Mixing wet and dry dog food is a controversial topic among pet owners. Some people swear by the benefits of mixing them, while others claim it’s a bad idea. In this article, I have provided helpful guidance on the pros and cons of mixing wet and dry dog food, the benefits, the recommended ratio to mix, and how to mix them.
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Why mix wet and dry cat food?
There are several reasons why you might want to mix wet and dry dog food. For example, some people believe that it can help improve their dog’s coat and skin health. Others claim that mixing the two types of food can help picky eaters eat more. And finally, some dog owners mix wet and dry food because they think it’s more convenient.
What is dry dog food?
Dry dog food is a type of kibble that is made with cooked meat, grains, and vegetables. It typically contains around 10-12% moisture and 20-30% protein.
What is wet dog food?
Wet dog food, also known as canned food, is a type of dog food that contains mostly meat and organs. It typically contains around 70-80% moisture and 10-15% protein.
Read our comparison of wet vs dry dog foods here.
Benefits of mixing wet and dry dog food
There are a few benefits of mixing wet and dry dog food.
- Improve your dog’s coat: First, as mentioned above, it can help improve your dog’s coat and skin health. The fats and oils in wet food can help moisturize your dog’s skin, while dry food can help remove any excess oils.
- Enables your dog to eat more: Second, mixing wet and dry food can also help picky eaters eat more. If your dog is a picky eater, adding some wet food to their dry food may make them more interested in eating.
- Easier to portion: And finally, some people mix wet and dry food because they think it’s more convenient. When you mix the two types of food together, it can be easier to portion out your dog’s meals.
- Improves water intake: Another benefit of mixing wet and dry food is that it can help improve your dog’s water intake. When you mix wet and dry food together, it forms a gravy-like consistency that can encourage your dog to drink more water. This is especially beneficial for dogs who are prone to dehydration.
- Control weight: For dogs who are overweight, adding wet food to their diet can help them lose weight. The high moisture content of wet food can help your dog feel fuller and help them eat less overall.
- Balanced meal: Finally, mixing wet and dry food can help ensure that your dog is getting a balanced meal. When you mix the two types of food together, you can add different nutrients that might be lacking in one or the other. For example, if your dog’s diet is mostly dry food, adding wet food can increase their intake of moisture and certain vitamins and minerals.
Drawbacks of mixing wet and dry dog food
There are a few drawbacks to mixing wet and dry dog food.
- The cost: One of the main drawbacks is the cost. Wet dog food is generally more expensive than dry dog food, so mixing the two can be costly.
- Potential for spoilage: Another downside to mixing wet and dry food is the potential for spoilage. When wet food is mixed with dry food, it can create a breeding ground for bacteria. This can cause your dog’s food to spoil quickly and can make them sick.
- Difficulty in portioning: Finally, another drawback to mixing wet and dry food is that it can be difficult to portion out your dog’s meals. When the two types of food are mixed together, it can be hard to know how much of each your dog is eating. This can make it difficult to ensure that your dog is getting the right amount of nutrients.
How to mix wet and dry dog food
If you decide to mix wet and dry dog food, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
The ratio: First, you need to be aware of the ratio of wet to dry food that you’re mixing. It’s important to mix the two in a ratio that is safe for your dog to eat. For example, a common ratio is 1 part wet food to 3 parts dry food.
The type of food: Second, you need to be aware of the type of food you’re mixing. Some dogs do better with certain types of food than others. For example, if your dog has sensitive skin, you might want to avoid mixing wet and dry food that contains a lot of grains.
The nutrient content: Finally, you need to be aware of the nutrient content of the food you’re mixing. Certain nutrients, like fat and protein, can be found in higher concentrations in wet food than dry food. This means that if you’re mixing the two, your dog might be getting more of these nutrients than they need.
What can be mixed with dry dog food?
There are a few things that can be mixed with dry dog food to make it more interesting for your dog.
Wet food: One of the most common things to mix with dry food is wet food. This can add moisture and flavor to your dog’s meal, and can help picky eaters eat more.
Canned pumpkin: Another thing that can be mixed with dry food is canned pumpkin. This is a great source of fiber and vitamins, and can help make your dog’s meal more nutrient-dense.
Peanut butter: Peanut butter is another popular mix-in for dry dog food. It’s a good source of protein and healthy fats, and can make your dog’s food more palatable.
Yogurt: Yogurt is another good mix-in for dry dog food. It’s a good source of protein and calcium, and can help improve the texture of your dog’s food.
Can you mix two dry dog foods together?
Yes, you can mix two dry dog foods together. This can be a good way to add variety to your dog’s diet, and can help them get all the nutrients they need. Just be sure to mix the two in a safe ratio, and to choose dry foods that are compatible in terms of nutrition and ingredients.
Mixing wet and dry dog food ratio
The recommended ratio of wet to dry food is 1 part wet to 2 parts dry. However, this will vary depending on your dog’s individual needs. Speak to your veterinarian if you’re unsure about what ratio is right for your dog.
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Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com
