How Much Wet Food to Feed Dog: A Guide for Pet Owners
Choosing the right amount of wet food, such as canned dog food, for your dog sounds straightforward, but there’s more to it than just opening a can and filling the bowl. Your dog’s individual needs depend on several important factors, from age and size to lifestyle and special health considerations. Getting this balance right supports their health and happiness, whether you have a rambunctious puppy, an active adult, or a gentle golden oldie.
Why Wet Food?
Wet food isn’t just a treat; it can offer real nutritional benefits. Many dogs love it for its rich aroma and softer texture, which is especially beneficial for those with dental issues, fussy appetites, or hydration needs. Premium wet foods also supply higher moisture content, an important factor for maintaining kidney and urinary tract health.
But just because your dog likes wet food doesn’t mean all cans or trays are the same. Whether you’re shopping online with ADS Pet Store for leading brands or browsing in-store in Moorabbin, quality and suitability for your dog’s unique needs must be front and centre.
How Much Wet Food Does a Dog Need?
There’s no universal answer. The ideal serving varies depending on variables such as:
- Weight and body condition
- Age
- Activity level
- Whether it’s a single diet or mixed with dry food
- Health status and medical requirements
It’s worth considering these elements before arriving at your dog’s perfect meal plan.
Age and Life Stage Matters
Puppies are in their most intense growth phase. Their meals need higher protein and calorie content per kilogram compared to adults. Seniors, on the other hand, may need fewer calories but higher-quality protein to support muscle retention without unwanted weight gain.
Size and Activity Level Count
A Kelpie bounding after a ball for hours burns through nutrients much faster than a sleepy Chihuahua curled up on the couch. Larger breeds may need more food overall but also tend to require less per kilogram than smaller, high-metabolism breeds.
Let’s break it down:
| Dog Type | Example Breeds | Avg. Wet Food per Day* |
|---|---|---|
| Toy (up to 5kg) | Chihuahua, Toy Poodle | 150-250g |
| Small (5-10kg) | Mini Schnauzer, Cavoodle | 250-400g |
| Medium (10-25kg) | Beagle, Border Collie | 400-800g |
| Large (25-40kg) | Labrador, Boxer | 800-1200g |
| Giant (40kg+) | Great Dane, Mastiff | 1200g+ |
*Figures are guidelines for adult dogs on premium commercial wet food. Always check the brand label and consult your vet for medical or special diet needs.
Portion Guidance
Picking up a can of premium wet food from your trusted online pet shop is a solid start, but don’t overlook the details on the label. Feeding guidelines provided by manufacturers are usually a reliable foundation, but tailored adjustments may be necessary.
Here’s how to make the best choice:
Read the Label
All high-quality wet foods include a feeding guide on the packaging. Typical advice specifies how much to feed based on your dog's weight. For example, a 5kg adult dog may require 200g daily, while a 20kg dog may need around 600g.
Adjust for Mixed Diets
Many Aussie pet parents mix wet, dry, and canned dog food for variety and nutritional balance. Remember to adjust quantities accordingly, so your dog isn’t getting double the calories.
A simple rule:
- If feeding half wet, half dry, start by halving the recommended portions of each and adjust according to your dog’s condition and satisfaction levels.
Monitor Body Condition
Not all dogs read the rulebook. It’s best to use their actual body condition as your compass. Signs your portions are just right:
- Well-defined waist when viewed from above
- Ribs can be felt (but not seen) under a thin layer of fat
- Energy is steady and behaviour is normal
Too much flab? Trim portions by 10-15%. Seeing ribs or sluggishness? Increase gently and reassess.
Special Cases
Every dog brings their own story to the bowl. Some have unique nutritional needs where a standard approach falls short.
Puppies
Youngsters need their nutrition split between three or four meals a day until they reach six months. Wet food does wonders here: soft, easy to digest, and appetising. Look for age-appropriate recipes with the right nutrient levels.
Seniors
Older dogs benefit from lower-fat, higher-protein wet food that’s easier to chew and swallow. Joint support ingredients, like glucosamine, can be a wise choice.
Dogs with Medical Needs
Dogs with kidney concerns may benefit from high-moisture, low-protein diets. Overweight dogs should have lower calorie, nutrient-dense options. Always check with your vet before making significant dietary changes.
Common Mistakes — and How to Avoid Them
Overfeeding is a widespread problem, contributing to obesity and a range of health issues. On the flip side, underfeeding means your dog’s energy dips and their coat, skin, and immune system may suffer.
Stay on track by:
- Using a kitchen scale for accuracy
- Evaluating condition monthly (not just weight)
- Giving treats sparingly and factoring them into daily totals
- Regularly revisiting feeding guidelines as your dog ages or their activity levels change
Take cues from your dog’s stool, coat shine, and demeanour — these are among the best barometers of dietary success.
Should I Feed My Dog Wet Food Exclusively?
It’s absolutely possible to feed your dog a solely wet diet, provided the formulation covers all their daily nutritional needs. Many premium options stocked at ADS Pet Store are 'complete and balanced', meaning they have all necessary vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients for long-term health.
