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31st Aug 2023

Can you mix wet and dry dog food?

by Burns Team Writer

As a dog owner, you want to provide your dog with the best possible care. 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?

Keep reading to find out if 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.

At Burns, our wet dog food is made using natural ingredients. Hand cooked in Wales, our wet food contains all of the vitamins and minerals your dog needs, with no hidden surprises. Choose from varieties such as Turkey, Chicken and Wild Fish, providing your dog with the very best.

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.

At Burns, our dry dog food is an award-winning recipe. Containing all the nutrients a dog needs for lifelong health, it is the food of choice for thousands of dogs across the country. Choose from our wide range of flavours, including Chicken, Lamb and Fish, suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes.

Can you mix wet and dry food?

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.

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.

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. 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.

Have any more questions?

If you have any more questions about wet and dry diets, get in touch. Our team of nutritional advisers are here to support the health and wellbeing of your canine companion.

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