The Importance of Adding Liquids To Your Dog’s Food

Feb 19, 2025 | Pet Health, Pets, Tips and Tricks

Happy Wednesday, everyone!  Today, we are talking about The Importance of Adding Liquids To Your Dog’s Food.  I feed Jake and Maggie dried kibble and no people food, but sometimes I wonder if they are getting enough variety and proper nutrition.  I spoke to my vet about giving them a multivitamin, and he said that taking them off Stella and Chewy Raw Coated Kibble and putting them on Purina For All Stages Shredded Blend would give them the proper vitamins they need.  But what about adding liquids to their dry food?  Here is what I found…

 
In this blog, we are going to focus on Moisture.  We can add nutritional supplements like high-quality fish oils, digestive enzymes, and probiotics.  Replace a portion of the kibble with fresh foods. Think: finely chopped veggies, lean meats, organ meats, a sardine, or an egg.  But what if your pet isn’t getting enough water?  Try putting it in their dry kibble.
 
Dry kibble often contains 6-10% moisture, which is nowhere near what dogs need. That’s why dogs fed a kibble-only diet tend to drink a lot more water.
 
The Importance of Adding Liquids to Your Dogs Food | www.twoadorablelabs.com
The Original Of Dry Dog Food
 
Where did dry kibble originate?
 
Dry dog food originated in England in 1860 when James Spratt invented the first commercial dog biscuit. Spratt was inspired to create the biscuit after seeing sailors feed leftover biscuits to their dogs.
 
How was the first dog biscuit made?
 
Spratt’s biscuit was made from wheat, vegetables, beetroot, and beef blood.  It was similar to what the sailors threw out to their dogs.  Spratt marketed his biscuits to the elite and used new techniques like billboards.
 
How did dry dog food spread?
 
The biscuit became popular and spread among ordinary people.  By 1890, the commercial pet food industry had made its way to the United States.   Other companies began to develop their own formulas for dry food.
 
How did kibble come about?
 
In the 1950s, the first kibble was created using a process called extrusion.  In extrusion, meat, scraps, and fat are boiled together, then vitamins, minerals, and starch are added, and the mixture is blended to create kibble.  This process is still used today to make dry dog food.
 
 
The Importance of Adding Liquids to Your Dogs Food | www.twoadorablelabs.com
Benefits of Hydrating Dog Food
Just like people, water is an essential part of your pup’s body. High-moisture diets benefit:
 
Digestion: Water plays a key role in the digestive process. First, it helps to break down food so your dog’s body can better absorb the nutrients he just consumed. After extracting nutrients from the food, your dog’s body carries leftover waste through the digestive tract and, eventually, out of the body. If your dog doesn’t consume enough water, his stool may become too hard and dry, leading to constipation. 
 
May Lower Risk of Bloat: Can you guess what happens when dry dog food comes in contact with moisture? That’s right – it swells. If food swells in the digestive tract, it’s said to increase the risk of bloat or gastric torsion. Many experts believe allowing your pup’s kibble to soak before he chows down may help reduce that risk.
 
Weight: The water – or other nutritious liquid – you add to your dog’s food bowl will help to fill up his stomach, leaving your dog with a more full feeling. Depending on your dog’s eating style, this may help prevent over-eating.
 
Urinary/Kidney Health: Staying hydrated also helps your dog by keeping the urinary system well flushed. This is essential if your pup is prone to UTIs or kidney stones.
 
Flavor: Another great reason to consider adding liquid to your dog’s kibble is to enhance the flavor. While it’s obvious nutritious liquids like goat’s milk and bone broth will add additional flavor, even a little warm water helps.
 
Dental Issues: If you’re caring for a senior dog with dental issues, crunchy kibble may be too difficult for them to eat.  
 
 
 
 
The Importance of Adding Liquids to Your Dogs Food | www.twoadorablelabs.com
3 Liquids To Add To Your Dogs Kibble
 
Warm Water
 
Goat’s Milk:  This stuff is liquid gold for your canine companion. It’s rich in probiotics, meaning it promotes diverse gut flora (good gut health is key for overall health and well-being – in canines and humans). Plus, it’s high in protein and other key nutrients. Either buy a bottle of raw goat’s milk to keep in your refrigerator or opt for a dehydrated instant formula from The Honest Kitchen, where you simply add water.
 
Bone Broth:  This refers to a nutritious and comforting stock traditionally made by simmering animal bones in water for a long period (between 8-24 hours). As the bones simmer, they release powerful vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial healing properties. Bone broth is loaded with a gooey substance called gelatin (AKA broken-down collagen), which benefits both digestive health and joint health. It’s also filled with nutrients that fight inflammation and benefit the immune system. Please note: Do not feed dogs bone broth infused with onion or other foods considered toxic to canines. Similar to the goat’s milk, you can either make your own bone broth or purchase a dehydrated instant formula where you simply add water.
 
 
 
 
 
The Importance of Adding Liquids to Your Dogs Food | www.twoadorablelabs.com
How Much Liquid to Kibble?
 
Depending on your pup’s portion sizes, try adding 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of liquid to your dog’s dry meals. Let the liquid absorb into the kibble for about 10 minutes before serving. (Warming the liquid first will help it to absorb quicker.)
 
Interested in this healthy dog treat recipe?  Gelatin and Beef Broth Dog Treat
 
 
 
References:
 
I’m Bobbi Jo, a lab-lover who took my passion for animals and dogs and turned it into something bigger.  When I adopted Jake and Maggie, my love for them became the driving force behind Two Adorable Labs, and my blog was born.  My hope is to not only share them with the world, but to help educate others on the importance of animal health and well-being.

Two Adorable Labs has become a collection of all that I love.  I’ll send one post each week on things that bring me joy on animal health, home decor, and food recipes for humans and our furry friends.  I hope you enjoy these posts and much as I do creating them!

Valentine's Day Tablescape 2025 | www.twoadorablelabs.com
Valentine's Day Tablescape 2025 | www.twoadorablelabs.com
Valentine's Day Tablescape 2025 | www.twoadorablelabs.com
Strawberry Banana Heart and Bark Treats | www.twoadorablelabs.com

I love hearing from all of you and do my best to respond to each and every one of you.  I always enjoy your comments, feedback, and suggestions so keep them coming!  If I’ve posted a recipe (for our human and our furry friends) and you try it, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @twoadorablelabs and use #twoadorablelabs​.

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Love, Jake and Maggie

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