How to Switch From Dry to Wet Dog Food?

Switch foods gradually over time.

Dry foods are composed of dehydrated nutrients in pelleted, kibble form. While these foods are typically lower in cost than canned food and have a longer shelf life, they are not necessarily better for your dog. Switching from dry food to wet food allows you a greater degree of control over what you feed your dog and when you feed it. Switching from dry food to wet food is an involved process that takes about a week. Speak to your veterinarian before switching foods to determine the right methods and food choices for your dog.

Instructions

1. Mix a small portion of wet food into your dog's dry food. Switching all at once can cause stomach upset because wet food has a higher concentration of protein. Start out with one-quarter of a serving of wet food mixed in with the dry and increase the amount each day.

2. Transition fully to wet food at the end of one week of mixing up the two different types at each meal.

3. Feed your dog several small meals a day instead of one large one. This can reduce the occurrence of stomach upset and helps your dog become accustomed to seeing wet food in its bowl.

4. Stick to the same brand of food, if possible. Some dogs are picky about the taste of their food. Feeding a wet food from the same manufacturer as the dry food can keep complaints and refusal to eat to a minimum.

5. Monitor your dog for stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. If this occurs, feed your dog plain rice and lean boiled chicken until the upset resides. If vomiting or diarrhea occurs for more than 24 hours, seek veterinary medical assistance.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider switching to a semi-moist food when transitioning from dry to wet food. Semi-moist foods have characteristics of both dog food types and may make it easier for your dog to process the transition. Allow one week to switch from dry food to semi-moist food and another week to switch from semi-moist food to wet food following the same procedures outlined for transitioning directly from dry to wet food.

• If your dog refuses to eat the wet food, switch flavors or brands.

• If your dog is hesitant to eat the mixed food, heat it up to about 100 degrees. This temperature is close to that of a dog's prey in the wild. The warmth may entice the dog to eat.

• Although wet food has a high moisture content, dogs still need to drink throughout the day. Make sure your dog has a constant supply of fresh, clean water.

• Some dogs act hungry between meals when transitioning to wet food. This is because wet food doesn't contain as many filler ingredients. Avoid giving your dog too many treats or table scraps when transitioning to wet food.

• Not all dog food is created equal. Check the ingredients, nutrition content and guaranteed analysis on the dog food's label to ensure your dog is getting the proper nutrients and a balanced diet. While wet food is sometimes considered better than dry, poor quality wet foods do exist.

References

• "Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians"; Joanna Bassert, Dennis McCurnin; 2009
• Best Friends: Practical Canine Nutrition
• "Shelter Medicine for Veterinarians and Staff"; Lila Miller, Stephen Zawistowski; 2004
• "Nutrition for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses"; Ann Wortinger; 2007
• "Timely Topics in Nutrition"; Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association; Debra L. Zoran, DVM, PhD, DACVIM; December 2001