Is it good to mix dry and wet dog food
Can You Mix Wet and Dry Dog Food? Vet-Verified Pros & Cons
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Learn moreDo you ever mix wet and dry dog food together? Many people do, but is it a good idea? Some pet owners believe that mixing the two will provide their canine companions with a more well-rounded diet. However, others think that this could actually be harmful to the dogs. So, whats the verdict?
Yes, you can mix wet and dry dog food. In fact, many pet parents do it to add variety to their dogs diet or to make sure their pup is getting all the nutrients that they need.
However, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when mixing wet and dry dog food.
Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food is also known as kibble. Its made up of bite-sized pieces of meat and other ingredients that have been cooked and then dried. Dry food is typically high in carbohydrates, which can make it a good choice for dogs that need more energy.
Dry dog food has a lot of advantages. For one thing, its great for dental health, since the crunchy kibble helps to remove tartar and plaque. Its also easy to store and has a long shelf life, which makes it a convenient option for busy pet owners.
Additionally, dry dog food is usually cheaper than wet food, and theres a large variety of brands and flavors to choose from.
However, there are also some disadvantages to dry dog food. There is wide variation in the quality of ingredients, and choosing a food suitable for your dog can be daunting. In addition, some dogs dont enjoy the texture of dry food and prefer wet food instead.
Pros
- Great for dental health
- Easy to store
- Long shelf life
- Cheap
- Large variety of ingredients
Cons
- Some dogs may not like it
Wet Dog Food
Wet dog food has several advantages, including the fact that dogs tend to like it more than dry food. The high moisture content in wet food can also be beneficial for dogs that need to stay hydrated, such as those with kidney issues.
Additionally, wet food is softer and easier to eat, making it a good choice for dogs with dental problems. Finally, wet food is often used to wean puppies, since it is easy for them to consume.
While there are many benefits to wet dog food, there are also some drawbacks. Wet food is generally more expensive than dry food, and it can be messy to feed. Wet food also spoils more quickly than dry food and requires refrigeration after opening.
Despite these disadvantages, wet dog food can be a nutritious and delicious option for your four-legged friend.
Pros
- Dogs tend to love it
- High moisture content, aiding hydration
- Ideal for dogs with dental issues
- Great for weaning puppies
Cons
- Expensive
- Messy
- Spoils quickly
- Requires refrigeration after opening
Mixing Wet and Dry Dog Food
As you can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages to feeding your dog wet or dry food. So, what happens if you mix the two?
Mixing wet and dry food can give your dog the best of both worlds. The dry food will provide them with the crunchy texture that they enjoy, while the wet food will add moisture and flavor.
Additionally, mixing wet and dry food can help to ensure that your dog is getting all the nutrients they need. Different types of food offer different nutritional benefits.
For example, dry food is typically high in carbohydrates, while wet food is higher in protein. By feeding your dog a mix of both, you can help to ensure that theyre getting a well-rounded diet.
The Benefits
- Positive effects from both types of food
- Easier to disguise the introduction of new flavors
- Provides texture and variety to their diet
- More cost effective than feeding just wet food
- Aids in weight management (wet food is less dense in calories)
The Downfalls
- More work involved
- Mixture gets soggy if not eaten immediately
Make sure youre feeding your dog the right amount, check out our dog foodcalculatorhere:
The exact amount of calories an individual animal needs to maintain a healthy weight is variable and influenced by many factors including genetics, age, breed, and activity level. This tool is meant to be used only as a guideline for healthy individuals and does not substitute veterinary advice
How to Mix Feed Your Dog
Now that you know some of the benefits and drawbacks of mixing wet and dry food, you might be wondering how to go about doing it. There are three primary ways that you can mix these two dog foods:
- Straight mixing: This is the simplest way to mix wet and dry food. Simply combine the two foods in your dogs bowl, and let them eat as usual.
- Alternate days: If youre concerned about the wet food going bad, you can alternate between feeding your dog dry food one day and wet food the next.
- Alternate meals: Another option is to feed your dog dry food for one meal and wet food for the next. This can be a good option to blend into your routine. Many owners opt for dry food for breakfast and wet food for dinner.
Ratios
When it comes to mixing wet and dry food, there is no perfect ratio. It will vary depending on your dogs individual preferences and nutritional needs.
