Published on 28th Sep 2026
Skinner's - Helping Working Dog Owners Get More from Combination Feeding
Working-dog owners often look to specialist pet retailers for trusted feeding advice. One question they may ask is whether to feed a dry diet, a wet diet, or a combination of the two. Combination feeding can be a practical and appealing option for many working dogs, bringing together the different qualities of wet and dry food. Understanding these benefits can help pet retailers recommend an approach suited to each dog's preferences, condition and activity level.
Talking to Customers about Combination Feeding
Combining wet and dry food introduces different tastes and textures at mealtimes. This may be particularly helpful for working dogs that are fussy, less food-motivated or need encouragement to eat. Wet and dry foods also have their own distinct qualities.
Wet food has a higher moisture content, so incorporating it into a dog's diet can help increase overall water intake. Its softer texture may also suit dogs that prefer a softer bite.
Dry food typically contains around 8-10% moisture and provides a contrasting crunchy texture. The physical action of chewing dry food may also provide some natural abrasion against the teeth. By stocking and recommending complementary wet and dry options, retailers can help customers find a combination that works for their dog while also adding variety to its daily diet.
Helping Customers Feed the Correct Amount
When recommending combination feeding, it is important to explain that the full feeding guidelines for both foods should not be given together. For example, when feeding a 50:50 ratio, owners should provide 50% of the recommended daily amount of wet food alongside 50% of the recommended daily amount of dry food. The same principle applies to other ratios. For a 75:25 wet-to-dry split, owners should feed 75% of the recommended wet food amount and 25% of the recommended dry food amount. This provides a complete daily allowance without unintentionally over-feeding.
Owners should also monitor their dog's weight and body condition regularly, adjusting food quantities when necessary. This is particularly important for working dogs as their energy requirements can change according to workload, season, age and general condition.
Three Useful Tips to share with Working Dog Owners
1. Choose a suitable wet-to-dry ratio
Some dogs prefer a greater proportion of wet food, while others respond well to a more even balance. Encourage owners to find the right combination for their dog's preferences and individual requirements.
2. Start with the feeding guidelines
Feeding guides provide a useful starting point, but the amount may need to be adjusted according to the dog's activity level, body condition, age and workload.
3. Measure each portion accurately
Recommend using accurate, calibrated scales wherever possible. Weighing both wet and dry food helps owners reduce the risk of overfeeding or underfeeding.