Some pros of an all-wet diet:
- Supports hydration, particularly in hot Aussie summers
- Highly palatable for picky eaters or dogs recovering from illness
- Easier to chew, ideal for dogs with dental trouble or missing teeth
There are a couple of considerations, too:
- Wet food per gram is costlier than kibble
- Opened cans or trays should be refrigerated and used within days for freshness
- Wet food can be higher in fat and calories, so portion control is extra important
If you prefer to offer variety, a combination of canned dog food and dry food can suit many lifestyles and preferences.
How ADS Pet Store Supports Pet Parents
ADS Pet Store takes pride in matching Melbourne’s pet lovers with handpicked premium wet foods for every dog, whether you shop online for delivery, pick up locally, or swing by the Moorabbin warehouse for that personal touch. Every product is selected with an eye on quality, nutrition, and the differences that matter.
Pet parents can rely on knowledgeable staff and a carefully curated range to find the standout brands and formulas suited to all sorts — from delicate tummies to big, bouncy breeds.
Shopping is easy and flexible:
- Online ordering with Australia-wide delivery
- Local express delivery in select Melbourne areas
- Refrigerated shipping for chilled and fresh foods
- Fast Click & Collect from the warehouse within 15 minutes
No more rushing from store to store for that specific tin your dog loves. The shelves are always full, and there’s advice available if you need help choosing.
Feeding Pointers for Everyday Success
Establish a consistent feeding routine. Dogs thrive on habit, and regular meal times support digestion and behaviour stability. Always serve wet food at room temperature; just take it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving for max appeal.
A clean bowl matters too. Wash bowls thoroughly after each meal to prevent bacterial growth or spoilage.
Portion control can be made easier with these tips:
- Use the same measuring spoon or scale daily
- Track intake with a feeding chart if multiple family members share duties
- Check food dates and storage instructions — wet food can spoil quickly once opened
Don’t forget treats, but use them wisely. They should contribute less than 10% of your dog’s total daily calories.
Fine-Tuning for Best Results
Every dog is distinct, and even within similar breeds, the “right” quantity of wet food can be surprisingly different. Take the time to observe your pet’s wellbeing; look out for changes in energy, appearance, and even behaviour, as these may signal the need for a fresh approach.
Making thoughtful choices about feeding is an act of love. By investing in quality nutrition, checking labels, and watching your dog’s response, you’re supporting a long, vibrant, tail-wagging life. And with the support of a trusted local and online partner, finding the ideal wet food and feeding plan is easier than ever.
If you have questions or want to try new products, reaching out to knowledgeable staff or your vet is ideal. Good nutrition is an ongoing conversation between you, your dog, and your trusted network of experts and suppliers.
Brand Guides & Feeding Calculators
For precision beyond on-pack guidelines, leading brands provide detailed feeding guides and calculators. These tools help you fine-tune portions by weight, age, activity level and whether you’re mixing dry & wet:
- Prime100 Feeding Guide & Mixed Feed Calculator — useful for single-protein diets and mixed wet/kibble routines.
- Black Hawk Daily Feeding Calculator — estimates daily intake by life stage and activity.
- K9 Natural: How to Feed — brand-specific portions and transition tips for high-meat recipes.
Prime100, Black Hawk & K9 Natural at a Glance
- Prime100: Single Protein Diet (SPD) options designed for sensitivities and elimination diets; clear guides for mixed feeding (wet + rolls or dry).
- Black Hawk: Australian-made recipes with practical calculators; easy to adjust when combining canned and kibble.
- K9 Natural: High meat, moisture-rich formats that pair well with wet food for hydration and palatability.
Dry & Wet Mix Feeding — Practical Examples
When combining wet and dry, start from each product’s full daily recommendation, then apportion by your desired split (e.g., 50/50). Monitor body condition and adjust in 5–10% steps.
| Dog Weight (Adult) | 100% Wet Food* | 50% Wet + 50% Dry** | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kg | ~200 g/day | ~100 g wet + ~50 g dry | Good for small breeds that prefer softer textures. |
| 15 kg | ~600 g/day | ~300 g wet + ~150 g dry | Balances hydration, cost, and chewing satisfaction. |
| 30 kg | ~1000 g/day | ~500 g wet + ~250 g dry | Adjust for activity; athletic dogs may need more. |
* Based on premium complete wet foods for adult maintenance; always check the label.
** Dry amounts are illustrative. Use brand calculators (above) for product-specific energy density (kcal) and measure by weight for accuracy.
FAQs
Can I feed my dog both wet and dry food?
How many cans per day is right for my dog?
How long can I keep wet food once opened?
Which brands offer complete & balanced wet food?
Is wet food better for sensitive stomachs?
What if my dog gains or loses weight after switching?
Authoritative References
Local Support from ADS Pet Store
- Fast Click & Collect from Moorabbin warehouse.
- Refrigerated delivery for chilled/fresh items across selected Melbourne areas.
- Friendly advice to help you choose among Prime100, Black Hawk, K9 Natural and more.
Explore more: Wet Dog Food · Dry Dog Food · Natural Dog Food