A good starting point is to mix one part wet food with three parts dry food. From there, you can adjust the ratio as needed based on your dogs response.
Transition Period
When mixing wet and dry food, its important to do so gradually. Sudden changes in diet can cause digestive upset in dogs. Instead, slowly introduce the new food over the course of 710 days.
Begin by mixing a small amount of wet food with their dry food. Each day, increase the amount of wet food while decreasing the amount of dry food. By the end of the transition period, your dog should be eating mostly wet food with only a small amount of dry food mixed in.
Tips for Success
- Consult a vet before making any changes to your dogs diet.
- Use different flavors and textures to entice your dog to eat.
- Choose a food that is high quality and nutritious.
- Monitor your dogs weight and energy levels to ensure that theyre getting the right amount of food.
- Never mix prescription or specialty dog food before discussing it thoroughly with your vet.
Summary
There is no such thing as the best option for all when it comes to feeding dogs. Cost, storage, ease, medical concerns, physical limitations, access to food types, individual dog pickiness, and much more may all influence your choice of whether to feed only wet or dry food or a combination of both.
Featured Image Credit: Yuriy Golub, Shutterstock
Best Wet Dog Foods
Pork Potluck is one of 4 fresh human-grade recipes studied in our review of the Nom Nom cooked-then-frozen product line.
Nom Nom Pork Potluck derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh ground pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 28% protein, 20% fat and 44% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 71%.
If youve ever wished you could feed your dog a fresh, home-cooked meal but you didnt know how to make sure it was nutritionally complete and balanced then Nom Nom makes a smart choice.
The first time you visit Nom Noms website, youll answer a few questions about your dogs age, weight, breed and suspected allergies. Nom Nom will then create a customized, single protein diet designed to keep your dog at optimal weight.
Expertly designed by Dr. Justin Shmalberg, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN).
An excellent limited ingredient recipe and a solid place to start an at-home elimination diet. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Ground pork, russet potatoes, green beans, squash, kale Texture Coarsely ground Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults + puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com"Nom Nom has been delivering food for our picky Aussie/Border Collie mix for the last six months. He always eats it and he loves it. It is VERY convenient. If someone is watching him while we travel - we just send the correct number of pouches. So easy. We will not be cancelling anytime soon."
This Turkey Recipe is one of 4 human-grade wet formulas included in our review of The Farmers Dog product line.
The Farmers Dog Turkey Recipe derives most of its animal protein from fresh turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 19% fat and 40% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%. Other flavor options.
The entire product line is designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and each recipe is made with human-grade ingredients.
All Farmers Dog formulas are 100% complete and balanced and meet AAFCO nutrient standards for all life stages which makes each recipe suitable for puppies, adults or seniors.
A healthy feeding option for those able to afford the premium price. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full The Farmers Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, chickpeas, carrot, broccoli, parsnip Texture Coarsely ground Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and all puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheFarmersDog.com"BEST dog food our dog has ever had! Our Coton De Tulear is the pickiest dog ever. We have searched forever to get a food that he will consistently eat and this is the ONLY food he will consistently eat. I love the fact that not only is it human grade food but it is formulated especially for him. His coat is thicker and softer than ever. If you love your dog feed him food from The Farmers Dog. Your dog will love it and you will love knowing it is healthy and safe."
Just Food For Dogs Pantry Fresh Chicken and White Rice received the Dog Food Advisors rating of 4.5 stars.
It is one of nine recipes in this range made by Just Food For Dogs, a company founded in 2010 by entrepreneur Shawn Buckley.
Just Food For Dogs Pantry Fresh Chicken and White Rice derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 10 essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 33% protein, 11% fat and 49% carbohydrates. . . with a fat to protein ratioof 53%.
This Pantry Fresh range is vet-recommended, fresh, human-grade food. They can be stored safely for up to two years (refrigeration is only required once opened).
Read our review of the full Just Food For Dogs Pantry Fresh Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Water, chicken, rice, carrots and spinach Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs Sample buyer review...
"I absolutely love this product. After thawing it and serving it, you can visibly see the nutrients and the fact that it is human grade food. It looks like food I would eat for lunch. I mix it with kibble since we still are on a budget, however my dog loves it!! She gets a cup of this food and a cup of kibble per meal, and she destroys the wet food before touching the kibble. It's also super easy to use in a slow feeder or puzzle feeder! It has also helped my dog with her energy levels, and overall she's more energetic and ready for the day with this food. 11/10 would recommend and would buy again!!!"
