Mixed Feeding for Dogs & Cats: How to Combine Wet and Dry Food the Right Way

If you’ve ever stood in the pet food aisle or browsed through PetStore Kenya products, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Should I feed my pet wet food, dry food, or both?” But what if you don’t want to choose? What if you could give your pet the best of both worlds?

Mixed feeding, which combines wet and dry food, is one of the best ways to ensure your dog or cat enjoys balanced nutrition, variety, and hydration. It’s becoming more popular among pet parents, and for good reason. But it also raises a lot of questions. Am I doing it right? Is it healthy for them? How much should I feed them?

At PetStore Kenya, we’re here to help you master mixed feeding for dogs and cats. This comprehensive guide will take out the guesswork, giving you the knowledge and confidence to make mealtime a breeze for both you and your fur-ever friend.

What Exactly Is Mixed Feeding?

Simply put, mixed feeding (also known as “combination feeding“) is giving your pet both dry and wet food as part of their daily diet. This isn’t just about adding a spoonful of wet food to their kibble as a treat; it’s about creating a balanced meal plan where each type of food provides a specific portion of their daily nutritional needs.

There’s no single right way to mix feed; it’s about finding what works for you and your pet. For instance, you might feed a portion of dry food in the morning and a portion of wet food in the evening, mix a little bit of wet and dry food in the same bowl, or even alternate between full days of kibble and full days of wet food. The key is to ensure the total daily amount provides all the calories and nutrients your pet needs, without overfeeding.

Why Is Mixed Feeding So Beneficial?

Mixed feeding for dogs and cats is not just about variety; it’s about providing a strategic blend of benefits that can improve your pet’s overall health and happiness.

1. Hydration Support

When it comes to hydration, wet food is a true game-changer, especially for cats. With 70–85% moisture (compared to just 10% in dry food), it naturally boosts your pet’s water intake, which is essential for urinary tract health and kidney function.

While we might see our dogs lapping up water from their bowls, cats are a different story. Cats evolved from desert-dwelling ancestors and are naturally programmed to get most of their moisture from the prey they eat. Since dry kibble contains very little water, many cats live in a constant state of mild dehydration, which can put a long-term strain on their kidneys and urinary system. Even for dogs, adding wet food ensures they are consistently getting adequate water, which is crucial for overall health, especially for active dogs or those living in warm climates. Think of it as an extra layer of protection for their most vital organs.

By incorporating wet food, you’re not just adding a tasty treat; you’re actively supporting your pet’s internal health. The high moisture content helps:

Promote Kidney Health: Proper hydration allows the kidneys to function efficiently, flushing out waste products and toxins. For pets, especially cats, this efficient flushing is a major factor in preventing chronic kidney disease, a common ailment in older animals.
Prevent Urinary Tract Issues: Diluted urine is less likely to form crystals and stones, which can lead to painful and dangerous blockages. This is a critical benefit for pets prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) or feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).
Aid Digestion: Water helps move food through the digestive tract, preventing constipation and promoting regular, healthy bowel movements.

2. The Palatability Factor

If you have a picky eater, you know the struggle is real. The rich aroma and tender texture of wet food can be irresistible, instantly making mealtime more appealing. Unlike dry kibble, which has a more subtle scent, wet food’s strong aroma acts as a powerful motivator, encouraging even the most finicky of pets to eat.

Adding just a small portion of wet food to their dry kibble can transform a boring meal into an exciting event. This is particularly helpful for pets who are ill, have a reduced appetite, or are simply tired of the same old kibble. The moisture and soft texture of wet food also make it easier to chew, which is great for older pets or those with dental issues. By making mealtime more enjoyable, you ensure they get the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy.

3. Nutritional Variety

While a single type of food can be a complete diet, different brands and formulas offer unique nutrient profiles that can benefit your pet. By combining wet and dry foods, you’re not just providing a complete meal, but you’re also introducing a broader spectrum of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

For example, some dry foods are rich in carbohydrates to provide energy and have a dense, crunchy texture that helps with dental health. On the other hand, wet foods often contain higher levels of protein and fats, which can be essential for muscle maintenance and coat health. By mixing, you create a synergy where the strengths of one food complement the other.

This can be especially useful for pets with specific dietary needs or those who are aging and may benefit from a combination of different nutrient sources. It’s like creating a well-rounded meal for yourself, rather than eating the same single item every day.

