Is this normal?

Question

Is this normal? When my dog was a puppy, she reccomended that we mixed her dry dog food with water. We did and she ate it day after day. Now she's 7 years old and shes still eating that gross, mushy food. Her vet hasnt mentioned the food yet. Is this normal that she's still eating this food? Should we ask her vet? Or should we just switch her? Thanks.

Answer 1

Yes, that's okay. Just make sure that the food hasn't been sitting in the bowl for hours or it might get contaminated with bacteria.
Also make sure that you give her the type of dry dog food that is intended for seniors, as she is over 6 years old.
I had a dog who ate the same mushy food (dry dog food soaked in water), and he lived to be 15 and a half years old.

Answer 2

That was seven years ago!! You haven't asked this question in seven years? If it's the same vet, he wouldn't remember what he said 7 years ago I wouldn't think.

Water is only added to dry food to make it more appealing to puppies, who sometimes don't take to dry food right away. You can reduce the amount of water in the food gradually until she's eating the food dry. Better for her teeth! As long as water is always available for the dog she doesn't need it mixed in with her food, although you'll have to wean her the water slowly because it's what she's been used to for so long now.

Depending on what breed your dog is, she's fairly old - even if she's a small breed she's middle-aged. It's important to get her checked by a vet at least yearly, so the problems associated with old age are picked up early. Her teeth will certainly need checking, especially if she's never eaten her food dry - older dogs and cat often need dental work.

You don't need to switch the food if she's OK with it (i.e not fat) just lessen the amount of water gradually.
Chalice

Answer 3

You could definitely start introducing the dry kibble into her food now. Start by sprinkling a handful over the soaked food and then gradually fade out the mushy food. The dry food is better for her teeth too. You give food soaked in water to puppies when they are first weaned to get them to lap but by 8 weeks old they love crunching on the dried kibble and it helps them to cut their teeth.Once you have made the switch just make sure that she always has plenty of water to drink.

I'm sure she will enjoy the change.

Answer 4

Well, I say if your dog has made it this long, then, for now it's fine. But, go to your local pet store and see what they have for seniors in the way of dog food. Buy a small bag along with some canned dog food for seniors. Next time you feed your dog, put a small bowl out with the dry dog food and the canned food mixed and see if he likes it. If he does like it, then, you should give him more. If he dosn't like it, then, i suggest, you call your vet.

Answer 5

As long as the food hasn't been sitting out for hours, it's perfectly OK.
Don't free feed with wet food. Set it down for a designated period of time and then it is discarded.
To wean off the "wet food";
Wet a small portion and add dry food to mix.
Gradually add less and less water until you have a completely dry mix.
You should do the same when changing foods/brands on dogs.

Answer 6

I have an older 6 year old dog and a puppy and we feed her the mushy Champion brand food with the kibble mixed in, it is chicken and rice flavor... yuck! But I started out feeding it to the puppy who loved it, and then we thought that we should let our older dog try it who liked it too, so it is very normal as long as you have the kibble mixed in with it. It must be tasty for them somehow i suppose!

Answer 7

We mixed our food for our puppies with water, but before we sold them we always tried to start putting them on dry food. just start switching her over gradually, and she'll be ok and get used to it. But if she stops eating because of the switch, take her to the vet and see what he says.

Answer 8

If your dog eats the the mushy food and there are no negative health signs, she has probably become accustomed to it. try leaving dry dog food out and see if she will eat it. As for the teeth dogs do not really need dry food for healthy gums and teeth, they do need tough rawhide and teeth brushing.

Answer 9

I don't think most dogs eat mushy food. It's actually good for them to chew on the dry kibble. I would just stop putting water on the food.

Answer 10

Now that she's an adult you don't have to do that. They do that for puppies so that it's easier for them to eat. If you don't want to risk diarrhea or anything then just slowly make it more dry until you get rid of the water all together. Also this should be healthier for your dog's teeth.