No matter your dog’s shape, size, breed, or age, dehydrated dog food can be a very healthy option. Most dogs, especially those who have been fed kibble diets their whole life, will see vast improvements in their coat and skin, overall energy levels, and health when switching to dehydrated food.

As with switching to any new food, it’s important to gradually introduce the new food to them so their stomach can adapt and digest to the new ingredients.

Starting your puppy off on the right nutrition foot can pay huge dividends in the long run for their health and for your wallet!

Some dehydrated food formulations are specific for puppies while others function for all stages of life. The important thing is to make sure you are feeding the correct amount to your pup. It’s also important to be sure the food you choose has the necessary nutrients, proteins, and vitamins for your puppy.

Keep in mind, cheaper dog foods often sacrifice essential nutrients for your sweet little pup. So, be sure to find a dehydrated dog food that will cover all their nutritional needs! Got to keep them growing up healthy and strong.

Every dog is different. But, most picky eaters that try out dehydrated dog food will love the taste.

The dehydration process helps maintain the natural flavors and tastes of the ingredients making even the pickiest of pups love mealtime. Again, every dog is different but generally, picky eaters will enjoy dehydrated dog food.

Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight is extremely important in avoiding other health issues in the long run. An overweight dog is often the result of three different factors.

Poor nutrition/diet

Overfeeding

Lack of exercise

The first factor of obesity in dogs is poor nutrition. By that, we mean feeding your dog foods that are extremely high in fillers and “junk”. These foods often have empty calories (think of human junk food) that may not be necessary or fitting for your specific dog. Dehydrated dog food is a healthier alternative because it is formulated with real-food ingredients to give your pup a better nutritional “bang for your buck” with their meals.

Overfeeding your dog can happen with any food, dehydrated included. Not only is it important to follow the feeding schedules on your food bag, but it’s also important to closely monitor your dog’s weight gain or loss. Remember to “watch the dog, not the bowl”. Also, be sure to limit your dog’s treat intake as they are often high in calories which can lead to obesity.

All dogs react differently to varying diets, so it’s important to keep an eye on their health and weight as you switch foods. Typically, the healthier your food option the more ideal your pup’s weight will be.

The third factor, lack of exercise, is something that you can typically control and implement. Although some dogs may have health issues that make exercise difficult or painful, there is almost always choices you can make for a healthier lifestyle.

Simple forms of exercise like walks around the neighborhood, fetch in the backyard, or games of tug-o-war can help your dog burn calories and lose weight. It is important to make sure your dog burns more calories than they take in. For example, the exercise needs of a Shih-Tzu are much different than that of a Labrador Retriever.

As with any health concern, it’s important to consult with your vet about how to best help your pup lose weight.

Dogs often start to experience changes in their bodies, health, and overall well-being as they age. It is important to make sure you are getting them the correct nutrients and vitamins necessary for their aging bodies.

On that topic, many senior dogs need extra levels of ingredients to help with joint pain which is very common in older pups. Ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM are important for helping your dog avoid joint pain. These ingredients also work to strengthen their joints and cartilage. Although many dog foods contain some of these ingredients, a dog in their senior years often needs a dedicated joint supplement.

Dehydrated dog food is typically a great choice for senior dogs because it is nutrient-rich, easy to chew (some dogs lose their teeth with age), and easy to digest.

Dehydrated dog food, like any dog food, varies from brand to brand in regard to the ingredients included in the formulation. One dehydrated food might be perfect for your pup, but not for a dog with a different allergy.

Dogs can have allergies to grains, specific vegetables, and to different types of meat proteins. It is important to analyze a dehydrated dog food label for ingredients that may be part of your pup’s allergy.

In cases of allergies with dogs, it is important to consult with your vet and sometimes a nutritionist.

Most dogs, especially those who are switching from kibble, will LOVE the taste of dehydrated dog food. Dogs often enjoy “wet” foods more in comparison to dry. So, dehydrated dog food naturally has a higher level of palatability for dogs.

When you “rehydrate” a dehydrated dog food, the aromas and scents are often very pleasing to dogs. These aromas help increase the taste and palatability for your fluffy friend.

Not only that, but dehydrated food maintains the natural flavors and tastes of the meats and other ingredients in the food very well because of the minimal processing. Instead of cooking the ingredients at high temperatures like kibble, dehydrated foods maintain the natural flavors and nutrients of ingredients through a low processing dehydration process. This process helps your pup enjoy real meat flavors in a safe and simple way.

Our simple answer is yes. Most dogs will love dehydrated dog food and will see vast improvements in their health when switching from kibble.

To answer this question for yourself you need to decide what’s important to you in your dog’s food. If you are looking for a highly nutritious, easy to prepare, healthy dog food, then dehydrated dog food can be a great option for your pup!