Why Soft Dry Dog Food Is the Best

Key Takeaways:

• Soft dry dog food is designed to offer the best of both worlds by combining the convenience, long shelf life, and easy storage of dry food with a softer, more appealing texture and higher moisture content.
  
• Thanks to its higher moisture content and softer texture, soft dry food appeals to even the most discerning pups. Many pets that turn their noses up at regular kibble find it more appetizing because it has a more fragrant and tender consistency.
  
• One of the standout benefits of soft dry dog food is its convenience. Unlike wet food, which requires refrigeration and has a limited shelf life, soft dry food can be easily stored at room temperature.
  

At A Pup Above, we know that when it comes to choosing the right food for your dog, the options can be overwhelming. From traditional kibble to raw food and wet options, there are many choices to think about. But one type of dog food that has been gaining popularity in recent years is soft dry dog food. 

This type of food comes with the convenience and shelf-life of kibble with the palatability and moisture content of wet food, making it a solid choice for many dogs. In this article, we’ll explore why soft dry dog food is often considered the best option for your pup by taking a deep dive into its benefits for digestion, nutrition, picky eaters, and more.

What Is Soft Dry Dog Food?

Soft dry dog food is designed to offer the best of both worlds by combining the convenience, long shelf life, and easy storage of dry food with a softer, more appealing texture and higher moisture content. Unlike hard kibble, which can be difficult for some dogs to chew, soft dry dog food is easier on dogs' teeth and more palatable for those with sensitive tastes or dental concerns.

Typically, soft dry food has a higher moisture content than regular kibble, which makes it more appetizing and easier to digest. It often comes in small, bite-sized pieces that are tender yet crunchy, providing a satisfying texture for dogs to enjoy. Soft dry dog food is also less prone to becoming stale as quickly as traditional kibble, which helps ensure that every meal stays fresh and flavorful.

What Are the Benefits of Soft Dry Dog Food for Digestion?

One of the standout benefits of soft dry dog food is its ability to aid in digestion. 

Digestibility

For dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues, it can be much easier on their systems compared to traditional kibble. The added moisture content in soft dry food helps hydrate your dog and makes it easier for them to digest, leading to fewer stomach upsets and improved bowel movements.

Dental Health

Unlike traditional dry kibble, which can sometimes be hard for dogs to chew and break down, the softer texture of soft dry food allows for easier consumption and digestion. This is especially beneficial for older dogs or those with dental issues who may have trouble chewing hard kibble. 

Nutrient Preservation

Another advantage is that the gentle cooking process used to prepare soft dry food preserves important nutrients, so your dog gets more out of each meal. Unlike some brands that use extreme heat to cook their food, soft dry dog food is cooked using a slow-cooking process saves those precious nutrients and provides the maximum benefit to your dog’s overall health.

The extra moisture in soft dry food also aids in hydration, which is crucial for maintaining healthy organ function and promoting digestive health. Many pups aren’t naturally inclined to drink enough water throughout the day, so feeding them food with higher moisture content helps support their hydration needs and keeps their digestive system running smoothly.

Why Is Soft Dry Dog Food Ideal for Picky Eaters?

If your dog is a picky eater, you know how challenging it can be to find food that they'll actually enjoy. Soft dry dog food can be a game-changer for these dogs. 

Thanks to its higher moisture content and softer texture, it appeals to even the most discerning pups. Many pets that turn their noses up at regular kibble find soft dry food more appetizing because it has a more fragrant and tender consistency.

What’s more, the flavor profiles of soft dry food are often more varied and richer, providing an experience that mimics the texture of wet food without the mess. This makes it an ideal solution for dogs that have shown a preference for wet food but don’t want the hassle or cost associated with it. 

Soft dry dog food offers an excellent compromise by delivering a moist, flavorful meal while still maintaining the convenience of dry food. A Pup Above takes pride in offering soft dry food that’s air dried to retain nutrients and made with real, human-grade ingredients. 

Premium proteins and nutrient-rich vegetables help ensure that even the pickiest dogs are getting a meal packed with both flavor and nutrition. For pet owners, this means fewer meal-time struggles and a happier pup.

How Can Soft Dry Dog Food Support Dental Health?

Another significant upside of soft dry dog food over traditional kibble is its potential to support dental health. While hard kibble can be abrasive and help scrape plaque from teeth, soft dry food offers a gentler option that still helps promote dental hygiene. 

While no dog food alone can replace regular brushing and professional dental cleanings, soft dry food is a good step toward preventing dental problems. This added benefit can be particularly important for senior dogs or breeds prone to dental issues.

Why Is Soft Dry Dog Food Great for Dogs With Special Dietary Needs?

Soft dry dog food is also an excellent choice for dogs with specific dietary needs or sensitivities. Many commercial dog foods (especially traditional kibble) can be hard on a dog’s stomach, particularly for those with food allergies or sensitivities. Soft dry food is often formulated with high-quality, easily digestible ingredients that are gentle on your dog’s digestive system.

For dogs with food sensitivities, such as grain intolerance or allergies to certain proteins, soft dry food brands often offer specialized options. These options are free from artificial fillers, preservatives, and other common allergens, focusing on pure, wholesome ingredients that your dog’s body can process more easily. 

For pet owners looking to support the health of their dogs with specific dietary needs, soft dry dog food offers a reliable and versatile solution. It’s a convenient way to provide the necessary nutrients in a palatable and digestible form.

Is Soft Dry Dog Food Easy To Store and Simple To Serve?

One of the standout benefits of soft dry dog food is its convenience. Unlike wet food, which requires refrigeration and has a limited shelf life, soft dry food can be easily stored at room temperature. 

It comes in resealable bags that help maintain freshness, so that your dog’s food stays delicious until the very last scoop. This makes it a hassle-free option for pet parents, especially those with busy schedules.

What’s more, soft dry food is easy to serve given that it doesn't need to be heated or prepared in advance. Simply measure the recommended portion and you're ready to go. It’s also less messy compared to wet food, making clean-up after meals quick and easy.

FAQs

Is it better for dogs to eat hard or soft food?

Many experts recommend feeding dogs soft food rather than hard, dry food, as it is thought to be more nutritionally balanced and better for their teeth. Dry food often contains high levels of carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems in dogs.

Can you add water to dry dog food to soften it?

If you only have dry kibble on hand, you can soften it by adding lukewarm water to the dog food in a dish. It's best to add enough water to soak the food, but it's okay if the dry food floats on top of the dish. With softer dry food, you won’t have to add water as it has a higher moisture content already.

What foods cause plaque on a dog's teeth?

Certain foods are more likely to speed up the buildup of plaque on dog teeth than others. For example, bacteria love carbohydrates, which means feeding your dog high-carb and low-moisture foods (many grocery store kibbles) could increase the buildup of plaque in their mouth.

Wrapping Up

Soft dry dog food is a fantastic option for many dogs because it offers a blend of convenience, nutrition, and flavor that appeals to pups of all kinds. Whether you're tackling picky eating habits, supporting dental health, or meeting specific dietary needs, soft dry food provides the solution. 

With high-quality ingredients and an enjoyable texture, it’s easy to see why this type of dog food is quickly becoming the go-to choice for many pet owners. Treat your dog to the best of both worlds!

Source:

Dental disease in dogs | PDSA

Evaluation of Three Hydration Strategies in Detection Dogs Working in a Hot Environment | NIH 

Plaque and Tartar Prevention in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals

Food allergy in dogs and cats; current perspectives on etiology, diagnosis, and management | NIH