Feeding your pet a balanced diet is key to keeping them nourished, healthy and as energetic as ever. Most animals will have a preference for wet or dry food, while some will be pleased with food in any form, but here we’ll outline the best way to approach a combined diet that incorporates both wet and dry food, and how a mixture of the two can benefit your furry friend.

The health perks

First and foremost is nutrition, the most important component in your pet’s diet and the main thing you should be looking at when switching to any new food. When considering wet food in terms of nutrition, wet varieties will typically have a higher protein value and more meat content, two ingredients that will promote shiny coats and healthy skin. Dry food also has its health benefits, a big one being the maintenance of your pet’s teeth. Chewing on dry kibble works to reduce tartar and prevents plaque from building up, it also promotes better breath – something that shouldn’t be underestimated. A mixture of both wet and dry will allow your pet to benefit from all of these factors, just check in with your vet first and pay close attention to brand guidelines to be ensure all nutritional requirements are taken care of.

The purse perks

Dry food can often be cheaper and will hold better than wet food, meaning more premium options can be considered. Using a mixture of both wet and dry will allow you to pick more costly dry foods that factor in your pet’s needs, from age-specific diets that cater to young or senior cats and dogs, to nutrient-rich foods that support essential functions for certain breeds. Where dry food can be tailored to dietary needs, wet food will also help in providing essential hydration with its higher water content, it can also be mixed in with dry food to make chewing and swallowing easier for older, wiser pets. Always remember to keep water out for your furry, wet food alone isn’t enough to hydrate them sufficiently.

The problem (fur) child

Some pets can be stubborn in their willingness to eat certain foods or textures, and so mixed feeding is the perfect opportunity to incorporate new products without any waste. A combination of wet and dry in one bowl will often work, adding moisture and so making dryer food more appealing. It can also be a helpful way to tackle weight problems, with dry food generally higher in calories and carbohydrates. Switching up purely dry meals to a combination of wet and dry can allow you to monitor their intake better while also keeping them feeling fuller for longer.

The tortoise and the hare

Slow and steady is the best approach whenever you change your pet’s diet. Introduce new foods patiently, allowing their digestive system to get used to new products and avoiding any upset tummies in the process. Pacing is essential so as not to overwhelm or cause any unnecessary anxiety, adding a little each day and building up to a transition gradually.