[jackidevaney]

I was told by a pet store owner that I should add water to dry kibble. I have always fed the kibble to my dogs, dry, with a water dish near by. This lady told me that feeding the dry kibble caused more tarter on the teeth. I had always heard that feeding dry kibble was helpful to keep tarter off the teeth. I would appreciate any input I can get on this subject. Thank you very much.
Jacki

[jackidevaney]

I just had the brilliant idea to call the company who makes Innova Small Bites (the food that I feed Sarajane). They said that they don't recommend adding water to the kibble. If you choose to, she said to add cold water because warm water may ruin the macrobiotics? that are in the food. So I will just feed it to her dry. She eats it and she has a tendency to leave the wet food too long before she eats it.

Jacki

Originally Posted by jackidevaney

I was told by a pet store owner that I should add water to dry kibble. I have always fed the kibble to my dogs, dry, with a water dish near by. This lady told me that feeding the dry kibble caused more tarter on the teeth. I had always heard that feeding dry kibble was helpful to keep tarter off the teeth. I would appreciate any input I can get on this subject. Thank you very much.
Jacki

Hey, thanks for the info-- calling the company was a great idea! I've occasionally added water, and warmed up the food, just for a treat, but I won't from now on. That's good to know, thanks again!

I have always been told by vets and breeders to ALWASY add water to help prevent BLOAT!

[jackidevaney]

You are very welcome. What kind of dog do you have?

Originally Posted by Mydogiscute

Hey, thanks for the info-- calling the company was a great idea! I've occasionally added water, and warmed up the food, just for a treat, but I won't from now on. That's good to know, thanks again!

[jackidevaney]

That is interesting. I guess I have never asked a vet or a breeder that question. When they are small puppies, of course I added water. But when they got older I never added water. Never had any problem with bloat. Maybe we didn't have the kind of dog that might have that problem. We have had a Husky, German Shephard, Beagles, Snauzers, Cockapoo, mongrels and now a little 3 3/4 pound Yorkie. I always have the water bowl full at all times. Right next to the food bowl. And I have always just had the food bowl full at all times. Just let them eat what they wanted.

Originally Posted by orangedog

I have always been told by vets and breeders to ALWASY add water to help prevent BLOAT!

[rayter]

I used to add water in my dog's food when he was still a puppy bec. his teeth weren't strong enough. But now that's he's a lot older, I only put enough water for the food to absorb it. I think adding a little bit of water helps in digesting the food even better. I always prevent getting his food too MUSHY. My dog hates it that way.

Originally Posted by jackidevaney

You are very welcome. What kind of dog do you have?

I have an English Springer Spaniel mix (she's an absolute joy). And considering the size of your little guy, I don't think you need to worry too much about bloat. That is "usually" a big dog problem. Also, I keep a water bowl for my girl next to her food dish too, but she seldom drinks out of it-- she much prefers her algae bowl that we keep outside-- she's weird. Also, at first we "free fed" the same way we fed our cat, but she is a "schweinhund" (pig-dog, in German), and got way too fat. We had to start measuring out her food into two daily portions.

As far as your personal circumstance, and all the advice from everyone goes, if it were me in your place, I would go with the manufacturer of the food. It's kind of like the instructions for storing, preserving, and reheating breast milk for human infants: human breast milk contains antibodies and other important organisms, that improper handling can destroy-- then what good does it do your infant to breast feed? If your dog's food has been fortified with macrobiotics that can be destroyed by improper handling, then your dog would be shorted some of the benefits of that food by disregarding the manufacturer's suggestions. Bottom line here: You're doing the right thing by your dog-- don't second-guess yourself anymore. : )