Dehydrated Dog Food
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Dehydrated dog food combines convenience with whole-food nutrition. How it compares to kibble, raw, and freeze-dried options.
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Where can I learn more?
A dehydrated diet is judged the same way as any other food: WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement. Rehydration instructions on the package are manufacturing directions. Body condition is scored on the dog at an exam.
How often should I take my pet to the vet?
Dehydrated diets still have to be rehydrated and still have a calorie density, and puppies eating them are examined every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks so body weight can be checked in the room. Adult dogs need at least a yearly exam, and dogs on this style of food who are around 7 years old, giant breeds earlier, are usually moved to an exam about every six months for the same weight check. A dog who refuses the soaked food, vomits after it, or loses weight on it should be seen by a veterinarian.
How can I save money on pet care?
Dehydrated food is often sold in a light bag that looks inexpensive until you price it per day, after rehydration, against the calories the dog actually eats. Compare that daily cost with a complete diet that meets an AAFCO profile. Spoiled leftover mash that you throw out is food you paid for twice. The exam schedule does not shrink because the food was mailed.