How to Soften Kibble and Dry Food for Dogs with Dental or Digestive Issues

Kibble (or dry dog food) is a popular choice among dog owners. Rather than canned food, dry food comes from a reputable source with natural ingredients: providing useful nutrients to your dog.

While the nutritional value is high, you may face some problems with your pet when feeding them dry food. As dogs age, their teeth become weak. They cannot chew food effectively, causing pain and toothaches. This can lead to dogs refusing to eat—even if they are hungry. 

In this situation, it’s best to serve your dog’s dry food in an easily digestible way. Read on to learn how to soften your dog’s food.

• Benefits of Softening Kibble
• Tips on How to Soften Kibble for Dogs
• How to Soften Dry Dog Food – FAQ

Benefits of Softening Kibble

Many dog owners opt for dry food over canned food: it is a convenient and cost-effective option. If your dog refuses to eat food of the dry variety, however, you should take the necessary steps to water it down. Wet food can help an overweight dog lose weight; and your dog’s diet is at the heart of their health and wellbeing.

Dogs with Dental and Digestive Issues

Despite its nutritional benefits, kibble can be hard on older dogs’ sensitive teeth and digestive tract. If your dog suddenly has issues with kibble, pay a visit to the vet as this can be an indication of underlying health problems. For a senior dog, softer food is easier on brittle teeth and can be better broken down in the stomach. While canned food is an option, it comes with a price tag and may not be your pooch’s meal of choice after years of dry food. By softening kibble instead, this also enhances the smell and taste of food: which dogs typically lose with age.

Softening Kibble for a Puppy

As well as helping your pup’s digestion and oral health in life’s early stages, soft food has a few other benefits for puppies. It can improve your furry friend’s circulation, as well as combating dehydration—as a soft meal contains large amounts of water. This makes softened kibble the perfect choice for energetic puppies.

If you’re planning to soften kibble, understand that this does take some time. Moisten dry dog food ahead of their normal eating time, so they’re still following a regular puppy feeding schedule.

Picky Eaters

If you’re wondering how to get a fussy dog to eat, try adding moisture to their kibble. This can enhance the flavour and smell: making mealtime more enticing to your dog’s senses.

Tips on How to Soften Kibble for Dogs

Softening dry dog food can be done in many ways, while still adding nutrition to your dog’s diet. While some methods will soften the kibble without adding calories, other methods will add new depth and flavour—appealing to picky eaters. It’s important to speak to your dog’s vet about the right diet for their needs.

How Can I Soften Hard Dog Food?

The easiest method is soaking kibble in warm water. Dry food is naturally porous, and will naturally turn into a paste. If you’d like to add additional nutrition, vitamins or minerals for your canine, consider the below methods.

Broth

Just as you can add warm water, you can also try adding homemade chicken stock, bone broth or beef broth. Heat the broth until warm, and add gradually to the kibble until your desired consistency is achieved.

Milk

For dogs in need of more calcium or a better taste, soften the dry food with milk. As cold milk will take longer to absorb, it’s best to prepare the mixture hours before mealtime and place in the fridge. In particular, this mixture is great for puppies.

Mix Canned Dog Food

If your dog has a hankering for canned food and you’d like to make the switch to kibble, you can mix the two together. This is easy to do, as the juices will absorb into your dog’s hard food: and this will create softened kibble overall.

How to Soften Dry Dog Food – FAQ

Can I soften my dog’s kibble quickly?

Warm liquids will soften the kibble much faster – in as little as 10-15 minutes – but make sure the meal isn’t too hot. This could burn your dog’s mouth. When it comes to softening dog food, the longer you wait the better.

How long does it take for kibble to soften?

If you’re adding cold liquids, it will take an hour or more for the kibble to soften. Warm liquids will be quicker, but the food will still need time to cool down and absorb.

Can you soften dog food in a microwave?

Yes – you can microwave your dog’s food for a few seconds before serving it: this will enhance the smell, as well as bringing the fat molecules to the surface of the dry food.

Can you soften dog food with chicken broth?

Yes, but ensure that the broth is low sodium and made from all-natural ingredients.

For all healthy dogs, kibble from high-quality brands such as Hypro Premium is the go-to choice. Your pup will not be able to resist the various flavours and textures on offer, and will gobble up the gruel in no time. 

To explore some great offerings from a 100% Australian premium brand of high-quality puppy and adult dog food, visit Hypro Premium and pick out the right variant for your canine today!