mechanism [than LOY-001] for senior lifespan extension. It’s a little bit more of a reversal mechanism. It’s not going to make a 10-year-old dog a puppy, but we’ve seen a rescuing in age-related functional decline in dogs that have been treated with this drug,” said Halioua in an interview with  dvm360.The newest study for LOY-002 is expected to last 4 years, and include one thousand enrolled dogs. “It will be one of the largest veterinary clinical studies that, as far as we know, has ever been run,” added Halioua.The first ever receiver of the drug, Boo, was enrolled into the program in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, at the Animal Hospital of Dauphin County. There, an associate veterinary and STAY study investigator, Coby Rudakewiz, became a part of the program for the first time, witnessing its incredible potential. “I’m genuinely excited to be able to share what we’ve seen as a life-changing product to dogs of all sizes,” he said.“This is what it’s all about - keeping dogs feeling their best to enjoy a long life with their owners who love them.”“The launch of this study brings us one step closer to helping senior dogs have more, healthier years with their families…The scale and complexity of STAY reflect Loyal’s commitment to creating demonstrably effective and safe products,” Halioua added. “This is a massive undertaking that wouldn’t be possible without the partnership of the many veterinarians and technicians operating the study in their clinics, and the participating dogs and owners helping advance therapies for all dogs.”For the time being, the company is working hard to receive conditional approval for its revolutionary drug. This would allow them to begin offering it through veterinarians as soon as 2025. This could mean a world of difference for many senior doggos and their families. Seeing your senior doggo enjoy a few extra years without the issues common to old age is nothing short of true happiness, and would mean that the company’s hard efforts were not in vain. Ultimately, this innovative drug gives us hope for the future and makes us wonder what other ground-breaking drugs could we see in the years ahead.

New Study Shows Surprising Effect of Pet Ownership on Seniors

You’ve probably noticed how your four-legged bestie influences your mood for the better, but did you know that your pet might be beneficial to your brain? That’s right! The latest studies show that your pet and their company could be just the thing to lower the risk of dementia in your golden years. These findings are especially important for single senior pet owners who are at risk of this troubling illness as they reveal that having a pet can make a drastic change. A recent study that involved adults over the age of 50 who lived alone revealed that those living in the company of a loved pet will have considerably less decline in their verbal fluency and verbal memory - compared to those who lived without a pet. This research was published in the  journal JAMA Network Open and was based on data taken from 7,945 people in the mentioned age group.This study, however, only reflects on people who live alone and does not involve participants who lived with other persons in the household. Still, while the results reinforce the fact that loneliness is a major risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia in old age, they also reveal something new – that the company of a pet counts as much as the company of human family members, if not more so.The early signs of cognitive decline can be fluency, verbal issues, cognition, and memory problems, and so on. But if you have the company of a pet, whom you can address and care for, can greatly reduce the feelings of loneliness and keep these cognitive issues at bay. This study and its results are very important in today’s day and age and for many Americans in particular. Recent U.S. Census Bureau insights revealed that almost 28 percent of all households in the United States were “one-person households” in 2020. This is an alarmingly large number and shows us that many people aged 50 and older will face lonely senior years. Of course, even though the results of this study show that older people can maintain their mental health through the company of a pet, the research team emphasized that more advanced studies and clinical trials will be required to fully confirm the results. Yet even so, the lack of an effective therapy that can reverse or slow cognitive decline and treat dementia means that these results are a small but very important benefit for the understanding of these issues. And, needless to say, all those who are entering their senior years and want to spend them in a healthier and more beneficial way now know that their next station should probably be a local pet shelter. Find a pet you can love and cherish - and keep your brain healthy while showering them with affection.

Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?

