The food in your dog’s bowl is more than something to satisfy their appetite and get them to stop begging at the table. Your dog’s nutrition provides them with energy, sustenance, and fuel for every internal process—from the visible (e.g., jumping on the couch) to the microscopic (e.g., cellular functions in tissues and organs).
With such an important role and so many options—different brands, flavors, and formulas—many dog owners question the best way to feed their four-legged friend. Is combination feeding the right strategy? We explain the precautions and advantages of mixing dog foods with different textures and moisture levels.
Are you standing in the pet food aisle wondering if your furry friend can have a little variety in their diet? Or maybe you’ve got a picky eater and you’re desperately trying to find something—anything—they’ll actually eat? Well you’re not alone! As a dog parent myself, I’ve definitely been there staring at different dog food bags and wondering if mixing them is genius or disaster.
The good news? Yes, dogs can eat two different foods – but there are some important things to consider before you start mixing up a doggy buffet. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about feeding your pup multiple food types or brands!
The Short Answer: Yes, But Be Smart About It
Your dog can absolutely eat different foods whether it’s mixing two brands of kibble combining wet and dry food, or rotating between different diets. However, this isn’t something you should do randomly or without consideration. There’s a right way and a wrong way to approach food variety for your four-legged friend.
Why You Might Want to Feed Your Dog Different Foods
There are actually several good reasons why you might consider feeding your dog multiple types of food
- Picky eaters might be more interested in their meals when there’s variety
- Different nutritional profiles can provide more comprehensive nutrition
- Transitioning to a new food is easier when mixing with the current food
- Addressing specific health needs by combining specialized diets
- Adding moisture by mixing wet food with dry kibble
- Making mealtimes more exciting for your pup
As one source points out, “By blending different protein sources or formulations, you can provide a more comprehensive range of nutrients for your dog’s health.” This makes sense when you think about it – even we humans benefit from variety in our diets!
Important Considerations Before Mixing Dog Foods
Before you start creating custom meal blends for your pup, there are some crucial factors to keep in mind:
1. Nutritional Balance is Key
One of the biggest concerns when mixing dog foods is maintaining proper nutritional balance. Dog foods are carefully formulated to provide complete nutrition in the recommended serving size. When you start mixing brands or types, you might inadvertently create imbalances.
As the veterinarian from vetcarenews explains, “Low-quality dog food is typically made with inferior ingredients and contains fewer vitamins and minerals. This can result in a diet that doesn’t provide your dog with everything he needs to stay healthy.”
This is particularly important when mixing foods of different quality levels. Mixing a super-premium food with a lower quality one essentially “dilutes” the nutritional value. It’s like having a healthy salad but then mixing in a bunch of junk food – you’re compromising the overall nutritional value.
2. Gradual Transitions Are Essential
Your dog’s digestive system is sensitive to changes. Abrupt switches between foods can cause:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Gas and bloating
- Discomfort
Here’s the recommended approach for transitioning between foods:
- Start with 25% new food and 75% old food for the first 2 days
- Move to a 50:50 mix for the next 2 days
- Shift to 75% new food and 25% old food for 2 more days
- Finally transition to 100% new food
This gradual approach gives your dog’s digestive system time to adjust to the new ingredients and can prevent tummy troubles.
3. Consider Your Dog’s Individual Needs
Not all dogs are the same! Factors that influence what and how you should feed your dog include:
- Age and life stage (puppy, adult, senior)
- Size and breed
- Activity level
- Health conditions
- Food sensitivities or allergies
For example, a high-energy Border Collie has different needs than a senior Shih Tzu. As one source states, “Your dog shouldn’t get the same dog food his whole life. His nutritional needs change over time and should be reflected in his diet.”
4. Quality Matters More Than Variety
If you’re considering mixing foods, make sure both options are high-quality. As one expert puts it, “Always opt for high-quality pet food that meets your dog’s nutritional needs.” This is more important than simply providing variety for variety’s sake.
Look for foods that:
- Are approved by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) or FEDIAF in Europe
- Contain real, identifiable ingredients
- Are appropriate for your dog’s life stage
- Don’t contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Common Scenarios for Feeding Multiple Foods
Let’s look at some specific situations where mixing foods might be appropriate:
Combining Wet and Dry Food
This is one of the most common ways to feed two different foods. Benefits include:
- Added moisture (especially good for dogs who don’t drink enough)
- Improved palatability
- Different textures that might appeal to picky eaters
Just be mindful of the calorie content of wet food, which is often higher than kibble. Adjust portions accordingly to prevent weight gain.
Rotating Between Different Brands
Some dog owners practice what’s called “rotational feeding,” where they switch between different protein sources or brands every few weeks or months.
