Why Should You Not Mix Wet And Dry Dog Food
Many people wonder, Why shouldnt I mix wet and dry dog food? The reason may sound obvious, but not many people actually do. For one, dogs tend to make messes on wet food, and dry food is easier to clean up. Another reason for not mixing wet and dry food is that you have to figure out the correct ratio, which is roughly 70% dry to 30% wet.
Another reason to not mix wet and dry dog food is that it is much more expensive. A dry diet will require more water for the dog to feel satisfied, reducing their appetite. Wet food has a natural hydration and fatty acid profile, which will increase your dogs satisfaction and keep his coat looking shiny. In addition, youll be saving money. If you want to mix wet and dry food, you should consult a veterinarian.
A dry diet has many benefits, too. Its easier to store and measure. It also lasts longer than wet food, which means theres less waste. Its also better for your dogs teeth, and dry food can help control plaque buildup. And it is cheaper than wet food. Just make sure to buy high-quality dry dog food that meets your dogs nutritional needs.
How To Mix Water With Dog Food
When you decide to mix the feed with water or other liquids, you must do it at the time you are going to offer the portion to your dog. Depending on their preferences, there are a number of considerations to take into account:
- You can mix the feed with warm or room temperature water, but not when it is hot. Do not add boiling water to dog food as it could burn their mouth.
- You must check the texture so that it is to their liking and add the appropriate amount of water based on this guideline.
- Food that is too liquid is usually not pleasant for most dogs. We recommend you initially make a rather thick paste, and then adjust the texture based on your dog’s preferences.
Even if you moisten your dog’s food, you must always also offer them a bowl with fresh clean water. Even if you add water to your dog’s food, it is likely this will not be enough to maintain adequate hydration levels, so it is essential they always have access to freely available water.
Myth: Dogs Dont Need Digestive Enzyme Support
Truth: Dogs greatly benefit from digestive enzymes and enzymatic support from probiotics, just as humans do. All the gut flora microbe populations also work very hard to digest soluble & insoluble fiber sources in the dogs diet. We include both digestive enzyme support, pre-, pro & post-biotics in Origins 5in1, and Healthy Weight to promote the enhanced digestive breakdown of the primary diet which boosts greater immunity and health in dogs.
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Foods To Avoid Adding To Dry Dog Food
Certain foods can be dangerous to dogs and should be avoided if possible.
Chocolate: Most people know about this one, but not necessarily why it should be avoided for dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is a good chemical for us.
It is part of what we crave when we crave chocolate. However, our bodies can process it much better than a dogs system can. Darker is worse, dark chocolate can kill a dog easier than milk chocolate can.
And remember to take extra precautions around the Holiday times as its easy to forget and leave chocolate out.
Grapes: For the same reason that grapes and wine can be heart healthy for humans makes it dangerous to dogs. Grape skins contain a substance that acts like a blood thinner in the mammalian body.
For humans, it is such a small amount, and our bodies process it quickly that it is safe. Like with chocolate, too much can kill doggies, so its best to avoid it.
Garlic and onions: While a small amount once in a while probably wont do much, a large amount of consistent small amounts over a longer period of time can start to destroy red blood cells leading to anemia, at the very least.
If you are feeding treats off your plate, you dont have to worry if they accidentally get some, but be cautious that it is not a large amount or too often. Also, certain breeds of dogs are more sensitive to garlic and can have more severe reactions.
Should I Add Water To My Dogs Food
A longtime marketing angle of dry kibble was that it helps clean teeth. However if you ever watch your dog scarf down their food you know that your dog is not chewing those kibble much, if at all. .
So if thats the only reason you have never moistened your dogs food dont let that myth stop you. The truth is, adding water to your dogs food has many benefits!
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Does Wetting Dry Dog Food Make It Easier To Digest
If your dog is prone to vomiting, diarrhea, or other digestive problems, soak their kibble to alleviate many of these symptoms. Food softens in the presence of liquid, making it simpler to swallow and digest. Your dogs digestive enzymes will not have to work as hard to digest the meal if you do this.
Why Should You Mix Water Into Dry Dog Food
Although dry food is designed to be eaten as it is sold, there are occasions when adding moisture to their feed can provide some benefits. These are related to certain conditions in which your dog may find themselves, both physiological and pathological. In the following cases, it may be recommended you add water to your dog’s dry feed:
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It Makes Them Eat Slower
Is your dog gulping down his food? For a quick fix, all you need to do is add water. Dry kibble is readily gulped down in large mouthfuls, but adding water prevents your pet from vacuuming up all of the food in a short period of time.