The days are growing colder and colder, and your pet is more and more hesitant when it’s time to go out for a potty break – who could blame them? It’s not like we owners don’t need to give ourselves a pep talk when it’s time to take our dogs out for a walk when it’s snowing outside or the icy wind is whipping everything in sight.While winter can be very unpleasant for your dog, there are ways to keep your pooch toasty and more comfortable when the temperatures drop, ranging from  cozy winter coats, warm blankets, and protective winter boots. Yes, those cute little booties are more than a fashion statement – if you’ve been questioning their efficacy, read on to find out if your pet could use a pair of nice winter boots to keep their paws snug and warm.Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?You might think that paws are naturally protected from the cold ground and rough terrain thanks to their unique properties, but that’s only partially true. Not all doggos are built the same. As they come in different shapes and sizes, and with different coat lengths, it means that they will experience winter and cold temperatures in different ways. But even so, no dog’s paw should be left to endure the snow, the ice, and the  rock salt on the asphalt streets. That means that dog boots in winter are far more than a simple piece of the outfit. They protect, keep warm, and ensure that your dog’s paws are safe from injuries, irritations, and dangerous substances. Of course, some dogs need winter boots more than others. Small and toy dogs are much more vulnerable to cold and low temperatures, and they will need protection from the elements without a doubt – that means both a winter jacket and boots. The same goes for senior dogs, whose aching joints and paw pads are much more vulnerable to the elements than they were when they were young.Ultimately, however, dogs of all ages and sizes should be accustomed to wearing dog boots. They protect your pet’s paws in any weather, and come with a range of other advantages, too – these are the main five benefits of dog boots:#1 TractionThanks to dog boots, your pet will no longer have trouble walking on icy or slick surfaces. Boots provide grip and traction, and your next wintery outing will be much safer and faster thanks to them. This is especially important to seniors, who can seriously injure themselves and endanger their mobility due to slips and falls on icy surfaces.#2 InsulationThe boots are there to protect from extreme temperatures. This goes for both winter and summer. So whether it’s ice and cold, or the hot summer asphalt, the boots are there to provide safety – no frostbite on the paw pads, no burns on their delicate little beans.#3 HygieneCleaning your dog’s paws after every walk can quickly become a tiring chore – kudos to you if it doesn’t. Winter brings mud and slush with it, and without the boots, all that mess remains on the paws and gets inside your house, so you need to  clean your pet’s paws every single time you come in from outside. `thanks to dog boots, this can be a thing of the past.#4 Comfort and careDogs can have very sensitive paw pads, especially if they are older and cracked. Thanks to dog boots, winter doesn’t have to exacerbate these issues. Padded and comfy, dog boots ensure that walking on various surfaces is smooth and pain-free.#5 Prevention of injuriesWhen it comes to the protection of paw pads, nothing beats dog boots. In winter, there are a lot of hazards on the walking surface. Ice shards, frozen rocks, icy puddles, and rock salt – the list is endless. Thanks to the protection of the boots, your pet will be safe from abrasions, cuts, and frostbite.

New Study Searches for the Secret Connection Between ‘Gifted’ Dogs

As dog parents, we all want to believe that our dog is the smartest, most incredible, most amazing dog out there. Right? But there is a select group of dogs whose talent and intelligence stand out above the rest. What makes these dogs so bright? That’s what a new study hopes to understand… Known as “Gifted Word Learner” (GWL) Dogs, these dogs display an impressive vocabulary by learning the names of dozens of their toys, with some learning as many as 125 toys by name! Interested in better understanding this phenomenon and what makes these dogs so naturally gifted, researchers at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary set out to identify any commonalities between these pups. Their recent study, published in Scientific Reports on December 14, included 41 GWL dogs from nine countries: the US, the UK, Canada, Brazil, Norway, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and Hungary. They put out a call for ‘gifted’ dogs, asking owners to complete and submit a self-assessment following their detailed instructions and send the results in a video. Dogs that passed that phase were then given an online vocabulary assessment test to better assess their language skills. The owners were also given a questionnaire to provide a better understanding of each dog’s life experience. “In the questionnaire, we asked the owners about their dog’s life experience, their own experience in raising and training dogs, and about the process by which the dog came to learn the names of his/her toys,” explained Dr. Andrea Sommese, study co-author. Researchers discovered some interesting connections between the GWL dogs using all this information.

