7+ Tips for Mixing Wet and Dry Dog Food [2025]

Feeding your dog a balanced, nutritious, and enjoyable diet is one of the best ways to ensure their health and happiness. 

One approach gaining popularity among pet parents is combining wet and dry dog food. This method offers the best of both worlds by addressing your dog’s dietary needs while adding variety and flavor to their meals. If you’re curious about whether mixing wet and dry dog food is right for your furry friend, this guide will provide everything you need to know plus tips for mixing wet and dry dog food safely.

 

Can You Mix Wet and Dry Dog Food?

Yes, you can mix wet and dry dog food, and many pet parents find it to be an excellent way to balance variety, flavor, and convenience. 

Combining these two types of food can enhance your dog’s mealtime experience while supporting their health and dietary needs. However, it’s important to do it the right way to ensure your dog gets the most out of their meals without experiencing any digestive issues or discomfort.

Wet vs. Dry Dog Food

Wet and dry dog foods each have unique benefits, with key differences in composition, texture, and processing.

Wet dog food contains a high moisture content and is available in various textures, such as stew, pâté, or shredded formats. The ingredients, including proteins and vegetables, remain more visible and are combined in a soft texture with a rich aroma. 

Wet food is typically packaged in sealed cans or pouches to preserve freshness and ensure a long shelf life. This makes it an excellent option for dogs needing extra hydration, dogs with dental sensitivities, or picky eaters who prefer a more palatable meal. 

Wet food also typically contains fewer ingredients that cause stomach upset, offering a gentler option for dogs with sensitive stomachs. However, the number of ingredients can still vary based on the brand and formulation.

Dry dog food, also known as kibble, is processed differently. The ingredients are blended and cooked at high temperatures to form bite-sized, crunchy pieces. These pieces are then dried and coated with flavors or nutritional additives to enhance their appeal. Dry dog food is convenient for everyday feeding, easy to store, and less messy than wet food. 

By mixing wet and dry dog food, you can combine the benefits of both the hydration and palatability of wet food with the convenience of dry food. This approach allows for a varied diet that caters to your dog's nutritional needs and preferences. KOHA provides limited ingredient diets in both wet and dry formulas, free from junky fillers and carefully crafted to deliver complete and balanced nutrition.

 

Benefits of Mixing Wet and Dry Dog Food

Combining wet and dry dog food offers a well-rounded approach to your pet’s diet. Here are the key benefits of mixing wet and dry dog food:

Improved Hydration

One of the biggest advantages of mixing wet and dry food is the added moisture. Wet dog food can help hydrate your pet, which is particularly important for dogs who may not be drinking enough water. 

Proper hydration supports kidney function, digestion, and overall health, helping to reduce the risk of conditions like constipation or urinary issues.

Enhanced Appeal for Picky Eaters

Some dogs lose interest in their meals, especially if they’ve been eating the same food for an extended period. 

Mixing in wet dog food can enhance the flavor and texture, making mealtime more exciting. KOHA’s range of dog food offers various flavors and textures to suit every dog’s preference:

• Limited Ingredient Bland Diet Dry Food: Crunchy dry food coated in bone broth.

• Limited Ingredient Bland Diet Wet Food: Soft texture, with delicious cuts of meat that are easy to chew.

With these options, KOHA makes it easy to mix and match textures that keep your dog engaged and satisfied during meals.

Tailored Nutrition for Health Needs

By mixing wet and dry food, you can address your dog’s unique health needs more effectively. For example, KOHA offers recipes designed for dogs with specific needs, bland diet options for sensitive stomachs, and limited ingredient foods to help with food intolerance. 

Mixing wet and dry options allows you to create a customized meal plan tailored to your dog’s specific dietary needs, ensuring they thrive with optimal nutrition.

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Tips for Mixing Wet and Dry Dog Food

To ensure a smooth transition and maximize the benefits, follow these tips for mixing wet and dry dog food:

1. Gradually Introduce Wet or Dry Food

Start by mixing a small amount of wet food into your dog’s dry food or vice versa. Gradually increase the proportion over several days to help your dog adjust and avoid digestive issues. We recommend transitioning over 5 or more days with any change to your dog’s diet.

2. Consider the Texture

Dogs often have preferences when it comes to texture. Experiment with different ratios of wet and dry food to find a consistency your dog enjoys. The added moisture can also help soften kibble for older dogs with dental concerns.