Turkey Pawella is one of4 fresh recipescontained inour reviewof the A Pup Above product line.
A Pup Above Turkey Pawella acquires the better part of its meat protein fromfresh turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 22% fat and 27% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 51%.
The formula also includes zinc amino acid complex and 3 otherchelated minerals, costly supplements found in better quality pet foods.
An exceptionallimited ingredientdiet. And a solid option for dogs with suspectedfood intolerances. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full A Pup Above Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey hearts, turkey livers, turkey gizzards, tomatoes Type Grain or grain-free (depends on recipe) AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Beef, Pork, Chicken Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at APupAbove.com"Mealtime is so much more fun with A Pup Above! Grizzly can sometimes be a picky eater, but watching him chow down his food when I add this to his meal is just so satisfying. Thanks for making mealtime so easy and delicious for us!"
Raised Right Beef is one of11 fresh recipesincluded inour reviewof the Raised Right product line.
Raised Right Beef derives the lions share of its animal protein fromfresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
One of the best fresh, human-grade dog foods on the market. Unusually wide recipe selection can be a major plus especially for picky eaters. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Type Grain-free (carrots, cranberries) AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only The Turkey Patty is one of 6 frozen raw recipes included in our review of the We Feed Raw product line.
The We Feed Raw Turkey Patty derives most of its animal protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 49% protein, 25% fat and 18% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
High quality ingredients. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full We Feed Raw Dog Food (Raw Frozen) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey Tails, turkey gizzards, turkey wings, turkey liver, WFR vitamin + mineral mix Type Grain-free, raw frozen Protein Percentage 49% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at WeFeedRaw.com"I have been feeding my dogs We Feed Raw for 3 years now and they love their food, their coats are always shining. They are active, happy, healthy dogs."
All Life Stages Chicken and Rice is one of 4 canned recipes included in our review of the Canidae product line.
This recipe derives the majority of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 41% protein, 30% fat and 22% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 72%.
A superior, all life stages, wet formula. Free of corn, wheat or soy. Highly recommended.
See all 4 available recipes
Read our review of the full Canidae All Life Stages Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, dried egg product, brown rice Texture Finely-chopped pat Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 41% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and all puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"All 4 of my dogs love it. I love the ingredients. It's nice and soft, easy to mix into dry food. And my old man teddy who doesn't have bottom teeth likes how soft it is too."
Merrick Cowboy Cookout is one of 10 canned recipes included in our review of the Merrick Classic product line.
Cowboy Cookout takes the lions share of its animal protein from fresh beef. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 44% protein, 17% fat and 31% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 38%.
A healthy, grain-free food for adults or puppies. Highly recommended.
See all 10 available recipes
Read our review of the full Merrick Classic Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned beef, beef broth, chicken broth, beef liver, carrots Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 44% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My retriever loves it. She is a difficult dog to feed as she either doesn't like it or it upsets her stomach. This is a winner, she loves it, and it settles well with her digestive track."
Ollie Turkey is one of 4 human-grade recipes covered in our review of the Ollie fresh dog food product line.
Ollie Turkey derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh turkey and organ meat. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 39% protein, 25% fat and 28% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
The company designs each custom feeding plan based on your dogs weight, age, breed type, activity level and allergies and then recommends a precise portion size, according to the number of calories needed to keep your dog at ideal weight.
The food is delivered to you on a flexible schedule. Once in your home, store the food in your freezer and thaw them (as needed) in your refrigerator.
An exceptional, grain-free option ideal for those who want to feed a scientifically balanced diet thats as close to homemade as you can get but without all the hard work. Not cheap. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey thigh, pumpkin, turkey liver, turkey heart, carrot Texture Coarsely ground Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 39% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and all puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at MyOllie.com"Jolene has been with Ollie from the beginning. She never has digestive issues or allergies. Her coat is shiny, she has energy, and I'm thankful I can get fresh food for her delivered at my door."
Bed and Breakfast is one of 14 canned recipes included in our review of the Weruva product line.
This Weruva recipe gets the bulk of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 57% protein, 10% fat and 25% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 18%.
An exceptional, grain-free formula. Highly recommended.
