How to Soften Dog Food?

The best way to soften dog food is by adding water. Adding water will merely soften up the chew so that it becomes more malleable and enjoyable for your dog and less of an aggressive chew. 

So here’s some history. Ever since the mid-1800s, dry dog food has been the main make of food. Entering the commercial market, dry dog food has been the worldwide food type for dog owners all around the world. 

However, dry dog food is not for every dog. In fact, as dogs age, their teeth become more worn, brittle, and sensitive. Resulting in pain whenever they chew. 

As well as with dogs with dental issues like broken or missing teeth. Canned food might be the reasonable alternative to solve your dog’s eating situation, however, those typically price up a lot higher than kibble. 

This is because canned food is not as nutritional as dry food, with a notable price increase. So as aforementioned, the best way to soften your dog’s food will allow you to maintain all of its nutritional benefits without needing to chew intensely.

-Water it Down-

Kibble, for instance, is naturally porous. So when you add water to it, the kibble will slowly absorb the water over time. As a result, the texture becomes softer and less hard. 

So once the water has been fully absorbed, you may serve it to your dog just like that. Each piece will hold its shape but grow just a bit in size. 

They will no longer take as much force to break down in the mouth. Or of course, you may whisk it up with a fork or other utensil and mix it all into a soft consistency that your dog can lick up instead. 

Knowing how much water depends on your dog’s preferences. If your dog needs softer food, then adding more water should not be a problem. 

If it needs to be in a paste texture, for example, the simplest method is to water it down just a few hours before their feeding time, so that the food can absorb everything. 

Using warm water will make this process of turning dry food into more of a paste a lot easier. The process is sped up quite a bit, as the food will have an easier time absorbing the water. 

Instead of waiting for hours, the process finishes after just a short while. Rest assured, your old dog will appreciate your concern for their eating needs.

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-Can I use broth or milk instead?-

Using broth or milk for softening your dog’s food is also a great way to get that job done. Use milk or broth instead of water following the same process. 

Using a quality low-sodium broth is good for adding extra flavor and nutrients to the meal. Just be sure that you are aware of the ingredients before you apply them, there are broths out there with harmful ingredients and unnecessary additives that can undo a healthy diet. All-natural beef or all-natural chicken broths are the best out there.

As aforementioned, softening the food is easy, simply warm up the broth, pour it onto the food, allow the food to absorb the liquid and cool off. Serve!

Same for milk, it not only adds tons of flavor but also carries nutritious vitamins and calcium.

-Can I mix canned food with dry food?-

Mixing canned food with dry food is possible and might be a great way to diversify your dog’s meal. However, it is important to consult a vet before doing so, just so that both foods, when mixed, can accurately address your dog’s dietary needs.

Canned food is typically high in moisture and its juices don’t really bear much nutrition, so be sure to compensate for that to keep things healthy. 

Per your vet’s direction, adding the correct amounts of each will soften the food and also keep things proportionately healthy.

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Conclusion

As long as the food isn’t seeping in liquid for too long, your dog can enjoy a more chewable natural dog treat as leaving it submerged for too long might trigger the food to ferment and denature. 

At Platinum Pet Treats, our 100% natural, single-ingredient dog chews are relatively dry and more for those anxious gnawing needs. However, we do have more chewable alternatives in our treat pallet that a more orally sensitive dog will favor more.