Animal Shelter Receives Donations in Memory of Jon Stewart’s Dog

Comedian Jon Stewart returned to “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central in February, and viewers have been tuning in to watch him talk about current events. Stewart hosts every Monday night, serving up news in a hilarious way. But on February 26, he closed the show on a somber note, spending a few minutes talking about his dog, Dipper.Jon Stewart Remembers His Extraordinary DogStewart shared a touching story of how he met and came to adopt Dipper. He explained that, 12 or 13 years ago, his young children wanted to raise money for Animal Haven, a no-kill shelter for dogs and cats in New York City. To fundraise, his family baked cupcakes and set up an area outside of the shelter to sell them.  He went on to say that the shelter brought out a pit bull who was about 1 year old. At this point, Stewart started to break down, clearly getting emotional as he explained that the dog had been hit by a car in Brooklyn and had lost one of his legs as a result.Through tears, Stewart said his family left the shelter after raising some much-needed funds for a wonderful organization that does great work. But they also left with the very special pit bull who had stolen their hearts and who was, as Stewart described him, the best boy. Dipper even used to go to the studio with Stewart, so he met the famous people who were guests on the show.Then, Stewart shared the devastating news that Dipper had passed away just the day before. He ended with a wish for everyone to find an amazing dog they could love. And then, for the show’s “Moment of Zen,” they played an adorable video of Dipper playing in the snow.You can watch the segment here:

Martha Stewart's Persian Cat, Empress Tang, Crosses the Rainbow Bridge

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Why is My Cat Suddenly Acting Aggressive?

Cats are well-known for their independent and aloof nature. It’s part of their mysterious and majestic presence. But what do you do when your once docile companion suddenly becomes angry or aggressive?Understanding why your cat may have shown such an abrupt behavior change is important. Why? This could be a sign of much bigger trouble that demands your attention. There are many explanations for this type of change in demeanor, including physical pain or illness. The best solution to create harmony once again in your home is to get to the bottom of it!In this article, we will look at the most common reasons for a cat to suddenly exhibit aggression and what you should do to help your furry best friend.What Does Aggression Look Like in Cats?If you are a first-time cat owner or have never encountered an aggressive cat, you may wonder what aggression looks like. Our feline friends aren’t always as outwardly friendly and affectionate as their canine counterparts, but aggression refers to behaviors that go a step further. Rather than being aloof or disinterested, an aggressive cat outwardly expresses upset, anger, and frustration toward a trigger.Cat parents who seek help with an aggressive cat often refer to their cat biting or swatting, causing physical harm out of nowhere. But there are often other signs of trouble that are overlooked or unnoticed.Early signs of aggression include:Thrashing or fast twitching tailDirect stareDilated pupilsEars flattened back against the headStiff or crouched postureRaised hacklesHissing, growling, or yowlingWhen these warning signs are ignored, a cat may feel they have no choice but to react further to protect themselves from the perceived threat or trigger. It is at this moment that a cat will swat or bite. Learning to recognize the early warning signs will help you prevent the situation from escalating to the point that someone is hurt.How Do You Tell if a Cat is Playing or Being Aggressive?Some cats, especially young kittens, may play in a way that is similar to or mimics the signs of aggression. This can make it harder to identify if your cat is truly upset or simply playing around. Luckily, there are a few minor differences that can help you differentiate between the two.When a cat is being playful, they usually have their claws retracted. This means they may swat at you during play, but they aren’t scratching or causing harm with that action. The same can be said when they pounce on you – landing on you with their paws, nails retracted. If your cat is biting at your hand during play, they often have a threshold they won’t cross. They may bite hard enough that you feel some discomfort, but they aren’t trying to break the skin.There is a grey area that shouldn’t be overlooked between play and aggression, where a cat either didn’t learn where that line exists or fails to acknowledge it. This is known as play aggression, which we will touch on later.

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Dry Vs. Wet Dog Foods: Which Is The Right Choice? Part 1

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