Speed feeding has been linked to health issues such as bloat, which is especially problematic in larger dogs. Adding water to your pets food will help them eat more slowly and avoid potentially dangerous stomach problems.
Prevents Overeating And Gulping
Another problem of speed eating is a condition known as bloat. The condition can be life-threatening, and dogs that eat quickly are at a greater risk.
Soaking kibble forces your dog to slow down when eating. And the risk of overeating in minimized because the added moisture content swells the kibble pieces before entering the stomach.
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Dog Food Hack #3 Trust Your Nose
Did you knowall dry commercial dog food, aka kibble, is basically the same? For all intents and purposes, no matter what the starting quality of ingredients , they all become denatured extruded products.
On your next pet food store excursion, while on a mission to find the best value and nutrition for your dog, dont compare labels on the off-chance of finding the hidden formula that will change your dogs life. Instead.trust your nose. When, if ever, did your high-order label analysis match the smell that emanated from the bag you opened at home?
For a minute lets assume you opened all the different types of kibble in a pet food store. Then commenced smelling every bag in the hopes of discovering which meat source was used or in an effort to play the byproduct guessing game. Could you identify any ingredient on the label, let alone which protein source was used? Skipping over the fact that most of the national label, private brand, and ultra-special kibble is made by only a few manufacturing sites, the one commonality to realize is that they are all extruded products.
The cooked ingredients are then forced through a sieve, like a pasta maker, with pressurized air streams that determine the ultimate shape and length of the product when pushed through the sieve. Its not over yet! The extruded kibble pieces are dried, then sprayed with a preserved and rendered animal fat, dried again, possibly dusted with a marketed health product or even a flavor additive.
Essential During The Weaning Phase Of A Puppy
When a puppy is born, it only feeds on its mothers milk. With time, as it grows, you will be required to introduce another type of food. Dry food will be too much work for the puppy because it was used to feeding on milk, which is in liquid form.
Thus, extra care is required when choosing the type of meal to feed your puppy during the weaning phase. It is important to note that the puppys jaws and digestive system are not yet strong enough to handle food that requires a lot of energy to chew, swallow, and be digested.
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How Much Water To Add In Dry Dog Food
No one answer fits all, youd need to experiment with it, and see how your dog prefers it.
Just for an idea, there are a few things that can help you determine how much water, to add to dry dog food
If the food is less, youd want to add less water and vice versa.
The amount of water you add to dry food may also depend on the weather.
If its too hot outside, you might want to add more water, so your dog stays hydrated and fresh, similarly, if its cold, you can go with less water.
Also, you need to experiment with how much water your dog likes.
Some dogs may be fine with a bowl full of soggy kibbles, while others would like dried and less watery.
You can start by adding a half cup of water, to a full cup of kibble and see how it goes.
Can Adding Water To Dry Dog Food Cause Diarrhea
Normally, no. Many owners add water to dog food, and their dogs are just fine. But there are a few instances where adding water to dry dog food can cause diarrhea.
If the water you are using is unclean, it may contain bacteria that could make your dog sick. Adding too much water and letting the food sit too long may invite bacteria to grow and cause diarrhea in your dog as well. Lastly, your dog may get diarrhea from wet food if you recently switched from dry food. Dogs started off as wild animals, but many years of domestication has weakened their stomach.
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What Are The Signs Of Bloat In A Dog
The signs of bloat in a dog can vary depending on the dogs breed and size, but can generally be summed up with a few key points. Dogs that are bloat-prone may have a large stomach and may be able to eat a lot but may not be able to drink. They may also be having trouble breathing and may be floppy and floppy-headed. Dogs that are not bloat-prone may have a smaller stomach and may be able to eat a smaller amount but may not be able to drink. They may also be having trouble breathing and may be thin and weak-looking.
Can Puppies Even Eat Dry Kibble
Yes, puppies can definitely eat dry food without water, especially if the puppy is already old enough for you to have welcomed it home into your family. We have a post on this subject here: When Can Puppies Eat Kibble? Answered!
Before they are 6-8 weeks, puppies may not yet be able to eat solid kibble. Their teeth are still developing prior to this, so they may not have the ability to chew and swallow solid foods its a new concept for a puppy that has only ever nursed.
