Meat on the label, well, is not meat…its liquid
Did you know when a manufacturer states meat on the label of a DRY food; it’s not actually meat as we know what meat is, but rather a liquefied version of that meat. Don’t be mislead, when a manufacturer lists a specific “meat” it’s in a liquid form so that it is able to be processed in an extruder; the most commonly used manufacturing process of dry food.
The only other form of meat that can be used in this type of manufacturing or more politely, processed, is a dry “meal” form, which is very expensive (as the yield is much less per pound) and very high in protein in a percentage comparison to a liquid. When a specific type of meat described in a “meal” form is listed; it is actually that meat with all the water and fat removed; therefore, dry and an extremely dense, rich form of that specific meat.
“Liquid meat” allows it to be listed very high or forward in the ingredient listing as ingredients are listed in descending order by weight and we know that liquid is very heavy. This is misleading, as you the consumer, would believe that it would then be the “most” in the finished kibble, but it's NOT!
Did you also know that on average; about 75% of all canned food is made up of water? It is only the remaining percentage that actually constitutes dry matter. Thus, if you assumed, canned foods were the best for your pets, that may not really be the case, how much canned meat do you eat? You can always add your water to a dry product to moisten it if you feel that is better for your pet. In addition to this, to serve a sufficient portion of food to your pet, you would require a larger quantity of canned food, than you would any other kind of food. This is because of the water to dry matter imbalance. It will then take more to fully feed your pet.
In either instance, all foods should not be left down for the animal to nibble as it is not their nature to graze. Grazing slows down the digestion process, which can and in many cases be a contributing factor to health concerns with the urinary tract. Wet foods when left out, are highly susceptible to bacteria, thus easily becoming contaminated. Immediately after eating, any canned food that is left over should be refrigerated and taken out only on the next serving.
Aside from raw foods, canned foods are among the most expensive pet foods available. With the more meat based canned foods taking the highest priced spots. Many commonly would mix dry foods and canned foods feeling they are doing more and benefiting the animal. As raw foods are now being more widely accepted by the consumer along with the addition of table scraps (as it was done for millennium before the advent of commercial foods) many have found it easier to incorporate these very beneficial additions into their daily feed while reaping tremendous benefits in their pet’s overall well-being.
As it is common with wet foods to stick to the gaps of their gums inviting some gum diseases, you should understand that all of the processed foods are cooked, which in return kills most of the viable enzymes and probiotics, if the manufacturer initially included them. Viand’s Unleash can be added to their daily diet to help combat dental concerns, as well as break down food stuck in the mouth while aiding digestion all along. PHD’s Aelyon dehydrated canine feed does not undergo any cooking process, thereby all of the vitamins, enzymes, minerals and probiotics are very much alive and active. This product is recommended for all toy and small breeds to give them the best chance of keeping their teeth throughout their life. Most well produced dry foods can clean your pet’s teeth and massage their gums as they eat , but it is commonly understood that dogs and cats really don’t chew, they swallow. Consequently, your pet acquires frequent plaque build-up and tooth decay; so periodically, the use of active enzymes can assist in the removal of plaque and other bacteria in the mouth.
A base food with high quality ingredients periodically mixed with raw foods or leftovers will keep your pets’ immune, digestive, and mental systems vibrant, alive, and healthy. This gives pets a balance and mixture of all ingredients and whatever one may lack, the other may compensate. What is important is that you know the protein, vitamin, mineral and fatty and/or amino acid composition that is required in each and every serving to ensure your pet is healthy, then it is up to you to find an economical manner in which you can switch things up.