Must Know Before Adding Water to Dry and Air Dried Dog Food | Pros & Cons
Adding water to your dog’s dry food is a personal decision that varies among dog owners. It’s essential to understand the advantages and disadvantages before making a choice. Adding water to dogs food depends on your dog’s needs and preferences. It’s recommended to open a bag of dry food, assess its aroma, and observe your dog’s reaction. Experimenting with different brands and textures can help you find the right fit. You should be cautious not to pour too much water, which may lead to an aversion.
Expectation from Adding Water to Dry Dog Food?
Enhancing the Palatability
Adding water to dry dog food can improve its taste and consistency. It can also make it more appealing to dogs; when they see the food, they want to eat it. This can be particularly helpful for picky eaters or dogs who find dry kibble distasteful. Picky eaters are very hard to handle, and there is only some food that they want to eat. So, it is difficult for the owners to fulfill their wishes. But adding water to dog food helps them.
Aiding Digestion
Moistening dry dog food with water can help in digestion. The water helps soften the food, making it easier to chew and break down, which promotes better digestion and nutrient absorption. The digestion system of each dog is different, so you need to take care of your dog and give them easy digestive food.
Assisting Dogs With Oral Health Problems
For dogs with dental issues or missing teeth, dry kibble may be challenging to chew. Adding water to soften the food makes it gentler on their gums and teeth, enabling them to eat comfortably.
Promoting Hydration
Some dogs don’t drink enough water throughout the day, which can lead to dehydration. Adding water to their dry food can increase their overall water intake, helping to maintain proper hydration levels and supporting their overall health.
Preventing Gulping
Some dogs tend to eat their food quickly and gulp it down. Adding water to dry dog food can slow their eating pace as they need to lap up the water and the food. This can reduce the risk of choking or gastrointestinal issues caused by rapid eating.
Aiding Weight Loss
Moistening dry dog food with water can increase the food’s volume without adding extra calories. This can help dogs feel fuller and more satisfied while consuming fewer calories, making it beneficial for weight loss or weight management.
Option of Freeze-dried Food
Adding water to freeze-dried dog food can rehydrate it and create a nutritious and flavorful meal. This allows for convenient feeding while providing a balanced diet.
Read More : 5 Best Affordable Air Dried Dog Food
The Disadvantage of Adding Water to Dry Dog Food
Your Dog Might Reject It
Some dogs may not enjoy the texture or taste of moistened dry dog food. They may be accustomed to eating it dry and refuse the food if water is added. It’s essential to observe your dog’s response and adjust accordingly.
It Is Slightly Inconvenient
Moistening dry dog food is a time-consuming process. It involves adding water, waiting for it to absorb, and properly mixing the food. This extra step may be inconvenient, especially for busy pet owners.
Preparing Moistened Dry Dog Food
To make dry dog food wet in a way that appeals to your dog, follow these simple steps:
Add Dry Kibble to the Food Bowl First
Start by placing the desired dry kibble in your dog’s food bowl. This prevents the kibble from turning into a soupy texture if water is added first.
Measure Filtered Water
Take a regular cup and fill approximately a quarter with filtered water. You can estimate the amount by eye, aiming for a consistency that your dog prefers.
Pour Water Evenly Over the Kibble
Drizzle the measured water evenly over the dry kibble, ensuring not to pour all the water in the center of the bowl. The goal is to moisten the kibble without creating a pool of water.
Stir After 5 Minutes
Allow the food to sit for about 5 minutes. Then, gently stir the kibble and water mixture to ensure even moisture distribution. If the kibble still appears dry, you can add a bit more water.
Serve Within 15 Minutes
Soak the food for 5–15 minutes, depending on whether you added cold or hot water. Most dogs prefer moistened food that has yet to be soaked for too long. Serve the food to your dog within 15 minutes to maintain freshness and palatability. However, if your dog is okay with longer soaking times, there is no harm in letting it sit for a bit longer.