Thus, soaking kibble into a puppy gruel is often a technique breeders and others raising puppies use to help wean puppies onto solid food, rather than just milk from their mom.
If your puppy doesnt like eating their kibble, then be sure to read our post Puppy Wont Eat Kibble, Do This!
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Is It Ok To Add Water To Dry Dog Food
Vets agree that adding water to dog food is OK, but you need to be careful about when and how much. If your dog has a urinary tract infection, adding water can help your pet feel better.
In some cases, its even necessary. The more water the dog drinks in between meals , the better hell feel and recover faster.
Are Eggs Good For Dogs
Eggs are a terrific source of nourishment for your canine friend and are entirely safe for them. Theyre rich in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and fatty acids, all of which help your dog stay healthy on the inside and out. Keep in mind that eggs are only as excellent as the bird from which they came.
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There Are Some Things You Should Do When Adding Water To Your Dogs Food
For one, make sure that the water is clean and fresh. Some dogs will get sick if you give them dirty water.
Also, make sure that you only add as much water as your pet needs for the day. Dont overdo it because too much water can cause dehydration, which isnt good either.
If you have more questions about this subject, dont hesitate to ask your vet and a dog nutritionist.
Dry Dog Food Portions Can Be Easily Adjusted
Dry dog food tends not to come in portions sizes, but this can be handy for many owners, as it means portion sizes can easily be adjusted to your dogs needs. If you have a large breed dog, for example, its easy to serve them a larger portion than you would a small dog following the guidelines on the pack, of course.
Dry dog food is also handy as you can easily use single pieces of kibble as a treat, either for training or for motivating your dog to play a game . This should be measured against their daily food allowance, so youre not giving them too much food overall, but this is a lot easier with dry food than with wet.
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Does Dry Dog Food Make Dogs Poop More
Dry kibble is nutritionally dense and contains fewer calories than wet dog food. Wet food contains additional juices and water. As a result, you need to feed your dog extra wet food to match its dietary requirements. So if your dog isnt a picky eater, you should stick to dry dog food for less poop.
Heres When You Should Add Water To Dry Dog Food
To be honest, you can add water to any dog food, but in some situations, it is more preferable to others.
Lets look at these conditions when you should add water to a dogs food.
When Water Intake Is Low
Like cats, some dogs act notorious when you give them water, and if you have such a dog who avoids drinking water, you cant ignore the fact that water is a must.
Dehydration is dangerous and may prove to be fatal.
So, if your dog doesnt drink water, soak dry dog food in water and give it to your dog.
Not only will it be good for their digestive system but, the water will keep your dog hydrated.
When You Need To Give Supplements
There are times when your dog needs medication or supplements, so you mix these supplements with dog food.
Turns out it repels your dog, and now youre worried.
When this happens, soak the food in water, and the water will suppress the smell of medications or supplements.
For larger dogs with arthritic pain, some supplements are useful but, the smell is awful for dogs.
Adding water solves the problem, delivers the supplement or medication, as well as hydrates your dog.
When Your Dog Has Dental Issues
If your dog suffers from painful teething or other dental issues, consult your veterinarian.
Although older and senior dogs usually suffer from dental troubles, puppies can have dental problems too.
Meanwhile, giving dry food in such situations will only make it worse, thus adding water will make dry food soft, and alleviate the pain.
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Heres Why To Add Water In Dry Food Instead Of Getting Wet Food
Many people argue over adding water to dry food.
Theyd say why cant you just give wet canned food, instead of adding water to dry food.
Well, not just that, people believe dry food prevents tartar build-up, so you shouldnt soak it in water.
However, on the contrary, many dogs dont even chew the food properly, instead, they try to gulp it all down in a few big mouthfuls.
Dry foods are dehydrated basically for storage purposes, and when you intend to give it to your dog, you can add water.
Adding water will only benefit your dog, and the dog wont have to drink more water after the food.
While it doesnt harm many dogs, eating dry food can lead to bloating in some dogs, thus, soaking dry food in water will prevent your dog from bloating.
As for soaking dry food instead of wet food, well, it boils down to your personal choice.
Dry food is economical, and more nutritious, with high-calorie content.
It is less smelly for us and quite easy to store, thus, it has low moisture content and you can add water when its time for a meal.