Good nutrition is the cornerstone of a happy and healthy life for our furry friends. Just like us, pets need a balanced diet to thrive, filled with the right mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Whether you have a playful pup or a curious kitty, understanding pet nutrition is key to ensuring they live their best lives. 

What is mixed feeding?

Mixed feeding simply means giving your pet both wet (canned, trays, and pouches) and dry (kibble) food. Many vets recommend mixed feeding to balance the advantages and minimise the disadvantages of each type of food, ensuring your pet gets the best of both worlds.

What is the difference between wet and dry food?

• Wet food typically contains around 70-80% moisture (water) and 20-30% dry matter 
• Dry food typically contains around 10% moisture (water) and 90% dry matter

The dry matter is what’s left after water is removed and consists of nutrients: protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. 

The benefits of mixed feeding

Wet food advantages

• Improved hydration: The higher moisture content leads to better hydration, which is especially beneficial for pets with urinary or kidney disease.
• Calorie control: Wet food has fewer calories per serving compared to other types of food due to its high moisture content, allowing for larger portions and a greater feeling of fullness.
• Variety: Available in many different forms, such as pâtés and stews, wet food is great for picky eaters.
• Medication-friendly: It’s easier to hide medication in wet food, making it more convenient to administer.

Dry food advantages

• Long shelf life: Dry food stays fresh longer, reducing waste.
• Great for grazers: Ideal for pets who prefer to eat small amounts throughout the day.
• Convenient: Works well with automatic feeders, toys, and interactive feeders.
• Higher energy intake: A smaller quantity is needed to fulfil their daily energy and nutrient requirements. This is especially beneficial for puppies and large breeds that have higher energy requirements. 

Combined advantages 

The benefits of combining wet and dry food include all of the above plus:

• Enhanced palatability due to different textures and tastes.
• Introducing both types of food early prepares pets for potential dietary changes later in life, ensuring they adapt easily if specialised diets become necessary.
• Cost-effectiveness, as dry food is typically less expensive than wet food.
• Increased variety, enjoyment, and enrichment for pets.

Oral health

Contrary to popular belief, studies indicate that while dry food can reduce tartar buildup, both wet and dry foods have similar effects on overall dental health. Additionally, both types of commercial pet foods are generally better for dental health compared to homemade diets. 

However, specific dry foods tailored for dental health, such as Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d, are exceptions to this rule. These foods can have a significant impact on plaque and gingivitis. 

How to approach mixed feeding

Considering moving your pet to mixed feeding? Here are some important tips to follow:

• When changing food of any type, do it slowly. A 7 to 10-day transition period is recommended. Changing foods suddenly can cause an upset stomach. 
• For mixed feeding, you don’t have to mix the foods in the same bowl or feed them at the same time; they can still be fed separately.
• Guidelines on the bag or packet of food are usually measured in grams or cups. These can be helpful in figuring out how much to feed your pet. However, a full nutritional assessment is also important. It takes into consideration their age, current weight and body condition, lifestyle and general health. See our blog on how much to feed your dog and cat for more information. 
• It is important to get the balance right. Dry food contains higher levels of nutrients and energy per unit compared to wet food – roughly 3.5 times more. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which is a very common and dangerous problem for our pets. 

When not to use mixed feeding

Vets may recommend a specific diet if your pet is diagnosed with a medical condition. For instance, they might suggest wet food if your pet has poorly aligned jaws or few remaining teeth. In certain cases, there may only be one suitable option available. It’s important to follow your vet’s advice.

Mixed feeding provides a balanced approach to nutrition that offers many benefits for your pet. With varied textures, tastes, and nutritional profiles, mixed feeding keeps mealtime exciting. It allows for flexibility in meeting your pet’s needs while potentially saving costs in the long run. 

Whether you’re looking to enrich their dining experience or ensure they receive essential nutrients, mixed feeding is a beneficial choice that supports pets’ overall well-being. Consider integrating this approach into your pet’s diet to provide them with a diverse and nutritious mealtime experience.

Our Joii vets are available via video call 24 hours a day. Give them a call if you have any questions about your pet’s nutrition.