Why you should consider mixing wet and dry dog food
BY Laura Crotch Harvey
12th Mar 2024 Animals & Pets
3 min read
There are advantages and disadvantages of mixing wet and dry food for your dog, so here are some of the things to consider and whether you should choose this mix for your furry friend
An expert nutritionist from
healthy food brand Burns Pet Nutrition has
revealed how dog owners may want to provide your dog with the best possible
care when it comes to eating. By carefully selecting the brand, type and recipe
of dog food, you ensure your furry friend is getting all of the nutrients they
need. However, have you ever thought about the way you are serving this
nutritious food to your dog?
Here we take a deeper dive into
whether you can mix wet and dry food and if it makes a difference to your
canine companion.
What is wet dog food?
Wet dog food typically has a high
moisture content. This can make it a great option for dogs that need extra
moisture in their diet, contributing to their hydration levels. The added
moisture also gives it an incredibly soft texture, making it a popular choice
for dogs with dental issues.
Our wet food, for example, is
made using natural ingredients and contains all of the vitamins and minerals
your dog needs, with no hidden surprises. The majority of brands have a mix of
varieties and flavours which usually include turkey, chicken, fish and lamb.
What is dry dog food?
Dry dog food, otherwise known as
dry kibble, typically comes in small, dry, crunchy pieces. This type of food is
a convenient option for pet parents as it is easy to store and measure, as well
as often being more budget-friendly.
Can you mix wet and dry food?
It might sound like a strange idea but there are benefits to mixing wet and dry dog food. Credit: Mart Production
If you have always served wet and
dry foods separately, this might sound like a strange idea. However, you can
mix wet and dry dog food as long as you adjust their feeding amounts
accordingly!
What are the advantages of mixing wet and dry food?
Mixing wet and dry food can offer
a number of advantages to your furry companion, including:
Improved variety
Dogs don’t necessarily get bored
of their food like humans do. However, dogs often prefer wet food so it is
great to give them as a treat. This can be particularly beneficial for picky
eaters.
"By combining wet and dry foods, you can adapt your dog’s diet to their individual nutritional needs"
Enrichment
Feeding a mixture of wet and dry
food gives you different options for feeding toys. Putting wet food in a Kong
is a great way to keep your dog entertained and you can even freeze it to make
it last longer. Whereas dry food is ideal for feeding puzzles and snuffle
mats.
Customisable meals
By combining wet foods and dry
foods, you can adapt your dog’s diet to their individual preferences, dietary
requirements and nutritional needs. This can be particularly helpful when
managing the diet of a dog with health conditions.
What are the disadvantages of mixing wet and dry food?
However, it can also offer a
number of disadvantages to dog owners, including:
Nutritional imbalance
Improper mixing can lead to deficiencies or excesses in
certain nutrients. As each type of food has its own balance of nutrients, it is
important that you get the portions right, meeting your dog’s exact
requirements.
Weight gain
If not properly managed, mixed feeding can lead to weight
gain. With high calories in wet food and high fat in dry food, it can be easy
to accidentally overfeed your dog, leading to gradual weight gain.
"With high calories in wet food and high fat in dry food, it can be easy to overfeed your dog"
Increased waste
The moisture in wet food can cause it to spoil faster,
especially if your dog doesn’t eat it all straight away. This can lead to large
amounts of food being thrown away.
Added inconvenience
The process of mixing wet and dry dog food can be
time-consuming. From opening packages to measuring portions, this can feel like
an inconvenience for some dog owners.
What would we recommend?
It is difficult to ignore the many benefits that come with a
mixed wet and dry diet. Not only can it make meal times more appealing, but it
can also ensure your dog is receiving a balanced diet. However, it all depends
on your dog’s individual preferences, dietary requirements and nutritional
needs.
"It all depends on your dog's individual preferences and dietary requirements"
That’s why we would recommend consulting our free nutrition helpline
before making any changes to your dog’s diet. They will be able to provide you
with advice on mixing your dog’s food, including the exact portions they
require to maintain a healthy weight.
Banner photo: Mixing wet and dry dog food is worth considering. Credit: Cup of Couple
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