Dry versus wet kibble - Page 1

I would like input on feeding dry kibble versus wet kibble. They are fed twice a day so amounts vary from 1 to 2 cups per feeding depending on the dog. When we feed dry, the dogs bolt their food and I am afraid of choking. I have found if I add slightly warm water until the kibble floats, they eat much slower, alternating between drinking water and eating. However somebody has said that can cause bloat. Which is less risk? I am not interested in hearing about raw diet as an answer to my question. Please keep that in mind. Thanks for answers to the question I asked.

I thought it was dry kibble that could casue bloat, and that it is safer to moisten it? I always give the food with just a little water, not so much that it floats. Will be interested to see what others say.

I always feed wet and sometimes I float it. Havent had a problem yet.

I have fed both wet and dry without problems to hundreds of dogs. What probably is more the issue is the bolting of food. Some dogs just eat like that and in my experience, the only way to reliably prevent it is to stand there and pour a little into the bowl at a time. It is not terribly practical if you feed lots of dogs. I always have fresh water available for each dog at all times. While some of the really cheap foods will expand dramatically, most really good foods have minimal expansion. Just wetting so that it is not so dry is probably fine, but feeding dry is too. As for bloat, no one has any real proof as to what causes it. If the truth be known, it too is a genetic predispostion where the ligaments and connective tissue are either malformed or not strong enough. Even bolting of food is only suggested as a potential cause, but no one knows for sure. I have one dog who can eat her food before I get the bowl for the next dog down. I can make her sit, then tell her ok, then let her eat, then make her sit, etc., etc., but it makes me nuts. So I have decided she is just going to eat like she wants to eat. It does not matter whether she had a lot of food twice a day or is fed once a day. She bolts her food. She is what she is.

I have heard either way will cause bloat. Wet the food is supposed to make digestion easier and replenish moisture that the dry food pulls from the body. Dry food is less mass going to the stomach, which Ive heard also to never give water until an hour after feeding to avoid expansion and bloat. If the dogs are sucking down the kibble, try feeding 3 meals a day. I also have to agree with what Hodie said about the quality of food and expansion. I noticed with Purina foods and Royal Canin that there was quite a bit of expansion. Foods suck as Innova, Wellness, or Timberwolf there was very little, almost no expansion and more of just a discoloration as was with all foods.

This is from the "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, 3rd edition" "Bloat develops suddenly, usually in a healthy, active dog. The dog may have just eaten a large meal, exercised vigorously before or after eating, or drank a large amount of water immediately after eating. There is no evidence that the protien or soy content in the diet contributes to bloat; research has shown the majority of gas associated with bloat is due to swallowed air." Prevention *Divide the days ration into three equal feedings *Restrict access to water for one hour before and after meals *Never let your dog drink a large amount of water all at once *avoid strenuous exercise on a full stomach *Be aware of the early signs and seek prompt veterinary attention whenever you suspect bloat.

I feed Royal Canin and do not have any issues with it at all. Timberwolf and Wellness are also good quality foods. Purina is not. The vet handbook quoted gives common sense approach, with which I agree, except for the three feedings per day, but, as I said, no one really knows what causes bloat. I know many people whose dog bloated without a single risk factor being present as mentioned above. The most important thing is to be certain you know the signs of bloat and immediately get the dog to a vet.

The best way to would be to soak the kibble for about 20 minutes in warm water. The kibble soften and the gases will be released. You then should not have to worry about bloat.