Should You Mix Dry and Wet Dog Food?
Combining dry kibble and canned dog food is a common practice among pet owners seeking to optimize their dog's diet. While the practice can have several benefits, it's essential to consider the quality of ingredients and the nutritional balance of the foods being combined.
Potential Benefits of Mixing
- Enhanced Palatability: Wet food generally tastes better to dogs, and mixing it with dry can make meals more enticing, especially for picky eaters.
- Better Hydration: Canned food has a high moisture content, which helps maintain hydration in dogs who may not drink enough water.
- Improved Digestion: Certain combinations can ease digestion, particularly if the dry food is nutrient-dense and the wet food more digestible.
- Increased Nutritional Variety: Mixing foods can broaden the dog’s nutrient intake, provided both are of high quality.
What to Watch Out For
While mixing dry and wet dog food can be beneficial, not all brands are created equal. Take Ol’ Roy, for example—a budget brand available in both dry and canned options.
Independent analyses reveal several quality issues:
- Ingredient Concerns: The dry food lists ground yellow corn and plant proteins as primary ingredients, which are less biologically suitable than whole meats.
- Low Digestibility: Lacks chelated minerals and quality fibers, making nutrient absorption less efficient.
- Unsafe Additives: Preservatives such as BHA and BHT and artificial colors negatively impact overall food safety.
- Questionable Meat Sources: Meat by-products and unspecified animal fats create inconsistency in protein quality.
- Safety Issues: Recalls and reports of contaminants such as pentobarbital raise serious concerns.
Potential Drawbacks of Mixing Low-Quality Foods
- Poor skin and coat health due to low-quality fats and lack of essential fatty acids
- Increased stool volume and digestive upsets like vomiting or diarrhea
- Feeding inefficiencies, as lower nutrient density requires dogs to eat more
- Long-term health concerns due to synthetic additives and preservation methods
Best Practices for Mixing Foods
- Choose high-quality products from reputable brands with transparent ingredient sourcing
- Match life stage needs: Ensure both foods are appropriate for your dog’s age and health condition
- Monitor health and digestion: Track weight, energy levels, and stool quality after transitioning
- Consult your vet: Particularly if your dog has health conditions or allergies
Final Thoughts
Mixing wet and dry food can offer several nutritional and practical benefits when approached thoughtfully. However, using poor-quality options like Ol’ Roy may cancel out those advantages and even harm your pet. Always prioritize balanced nutrition and ingredient transparency. If budget is a concern, opt for better-rated alternatives in the same price range and consult with your veterinarian to develop the best feeding strategy for your dog’s individual needs.
