Can I mix wet and dry dog food

How to Properly Mix Wet & Dry Pet Foods

Using wet pet foods to supplement or 'top dress' dry kibble is popular practice. In fact, research shows that many pets that eat a therapeutic dry foods are also eating awet foods from a supermarket. If you are feeding your pet a therapeutic food, it's important that you not mix it with more wellness-based types of foods.

Therefore, it is NOT recommended to mix Hill's with other foods. Mixing with wet cat or dog foods other than Hill's may:

• dilute the precise balance of Hill's nutrition
• cause undesired weight gain
• expose your cat or dog to higher levels of certain minerals

Hill's offers a wide range of products with no excess salt, clinically proven antioxidants and over 50 vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals. This is the ultimate in precisely balanced nutrition, formulated to enhance your cat's health and longevity. Additionally, it is not recommended to mix therapeuticfoods with foods from the pet store or supermarket because it may decrease the impact the therapeuticfood has on your pet.

If you wish to offer your pet a more varied diet, talk to your vet about complementing your their dry food with Hill's Science Diet or Prescription Diet wet products. Both are packaged in either cans or pouches and are the only wet food solutions to effectively complement Hill's dry food.

Click here to find your local vet and to see the full range of Hill's products, go to our product selector.

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.

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Do 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

15 Tasty Toppers to Mix with Dry Dog Food to Tempt Your Dog

When it comes to feeding our furry friends, many pet owners often wonder, What can be mixed with dry dog food to enhance its nutritional value and taste? This question is not only common but also crucial for those looking to provide a balanced and enjoyable diet for their dogs.

Meat, fish, veggies, low-sodium broth, organic dog treats, peanut butter, and eggs can be mixed with dry dog food. If you want to make your dogs food more appetizing, you can also use commercial toppers, which are formulated to be aromatic and flavorful.

Dry dog food, while convenient and often nutritionally complete, can sometimes lack variety and excitement for our pets. By exploring safe and healthy options to mix with dry dog food, we can not only spice up their meals but also contribute to their overall health and well-being.

In this blog post, well delve into some creative and nutritious additions that can transform your dogs regular meal into a delightful and wholesome feast.

Why Add a Topper

There are two reasons to add a topper to dry dog food, and knowing why youre adding a topper can help you select an appropriate topping. The first reason is your dogs health, and the second is his preferences.

Almost all dog food toppers serve both these functions to different extents, but the fact remains that different toppings are appropriate for making dry dog food more nutritious and appealing.

Lets suppose your dog is bored of kibble. You can add dog treats as the primary topper, enticing him to eat his food. However, dog treats arent exactly a healthy addition unless, of course, you choose organic treats. But these can be pretty expensive.

On the other hand, your vet might recommend adding a liquid supplement cocktail as a topper, such as salmon oil and/or a paste probiotic. It might not be as appealing as a bunch of treats, but it would be pretty healthy.

Both nutritional and delicious additives can be used as toppers. Knowing what to mix with dry dog food will help you pick the right topper.

What Can Be Mixed With Dry Dog Food?

A range of meat, dairy, broth, veggies, and nutritional supplements can be mixed with dry dog food to make it healthier. You can also mix wet dog food to improve its moisture content and make it more appealing.

Among other things, you can mix the following with dry dog food:

• Warm water Adding warm water to your dogs dry food is simple and easy. Turn the kibble into a gravy to improve its aroma and texture. My German Shepherd loves her kibble with added water. I wrote a separate article on this subject, which you can find here, Adding Water To Dry Dog Food (Pros, Cons & How To Add Water).
• A small portion of veggies Do not overdo this. Vegetables in small amounts can be good for dogs, but dogs should eat more meat despite being omnivorous.
• Meat chunks Meat chunks can improve the protein content of your dogs diet. This is especially beneficial for big dogs.
• Canned fish Canned fish can be packed with plenty of beneficial fatty acids and protein.
• Cottage cheese Cottage cheese, in small portions, can be an appealing food item to mix with dry kibble.
• Freeze-dried dog food Freeze-dried dog food is technically raw because of the way its meat content is preserved.
• Wet dog food Canned dog food or pouches have a different texture, making kibble more appealing to your dog. Grab a pack of gravy and entice your puppy with yummy dog foods for overall wellness.
• Digestive enzymes These can help your dog digest his food better but check with your vet first.

