Dry food vs. wet food, which is better?

Dry food contains high-starch carbohydrates, which can easily lead to obesity.

Grains and other high-starch carbohydrates, such as high glycemic index, genetically modified corn, wheat, rice, or potatoes, make up most dry foods. Even grain-free dry foods often contain high levels of starchy carbohydrates, including legumes, peas, and lentils.

This creates metabolic stress throughout the day, causing dramatic fluctuations in insulin, glucagon, and cortisol. High carbohydrate content also contributes to the growing problem of pet obesity.

Dry food is a low-moisture product, which keeps dogs in a constant state of dehydration. It can be compared to only eating salty crackers.

 

Dry food may be made from animals infected with diseases. Most nutrients are lost during the dry food manufacturing process.

Dry food may contain diseased animal material and meat ingredients from non-slaughtered animals, and manufacturers are not required to disclose this.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states: "Processed pet food that has been heat-treated, including that made from materials from diseased animals or animals that died by non-slaughter methods, is intended to kill harmful bacteria..."

Rendering is one method of pasteurizing originally rotten, inedible animal by-products and animal waste at high temperatures. Today, many ingredients in pet food come from rendering plants.

During the high-temperature treatment process, many nutrients in dry food are lost, so flavor enhancers and synthetic nutrients need to be added to replenish what has been lost.

In this process, different types of acrylamide and other carcinogens are produced, which may be harmful to the long-term health of dogs.

Are there other options besides dry food?

Yes, there are alternative dry food options that do not involve high-temperature drying, such as:

1. BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) Diet: The BARF diet is based on the dog's eating habits in the wild, including natural ingredients such as raw meat, organs, bones, vegetables, and fruits. This diet advocates providing food closer to a natural diet and avoids high-temperature drying and processing.

2. Fresh Food: Fresh food is made from fresh meat, vegetables, and other natural ingredients and usually does not undergo high-temperature drying. If your pet cannot tolerate a raw meat diet, fresh food is the best option.