Soak dry food - yes or no?
Many dog owners ask themselves the question whether they should soak their dog's dry food. There is no one true answer to this question, because, as always, it depends on various circumstances and factors. We have summarized the most important advantages and disadvantages at a glance:
Advantages of soaked dry food:
- Water balance: If dry food is soaked, this also ensures a certain water supply. Especially for dogs that tend to drink little, this can be a useful measure.
- Sensitive stomach: Some dogs are sensitive and get a stomach ache from dry food. This is because dry food swells in the stomach and can then lead to a feeling of fullness. If dry food is soaked, the kibbles swell up beforehand and can no longer cause problems for the sensitive dog's stomach.
- Sensitive teeth: Often old dogs refuse the hard, dry kibbles, because they simply can no longer bite them. Their teeth are no longer as powerful or even hurt.
- Avoid ingestion: Dogs are naturally gobblers. However, there are sometimes specimens that do not chew their food and swallow it really hastily. For such dogs, it can also make sense to soak the food so that the dry, scratchy croquettes do not get stuck in their throats.
Disadvantages of soaked dry food:
- Taste: soaked dry food becomes watered down and thus loses its taste. Some dogs therefore do not eat soaked dry food.
- Consistency: especially cold-pressed dry food does not swell, but simply disintegrates.
- Shelf life: If the dog does not eat the entire portion of the soaked food, the leftovers must be disposed of, because soaked food cannot be safely stored and given at the next feeding.
- Time: Since it takes some time for the dry food to swell, the dog owner should plan for this. How long should you soak dry food? Mixing dry food with water and letting it swell for around 30 minutes can be used as a rule of thumb.
Alternative semi-moist soft food
Especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs or teeth, soft food is a good alternative to soaking. In addition, dogs often prefer the more intense flavor than the watered-down dry food.