Having covered some of the food items that can be mixed with dry dog food, I would like to go into potential additions that are more appetizing to dogs.

The food items covered below are in order of appeal, starting with food that will be most enticing to your dog to food that might not even appeal to him.

The less appealing the food, the more in-depth it must be added. Similarly, the more appetizing the food, the closer it must be to the top of the bowl, starting with dog treats.

1. Dog Treats

These are the most appetizing and least nutritious dog food choices. But if your dogs dry food is nutritious enough on its own and the only problem is getting your dog to start eating it, you can sprinkle a few treats on top of the bowl.

However, I recommend choosing organic treats such as chicken jerky, pure meat treats, or dried fish skins. That way, you turn an unhealthy commercial treat into a healthy one. My German Shepherd Willow loves her 100% pure fish skins, as you call tell in the photo. Just look at that tongue!!

I cut the 100% fish skins into tiny pieces its amazing how just a few chunks can get your dog to eat his food!

2. Meat Chunks

Depending on your dogs taste, this can be a very good topper. Meat chunks are protein-rich, which makes them perfect for dogs as they need 18-22% protein for their nutritional needs. Most importantly, dogs generally love meat.

I often add steak, beef, lamb, or pork to my dogs bowl. However, avoid processed meats like bacon, sausage, and ham as they contain too much salt and additives.

3. Peanut Butter

Dogs love peanut butter, and if your dog has consumed peanut butter as a treat, he will love his dog food with a peanut butter topper. Always choose organic peanut butter without xylitol, as this is toxic to dogs.

You can refrigerate peanut butter until it is solid enough to scoop in small portions. Small drops of peanut butter on top of dry dog kibble will make dog food more appealing. But if you take creamy peanut butter and try to spread it across the top, youll make the food too calorie-dense.

Watch This Video On Improving Your Dogs Dry Food

4. Wet Dog Food

This is the fourth most appealing addition to dry dog food. Wet dog food is formulated to be more appetizing and flavorful.

For some dogs, adding half a part of canned dog food to half a part of dry kibble can work.For others, one part of wet food can be added to three parts of kibble. It also depends on the dogs preference and breed size.

I tend to mix one part wet food with three parts dry food for my German Shepherd. World of Dogz

However, my friends Chihuahuas prefer half kibble and half wet food for one of their meals. As you can see in the below photo, both large and small breeds are enjoying their meal of a mix of wet and dry food.

Some dogs are so used to their daily serving of moistened kibble that they might reject canned dog food or pouches. If your dog is fond of his dry food, you might need to mix the wet food at the bottom of his bowl.

5. Cooked Chicken

You can add chicken to your dogs dry food. It is rich in protein and is a food item your dog may often observe you eat. It can be good for your dogs self-esteem to see you take a portion of chicken from the kitchen before feeding it to him.

Dont feed the skin as it is high in fat. Also, dont feed cooked chicken bones as they become brittle and can splinter in your dogs mouth or digestive tract, causing nasty injuries.

If you ever offer a bone to your dog, ensure it is raw and larger in size than the muzzle to prevent choking. Its recommended to avoid raw foods irrespective of flavors as these can end up in new health issues.

6. Broth

Broth is quite aromatic, and if youve read my article on whether dogs can taste their food, youll know that aroma is a major factor in how dogs experience food. Meat, vegetable, or chicken broth can all be pretty delicious if mixed well with kibble.

Just make sure that the broth is a low-sodium variety. Too much sodium is not good for dogs, and theres enough sodium in dog food as it is.

7. Packaged Dog Food Topper

Commercial toppers are dog food packages full of aromatic and flavorful bits that can make a dog hungry enough to eat styrofoam, let alone kibble. So when you add these to the top of your dogs food bowl, you can bet he will start eating dry food that he was previously disinterested in.

