Should I soak canidae dry food?

Question

I've just switched my 13-week golden retriever pup to Canidae All life stages, after reading about dog foods and finding the purina wasn't a good food. When feeding the purina, I followed the breeders recommendations and soaked it in hot water. This made it quite bulky. Now that I've switched to Canidae, I'm not sure if I should keep soaking it or not? The problem is that my puppy scoffs it SO fast and then frantically looks for more. He is also getting far less with the Canidae (1.5 cups) compared with the purina (3-4 cups). Last time he was at the vet (one week ago), the vet said he was 'nice and lean, but you wouldn't want him any leaner'.

Answer 1

If your cups take 200 grams I presume you are giving him 300 grams per day.   A pup of his age needs more than double that amount.  No wonder he's hungry.   He is going through a huge growth spurt right now and you must put his food up accordingly.

I would give my puppies 200grams for each meal at this age, a total amount of 600 grams per day.

If he is eating the dry kibble then there is no need to soak it but do make sure he has access to plenty of water because the dry food absorbs a lot of moisture from the body and he needs the water to make this up.

You need to give the puppy plenty of food at this age.  Goldens don't stop growing until they are about 18 months old so if you don't want to end up with a skinny leggy dog, put his food up.  You can always cut it back when he stops growing.

Answer 2

It all depends on if your dog likes it with water. It might help make him feel more full if you add water to it. If he has lost weight since switching foods I would increase it by 1/4 - 1/2 a cup. Also to get them to slow down when they eat only put a little bit of food in the bowl at a time until he starts to slow down on his own.

hope that helped!

Answer 3

Only soak it if he won't eat it dry. Making it wet causes it to become more appealing to the puppy, not much else.  

Answer 4

If your dog keeps eating so fast as he grows, you can check in to food dishes that are made especially for dogs that eat too fast.  Dr Fosters and Sons, I believe carries them. I don't know about Petco. I have not looked there.  I have a Peke on Canidae and she does just great.

Answer 5

If he likes it and he's eating it dry, then I don't see any reason why you should have to soak it! You will find with Canidae ALS, that you will be feeding less and he will still be getting all the nutrients he needs, you will end up saving money in the long run, and you are feeding your dog a very good quality food.  Just feed him the amount it says on the back of the bag, and I'm sure he will be fine! I have been feeding my dogs Canidae ALS for a long time, and have never had any problems with it and my dogs love it! Good Choice!

Answer 6

no i wouldnt the pup is old enough to eat dry food.