5 Tricks to Soften Dry Dog Food (A Dog Owners Guide)

Have you ever noticed that your dog doesn’t seem as excited about mealtime as he used to be? It could be that their dry dog food has lost its appeal. But don’t worry; there are a few easy ways to soften up that kibble and entice your pup to chow down again!

To soften dry dog food, add some warm water and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Another option is to mix in some wet dog food or broth to add moisture and flavor or add foods such as yogurt, veggies, tuna, or a little cheese for added flavor and nutrients. If all else fails, try a fish supplement.

In this article, I’ll cover the following:

• How to add moisture to dry dog food
• The benefits of softening dry dog food
• Potential drawbacks to consider

I’ll also provide tips for selecting the best type of dry dog food and share some tasty recipes for homemade soft dog food. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the tools you need to bring joy back to mealtimes for your beloved pooch.

How To Soften Dry Dog Food

If you’ve been struggling to get your furry friend to eat their dry food, it could be that the kibble is just too hard and unappealing. Maybe they’ve become a picky eater or have dental problems. One way to make mealtime more enjoyable for your dog is to add some moisture to the dry food.

Not only will this make the food softer and easier to eat, but it can also add some extra flavor and nutrition to your dog’s diet.

Here are 5 simple ways to add moisture to dry dog food. At the end, I’ll tell you my dog’s preferences!

1. Mix in a Little Warm Water

This is a quick and easy way to add moisture to dry dog food. Just be sure not to add too much liquid, as it can change the nutrient balance of the food. In a nutshell, add a quarter of a cup of warm water, but you can check out this post for step-by-step instructions and pictures, Adding Water To Dry Dog Food.

You can also wet the food the night before and let it sit in the fridge. This can help to soften the kibble and make it more appealing to your dog. Just be sure to store the wet food in the fridge to prevent bacterial growth.

2. Mix in Some Broth

Mix in some unsalted beef or chicken broth to soften the kibble. Ensure it is made from all-natural ingredients. The broth will significantly enhance the flavor of the food while adding moisture. It also has the added benefit of additional vitamins and minerals.

Simply pour the broth over the food and serve at room temperature. Add a small amount at first – just enough to moisten the food, then gradually increase the amount to find the preferred consistency for your dog.

3. Add Some Wet Food

Adding one of two spoonfuls of canned wet food can add moisture and flavor to the meal. Just be sure to choose high-quality wet or canned food and monitor your dog’s intake to ensure they get the right balance of nutrients.

You can also mix dog food brands as long as they have the correct nutritional value.

4. Add a Food Topping

Mix in some yogurt or cottage cheese for added protein and calcium to your dog’s diet. Just be sure to choose a plain, unsweetened variety and monitor your dog’s intake to ensure they get the right balance of nutrients.

Other alternatives are to add some cooked, mashed vegetables for added nutrition and to soften the food. As for the step before, be sure to choose vegetables that are safe for dogs and monitor your dog’s intake. And if you want more ideas, head over here, 15 Easy Foods To Mix With Dry Dog Food.

You can also mix kibble with homemade dog food, and some owners like to mix kibble with raw.

5. Use a Fish Supplement

Salmon oil such as Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil from Amazon is a liquid food supplement that can add moisture to your dog’s kibble. A few quirts of this natural anti-inflammatory additive can also be combined with a bit of water and added to your dog’s bowl.

This salmon oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which benefits dogs with heart issues, joint problems, and skin or coat conditions. It also supports the immune system and is an overall excellent food topper.

So, as promised and in order of preference, here’s how my German Shepherd Willow prefers to have her kibble softened:

1. Adding wet dog food
2. Sprinkling human food toppings
3. Adding warm water

The Benefits of Softening Dry Dog Food

There are a few key benefits to softening dry dog food.

• It can make the food more appealing and easier for your dog to eat. Hard kibble can be unappealing and difficult for some dogs to chew, especially as they get older or have dental issues. By softening the food, you can help to make mealtime more enjoyable for your furry friend.

• Softening dry dog food can make it easier for your dog to digest. Hard kibble can be tough on your dog’s digestive system, especially if they are not used to eating it. By softening the food, you can help to reduce the strain on your dog’s digestive system and make it easier for them to digest and absorb the nutrients in the food.

• Softening dry dog food can help ensure your dog gets the right balance of nutrients. By adding moisture to the food, you can help ensure that your dog is getting the right amount of water in their diet, which is essential for overall health and well-being.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

While there are certainly some benefits to softening dry dog food, it is important to also consider the potential drawbacks.

