Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Goldendoodle | Female | spayed | 8 months and 24 days old | 53 lbs
We were told there are health/digestive issues serving her kibble dry. So we started softening it with water and notice her teeth are starting to build up plaque or tartar. Which is best?
1 Answer
Published on July 23rd, 2017
Good question, although it's difficult to answer accurately without knowing Riley's history and medical issues that may have factored into previous advice. As a general rule, it is fine to serve kibble either dry or soaked in water - most dogs do fine with either option and both options have pros & cons. Softening the food helps encourage more water intake and might encourage some dogs to eat a little bit slower (for those dogs who are what I call "scarf & barfers"!). Feeding kibble dry *may* be better for teeth, although in my opinion most kibbles don't do much to help keep teeth clean since they are so easily chewed up, unless you're feeding a prescription dental food such as t/d. So, sorry if this is a non-answer....but frankly both ways of feeding are perfectly acceptable! Hope this helps.
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