Tips for Mixing Wet and Dry Dog Food
With so many pet food options available, you may wonder if mixing up your dog’s diet is beneficial. One common question among pet owners is whether they should combine wet and dry food when feeding their dogs. Below, we’ll explore the advantages of this pet food combo while shedding light on some important dos and don’ts when feeding your pet both food types.
Benefits of Mixing Wet and Dry Dog Food
Enticing for Picky Eaters
Fussy pups can be particularly challenging when it comes to mealtime, as they often turn their nose up at food. If your dog is a picky eater, try adding a bit of wet dog food as a topper to their dry dog kibble. Dogs are typically drawn to the aroma and taste of wet food and can help entice them at the bowl. The combination of wet and dry textures can also pique their interest and elevate mealtime excitement.
Improve Hydration
Water is essential for various bodily functions in dogs, including promoting healthy digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation. However, it can sometimes be challenging to encourage your pup to consume enough water. Wet dog food, with its high moisture content, can help promote hydration.
Weight Management
When it comes to keeping your dog at a healthy weight, managing their appetite is a key factor. The high moisture content in wet dog food not only enhances hydration but can also promote your dog’s sense of satiety. This added moisture may create a “filling” sensation for your pet, helping them feel content with their meal without the need for excessive calorie intake.
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The Dos and Don’ts of Mixing Dry Food and Kibble
Do: Talk With Your Vet
Before making any changes to your dog’s diet, it’s important to have a conversation with your veterinarian. Your vet understands your dog’s health history, dietary requirements, and specific needs. They can advise on weight management, allergies, age-related dietary adjustments, medication compatibility, and overall wellness. By collaborating with your vet, you can ensure that any decisions regarding mixing wet and dry dog food are tailored to your dog’s individual health and wellbeing.
Don’t: Assume Wet and Dry Food Have The Same Shelf Life
It’s important to note that wet and dry dog food have different shelf lives and storage requirements. While dry kibble typically has a longer shelf life and can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place, wet dog food is more perishable. Opened cans or pouches of wet food should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days to maintain freshness.
For opened wet food containers, it’s advisable to cover them tightly or transfer the contents into an airtight container to prevent spoilage and maintain flavor. Always check the packaging or consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific storage guidelines.
Do: Check the Ingredients
When it comes to providing high quality nutrition for your canine companion, we recommend opting for quality dog food made with 100% natural ingredients.
Nature’s Logic’s all natural canned and dry dog food is made with high quality protein sources and doesn’t contain artificial preservatives, using no synthetic vitamins or minerals.
Don’t: Leave Food Out Too Long
Choosing the right food for your furry companion involves more than just picking between kibble or cans—it’s about understanding what supports their overall health and happiness. Here are a few extra details to consider when deciding if wet food is a good fit for your pet’s bowl.
Additional Insights About Mixing Food
When you’re mixing wet and dry dog food, it’s important to be mindful of food safety. Leaving the combined food out for an extended period can lead to bacterial growth and spoilage, potentially causing harm to your dog’s health.
After serving the mixed meal, be sure to remove any uneaten portions within 20-30 minutes, especially if you’re feeding outdoors in warm weather. Discard any leftovers to prevent contamination.
When you’re mixing wet and dry dog food, it’s important to be mindful of food safety. Leaving the combined food out for an extended period can lead to bacterial growth and spoilage, potentially causing harm to your dog’s health.
After serving the mixed meal, be sure to remove any uneaten portions within 20-30 minutes, especially if you’re feeding outdoors in warm weather. Discard any leftovers to prevent contamination.
Dental Health
While it’s commonly believed that dry kibble helps keep teeth clean, the reality is a bit more nuanced. Only specially formulated dental diets have been shown to significantly impact oral health. Wet food, on the other hand, doesn’t increase dental issues on its own—so if you’re switching or mixing, you don’t need to worry. What truly makes the biggest difference? Regular brushing (yes, even for dogs!) and routine checkups with your vet for professional cleanings.
Preservatives & Shelf Life
Concerned about preservatives in wet food? Many high-quality wet foods actually contain fewer preservatives than dry options because they’re sealed in airtight containers and cooked during processing. Look for products with natural preservatives or minimal additives, and check expiration dates—wet food has a shorter shelf life once opened, so proper storage is key.
Helping You Create a Healthy Food Combo
Mixing wet and dry dog food can offer a multitude of benefits for your pet. If you’re ready to enhance your dog’s mealtime experience and overall health, explore Nature’s Logic’s range of nutritious options. Find our all natural pet products in a store near you.
