Why Does Canned Dog Food Have Less Protein Than Dry?

The primary difference between canned and dry dog food is their protein content; canned food has much less protein than dry. This is due to the way the two types of food are manufactured.

Canned foods are cooked in a process known as “retorting,” where temperatures reach over 250 degrees. This process destroys some of the proteins in the food, resulting in lower protein content. Dry dog food, on the other hand, is made through a process called “extrusion.” This process does not require high temperatures and therefore does not damage the proteins as much as retorting does.

Canned foods also contain more moisture than dry dog food, which again accounts for their lower protein content. Moisture takes up space that would otherwise be occupied by proteins and other nutrients, resulting in a lower overall percentage of protein in canned dog foods. Additionally, canned foods often contain fillers that are used to make them more palatable; these fillers can also contribute to lower levels of protein.

The differences between canned and dry dog food go beyond just their protein content; for example, canned foods are often richer in fat than kibble. However, due to the higher moisture content of canned food, it can be more difficult for dogs to digest than dry kibble.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, canned dog food has less protein than dry because it is cooked at high temperatures during processing which destroys some of its proteins, it contains more moisture which takes up space that would otherwise be occupied by proteins and it often contains fillers that can also contribute to a lower percentage of proteins.