Why you should consider mixing wet and dry dog food

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.

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.

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.

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!

Mixing wet and dry food can offer a number of advantages to your furry companion, including:

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.

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.

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.

However, it can also offer a number of disadvantages to dog owners, including:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.