3. Use the Same Dog Food Brand for Therapeutic Diets

If your dog requires a therapeutic diet for conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or food sensitivities, stick to the same brand for both wet and dry food to ensure consistency in ingredients and nutrients.

Different brands use unique formulations, even if they adhere to the same nutritional guidelines, such as AAFCO. These formulations often vary in nutrient levels, ratios, and ingredient profiles, meaning that combining diets from different brands can create nutritional imbalances. For example, certain nutrients, such as calcium and zinc, require precise ratios to avoid deficiencies or excesses, which may be disrupted when mixing brands.

Sticking to the same brand ensures that wet and dry options are designed to complement one another, maintaining the appropriate nutrient balance. This is especially important for therapeutic diets, where precise nutrient levels are critical for managing specific health conditions. 

4. Adjust Dry and Wet Ratios Based on Preferences

Some dogs prefer more wet food, while others may lean toward a higher proportion of dry kibble. 

Start by adding a small amount of wet food to your dog’s regular dry food and observe how they react. Gradually increase the proportion of wet food over time while monitoring your dog’s preferences and digestion. 

This gradual approach allows you to find the ideal balance that suits your dog’s taste and nutritional needs without causing digestive issues. Keep in mind that factors like age, activity level, and health conditions may influence their preferences, so remain flexible and attentive to their needs.

5. Store Wet Food Properly

Once opened, wet food should be refrigerated and used within a few days to prevent spoilage. Transfer unused portions to an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent contamination. 

Always check the packaging for specific storage instructions, as different brands may have unique recommendations. If feeding a mixture of wet and dry food, only prepare the amount your dog will consume in one meal to avoid wasting food or risking spoilage during storage.

6. Monitor Your Dog’s Weight and Health

Regularly monitor your dog’s weight and overall health to ensure the new feeding method is beneficial. Look for signs such as increased energy levels, a shiny coat, and healthy digestion as indicators of a balanced diet. 

If you notice any negative changes, such as weight gain, lethargy, or digestive issues, adjust portion sizes or the wet-to-dry ratio accordingly. Keeping a feeding journal can help you track your dog’s progress and identify any patterns that may require attention. 

Always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog’s health or dietary needs.

7. Consult a Veterinarian for Health Concerns

If your dog has underlying health issues or specific dietary needs, consult your veterinarian before making changes to their diet. A vet can guide you in choosing the right mix for conditions like dog constipation or food intolerance.

 

Learn More About Mixing Wet and Dry Dog Food

Mixing wet and dry dog food is a common practice, but it often comes with questions about portions, timing, and nutritional balance. Understanding the best approach can help you create a meal plan that works for your dog’s unique needs. Here are some frequently asked questions to guide you:

How much wet food equals 1 cup dry dog food?

The calorie content of wet and dry dog food varies by brand and formula, so the best way to determine the right portion is to compare the feeding guidelines provided on the packaging and follow them accordingly.

Each food has a different nutrient density and caloric value, meaning there is no one-size-fits-all conversion. Always check the recommended serving sizes for your dog’s weight and adjust as needed based on their activity level, health, and dietary needs.

How much should I feed my dog when mixing wet and dry food?

When combining wet and dry food, always follow the feeding instructions provided on the packaging for each type of food. Adjust feeding amounts based on your dog’s size, age, activity level, and weight goals. As always, monitoring your dog’s weight and overall health will help ensure they are getting the right balance of nutrients.

Can I feed my dog dry food in the morning and wet food at night?

Yes, feeding dry food in the morning and wet food at night is a common practice that benefits both you and your dog. This routine offers variety, keeping your dog’s meals exciting and encouraging consistent eating habits. Just make sure the total daily portion aligns with your dog’s dietary needs.

 

Choose the Best Brand for Mixing Wet and Dry Dog Food

Finding the right feeding approach for your pet is essential to ensuring their long-term health and happiness. 

By combining wet and dry food, you can create an enjoyable meal plan tailored to your dog’s individual needs and preferences. Experiment with different textures, monitor your pet’s health, and consult with your veterinarian to fine-tune their diet.

KOHA’s premium dog food recipes make it easy to combine wet and dry food for a balanced, nutritious, and delicious diet. With a variety of wet and dry food options tailored to different needs, KOHA provides solutions for dogs with sensitive stomachs, picky eating habits, and specific health needs. Their limited ingredient recipes ensure that your dog gets only the best, free from ingredients that cause stomach upset.

Ready to give your dog the perfect mealtime experience? Visit KOHA today and explore their wet and dry food recipes for your furry friend!