Different Ways to Hydrate Dry Dog Kibble
Water
The simplest and most cost-effective option is to mix water with dry food. Using water at room temperature rather than cold water is recommended, as cold water may be less appealing to dogs. Adding a small amount of warm water can be more appetizing as it mimics the temperature of fresh prey.
Broth or Stock
For adult dogs, another option is to mix the kibble with broth or stock. This can be chicken, meat, or vegetable-based. Preparing the broth or stocking yourself is crucial, avoiding ingredients like onion, garlic, and salt, which can harm dogs. Commercial products often contain these ingredients, so homemade is best.
Formula Milk for Puppies
During the weaning process, if you have puppies, mixing the dry food with specific formula milk designed for dogs is preferable. You can find this product at veterinary clinics or pet stores. Start by using warm milk to match the puppies’ preference for food at body temperature. Gradually reduce the milk’s temperature as weaning progresses until providing it at room temperature.
It’s important to remember that you should never mix dry dog food with any form of milk, including cow’s milk. This can lead to diarrhea, which can have severe consequences for newborn puppies.
Guidelines for Adding Water to Dog’s Dry Food
Use Filtered Water
When adding water to dry dog food, it’s best to use filtered water to ensure its purity. This helps prevent any potential contaminants that may be present in tap water.
Use Warm Water
Using warm water is preferable to cold water as it enhances the aroma and makes the food more appealing to your dog. Warm water can also aid in softening the kibble and releasing flavors.
Go with Less
Start by adding a small amount of water to the dry food. It’s better, to begin with a conservative amount and adjust as needed to achieve the desired texture and consistency.
Gradually Increase the Water Content
If your dog responds well to the initial addition of water, you can gradually increase the amount over time. This allows your dog to adjust to the moisture and ensures a smooth transition.
Water Always Goes on Top
When moistening your dog’s dry food, pour the water directly onto the kibble. This helps the water evenly distribute throughout the food and prevents dry pockets.
Add Kibble to Wet Dog Food
If you combine wet dog food with dry kibble, add the kibble to the wet food rather than the other way around. This helps maintain the desired texture and prevents the kibble from becoming too waterlogged.
Air-Dried Dog Food
Air-dried dog food is a type of dog food that experience a unique drying process to preserve its nutritional content. It removes moisture from the ingredients without extreme heat, keeping the natural flavors and nutrients. Air-dried dog food is made by gently eliminating water from the raw ingredients through a low-temperature drying process.
The gentle drying process of air-dried dog food helps preserve the essential nutrients present in the ingredients. This includes proteins, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, providing a nutrient-rich diet for dogs.
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Advantages of Air-Dried Dog Food
For a few key reasons, air-dried dog food has gained popularity among dog owners.
Moist and Flavorful
One of the main reasons dogs and their owners prefer air-dried food is that it has a more moist and flavorful texture than traditional dry kibble. This makes it an attractive option for dogs not enthusiastic about dry food but not keen on wet food either. Air-dried food strikes a balance between the two.
Nutritional Value
Traditional dehydration processes used in some dog foods can diminish the nutritional value of the ingredients. However, air-dried dog food typically retains more essential nutrients, offering your pet a potentially more nutritious diet.
A Palatable Choice
Many dogs find air-dried food highly appetizing due to its moisture and enhanced flavors. This can be a positive aspect when transitioning from one type of food to another. If you’re considering a change but are still determining wet food, air-dried dog food could be a suitable alternative.
If you’re looking to switch your dog’s food, it may be worth trying air-dried food. Not only does it offer nutritional benefits, but many dogs also find it delicious, creating a win-win situation overall.
The 4 Best Air-Dried Dog Foods
Zeal Canada Gently Air-Dried Dog Food
Zeal Canada Gently Turkey Recipe is our top recommendation for air-dried dog food. It is the best air-dried dog food. This nutritious option is packed with real turkey, providing high levels of protein and fat. It is particularly well-suited for active, performance, or working dogs, although it may be suitable for something other than overweight or inactive dogs.
This recipe excludes fillers, antibiotics, preservatives, and additives, ensuring a high-quality product. High-quality turkey as the main ingredient promotes easy digestion, making it a suitable choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Pros
High protein content, supporting muscle development and energy levels.
