Does dry kibble cause bloat
Does Food Cause Bloat?
Dr. Ernie Wardcontemplates the ever-dangerous conditions of bloat and GDV in large and giant dog breeds. For more from Dr. Ward, find him onFacebookor atwww.drernieward.com.
Does food causebloatin dogs? Do certain ingredients contribute to excessive gas production in the stomach of dogs? Does elevated feeding help? What can be done to prevent this oftentimes deadly medical condition? Many people speculate that what we feed our dogs plays a role inbloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). What does the scientific literature say? Turns out theres been quite a bit of research in this area over the past forty years. It also turns out that food appears to have less impact on the development of bloat and GDV than you mightve guessed. Weve also got a lot to learn. Bloat and GDV is one of the most frightening conditions a pet parent or veterinarian will ever encounter. Your dog goes from being happy and healthy one moment to writhing in agony on its side as its belly swells the next. Even if the pet is rushed to the veterinarian immediately, death occurs in 10-16% of all cases. Much higher rates are estimated in dogs not receiving immediate medical intervention. 22% to 24% of giant and large-breed dogs will develop bloat or GDV during their lifetime. 42% of allGreat Daneswill likely experience GDV. This is a serious problem.
Lets start with the hypothesis that dry food causes bloat. Some have postulated that dry food contributes to proliferation of the bacteriumC. perfringensthat could be responsible for stomach gas formation. Scientists have sampled the gas from bloat victims and found it to be mainly air, not a fermentation gas of bacteria. Others suggest that dry food slows stomach emptying, increasing the odds of bloat and stomach torsion. A study comparing canned meat-based and dry cereal diets found no significant difference in the amount of time it took food to exit the stomach. According to current research, feeding a dog dry food doesnt seem to increase or decrease the likelihood of GDV. In fact, moistening dry food appears to have no benefit in reducing the risk of GDV.
A food with fat or oil (vegetable or animal) listed in the first four ingredients does seem to increase the risk of GDV. The authors of that study propose that high-fat diets slow stomach-emptying times compared to high-protein or high-carbohydrate diets. Many of my clients say theyve been advised to add oil or water to dry kibble to reduce the risk of GDV. According to the research, this is not advisable.What about raising the food bowls? The theory is elevated feedings help reduce the amount of air that is swallowed. Nope. A five-year study found raising the bowls actually increased the incidence of GDV. Even exercise before or after eating had no effect in that same study.What does seem to help is feeding your dog more than once daily. Two to four times is ideal. Slowing down the rate at which your dog eats using food puzzles also may help. Avoid high fat diets or those with added oils high on the ingredient list. If your dog is at risk, consider having preventive surgical gastropexy performed.Age, breed, family history, fear or stress, food gulpering, and once daily feedings all seem to be more important factors than food in the development of bloat and GDV. If you have a large- or giant-breed dog, talk to your veterinarian about how to reduce the chances your dog will develop this terrifying situation. Now go get a food puzzle and use it two or more times a day.
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.
The opinions and views expressed in this post are those of the author's and do not necessarily represent the beliefs, policies or positions of PetHealthNetwork.com, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. or its affiliates and partner companies.
Can Adding Water To Dry Dog Food Cause Bloat?
Are you concerned that adding water to your pup's dry food might lead to bloat? Despite prevalent misconceptions, combining water with kibble has not beenscientifically provento cause this uncomfortable condition.
And I think that adding water to the dry dog food outweighs the potential cons in regards to the pros.
Want to find out why?
Let's take a look!
Key Takeaways
- Adding water to dry dog food has not beenscientifically proven to cause bloatin dogs.
- Different opinions exist about whether soaked dog food can cause bloating.
- Adding water can provide benefits likeimproving hydration,aiding digestionfor some dogs, and enhancing palatability.
Does Adding Water to Dry Dog Food Cause Bloat?
This is one of those questions where people think differently. Some say that bloating is a risk in some dogs, and others do not agree with this idea at all. Actually,there is no firm proof from sciencethat says that adding water to dry food will cause bloat.
Bloat usually happens in large breed dogs like Great Danes, Rottweilers, etc., yet you should keep in mind that any type of food can lead to bloat in dogs if theyeat too fast or swallow airwhile eating.
I tend to soak my dog's kibble from time to time because of this reason, my Golden Retriever basically inhales his food. And by adding some water to his food, thestress eating is significantly reduced. Aslow-eating dog bowl is also a great choice to prevent bloat.
Benefits of Adding Water to Dry Dog Food
If you do decide to try adding water to your dog's food, then there are several benefits for your dog, such as improved hydration, digestion, and possible palatability.
Improved hydration
By adding water to your dog's dry food, you can help him boost his hydration levels and keep him adequately nourished.
This is important because adequate hydration is essentialfor your dog's overall health and well-being. And even more if you know or suspect your dog isn't drinking enough.
Easier digestion
By soaking the kibble, you can make it easier for the dog to digest. When dry kibble is moistened, it becomessofter and more manageable in the stomach.
