A person’s best friend needs more than just a daily walk. There are many things to keep in mind regarding the diet, especially a small puppy. In this article, we will consider how to soak puppy food and what is it for?
The benefits of soaking puppy food
Many are convinced that soaking dry food is optimal for proper and convenient nutrition of a puppy. This is especially important in training a puppy for food and greatly facilitates this process - after all, it will be difficult for a baby to bite through solid food right away, and there is also a change in milk teeth ahead.
· Soaking puppy food is also useful for controlling the amount of fluid used. Through such food, babies receive most of the necessary water, so you, as the owner, no longer need to worry about maintaining the proper water balance of the baby.
· Dry food soaked with water does not swell inside the dog’s stomach, which avoids pain in the digestive tract and excludes the possibility of overfeeding, bloating and other gastrointestinal disorders.
· Many dogs do not feel full after eating a small amount of dry food. However, if they eat the same amount of food slightly soaked in water, this will allow them to feel full and energy for a longer time.
When is it especially recommended to soak puppy food?
· The dog is susceptible to sensitive digestion. Soaking food softens it, and therefore facilitates the work of digestive enzymes. If the dog suffers from acid reflux or is recovering from episodes of vomiting, softer foods are even more healthy because they do not allow the gastrointestinal tract to become inflamed and irritated.
· Some dogs simply prefer a softer texture for their food, this is their taste preference.
· The dog has problems with teeth and oral cavity.
· The dog has poor appetite. Soaking makes the food more palatable and aromatic. It can be combined and made up whole separate dishes.
· On the recommendation of a veterinarian for certain medical conditions.
How to soak puppy food correctly?
Most owners use plain warm water. Depending on which final texture you want, the feed is soaked some time before feeding so that it can soften properly. How quickly the feed softens depends on the particular brand, so you need to track how much time you need to achieve the required consistency. In addition, it is important not to ignore your puppy's taste preferences, as most of them do not like their food to be too soft or thin.
· Owners who want their dog to receive enough water through food often add water only shortly before feeding, so the food remains relatively solid and the benefits of dry food are not destroyed.
· Make sure you don’t overexpose the feed. About half an hour is enough for soaking, otherwise fermentation may occur. Food is also attractive to flies (especially in warm weather), so keep it closed while it is soaking. And remove the leftovers after the puppy has eaten. Remember to wash the bowl after each meal.
· You can use another method of softening dry food. Spread the food in one layer on any surface and sprinkle with a spray gun several times. This will be enough to make the feed structure softer. Such a method will negate the likelihood of transfusion of water and softening food to gruel, which the puppy is unlikely to eat.
· The shape, texture, and aroma are some of the most important attributes of pet food that your dog’s appetite for. Try to offer your pet, which is choosy in food, a mixture of products with different shapes, textures and aromas.
What can replace soaked feed with or combine with?
Adding canned foods to dry foods is another way to increase your moisture content and improve the taste of your food, allowing you to buy different types of foods that fit your budget. Talk with your veterinarian about supplementing your pet's dry food with canned foods, and check the appropriate ratio of dry to wet foods for each meal. The following types of canned foods are available:
· Semi-moist food. They can take the form of pork chops, hamburgers or other meat products, have a high water content of about 60% - 65%. This food is usually easy to digest and is loved by all pets. However, it may contain many artificial colors and flavors. Use of such food daily is not recommended.
· Wet canned food. Most dogs love canned wet foods. They have a long shelf life and are easy to find in any pet store. However, some canned foods can be expensive. For many owners, it's definitely worth it, but not every brand of commercial canned food provides the protein your puppy needs. The real question is how much digestible protein it provides. Non-digestible protein will pass through your dog’s digestive tract without being split into absorbable nutrients, so it’s almost useless for him. Most canned foods contain about 75 percent water. It is important to ensure that the puppy is really full.
Do not start mixing pet food without first consulting your veterinarian. Many feeds are formed taking into account a specific stage and lifestyle, and sometimes even health status. Mixing foods can inadvertently affect your pet negatively, including causing unwanted weight gain, excessive amounts of vitamins and minerals in the body.