High-quality ingredients ensure a nutritious diet for your dog.
Tasty and appealing to dogs.
Ideal for active dogs with higher energy needs.
Excludes controversial ingredients that may be of concern.
Cons
Limited options for dogs that require grain-inclusive diets.
Not recommended for overweight dogs, as the higher fat content may not be suitable for weight management.
Addiction Perfect Summer Raw Alternative Dog Food
Addiction Perfect Summer Raw Alternative Dog Food is a top choice regarding value for money in air-dried dog food options. It offers a well-balanced and affordable opportunity that can be fed to dogs of all types.
This recipe has a lower fat content, making it suitable for overweight dogs. This food can be beneficial if your dog has allergies or sensitivities to common meat proteins. It contains brushtail, a novel protein that is less likely to cause allergic reactions as your dog’s body may not have developed an intolerance to it.
The recipe includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as apples, basil, blueberries, mangos, cranberries, and spinach. These ingredients add flavor to your dog’s food and provide essential nutrients and promote immune health and digestion due to their fiber content.
Although gently air-dried, this food needs to be served with warm water to rehydrate it before feeding.
Pros
Rich in fruits and vegetables, providing added nutrients and flavor.
Uses a novel protein source (brushtail) for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.
Suitable for most types of dogs.
Digestible and promotes good digestion.
Cons
Requires serving with warm water for rehydration.
Ziwi Peak Beef Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food
Ziwi Peak Beef Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food is our premium choice for air-dried dog food, and it’s highly regarded for its quality and nutritional value.
This recipe stands out with its high protein and fat content, providing a crude protein content of 38%. Most of the formula consists of free-range beef, bones, and organs, contributing to lean muscle development and providing the necessary energy for your dog. It also includes New Zealand green mussels, rich in essential nutrients like zinc, iron, selenium, and various vitamins.
This limited-ingredient diet excludes carbohydrates and fillers, focusing solely on beneficial ingredients without unnecessary additives that may trigger allergic reactions in dogs. Being air-dried, the food does not require preservatives. You have the flexibility to serve it as a complete meal or use it as a topper, which can help stretch out the product and save you money. However, it’s important to note that Ziwi currently offers only grain-free options.
Pros
Very high protein content, supporting muscle development and energy levels.
Offers a nutritionally balanced alternative to raw diets.
Nutrient-dense, providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Limited-ingredient formula, reducing the risk of allergies or sensitivities.
Cons
No grain-inclusive options are available.
Very high-fat content may not be suitable for all dogs, especially those with specific dietary needs.
Spot & Tango UnKibble Dog Food
Spot & Tango offers a range of UnKibble recipes prioritizing fresh, whole ingredients and real meat. Spot & Tango has a strong track record of product safety and has never had any of its products recalled. They personalize each dog’s food based on age, breed, weight, and individual needs. The UnKibble is carefully formulated to provide the necessary nutrients, and they adjust the formula as your puppy grows. All recipes meet the standards set by AAFCO.
Among the Spot & Tango UnKibble recipes, the Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe stands out.
These recipes contain vitamins, minerals, and fish oil to promote a healthy coat. While Spot & Tango UnKibble is priced higher than other options, it is crafted with care and customized to your dog’s needs.
Pros
Usage of fresh, whole ingredients
Collaboration with veterinarians for formulation
Customized recipes tailored to your dog’s needs
Suitable for both puppies and adult dogs
Consistency with AAFCO standards
Cons
Higher price point compared to other options
Availability is limited to subscription-based service
Conclusion
Transforming dry dog food into a delectable feast can be achieved by adding water and exploring optimal air-dried selections. These methods enhance palatability, increase moisture content, and provide a variety of flavors and textures for your furry friend. By incorporating water, you can customize the consistency of the food to suit your dog’s preferences. Optimal air-dried selections offer the benefits of minimal processing and nutrient retention. Experimenting with these techniques provides a satisfying and nutritious mealtime experience your dog will eagerly look forward to.
