17 Pros and Cons of Putting Water in Kibble

Key Takeaways

• Kibble is a popular and handy type of dog food made from various ingredients. So, uncover what it means by putting water in kibble.
• Adding water to dry dog food may bring several benefits. It can help with hydration, digestion, overall wellness, and many more.
• While including water in kibble has several advantages, it is vital to examine the possible downsides. Doing so might lead to bacterial growth, nutritional loss, and other issues. Scroll down to discover!

What Is Putting Water In Kibble?

Adding water to kibble is a common practice that makes dry food softer and simpler for dogs. A tiny quantity of water lets the kibble absorb moisture and become less crunchy, making it more workable for dogs, particularly those with difficulties chewing. 

This method is frequently used for elderly pets or animals with dental problems, but it may also be a simple way to vary the texture of their usual meals. 

The quantity of water added is determined by personal choice and the pet's needs. Yet, a mild soak often softens the food without turning it mush.

The Pros of Putting Water in Kibble

Enhanced Palatability

By moistening your dog's dry food, you may turn a boring mealtime into a tastebud-tingling buffet without additional ingredients or the high cost of gourmet dog food. It is a simple, low-cost approach to improving your dogs' daily food and making it more attractive. 

Water added to kibble might uncover and amplify the flavors within. The extra moisture may provide tempting fragrances and tastes that wag your dog's tail. It is beneficial if you have a very picky dog.

Assisting Hydration

Adequate daily hydration is vital for all dogs, young and old. If your dog is not well hydrated, it may have difficulties passing feces, leading to other digestive issues. Though dry dog food contains fresh meat and water, your dog may require more than just dry dog food to meet its hydration requirements. 

Should you add water to dry dog food? The answer is yes, as adding water to kibble can help dogs meet their basic needs. It is especially crucial for dogs that drink less water during the day.

Aid In Digestion

Dogs may find it challenging to consume dry dog food, particularly pups just being weaned and sick or having intestinal issues. 

If so, water will facilitate a more thorough digestion of the food and assist the body absorb the nutrients. Furthermore, it is crucial to note that smaller dogs may be more susceptible to stomach problems. 

So, if your dog has difficulty eating dry kibble, consider adding clean water to the mix or experimenting with fresh or wet dog food like Antler Chew Grain Free Complete Wet Working Dog Food to see if it handles it better.

Soaking your dog’s dry food can help with digestion

Reduced Bloating

If you wonder, “Should I add water to dry dog food?” Go ahead! A dog fed a wet diet—raw, canned, or moistened dry food—has a significantly lower risk of developing volvulus, stomach dilatation, and bloat.

Kibble that has appropriately been hydrated starts to expand before ingestion, reducing the risk of stomach swelling. This can reduce the likelihood of bloat, a potentially dangerous condition more frequent in large or deep-chested dog breeds. 

Furthermore, pre-soaking the kibble promotes quicker meal metabolization for the dog's digestive system. It lessens gas accumulation and the pain that comes with bloating. 

Dental Health Considerations

What are the pros and cons of putting water in kibble? One advantage of adding water to dry dog food is that it helps with dental health. Not every dog can handle the hard stuff. Moreover, crunching through hard kibble might be an endurance test rather than a satisfying meal for dogs with sore gums, damaged teeth, or oral pain. 

Wetting the kibble can be a tooth-friendly alternative in these situations. This rough texture disappears when kibble is softened with water. Your dogs will eat much more comfortably, lowering the chance of oral harm by softening the food.

Fuller Feeling

Adding water to kibble might make dogs feel fuller after eating. When kibble absorbs water, it expands in volume, giving the meal a more significant substance without adding calories. As the dog consumes hydrated food, their stomach fills up more rapidly, resulting in a sense of satisfaction. 

It benefits dogs on a weight loss plan since it helps them feel satiated with a fixed portion size. By making the kibble more full, you may assist your dogs in avoiding overeating and promoting good eating habits.

Weight Management

Soaking dry food helps with weight management.

Dry dog meals like kibble frequently leave dogs hungry. Overfeeding, however, may result in unintended weight gain. Fortunately, adding water to your dog's food can make it feel full and satisfied by increasing the quantity it eats without increasing the number of calories. 

Therefore, if your dog needs to lose weight, you may give them an equal amount of calorie-free water instead of a portion of their usual meal. However, your dog must consume well-balanced foods to keep them content. Yet, your dog should be eating well-balanced meals to keep them satisfied.

