Like salt and pepper. Like bread and butter. Like spaghetti and meatballs. Like pineapple on pizza (if you're into that).
If you’re looking to solidify your dog’s diet, wet and dry dog food can be the perfect pairing.
Mixed feeding gives your dog the best of both worlds – the crunch of kibble and the moisture of wet food – making mealtime more satisfying, hydrating and balanced.
What is mixed feeding?
Mixed feeding simply means offering your dog both wet and dry food as part of their regular diet.
Wouldn’t you get bored eating the same kibble every single day? Us too. So while dry dog food is complete and balanced on its own, adding some wet dog food can boost your hydration, add flavour and make your dog’s meals more exciting – even if it’s just a little spoonful on top.
How to mix wet and dry food
There are three common ways to mix feed your dog, and there’s no one-size-fits-all. It’s about finding out what fits best into your daily routine and keeps your pup happy.
- Together in one bowl: Mix wet and dry food at mealtime. Perfect for dogs who need a little extra motivation to eat.
- Alternate by day: Feed dry food one day and wet food the next to keep things interesting without overcomplicating mealtimes.
- Split by meal: Give wet food in the morning and dry at night, or vice versa. Great for dogs who do well on a structured schedule.
Try one method for a week and keep an eye on your dog’s appetite, digestion, and energy levels. Don’t stress if you need to change things up – a bit of trial and error is totally normal! What matters most is that they’re getting all the goodness they need.
The benefits of mixed feeding
1. It makes mealtime exciting
Adding wet food to dry food can reignite your dog’s interest in meals, especially if they’ve been fussy or bored.
While humans may eat with their eyes first, dogs lead with their noses. The scent, texture, and taste of food play a big role in how excited they get about dinner. If your dog has been eating the same dry kibble every day, even a dash of wet dog food can be a total game-changer.
And let’s be honest – seeing your dog actually excited for dinner again? That’s a win.
2. It boosts their nutrient intake
Both wet and dry dog foods are complete on their own, but together? They’re a power duo.
Dry food is an easy, everyday choice, thanks to its convenience and all-around nutritional support.
- Supports dental health
- Higher in carbohydrates and shelf-stable nutrients
- Convenient and budget-friendly
Dry dog food
Wet food is often a great option for dogs who need extra hydration or a little flavour flair.
- Contains 70–85% moisture for hydration
- Often higher in protein and fat
- Ideal for puppies, active dogs, or those with low water intake
- Easier to chew, which can be good for dogs with dental issues
Wet dog food
3. It can support weight management
Wet food tends to be lower in calories per gram than dry food, meaning your dog can feel fuller without taking in too many calories. Think of it as a way to fill their belly without overloading their energy intake.
This is especially useful for dogs who are watching their waistline, or those who act like they’re always starving, no matter how much they’ve eaten.
Just make sure to follow feeding guidelines and focus on calories, not volume. Bigger portions aren’t always better (even if your dog disagrees).
How much should you feed your dog?
When it comes to mixed feeding, it’s not necessarily about how much food fills the bowl – it’s about managing your dog’s total calorie intake.
Portion control is key, so the focus should be on calories, not volume.
Every dog has different energy needs depending on their breed, age, size, and activity level, so understanding how many calories they need per day is the best place to start.
FAQs about mixed feeding
What is the ratio of wet to dry dog food?
A common mixed feeding ratio is 70% dry food and 30% wet food, based on calories, not weight or volume.
This split gives your dog the moisture and flavour boost of wet food, while still getting the nutritional density and dental benefits of dry kibble.
For example, if your dog needs 500 kcal per day, you might serve 350 kcal from dry food and 150 kcal from wet food.
Wet food contains more water and fewer calories per gram, so the portion will look bigger – but don’t let that fool you. Always use calorie info from the packaging to guide your mix. Always refer to the feeding guidelines on both product labels, as calorie content can vary widely between brands.
How much wet food should you mix with dry food?
The amount of wet food to mix with dry food depends on your dog’s total daily calorie requirement, but the 70:30 ratio is a great place to start.
To avoid overfeeding:
- Use the feeding guides on both the wet and dry food labels
- Measure by calories, not just how full the bowl looks
- Adjust based on your dog’s age, weight, energy levels, and any health conditions
If your dog has weight issues, is a growing puppy, or has special dietary needs, have a chat with your vet. They’ll help you find the right balance.
Is it okay to feed your dog two different brands of food?
Yes, you can feed your dog two different brands of food, as long as both are complete and balanced.
In fact, it can be helpful if your dog is a picky eater, has allergies, or you’re simply working with what’s in the pantry that week.
Just make sure to:
- Transition slowly over 5–7 days
- Check that both foods meet AAFCO or similar standards
- Avoid overloading protein or supplements by reading labels carefully
Some dogs love variety, and so long as you’re checking labels, variety can be a very good thing.
Should you add water to dry dog food?
Yes, adding water to dry food is safe – and in some cases, it’s highly recommended.
Adding a splash of water:
- Helps dogs who don’t drink enough
- Makes food easier to chew for puppies, small breeds, or seniors
- Softens kibble for dogs with dental issues
Let it soak for 5–10 minutes in room temperature or lukewarm water (just enough to release the aroma and soften the texture). Avoid using hot water or broth unless you’re advised by your vet, and don’t leave it sitting out too long, as wet food spoils faster.
Ready to try mixed feeding? Explore dog food from trusted brands at Petstock today.