This can be especially helpful for dogs withsensitive stomachsor those who tend togobble their food too quickly(Not good!).
Moistening dry dog food can also helpbreak down the kibble, making iteasier for the digestive systemto process and absorb nutrients.
Enhanced palatability
Soaking the dog food can enhance its palatability, making it moreappealing to picky eatersor dogs with adecreased appetite.
This can actually be quite helpful if your dog prefers everything else but his kibble. My dog doesn't care whether his food is dry or wet, but I think he likes the soaked one. The slowed-down tempo is just a huge plus in my book.
Some Drawbacks To Soaking Dog Food
Increased risk of bacterial growth
It's important not to leave the soaked food out for more extended periods because of the bacterial growth that might happen.
Not enough Calories
Dry kibble expands when soaked in water and can result in your dog feeling full much faster. This could be beneficial for overweight dogs but not as good for dogs that are too thin.
Appropriate Water-To-Food Ratio
There is yet to be an exact science on how to determine the right amount of water to add to the kibble. I would say, as a general rule of thumb, to use ahalf cup of water for one cup of food.This is how I do it for my dog:
My dog doesn't seem to care about what form his food comes in (it is a golden after all), but yours might do. Some like the food thoroughly soaked and absorbed, while some prefer semi-dried. You have to field-test this yourself.
Should You Use Cold, Lukewarm, Or Room Temperature Water?
Experimenting with the temperature of the water may sometimes be needed. Some dogs don't like their food being soaked in cold water, for example, while some may love it.
It's best toavoid using hot wateras it can destroy essential nutrients in the food. Using cold, lukewarm, or room-tempered water will helpmaintain the nutritional valueof the kibble while making iteasier for your dog to eat and digest.
Transitioning And Acclimation To Moistened Dry Food
Gradually introduce water to your dog's diet, addressing any reluctance or unfamiliarity with moistened food to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition.
Transitioning to soaking your dog's food will probably go pretty smoothly, but since all dogs are their own individual, not everyone will welcome this new behavior with warm, open paws.
So to ensure a stress-free transition, you could follow the steps below.
Gradually Introducing Soaked Dry Food
- Start by adding a small amount of water to the dry food, just enough tomoisten it slightly.
- Slowlyincrease the amount of water over several days or weeks.
- Monitor how your dog responds to the moistened food. Test with different temperatures of the water.
- Pay attention to your dog's preferences and adjust accordingly. Some dogs may prefer their food drier or more moistened.
Observe your dog's individual needs and preferences
It may be that your dog totally refuses to eat the soaked dry food, and that is ok! Some dogs may prefer their kibble dry, while others might enjoy it moistened with water.
It's essential toobserve your dog's behavior and reactionswhen you make changes to its diet.
If the dog seems to have trouble digesting, show signs of discomfort, or just doesn't like the taste, it may be best tostick with dry food.
Another option is to test a wet food brand; I would suggest looking into Just Food For Dogs if that sounds interesting.
Conclusion
We learned that adding water to your dog's dry food isn't scientifically proven to directly cause bloat, despite concerns. The benefits, like improved hydration, digestion, and tastiness, could make it a valuable option.
Be cautious about bacterial growth if the food is left out for too long. Adjusting the water-to-food ratio and using lukewarm water maintains nutrition while easing digestion.
When introducing moistened food, take it slow and watch for your dog's preferences. Their well-being should always guide the process.
FAQ
Can adding water to dry dog food cause bloat?
Soaking dog food does not directly cause bloat in dogs. Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a severe condition that occurs when a dog's stomach fills with gas and twists.
While there is some debate about the relationship between soaked kibble and bloat, there is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that this increases the risk of bloat.
Can I soak my dog's dry kibble in water?
Yes, you can soak your dog's dry kibble in water. Soaking dry dog food in water can have several benefits. It can make the food easier to chew and digest, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs or dental issues.
How much water should I add to my dog's dry kibble?
Some dog owners prefer to add just enough water to moisten the kibble, while others like to thoroughly soak the food. As a general guideline, you can start by adding half the amount of water to the amount of dry kibble.
Over time, you can adjust the amount of water based on how your dog responds to the soaked food.
What are the benefits of soaking dry dog food?
Soaking dry dog food can have several benefits. It can make the food easier to chew and digest, especially for dogs with dental issues or sensitive stomachs.
Soaking the food can also help prevent dehydration, as the kibble absorbs the water and provides extra hydration for your dog.
Can dogs get water intoxication from adding too much water to their food?
Water intoxication, also known as water poisoning or hyponatremia, is a rare condition when dogs consume excessive amounts of water.
While adding water to dog food can increase the moisture content, the risk of water intoxication is minimal if the amount of water added is appropriate.
Is it better to use warm water when adding water to my dog's dry kibble?
Using warm water when adding water to your dog's dry kibble can help enhance the aroma and flavor of the food. But it is not necessary to use warm water; room temperature or cold water can also be used. The most important thing is to make sure the water is clean and free from contaminants.