Potential benefits:
- Exposure to different nutrient profiles
- Reduced risk of developing food sensitivities
- Variety for your dog
- Backup options if one food becomes unavailable
Just remember to transition gradually between each rotation!
Mixing Therapeutic and Regular Diets
If your dog has a health condition requiring a prescription diet, sometimes vets will recommend mixing it with their regular food, especially during the transition period. Always follow your vet’s specific guidance in these cases.
What NOT to Do When Feeding Multiple Foods
There are definitely some approaches to avoid:
- Don’t mix dog and cat food – They have very different nutritional requirements
- Don’t constantly switch without transitions – This can cause digestive upset
- Don’t mix foods without understanding their nutritional profiles – You could create imbalances
- Don’t use mixing as an excuse to overfeed – Measure portions carefully
- Don’t mix foods if your dog has specific medical dietary restrictions without consulting your vet
Signs Your Dog Isn’t Tolerating Mixed Foods Well
Pay attention to your dog’s response when you introduce food mixing. Signs that something might not be working include:
- Digestive upset (diarrhea, vomiting, excessive gas)
- Changes in stool quality
- Decreased energy
- Refusing to eat
- Changes in coat quality
- Weight loss or gain
If you notice any of these signs, you might need to reconsider your approach to mixing foods.
When to Consult Your Veterinarian
While mixing foods can be done safely, there are times when you should definitely talk to your vet first:
- If your dog has any existing health conditions
- If your dog has known food sensitivities or allergies
- If you’re considering a significant change in diet type (like going from kibble to raw)
- If you notice any negative reactions after introducing mixed feeding
- If your dog has specific nutritional needs due to age or activity level
My Personal Experience With Mixing Dog Foods
I’ve tried various approaches with my own dogs over the years. My Lab mix was a voracious eater who would devour anything, while my Chihuahua was incredibly picky. For the picky one, mixing a small amount of wet food with her kibble was literally the only way to get her to eat consistently.
I found that keeping the base diet consistent (a high-quality kibble) while occasionally adding in different toppers or mix-ins worked best for us. This gave my dogs some variety without causing digestive issues.
One thing I learned the hard way: don’t try too many new things at once! When my Lab had an upset stomach, I couldn’t figure out which new addition was causing the problem because I’d gotten a bit too creative with his diet.
Final Thoughts: Balance is Everything
When it comes to feeding your dog different foods, balance and moderation are key. Yes, dogs can absolutely eat different foods, but how you approach this matters enormously for their health and wellbeing.
Remember these key takeaways:
- Transition gradually between foods
- Ensure nutritional balance is maintained
- Consider your dog’s individual needs
- Choose high-quality options
- Monitor your dog for any adverse reactions
With thoughtful planning and careful observation, providing your dog with some dietary variety can be both safe and beneficial. Just like us, dogs appreciate a bit of variety in their lives – especially at mealtime!
Have you tried mixing foods for your dog? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Note to readers: While I’ve done my research for this article, every dog is unique. What works for one might not work for another. When in doubt, always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet.
Reminders and Tips for Mixing Dog Foods
Although mixing dog foods seems to offer limitless benefits and options, you must keep several important guidelines in mind before you introduce new culinary combinations to your canine.
- Don’t mix new foods with veterinary diets — Therapeutic diets are designed to suit your pet’s specific needs. Supplementary foods can disrupt this nutritional profile and negatively affect your dog’s health.
- Talk to your veterinarian to determine the correct ratio — Dog foods have vastly different nutritional profiles—including those of the same formula or brand. Your veterinarian can tell you how much you should feed your dog per meal to prevent over- or under-feeding.
- Introduce new formulas gradually — Each new food should be introduced slowly, over at least seven days, to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
- Remove uneaten food — Remove leftover moistened or wet food after 30 minutes to prevent spoiling, which can make your dog sick or affect their future interest.
- Monitor your pet’s weight and body condition — Periodically weigh your pet or assess their body condition5 to ensure they respond appropriately to the diet modification (i.e., gaining, losing, or maintaining weight).
Benefits of Combining Dog Food Textures
In some circumstances, and with veterinary guidance, mixing foods can benefit your dog. Here are six specific advantages to combining wet (i.e., canned), dry, baked, semi-moist, or fresh dog food.
- New foods can stimulate your dog’s appetite.
New foods can stimulate reluctant eaters’ senses with novel flavors, textures, and aromas. If your dog traditionally eats dry food, try mixing the kibble with wet food and vice versa. Fresh dog food formulas, which often contain vegetables and grains, and freeze-dried or dehydrated toppers can also provide novel textures and flavors that will spark your pet’s appetite.
If your dog is currently eating a veterinary therapeutic (i.e., prescription) diet, ask your veterinarian if the food is available in a different formula or a comparable brand. This can increase your dog’s interest without changing their therapeutic diet’s nutritional benefits.