See all 14 available recipes
Read our review of the full Weruva Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, water, egg, pumpkin, sweet potato Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 57% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults & all puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My finicky eater loves this food. In addition to being picky, she also has a very sensitive tummy and allergies to A LOT of ingredients found in most pet foods. This food is perfect for her - it doesn't cause any issues at all and she gobbles it up! I highly recommend it."
Wellness Turkey Stew is one of 6 canned recipes included in our review of the Wellness Stews product line.
Wellness Turkey Stew derives most of its animal protein from fresh turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 44% protein, 22% fat and 25% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
A super-healthy, wet formula with an exceptional fat-to-protein balance. Highly recommended.
See all 6 available recipes
Read our review of the full Wellness Stews Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, water sufficient for processing, turkey liver, carrots Texture Wet Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 44% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults & small/medium breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Not only is my Boy crazy about this Food, its low in Calories which is Perfect. It has the right balance of Protein, fat & moisture - or so I think! The Turkey has not bothered his stomach so it's been a win win & a keeper for us."
Original with Real Beef is one of 6 canned recipes included in our review of the Instinct Original product line.
This Instinct recipe derives the largest share of its meat protein from fresh beef. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 52% protein, 34% fat and 6% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 65%.
A nutritionally balanced wet dog food. Highly recommended.
See all 6 available recipes
Read our review of the full Instinct Original Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef liver, beef broth, tricalcium phosphate, ground flaxseed Texture Finely-chopped pat Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 52% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults & small/medium breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I started putting this on my miniature pincher's dry food and he loves it. He is diabetic and it does not effect his blood sugar. This is a real blessing."
This Red Meat formula is one of 13 canned recipes included in our review of the Whole Earth Farms canned product line.
This Whole Earth Farms formula takes the dominant share of its meat protein from fresh beef and lamb. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 23% fat and 33% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
A superior grain-free adult canned formula ideal for adult dogs. Not suitable for puppies. Highly recommended.
See all 13 available recipes
Read our review of the full Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef broth, beef liver, lamb, pork liver Texture Pat or stew Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Both Buddy, our 16 year old Chihuahua and Pannuccio our 13 year old Italian Greyhound loved the Whole Earth Red Meat Recipe canned dog food. They loved the change from the Stew type chunky food to the creamy recipe one. Very satisfied with my purchase of this food."
Natures Recipe Chicken and Wild Salmon is one of 3 canned recipes included in our review of the Natures Recipe product line.
Natures Recipe Chicken and Wild Salmon derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 65% protein, 12% fat and 16% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 18%.
An exceptional wet option. Highly recommended.
See all 3 available recipes
Read our review of the full Natures Recipe Dog Food (Trays) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, pumpkin, salmon, brown rice Texture Chunks in gravy Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 65% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"She loves seafood and the chicken mix, never any leftover. Other foods would always be a hit or miss on if she would eat it but with the Nature's Recipe any flavor is Always a Hit and she cleans her plate!"
Chicken Dinner is one of 12 canned recipes included in our review of the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipes product line.
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipes Chicken Dinner derives most of its animal protein from chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 39% protein, 27% fat and 26% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 71%.
A nutritionally complete canned formula ideal for all adult dogs.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipes Dog Food (Wet) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, carrots, peas Texture Finely-chopped pat Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 39% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Was giving my dog a different brand in small single servings because I only give her a small amount of wet food at dinner. But I decided to try this because she is getting older and I want to give her better food. She loves it and I have noticed that her stools are better formed. Win for me and her!"
Eukanuba Beef and Vegetable Stew is one canned recipe included in our review of the Eukanuba product line.
Eukanuba Adult Beef and Vegetable Stew derives most of its animal protein from chicken and beef. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 44% protein, 22% fat and 25% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
A superior formula for adults.
See the available recipe
Read our review of the full Eukanuba Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Water, chicken, beef, beef liver, pork plasma Texture Chunks in gravy Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 44% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not for puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Ive used Eukanuba since 1994 for every dog and cat Ive had. Our current rescued Pitbull wasnt drinking enough water, so I started mixing this wet food with the dry. He completely went crazy for it, even licking the bowl clean. It smells pleasing to me and visibly shows meat and veggies. And this brand has always produced good, solid bowels. So I know hes healthy, and is getting a shiny coat."