Improved Overall Health

Soaking the kibble softens the meal, making it easier to consume. It also provides an extra water supply for your dog. If your dog is a hesitant drinker, moistening its kibble may be an effective technique for helping it maintain fluid levels, thereby boosting its overall health and well-being.

Additionally, adding water to kibble helps with chewing and digestion. It can reduce the possibility of stomach discomfort and boost the body's absorption of nutrients. Making meals easier on your dog's digestive system can help its long-term health.

Less Hunger Cravings

Finally, adding water to dry dog food can help alleviate hunger by delaying feeding. Dogs chew and digest hydrated kibble more slowly, giving a prolonged perception of fullness. This slower digestion helps avoid hunger spikes and decreases, keeping dogs satiated in between meals. 

For pets who eat rapidly or are prone to overeating, moistening kibble provides a more regulated and fulfilling mealtime. Also, it reduces the desire to seek food immediately after eating while fostering better, more balanced eating habits.

The Cons of Putting Water in Kibble

Potential Bacterial Growth

When kibble is soaked in water and left out for a long time, it creates an ideal environment for germ growth. It can turn your dog's delicious food into a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria, some of which can cause gastrointestinal distress or other health problems if ingested.

To prevent this risk, immediately consume moist food and dispose of any leftovers properly. This is necessary in warmer climates or in summer when higher temperatures stimulate bacterial development.

Putting water on dry dog food may cause bacterial growth

Dental Problems

Adding water to the kibble can help dogs with dental issues. Still, regarding the pros and cons of putting water in kibble, note that it may cause dental problems. Dry kibble's solid texture sometimes forces dogs to chew more completely, which can naturally help scrape away plaque and tartar buildup. 

But adding water to the kibble softens it. While this simplifies eating, it also reduces the 'toothbrush effect' of dry foods. Soaked kibble will not give the same amount of scrubbing, possibly leading to increased plaque formation and associated dental problems in the long run.

Loss Of Nutrients

When water is added to kibble, some vitamins and minerals may dissolve, particularly if the kibble is allowed to soak for an extended time. It could reduce the nutritional value and lead to dietary inadequacies if your pet's primary diet is wet kibble.

Thus, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist to ensure your pet's kibble brand and soaking procedure will not affect its nutritional intake.

Overeating Risks

As previously said, soaking your dog's dry food may enhance flavor and make the meal palatable. Hence, your pet may react overly eagerly to its newly moistened food. Dogs already prone to gobbling down their food may eat even faster when their kibble is softened, resulting in bloating, weight gain, or more severe conditions.

For this reason, while making your dog's kibble more appealing is generally beneficial, you should maintain a balance to avoid overindulgence and its related health hazards.

Introducing water to dry food may lead to overeating risks

Mold Growth

Adding water to dry food produces a breeding environment for mold, primarily if the kibble is kept out for an extended period. Moldy food can cause digestive troubles in your pet and more significant health concerns, including vomiting or diarrhea. This is especially concerning in humid climates or when food spoils fast during hot weather. 

Regarding “Can adding water to dry dog food cause diarrhea?” – Yes. To decrease the chance of infection, offer wet kibble immediately and dispose of any uneaten bits instead of exposing them.

Soggy Kibble

What are the pros and cons of putting water in kibble? Another drawback is that food might become soggy, which some dogs might find unpleasant and stop being interested in eating it. 

To soften the food, add adequate water, but don't let it sit for too long to prevent soggy kibble. But how long to soak kibble in water? At room temperature, it usually takes 10-15 minutes to soak the dog's dry food until it loosens and softens, and no more than an hour.

Avoid soggy kibble

Cause Stomach Upset

Adding water to kibble can upset dogs' stomachs because of abrupt moisture content or texture changes. Some dogs, to adapt to the new consistency, may experience pain or bloating.

Over a few days, progressively add wet kibble to your dog's regular dry meal to lower the danger. In addition, watch for symptoms of gastrointestinal distress in your dog and adjust the amount of water it receives to help ward off stomach issues.

Possible Choking Hazard

Soaking your pet's dry food can occasionally cause choking if it gets too soft or mushy. If the softened kibble does not break down correctly in dogs' mouths, they may accidentally eat too quickly and inhale or choke on it. 

To lower this danger, avoid oversoaking the kibble and keep it at a practical consistency. You can also watch your dog eat and change the water quantity based on eating habits and preferences. Gradually incorporating wet kibble into their meal can help them adjust to the new texture, lowering the risk of choking or discomfort.