- Mixing foods can be cost-effective.
Wet, semi-moist, and dehydrated foods are generally more expensive per ounce than dry dog food, but dry food supplements can make your dog’s diet more cost-effective without sacrificing high-quality nutrition and palatability. Dry food can also add texture and crunch, and make meal time more interesting for your pet.
- Formula variations provide enrichment opportunities.
Enrichment feeding, which can involve wet and dry food, extends and enhances your dog’s meal experience by encouraging mental and physical engagement. Exploring alternative food formulas can create new enrichment opportunities, including:
- Snuffle mats — Dry, non-crumbling foods can be scattered through these fabric activity mats to encourage sniffing and foraging.
- Puzzle toys — Interactive puzzles challenge your dog to use their nose and paws to manipulate moving pieces, drawers, and pulleys to access hidden food.
- Lickable mats — Wet and fresh recipes can be spread on these textured silicone mats for a unique sensory experience. Licking is naturally soothing and can ease stress and anxiety, and promote slow eating.
- Hollow toys — Flexible hollow toys (e.g., Kongs) can be filled with wet, fresh, and dry food combinations for increased variety, interest, and challenge.
- Soft foods can encourage slower consumption.
If your dog tends to “wolf down” their food and treat every meal like a speed-eating contest, adding warm water, wet, or fresh food is a simple way to promote slower eating. Increased hydration and more methodical eating may also improve digestion and potentially lower your dog’s risk for choking, nausea, vomiting, and serious conditions such as bloat (i.e., gastric dilation volvulus [GDV]). For additional benefit, put moistened dry food in a slow feeder bowl with grooves and ridges to encourage slower eating.
- Blended formulas can assist with weight management.
Whether your pet needs to lose or gain weight, food combinations can provide the perfect proportion of calories and nutrients without sacrificing your dog’s comfort. Balancing calorically dense food with more moderate diets can help underweight dogs1 gain weight without eating large quantities or experiencing gastrointestinal distress. Overweight pets can lose weight without feeling hungry by pairing a nutritionally complete weight-loss food with healthy, low-calorie ingredients, such as green beans or other pet-safe low-glycemic vegetables.
- Supplemental moisture can improve your dog’s hydration.
Increased hydration may benefit pets with kidney disease2, urinary problems3, and seniors with cognitive dysfunction syndrome4 (i.e., dementia) who may forget where their water bowl is located. Adding fresh food, wet food, or warm water to your dog’s current dry diet will enhance their daily water intake and may ease the workload on their kidneys and digestive tract. Older dogs can more easily eat softened kibble, which smells more appetizing and can encourage reluctant seniors and those with sensory loss.
Ollie now offers a mixed bowl meal plan, which includes a 50-50 mix of fresh and baked dog food, allowing your dog to enjoy the best of both worlds at every meal. This carefully crafted mixture may help re-energize your dog’s waning appetite and make mealtime more exciting.
Food Etiquette 05 – Feeding Multiple Dogs
FAQ
Can a dog eat two different dog food brands?
Mixing two different dog food brands is an acceptable practice when switching your dog’s diet. Abrupt switches can be bad for your dog’s health. Moreover, your dog might not be as receptive to his new diet. Mixing dog food brands for transitioning purposes follows these stages:
Should a dog eat the same dog food?
Your dog shouldn’t get the same dog food his whole life. His nutritional needs change over time and should be reflected in his diet. A puppy requires a nutritious diet that supports its growth and development. As dogs age, they may develop individual needs that require special attention.
Can you mix dog food brands?
You can mix dog food brands, but it should be done carefully. Ensure the mix offers balanced nutrition, is the same life stage, and doesn’t cause overfeeding. Gradually transition to new brands to prevent digestive issues. From the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ to the ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts,’ we’re sniffing out the truth behind mixing dog food brands.
Can dogs eat dog food every day?
Nowadays, pet food is highly palatable, comes in many different flavors and most dogs have no problem eating it every day. However, it’s ok to change it from time to time if you want to ☺️ And sometimes, there are indications that your dog is not getting what he needs.
Can a dog eat only meat?
And contrary to some popular trends, you cannot feed a dog only meat. Or you can, but it can result in some very serious health issues . High quality proteins, fat, carbohydrates but also fiber, minerals, and vitamins are essential for your pup’s wellbeing. Your dog should eat a well-balanced diet adapted to his nutritional needs.
Are there different types of dog food?
There are a lot of different types of dog food and they all have their pros and cons. But it doesn’t really matter if you choose commercial dog foods or a home-cooked raw diet. As long as it’s well-balanced, of the highest quality, and adapted to his individual needs. This is the key. But it’s not all.
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