Your dog’s health is always on your mind, so caring about your furry friend’s diet is, naturally, on top of your list of priorities. Going to the pet store and buying a few packs of some branded, famous pet foods is often not enough.

Among frequently asked questions concerning dogs’ diet, this one often stands out: Can I mix wet and dry dog food for my pet? Here’s all you need to know about this combination and how to create a balanced diet your dog is going to enjoy and benefit from.

Wet or dry food: Is one better than the other?

A lot of dog owners worry if the type of food they’re serving their pets is good enough for them. The truth is, when it comes to choosing between wet and dry food, you almost can’t do wrong. They both come with their own advantages and drawbacks, but unless your vet has prescribed a specific type and brand, any type of food you can buy at a pet store will probably be fitting for your pet.

Of course, your dog might have their own preference, so if you want them to get “the best of both worlds”, you can start thinking about mixing wet and dry foods for them.

The basic rules of mixing wet and dry dog foods

Serena Michaels, a part-time essay writer from Dissertation Today, usually feeds her Border Collie Lucky with home-made meals, but this isn’t an option for all dog owners. If your job or other obligations tend to keep you away from home a lot, preparing the meals yourself probably isn’t something you can do every day.

After becoming a content manager at Academized, Serena faced the same challenge, and her vet recommended mixing wet and dry dog foods instead. Here’s what Serena’s experience can teach you about this combo.

1. Be mindful of portion control. Just because your dog will now get two types of food instead of one doesn’t mean they should eat more than before. Make sure to maintain the prescribed portion control to avoid making your pet overweight. 
2. Mix foods with various shapes, textures, and aromas. Even if your pet generally loves dry food more than wet (or vice versa), you can help them get accustomed to their new diet by trying out different combinations. Don’t be afraid to be creative. 
3. Don’t mix therapeutic foods with other food types. The foods your vet prescribed for therapeutic reasons have a different status than any other food you buy, so make sure to consult your vet before mixing anything with them.
4. Keep your pet hydrated. If your dog used to eat dry food only, the mixture of dry and wet food will help them get hydrated, but not enough to stop being mindful of their regular water intake.
5. Consult with your vet about the mixture. Not all dog food brands go well with others. Ask your vet for advice before stocking up on foods that might not make the best combination.