Mixing wet and dry food provides more flavor, tempts fussy eaters to eat more, helps hydrate dogs more effectively, and is more cost-effective than feeding an all-canine diet.
Just be sure to introduce any dietary changes slowly; sudden shifts can cause digestive upset in pets, and wet and dry food don’t need to be served simultaneously.
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1. Consider your dog’s age and health
If your dog’s health is good, mixing wet and dry food can make meals more exciting for him or her. Just be sure to follow the feeding guidelines of their kibble and canned foods; wet food typically packs more calories per ounce than dry food so overfeeding could easily occur.
Wet food provides an excellent source of hydration due to its higher moisture content; however, you should only supplement their water intake with this source. Furthermore, its texture provides natural abrasion and chewing action which may help keep their teeth clean and healthy.
At the end of the day, it’s ultimately up to you and your veterinarian to decide what’s best for your fur baby. But make sure that before making a decision that you consult with a vet first so they can ensure you’re monitoring calorie counts and overall health in an effective way.
2. Talk to your vet
Wet food provides greater hydration for dogs who don’t drink enough water or who suffer from health conditions that require increased hydration, such as kidney or urinary issues. Furthermore, canned dog foods tend to be more aromatic and flavorful – something which could appeal to sick or low appetiteed pups.
Canned food can also be easier for small mouthed dogs or those suffering from dental conditions to chew, making it an attractive option. However, switching frequently between wet and dry food may lead to digestive problems in some animals.
Pet owners ultimately must decide the diet that’s best suited to their pups, according to Simon. He recommends mixing wet and dry food when possible for picky eaters as this allows more variety in terms of flavor, texture and aroma; but Whittenburg cautions that long-term mixing feeding could diminish oral hygiene benefits provided by dry kibble such as scraping plaque from teeth.
3. Don’t overfeed
As wet food is more calorically-dense than dry kibble, it is essential that portion control be observed when mixing wet and dry food together. Speak to your vet regarding recommended caloric intake according to your pet’s weight and health profile and make sure you read labels of each food product to create a balance for their diet.
Mixing wet and dry dog foods is an effective way to open their palate up to new flavors and textures that they wouldn’t normally experience with just dry kibble. Furthermore, this may also be beneficial for small dogs, seniors, or those suffering from missing or dental issues as the wet food may make chewing easier while softening kibble for easier consumption.
If you plan to gradually transition your pet from kibble to a mixture of wet and dry foods, do so slowly. Sudden changes to their diet may upset their stomach; start by slowly adding small amounts of wet food as part of his regular meal and gradually increasing this ratio over several days.
4. Keep portion control in mind
Careful consideration when mixing wet and dry dog food can help you manage the calorie intake of your pet. One serving of wet food usually contains more calories than an equal-size dry meal, so to prevent overfeeding your pup use a measuring cup or spoon at each feeding to make sure the appropriate portion size is used at every feeding.
Mixing wet and dry dog food can add variety and spice up mealtime for finicky eaters, while simultaneously helping address any intolerances or nutritional deficiencies that your pup might be suffering from. Our tasty Applaws Taste Toppers provide your pet with extra flavour and nutrients!
While most dogs can benefit from a balanced diet, gradual transitions should be undertaken in order to prevent stomach upsets. Consult your veterinarian prior to making changes in diet or purchasing food specifically formulated for his life stage or health issues.
