Can you combine dry and wet food for your cat?

28 juli 2026SmartPaw3 min lezen

Many cat owners wonder: should I feed dry food, wet food, or both? The good news is that combining them is perfectly possible – and even has advantages. In this blog, we explain how to do it smartly, in what ratio, and what to look out for.

📌 In short

Yes, you can safely combine dry and wet food – this is called mixed feeding.
Wet food provides extra moisture, dry food is practical and keeps teeth cleaner.
Pay attention to the total calorie intake so your cat doesn't become overweight.
Preferably offer wet and dry food in separate portions, not mixed in one bowl.
An automatic feeder accurately dispenses dry food at fixed times.

By the SmartPaw editorial team · facts checked by veterinarians and official sources · Published July 26, 2026 · Last updated July 26, 2026

Can you combine dry and wet food?

Yes, combining dry and wet food is allowed and is even an excellent approach for most cats. This method is called mixed feeding and combines the benefits of both types of food: the moisture from wet food and the convenience and dental benefits of dry food.

What are the advantages of combining?

The main advantages are better fluid intake and more variety. Wet food consists of approximately 70 to 80% water, which helps with hydration – important for the bladder and kidneys. Dry food, on the other hand, is convenient to leave out and helps reduce plaque.

Feature	Wet food	Dry food
Moisture content	High (70-80%)	Low (approx. 8-10%)
Shelf life in bowl	A few hours	All day
Dental friendly	Less	More
Automatically dispensable	Limited	Yes

In what ratio should you give wet and dry food?

A common guideline is, for example, wet food as the main meal(s) and a smaller portion of dry food as a supplement. It is important that the total daily calorie intake matches your cat's needs. Calculate the portions together and reduce one if you increase the other.

💡 Tip: Give wet food and dry food in separate bowls or at separate times. This keeps the dry food crunchy and the wet food fresh.

How do you accurately dispense dry food?

An automatic feeder dispenses dry food in exact portions at fixed times, even when you're not home. This prevents your cat from overeating and keeps mixed feeding under control.

ChromeFeeder 2L automatic feeder (wifi/app)

Dispenses dry food in accurate portions at fixed times. Set everything up via the app.

View product →

View the full range in our collection of automatic pet feeders. Still hesitating between wet and dry? Read wet food or dry food: what's better for your cat.

⚠️ Watch out for overfeeding

Combining does not mean double feeding. Add up the portions, otherwise your cat will gain weight unnoticed. If in doubt about the ideal weight: ask your veterinarian.

Frequently asked questions

Can you mix wet and dry food in one bowl?
You can, but preferably not: mixed food spoils faster and dry food becomes soft. Give them separately.

Is combining healthier than dry food alone?
For many cats, yes, because wet food provides extra moisture. Every cat is different – consult your veterinarian.

How much food does my cat need per day?
That depends on weight, age, and activity. Read more in how much food your cat needs per day.

Can wet food be put in an automatic feeder?
Usually limited and only with a cooling element. Read can you put wet food in an automatic feeder.

View the automatic feeders →

Sources: International Cat Care (icatcare.org), Cornell Feline Health Center.

This blog is informative and does not replace veterinary advice.

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