Is canned food just a treat?

Many people use canned food as a treat or top dressing in addition to their pets’ dry meals. Whether you have a cat or a dog most can’t resist the appealing smell and soft texture of canned food. 

As a nutritionist I had to ask:  Is there a nutritional benefit to feeding canned?

There absolutely can be!  Let’s look at what canned food has to offer:

1. Moisture content – canned food generally has a moisture content greater than 70%.
   What is the benefit of this high moisture content for your pet?
   MORE WATER!
   If your pet is predisposed to lower urinary tract issues such as crystals and stones, or if you have concerns that your pet isn’t drinking enough water to maintain healthy hydration, adding canned food to their eating regime increases water intake.  Water is essential to life and maintaining hydration can help ensure proper bodily functions.
2. Calorie dilution – the higher moisture content means lower calories compared to the dry kibble equivalent.
   When would this benefit a cat or dog?  During weight loss.  You can feed a larger volume of canned compared to dry while actually reducing the calories consumed.  The increased water content will help increase the feeling of fullness during a meal and aid digestion.
3. Soft Texture – the soft texture of canned food helps during times of oral sensitivity.  Oral sensitivity can occur during teething as a puppy, or in aging pets when teeth, gums, and jaws become more sensitive, or during recovery from facial trauma.

So now that you have read some of the awesome benefits of canned food you might wonder: Does it have to be ALL canned or ALL dry??

Absolutely NOT!

Feeding a combination of dry and canned food can provide the benefits of both.  The best way to achieve an appropriate balance of wet:dry is to start by determining the dry food equivalents of the canned food.  For example, let’s say the calories in one can of wet food equals the calories in one cup of dry food.  If you wanted to feed a diet of 1:1 and have been feeding a cup of dry food per day the equivalent including canned would be ½ a can and ½ a cup of dry. 

Make sure you choose a canned food that compliments the dry food you are feeding.  If the label on the canned food does not contain the dry equivalents check the brand website or call the consumer care line.  This way you can be sure your pet is receiving ALL of the nutrients they need in the right amounts.

Want to learn more about which dogs and cats may benefit from eating a diet containing wet and dry good?  Stay tuned!!