soaking food

[gagnesi]

Hello

We've been soaking the kibble for our girl since we got her as recommended by the breeder. We've recently increased the amount of water. We're wondering how much we should be putting in.. Should the water cover the kibble? 2 cups food to 1 cup water? And if there's leftover water after the 20 minutes of soaking should it be drained? Since we've increased the water we've noticed a looser stool and wonder if we're putting too much water in the kibble.

Thanks everyone!

[KF]

>Hello
>
>We've been soaking the kibble for
>our girl since we got
>her as recommended by the
>breeder. We've recently increased the
>amount of water. We're wondering
>how much we should be
>putting in.. Should the water
>cover the kibble? 2 cups
>food to 1 cup water?
>And if there's leftover water
>after the 20 minutes of
>soaking should it be drained?
> Since we've increased the
>water we've noticed a looser
>stool and wonder if we're
>putting too much water in
>the kibble.
>
>Thanks everyone!

Hello,
When I fed kibble, I never soaked it. What I did was add some warm water to the kibble, as "gravy", and then would feed immediately. As far as I understood, soaking caused problems with nutrients, etc. I can't remember the exact reason - it's been along time since I've read anything on kibble or fed it. I'm sure someone else here can give you a more detailed answer tho.

Lastly, since one of course increases food intake as the puppy grows, it's really not necessary IMO to increase the water intake. And I don't suggest putting water up over the level of the food.

Hope this helped.

[Jennifer]

I do the same thing. With my Moose who is 5 months, I put a good amount of water in his bucket, sort of like the gravy. it doesn't cover the food though. Probably just about half way up the bucket. I also do the same thing with my lab mix who is 6 because it helps him to not eat so fast. He used to gorge himself. I tried putting the food on a cookie sheet, but that didn't work as well. In water, he eats less fast. Also, I never heard anything about the nutrients in the food. Would be interested to hear more about that. I give them the water also with the intent of giving them water for hydration. The puppy does not get water while he is crated (a lot of the day). He would just drink and drink if he had access to it. When he is out though he can drink all he wants, which is usually a lot!! Will keep checking the replies to this post to find out more info.

[DawnC]

If your dane is getting loose stools with increase in water that is a pretty good sign it is TOO much water. I also add water to my dane pups kibble, but not to soak it, just as a "gravy" and also so he doesn't eat as fast. When I was feeding him Eagle, there was a warning on the bag to not use hot water if you add water to the food, something with effecting the nutrients. I can't remember exactly what it was. I feed Nutro Lamb meal and Rice now, but still don't use hot water,just in case!! I use about a cup of water to each 3 cup feeding. That seems to work for him. Your pup will let you know what works and what doesn't :)
DawnC