4. Dental Health

Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in adult dogs and cats, but it’s often overlooked because many pet parents aren’t aware of the early signs, such as bad breath, and pets are masters at hiding pain. The disease is so prevalent because plaque and tartar build up on pets’ teeth just like they do on ours, and since they can’t brush on their own, the problem gets worse over time.

Dry kibble plays an important role in helping to prevent this. As your pet chews on the hard, abrasive kibble, it acts like a natural toothbrush, physically scraping away plaque and tartar from the surface of their teeth. This simple, daily action helps to reduce the buildup that can lead to gingivitis, tooth decay, and painful infections. By keeping a portion of dry kibble in their diet, you’re giving your pet an easy way to maintain dental hygiene and support their overall health for years to come.

5. Weight Management

For pets on a diet, managing hunger is often the biggest challenge. This is where the power of mixed feeding for dogs and cats truly shines. Wet food is significantly less calorie-dense than dry kibble because of its high moisture content (up to 85% water). This means you can serve a larger volume of food to help your pet feel full and satisfied without overfeeding them on calories.

Think of it this way: when you swap some dry food for wet food, you make your pet’s meal look much bigger. This larger meal, plus the extra protein in the wet food, makes your pet feel full in their belly. This simple trick is the best way to stop them from being hungry and to cut down on them begging for snacks between meals.

The Stress-Free Guide to Mixing Wet and Dry Food for Your Pet

Ready to give it a try? Here’s your step-by-step guide to a successful transition with mixed feeding for dogs and cats:

Step 1: Calculate the Total Daily Calories

This is the most important part. You cannot simply feed a full portion of wet food and a full portion of dry food; that’s a recipe for weight gain.

First, determine your pet’s daily calorie needs based on their weight, age, and activity level. You can find this information on the back of your food package.
Next, decide on the ratio you want to use. A common starting point is a 50/50 split (50% from dry food, 50% from wet food).
Use the feeding guidelines on both bags to calculate the exact amount of each to give. For example, if your dog needs 300g of dry food per day, a 50/50 split means you’ll feed 150g of dry food and a proportional amount of wet food that provides the same number of calories as 150g of dry food.

Step 2: Start Slowly

Just like with any dietary change, a gradual transition is key to preventing an upset stomach. Over a period of 7 days, slowly increase the amount of the new food (wet food) while decreasing the amount of the old food (dry food).

Days 1-2: 75% old food, 25% new food.
Days 3-4: 50% old food, 50% new food.
Days 5-6: 25% old food, 75% new food.
Day 7: 100% new meal plan.

Step 3: Serve It Right

You have a few options for how to serve the mixed meal:

Mixed in the Bowl: Combine the wet and dry food directly in the bowl. This is great for picky eaters, as the wet food’s aroma and flavour will coat the kibble.
Separate Bowls: Place the wet food in one bowl and the dry food in another, allowing your pet to choose. However, please note that wet food should not be left out for long periods. After about 30 minutes, it can start to spoil and attract bacteria. It’s best to only put out what your pet will eat in one sitting, or to manage the feeding times so the food doesn’t sit for an extended time.
Separate Meals: Feed dry food in the morning and wet food in the evening.

Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t eyeball portions. Use a proper measuring cup or a scale to be precise with both food types.
Don’t ignore the calorie count. A half-and-half split by volume is not the same as a half-and-half split by calories. Always check the labels.
Don’t forget to clean the bowl. Wet food can leave a residue that can lead to bacterial growth. Wash the bowl after every meal!

Final Thoughts: The Best of Both Worlds for Your Pet

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to feeding, but mixed feeding for dogs and cats is an excellent middle ground. Whether you’re feeding a picky cat or a playful pup, a thoughtful mix of wet and dry food adds variety, hydration, and balanced nutrition, turning every mealtime into something your pet looks forward to. Start small, pay attention to your pet’s cues, and let their response guide you. Over time, you’ll discover the balance that truly works for your pet’s needs.

Now that you’ve got the basics of mixed feeding down, it’s all about picking the foods that work best for your furry friend. Ready to give them the best of both worlds? At PetStore Kenya, you’ll find a wide selection of wet and dry food from trusted brands like Reflex, Miglior and Spectrum available online, in-store, and at select neighbourhood supermarkets. Explore our food collections today and start your mixed feeding journey with confidence!

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Remember, a well-nourished pet is a happy pet, and a happy pet makes for a happy home. We are here to support you every step of the way in caring for pets who thrive, every single day!

The PetStore Kenya Team
We ❤️ Them as Much as You Do!