Why Complete Dry Dog Food Might Not Be the Best Choice
- Advanced Animal Care
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
While complete dry dog food is often marketed as a balanced, all-in-one solution for your dog’s nutrition, it may not always meet every dog’s needs, especially as they age.
Here’s why supplementing with high-quality options like Advanced Animal Care 18-in-1 Vitamins and Probiotics or Canine Comfort Complete can make a significant difference for your pup’s health.
Dry dog food undergoes extensive processing, which can diminish its nutritional value. The high heat used in production often degrades essential vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, leaving the food less nutrient-dense than fresh alternatives.
Many dry foods also include fillers like corn, wheat, or soy, which can be difficult for dogs to digest and may contribute to allergies or sensitivities over time.
A 2023 study from the Journal of Animal Science found that dogs fed exclusively dry food had a higher incidence of digestive issues compared to those on mixed diets with fresh ingredients.
Additionally, dry food typically contains only about 10% moisture, far less than the 70-80% found in fresh or wet food, which can lead to chronic dehydration. This is particularly concerning for aging dogs, as it may stress their kidneys and urinary tract, potentially exacerbating age-related health issues.
The American Veterinary Medical Association emphasizes that proper hydration is critical for canine kidney function, especially in older dogs.
While dry dog food is formulated to meet basic nutritional standards (like those set by the AAFCO), it may not fully address the specific needs of aging dogs. Senior dogs often require additional support for joint health, digestion, and immunity—areas where dry food alone might fall short. For instance, essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids for inflammation, glucosamine for joint support, or probiotics for gut health may not be present in adequate amounts.
This is where supplements like Advanced Animal Care Canine Comfort Complete come in to play..
– And Why You Should Consider Supplementing with Advanced Animal Care 18-in-1 Vitamins and Probiotics or Canine Comfort Complete
Animal Care 18-in-1 Vitamins and Probiotics can step in. This comprehensive supplement offers a blend of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics designed to support overall health, including digestion, immunity, and energy levels. It’s an excellent choice for dogs of all ages, but especially for seniors who need a boost to combat age-related decline. For aging dogs with more specific needs, Canine Comfort Complete is another great option. Tailored for older dogs, it includes targeted ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health, as well as probiotics to aid digestion and maintain gut balance—crucial for seniors prone to digestive issues.
Supplementing dry food with these products, or even adding fresh foods like cooked vegetables or lean meats, can enhance your dog’s diet with vital nutrients and moisture. A 2024 a veterinary nutritionist noted that dogs on a mixed diet with added supplements showed improved energy and coat quality within weeks. However, always consult your vet before introducing new supplements, especially if your dog has specific health concerns.
Dry food has its perks—it’s affordable, convenient, and can help with dental health by reducing tartar buildup. But for aging dogs, it’s often not enough on its own. Adding supplements like Advanced Animal Care 18-in-1 Vitamins and Probiotics or Canine Comfort Complete can help bridge the nutritional gap, ensuring your senior dog stays happy, healthy, and vibrant in their golden years.
While there aren’t many large-scale studies from the UK specifically focusing on dry dog food and supplements in the provided references, some relevant insights can be drawn from UK-based sources that touch on these topics.
A 2021 survey study conducted across the UK, Germany, France, the USA, and Canada explored consumer habits related to purchasing grain-free dry dog food. It found that in 2015, grain-free pet food made up about 15% of the UK market share, compared to 30% in the USA. The study highlighted that factors like perceived allergies in dogs, owner purchasing habits, and dietary routines significantly influenced the choice of grain-free dry dog food in the UK. Owners reporting two or more allergy symptoms in their dogs were more likely to opt for grain
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