Are you planning to switch your beloved dog’s food to the wet one? If yes, what are the ways to get the job done? How to make wet dog food from dry?
In this article, I will guide you through the best 7 ways to transform your dog’s dry kibble into a moist and enticing meal, catering to their taste and hydration needs.
Benefits Of Serving Wet Dog Food
High Nutrition
It is rich in proteins, essential fats, vitamins, and minerals, offering a well-balanced diet, all contributing to better muscle development, coat quality, and immune system support.
Many wet dog food ingredients are from real meat, which provides high-quality protein sources that are easily digestible for dogs.
Better Taste
Dogs often find wet food appealing due to its meaty texture and enhanced aroma. This can be particularly beneficial for picky eaters.
The flavors in wet dog food can entice dogs with reduced appetites, encouraging them to eat and maintain a healthy weight.
Hydration
The high moisture content in wet dog food helps keep your pet hydrated. This is especially valuable for dogs that do not drink enough water or live in hot climates.
Adequate hydration is vital for your dog’s overall health, including kidney function, digestion, and temperature regulation.
Easier Digestibility
Wet dog food’s moist and soft texture is more straightforward to chew – a perfect choice for puppies, seniors, or those with dental problems.
The gentle texture of wet food is more comfortable for pets with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. It can be a helpful transition food when switching a dog from a liquid diet to a solid food.
How To Make Wet Dog Food From Dry?
To make wet dog food from dry kibble, add moisture using options like water, meat broth, fish oil, mixed canned and dry food, yogurt, milk, or wet veggies.
These ingredients not only moisten the food but also introduce more nutrients and boost its flavor.
Water
Step 1: How to make dry dog food wet? Measure the appropriate dry food for your dog’s meal. The amount should be based on your dog’s size, age, and activity level.
Step 2: Heat water to a warm but not boiling temperature. Boiling water can destroy some of the nutrients in kibble. You can use a microwave or stovetop to heat the water.
Step 3: Pour the warm water over the dry kibble in a bowl. Ensure that the water covers the kibble completely.
Step 4: Allow the kibble to soak for 5-10 minutes. The soaking time softens the kibble and allows it to absorb moisture, making it easier for your dog to chew and digest.
Step 5: Stir the mixture to create a gravy-like consistency. The kibble should be evenly coated with the water.
Step 6: Serve the moistened kibble to your dog. If your dog doesn’t eat it all at once, refrigerate and reheat any leftovers before serving.
Meat Broth
How to make wet dog food out of dry with meat broth? Here is the way:
Step 1: Choose a low-sodium meat broth, preferably chicken or beef. Low-sodium options are essential to prevent excessive salt intake, which can harm dogs.
Step 2: Heat the broth to a warm but not boiling temperature. You can do this on the stove or in the microwave.
Step 3: Pour the warm broth over the dry kibble. Make sure that the kibble is well-coated.
Step 4: Allow the kibble to soak for a few minutes, typically 5-10 minutes. During this time, the kibble will absorb the flavorful broth.
Step 5: Stir the mixture to distribute flavor and moisture throughout the kibble evenly.
Step 6: Serve the flavorful and moistened kibble to your dog. Adjust the amount of broth based on your dog’s preferences and dietary needs.
Fish oil
Step 1: Select a high-quality fish oil supplement designed for dogs and suitable for its needs. The label should provide dosing instructions.
Step 2: Measure the recommended dosage of fish oil as indicated on the product label.
Step 3: Place the measured dry kibble in a bowl.
Step 4: Drizzle the fish oil evenly over the dry kibble. Gently toss and stir the kibble to ensure that the fish oil is distributed thoroughly.
Step 5: Allow the mixture to rest for a brief moment. This will give the kibble time to absorb the fish oil.
Step 6: Serve your pet with this delectable meal. The fish oil adds moisture and provides essential omega-3 fatty acids for improved skin, coat, and overall health.
Mixed Canned & Dry Dog Food
Step 1: Measure the sufficient portions of canned and dry dog food. The quantity should be determined based on your dog’s size, age, and activity level. You can find feeding guidelines on the dog food packaging or consult your veterinarian for recommendations.
Step 2: Mix the two types of food in a bowl. Use a spoon to combine them thoroughly.
Step 3: Blend them well to create a consistent texture. Ensure that there are no clumps of dry kibble or concentrated portions of canned food.
