Does Your Dog Get Variety in Their Diet? Wet vs. Dry Food Explained

The Case for Variety in Your Dog's Bowl

Just like us, dogs can benefit from a little variety in their diet. Whether you feed dry kibble, wet food, or a mix of both, understanding the strengths of each can help you make the best choice for your dog's health and happiness.

Benefits of Dry Food

The crunchy texture of dry kibble can help promote your dog's dental health by removing plaque buildup and reducing tartar on their teeth. A great example is the Milk-Bone Medium Dog Biscuits — a classic crunchy treat fortified with 15% protein and 12+ vitamins and minerals. A nutritionally complete dry food formula also ensures your dog gets all the recommended daily vitamins and minerals they need in a convenient, shelf-stable format.

Benefits of Wet Food

Wet dog food provides extra hydration, which helps support a healthy urinary tract — especially important for dogs that don't drink enough water on their own. Pairing wet food with a pet water fountain can further encourage healthy hydration habits. Canned food also tends to be more palatable, with a richer flavor that picky eaters often prefer. As a bonus, wet food typically has fewer calories per gram and less grain than dry food.

How to Mix Wet and Dry Food Safely

Switching your dog's food too quickly can cause digestive upset. Follow these steps for a smooth transition:

1. Start by adding a small amount of the new food alongside their current diet.
2. Gradually increase the ratio of new food over 7–10 days.
3. Always follow the feeding guidelines on the package or can for portion sizes. Browse our dog bowls & feeders to make sure your dog has the right setup for mealtime.
4. Monitor your dog for any signs of stomach sensitivity during the transition.

And don't forget — a crunchy treat like our 3-in-1 Dog Toothbrush Chew Toy can help keep teeth clean between meals, making mixed feeding even better for your dog's overall oral health.

By choosing a mixed feeding approach, you're giving your dog the best of both worlds — great nutrition and tail-wagging variety in every meal.