As producers of high-quality, cold-pressed dog food, we get all sorts of questions from dog owners. One thing we hear from new customers time to time is: “My dog wasn’t happy with her dry kibble so I tried to add water.”
Adding water to kibble has been a go-to solution for generations. The thinking is that if your dog doesn’t like the dry, crunchy texture—or maybe finds the flavor lacking—water could fix the problem. But does it really?
To know for sure, you’d have to be able to read your dog’s mind! That said, adding water to kibble does have its pros and cons. But we think there’s an even better option. If your dog is turning her nose up at kibble and your vet has ruled out any health issues, you might want to consider switching to natural, cold-pressed dog food. We’ll explain why later in this post.

The Pros of Adding Water
Let’s start with the good news: there are some positive aspects to adding water to kibble. If any of these help your dog get back to their regular eating habits, consider it a win.
- Water Increases Hydration
If nothing else, adding water to kibble can help improve your dog’s hydration as most dogs don’t drink as much as they probably should. Getting extra water into their system is never a bad thing, especially if your dog doesn’t drink enough on their own. In fact, some vets recommend adding water to kibble for dogs who struggle to stay hydrated.
- Wet Kibble Is Easier to Chew
If your dog’s resistance to kibble is due to the texture, water might help. Kibble is a hard crunchy food but when soaked in water it will bloat and soften up. The longer you leave it soaking the bigger and softer the pieces get and could get a point where your pup doesn’t like that texture either.
For older dogs or dogs with dental issues, dry kibble can be tough to chew. Adding water softens the food, making it easier on their teeth and gums.
The Cons of Adding Water
Of course, for every pro, there’s usually a con. Here are some potential downsides to adding water to kibble:
- Water Promotes Bacteria Growth
When you add water to kibble, you’re creating an environment that’s more susceptible to bacterial growth. If your dog finishes her meal in one sitting, it’s no problem. But if wet kibble sits in the bowl for even a few hours, it could become a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Wet Kibble Might Not Be Great for Dental Health
Some vets recommend dry kibble for its ability to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Chewing on something hard is also great for keeping healthy dental roots. If that’s true, then wet kibble might not be as beneficial for dental health. Since wet food requires less chewing or resistance when chewing, your dog might not get the same plaque-scraping or overall dental health benefits.
- It Can Be Messy
Let’s face it—adding water to kibble can create a mess. If your dog doesn’t finish her meal, you’re left with a soggy bowl of food to clean up.
A Better Option: Cold-Pressed Dog Food
Instead of adding water to kibble, why not consider switching to cold-pressed dog food? Cold-pressed dog food packs more nutrition into every bite, thanks to the way it’s processed. It also offers more flavor and better odors, which can help with picky eaters.
If your dog has no underlying health issues and just isn’t a fan of kibble, she might simply be picky. Nextrition cold-pressed dog food could be exactly what your dog needs. It’s nutritious, flavorful, and a great option for dogs who are turning up their noses at traditional kibble while just as convenient!