8. Canned Tuna

Tuna is protein-rich and doesnt cost too much. Therefore, it is a great addition to your dogs diet. Canned tuna is pretty moist right off the bat, so you dont even need to add water to the kibble.

Ensure the specific tuna you get isnt stored in a salt solution. A low-sodium variety should be a priority. As tuna and mackerel contain higher amounts of mercury, feed in moderation.

9. Cheese (Cheddar/Swiss/Cottage)

Cheese can make dry kibble more interesting for a dog. However, you should add a moderate portion due to its high-fat content. Not all types of cheese are safe for dogs, so avoid using cheese that is not cheddar, Swiss, or cottage variety since these are the safest ones.

Blue cheeses such as stilton are off the menu as they contain a toxic substance called roquefortine, which causes vomiting and diarrhea, and seizures in severe cases.

10. Yogurt

Yogurt can nutritiously moisten dry dog food but can run up your dog food bill. How often you want to add it to kibble is up to you. Avoid adding flavored yogurt with sugar or any sweetener. The more natural the yogurt, the better it is for your dog.

Most dogs, large or small, enjoy a blob or two of organic yogurt added to their kibble. My German Shepherd Willow loves it once or twice a week as you can see in the below photo as do Lily and Molly, my friends Chihuahuas!

11. Eggs

Eggs contain essential fats and are packed with protein. They can be very helpful to a young dog with an active life. Add cooked eggs to your dogs dry food to make the food more nutrient-packed without incurring the risk of food poisoning from raw eggs.

12. Salmon

Feeding salmon to your dog is a great way of improving his diet while signaling that you have a lot of money! Salmon isnt cheap for dog food, but you can make a single fillet last a while by mixing it with dry dog food.

13. Canned Pumpkin

This isnt an appetizing addition, so it has to be snuck into your dogs digestive system. However, it is quite healthy because it contains fiber, which can improve canine digestion.

Add no more than a few chunks, though. It shouldnt be constantly in your dogs diet, and ensure you choose a salt-free brand.

14. Sweet Potatoes

These nutritious additives need to be mashed before they are added to kibble. Sweet potatoes can introduce fiber, minerals, and vitamins to your dogs diet. But dont overdo it, as dogs can reject mashed potatoes.

15. Flaxseed Oil

This oil is rich in omega fatty acids and can moisten dog food while adding a refreshing aroma to the kibble. It is the least appetizing additive that is a hit or miss, which earns it the last position on my list of food that can be mixed with dry kibble.

What Can Dogs Not Eat?

Its crucial to remember that some foods are quite harmful to dogs. When considering what can be added to dry dog food (or if you want to offer your dog a treat), make sure it is suitable and stay away from any of the foods on the following list:

• Blue cheese
• Onions, garlic, leeks
• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Bread dough
• Macadamia nuts
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
• Avocado

Never give your dog fatty foods, salty foods, moldy foods (the cause of aflatoxin poisoning), alcohol, coffee, and tea. The list above is not exhaustive, but they are the main ones. Nonetheless, you can find a complete list of poisonous foods at the Pet Poison Helpline.

FAQs

Can I add supplements to my dogs dry food?

Yes, you can add supplements to your dogs dry food to enhance their nutrition. However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to ensure you are giving the right supplements and amounts for your dogs specific needs.

Are there any homemade recipes to mix with dry dog food?

From cooked meats like chicken or beef to vegetables like carrots and peas, there are endless possibilities to create nutritious and delicious meals for your furry friend. Other options include adding some cooked rice or quinoa for added fiber and carbohydrates or even a spoonful of plain yogurt for a probiotic boost.

Lets Wrap This Up!

There are many nutritious foods you can add to dry dog food whether you have a picky eater, are seeking added nutrition, or enjoy mixing things up for your best friend.

I love to add chicken, tuna, and mackerel to my dogs dry food. And if you ever run out of dog food, there is no need to worry, as you can head over here, Run Out Of Dog Food? 31 Safe Foods To Feed Your Dog (& Recipes).

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