• Adding moisture to the food can change the nutrient balance of the diet. Dry dog food is formulated to provide the right balance of nutrients for your dog, and adding extra moisture to the food can alter this balance. This can be especially true if you add a lot of wet food or broth to the kibble, as these sources of moisture can also add extra calories and nutrients to the diet.

• Softening the food can make it spoil more quickly. Wet or moistened dog food can spoil faster than dry kibble, so it is essential to store it properly and use it within a reasonable amount of time. This can be especially important if you are wetting the food the night before and letting it sit in the fridge, as it can become contaminated with bacteria if it is not stored properly.

• Consider the cost of adding moisture to dry dog food. Wet or canned food is typically more expensive than dry kibble, and adding it to the diet regularly can add up. It is important to consider your budget and find a balance that works for you and your dog.

• Feeding dogs softened dry food may lead to higher cortisol levels and changes in the diversity of intestinal microbes, according to this study. However, it may also increase the presence of certain pathogenic bacteria, potentially causing disruptions to the intestinal microbiome and leading to metabolic disorders in dogs. Ultimately, this research suggests that while softening dry food may not offer digestive benefits, it may cause stress and pose a potential threat to the intestinal health of dogs. Nonetheless, this was only a small study, and more research is required.

Tips for Storing Wet or Moistened Dog Food to Prevent Bacterial Growth

Here are a few tips for storing wet or moistened dog food to help prevent bacterial growth:

1. Use a clean, airtight container to store the food. This will help to prevent contamination and keep the food fresh.
2. Keep the food in the fridge if you are not planning to use it immediately. This will help to slow the growth of bacteria and prevent the food from spoiling.
3. If you are storing the food in the fridge, be sure to use it within a few days. Wet or moistened dog food can spoil more quickly than dry kibble, so it is important to use it up before it goes bad.
4. If you are not planning to use the food within a few days, consider freezing it instead. This will help to preserve the quality of the food and prevent bacterial growth.
5. When serving the food, use clean utensils and be sure to discard any leftovers. Wet or moistened food can spoil more quickly than dry kibble, so it is important to avoid leaving it out for extended periods of time.

Homemade Soft Dog Food Recipes

Here are a few easy homemade soft dog food recipes that you can try:

1. Slow cooker chicken and rice: Combine 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup of brown rice, and 2 cups of chicken broth in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Mash the mixture with a fork or blender and serve.
2. Baked sweet potato and turkey: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Slice 1 large sweet potato into thin rounds and place them on a baking sheet. Top with 1 pound of ground turkey. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potato is tender and the turkey is cooked through. Mash the mixture with a fork or blender and serve.
3. Slow cooker beef and vegetables: Combine 1 pound of beef stew meat, 1 cup of chopped carrots, 1 cup of chopped green beans, and 1 cup of beef broth in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is tender. Mash the mixture with a fork or blender and serve.
4. Salmon and quinoa: Cook 1 cup of quinoa according to package instructions. Meanwhile, bake 1 pound of salmon at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Mash the salmon and quinoa together with a fork or blender and serve.

See also: Kibble vs. Homemade Dog Food (Which is Better?)

Remember to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet, and be sure to choose ingredients that are safe for dogs to eat.

The Potential Impacts of Softening Dry Dog Food on a Dog’s Weight and Overall Health

There is limited research on the potential impacts of softening dry dog food on a dog’s weight and overall health. However, some factors to consider include:

• Nutrient balance: As mentioned earlier, adding moisture to dry dog food can change the nutrient balance of the diet. This could potentially lead to weight gain or weight loss, depending on the specific nutrients and the amount of moisture added. It is important to monitor your dog’s weight and adjust the portions accordingly to ensure they get the right balance of nutrients.

• Caloric intake: Wet or moistened dog food may contain more calories than dry kibble, depending on the specific ingredients and the amount of moisture added. This could potentially lead to weight gain if your dog is consuming more calories than they need. Again, it is important to monitor your dog’s weight and adjust the portions accordingly to ensure they get the right amount of calories.

• Digestive health: Softening dry dog food may make it easier for your dog to digest and absorb the nutrients in their food, which could potentially have positive impacts on overall health. However, if the food is not stored or served correctly, it could also lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea or vomiting.

Overall, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before making any major changes to your dog’s diet and to monitor your dog’s weight and overall health to ensure they are getting the right balance of nutrients and calories.

Do They Make Soft Dry Dog Food?

There are some brands of dry dog food that are formulated to be softer or more easily chewable than others. These types of dry dog food may be suitable for dogs with dental issues or older dogs who have difficulty chewing hard kibble.

However, it is important to note that the texture of dry dog food can vary significantly between brands and formulations. Some dry dog food may be harder or crunchier, while others may be softer or more easily mashed.