Step 4: Serve the combined mixture to your dog. The result is a hybrid meal that offers the benefits of both wet and dry foods. It provides enhanced flavor, texture, and moisture content.
Step 5: Adjust the canned to dry food ratio as needed to achieve the desired consistency and nutritional balance. You can tailor the mixture to suit your dog’s preferences and dietary requirements.
Yogurt
How to make wet puppy food with yogurt in 4 easy steps?
Step 1: Begin by measuring the dry kibble for your dog’s meal.
Step 2: Add yogurt to the dry kibble. Yogurt offers moisture and probiotics for digestive health.
Step 3: Mix the yogurt thoroughly into the kibble to create a creamy texture.
Step 4: Leave the mixture for a few minutes, then the dish is ready to be served. This probiotic-enriched meal promotes digestive well-being and enjoyment for your dogs.
Goat Milk
Step 1: Obtain plain goat milk without added sugar or flavorings. Goat milk is often easier for dogs to digest than cow’s milk due to its lower lactose content.
Step 2: Pour a small amount of goat milk over the dry kibble. Start with a conservative amount and increase it as needed based on your dog’s preferences.
Step 3: Allow the kibble to soak briefly in the goat milk, typically for 2-5 minutes. This enhances the flavor and moistens the kibble.
Step 4: Stir if necessary to ensure the kibble absorbs the milk evenly. You want to achieve a consistent texture throughout the meal.
Step 5: Serve the goat milk-enhanced kibble to your dog. It adds a unique taste and extra moisture to the meal.
Wet Veggies
Step 1: Begin by cooking vegetables like pumpkin or sweet potato until they become soft and easily mashable. This normally takes about 15-20 minutes, but cooking times may vary based on the vegetable type and size.
Step 2: Mash the cooked vegetables to create a wet topping.
Step 3: Measure the desired amount of dry kibble for your dog’s meal.
Step 4: Add the mashed vegetables to the dry kibble, ensuring an even distribution.
Step 5: Mix the vegetables and kibble well to combine the moisture, flavor, and added nutrients.
Step 6: Allow the mixture to sit briefly to achieve the ideal softness and allow the flavors to meld. Serve the perfect meal for your lovely pet.
Things To Consider When Softening Dog Food
Health Conditions
Softened food can make mealtime more comfortable if your dog has dental problems, missing teeth, or gum sensitivities.
It allows them to enjoy their meals without the pain or discomfort associated with chewing hard kibble.
Additionally, for dogs with chronic illnesses like pancreatitis, a softer diet may be recommended to aid digestion.
However, it is crucial to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that softening the food aligns with your dog’s specific health needs and dietary restrictions.
Potential Drawbacks
While softening dog food can have numerous advantages, it is essential to be aware of potential drawbacks.
One significant consideration is the impact on dental health.
Softened food lacks the mechanical abrasion that chewing dry kibble provides, which can help remove plaque and tartar buildup.
To address this, it is recommended to implement dental hygiene practices such as regular tooth brushing or providing dental treats to maintain your dog’s oral health.
Converting dry dog food to wet diet should also be done gradually, as a sudden change may lead to digestive upset.
Preservation
Proper hygiene and food safety are critical when softening dog food.
To maintain cleanliness, thoroughly wash your dog’s bowls and utensils, as softened food can promote bacterial growth.
Furthermore, leftover softened food should be promptly refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
Following the storage guidelines provided by the manufacturer keeps the food safe for your dog to consume.
Stick To Your Dog’s Ideal Diet
When softening dog food, maintaining the nutritional balance of your dog’s diet is vital.
The softened food should deliver a balanced mix of essential nutrients, including adequate levels of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.
Ask for advice from a pet nutritionist for dogs with specific dietary requirements or allergies.
They can help tailor the softened diet to meet your dog’s unique needs, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrition while enjoying their meals.
Budget
Consider your budget when deciding whether to soften your dog’s food. Some commercial soft dog foods can be more expensive than dry kibble.
Assess your financial constraints and explore options that align with both your budget and your dog’s dietary requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding how to make wet dog food from dry opens up a world of possibilities for enhancing your dog’s mealtime.
These seven simple methods offer both versatility and convenience, allowing you to satisfy your pet’s preferences.
By experimenting with these techniques, you can easily get the job done, fostering the pet’s health and happiness with every bite.
