As a dog owner, you want to give your dog the very best, and their diet sits right at the heart of that. Choosing the right food, the right format, and the right recipe all play a part in supporting their long‑term health. One question we’re often asked is whether you can mix wet and dry dog food.
At Green Pantry, we’re passionate about natural nutrition. Our recipes are formulated to give your dog everything they need to thrive, whether you feed wet (fresh) dog food, dry dog food, or a combination of both.
In this blog/guide, we explore whether mixing wet and dry food is beneficial, how to do it safely, and what our experts recommend. Hungry for more? Let’s dive in…
Can you mix wet and dry dog food?
Yes, you absolutely can mix both wet and dry food, and this is otherwise known as mixed feeding. Many dogs find dry food more appealing when it’s paired with a high-quality wet dog food recipe.
The key is ensuring that:
- Both foods are complete and balanced. You can adjust the portions correctly to avoid overfeeding.
- You’re sticking with the same brand. Here at Green Pantry, our recipes are designed to complement each other, and we offer both wet and dry options across all life stages
Considering this, there are still some tips and tricks to stick to.
Our expert tips for mixing wet and dry dog food
First things first, the main thing you need to be aware of when mixing foods is that it is complete and balanced. This means that it provides all the right nutrients your dog needs for their age and lifestyle, in all the right amounts. If you do prefer to offer a mix, it is important that you feed the necessary balance of both so that your dog isn’t getting an unbalanced diet.
Here are some top tips when it comes to mixing food for your adult dog:
Implement the change slowly – We recommend a period of 7-14 days to get your dog used to any dietary changes. This will help their digestive tract adjust to the change and ensure their stools maintain a healthy quality.
Choose the best ratio for your dog – Some dogs prefer more wet food than dry, or the other way round. Some will like a balance of both! Choose the right combination that works for them.
Mix their food well – It might sound obvious, but mixing the wet and dry food together will mean that your dog is eating a balanced meal. It also avoids them picking out only the tasty bits!
Calculate portions correctly – Wet food obviously has a lot more moisture than dry. Make sure you’re adjusting your dry food amounts down to match nutritional content and avoid weight gain. We’ve got some more great tips when it comes to helping your dog lose weight quickly. You can also have a read of our dry food feeding guide and wet food feeding guide for more information.
Benefits of mixed feeding
But why do pet owners mix dry and wet foods? Well, there are some great benefits from doing it. They include:
- Extra variety and texture, which is great for fussy eaters
- Better digestive control – moisture can help with stools and gut comfort
- Improved palatability, ideal for older dogs or those with reduced appetites
- Dental health support
- Boosting moisture in their diet/hydration, especially helpful for dogs who don’t drink much
- Consistent nutritional balance
- Different foods suit different methods of feeding: You can scatter feed kibble, and wet food is more beneficial for a lickimat
What our experts say
Still not sure whether the mixing of meals is for your dog? Then how about some expert advice?
Laura Ward, pet nutritionist, tells us her opinion on mixing dry and wet options. She says:
“Mixed feeding is a popular way to feed dogs. Whether the two food formats are combined in one bowl, or different foods are fed at different times of day as a part of enrichment feeding methods.
Remember when you’re mixed feeding, that the feeding guides on each of the foods assume that this is the only food being fed. Therefore, feeding guides need adjusting to account for feeding the combination of both wet and dry.”
Things to consider when mixing wet and dry dog food…
You might be eager to rip open those packets, pour the contents into a bowl, and feed it straight to your dog. However, you should put some thought into your dog’s mealtime before you start serving…
Make the change gradual – Dogs’ tummies can be quite sensitive, and a sudden change to their diet might trigger it. That’s why we recommend a gradual change, as this way their digestion has time to adjust. Add any new food gradually over a number of days until you find the ideal balance.
Maintain portion control – Most dog foods will have specific portion sizes for particular breeds and bodyweight of dogs, and these can differ between wet and dry diets. Wet food also contains fewer calories per gram than dry food. If you’re uncertain, contact us here at Green Pantry, where we can tell you all about our product ranges.
Don’t forget about water! – One of the benefits of mixing dry and wet food is that wet food helps to keep your dog hydrated. However, this only does part of the job. Your dog should always have access to fresh, clean water throughout the day.
What do we recommend?
Of course, we can’t talk about the importance of a healthy dog diet without mentioning some of our showstopping recipes. Here at Green Pantry, all of our recipes are made from 100% natural ingredients, typically including a mix of fresh meat and fish, grains, and fresh fruit and vegetables. Trust in us, and you’re giving your dog the best nutrition that they deserve.
For natural dry dog food, try:
Our Turkey with Mint and Parsley dry dog food, supporting dental health. This recipe is particularly helpful for dogs who suffer from bad breath or plaque buildup, thanks to the inclusion of ingredients like mint and seaweed.
For natural wet dog food, try:
Our Turkey with Pumpkin natural wet dog food, designed to support digestion. A happy tummy is key to a happy dog, and with ingredients like slippery elm and fennel, these are both highly digestible and irresistibly tasty!
Invest in your pet’s health with the help of Green Pantry!
And there you have it… Mixing wet and dry dog food can offer many benefits at mealtime. Just remember to acknowledge your dog’s individual preferences, dietary requirements, and nutritional needs before mixing.
Here at Green Pantry, we care about all of our customers, whether they’re two-legged or four. We’ve been making freshly prepared products from natural ingredients for nearly 20 years. Rely on us to revel in the joy that is watching your pet lead their best life.
Got more questions? Our experts have the answers. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can even chat to us over the phone by ringing 01553 811 320.
