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Does anybody mix water with the dog food just to keep them hydrated.

I have fresh water for my dogs all the time. No need to add water to their food.

I do in the winter time just so I know they get the proper amount. Water freezes pretty fast outside on days like today. It was 15 today here, if you put water out the dogs have to drink all the water for the day in 30 minutes. They drink it all up when it tastes like dog food and I think they like the warm meals. I feed them twice a day and mix hot water in both times. I let it sit for 10 minutes before i give it to them. I read somewhere they should get 1 ounce of water per pound of weight. It works really well for me and the dogs are way more hydrated in the winter then they are with just water sitting out in the summer. You can't just start them out with a large amount though you need to build up over a couple weeks or they could get bloated. Hope this helps.

every night they get hot water on their food.makes a huge difference in the way they utilize their feed.
Tim

I also mix hot water in. Cant keep water to them when we get -0 temps and a high of 10 during the day

I mix hot water in my dogs food, they do convert the food more efficiently. It really doesn't take anymore time than feeding it dry as there is always plenty to do while it is soaking.

sourdough

Good grief you guys. Go buy a heated water bucket for $25 so your dogs can have water. Just because the temperature gets cold isn't an excuse for not making sure your dogs have water.

FullCryHounds wrote:Good grief you guys. Go buy a heated water bucket for $25 so your dogs can have water. Just because the temperature gets cold isn't an excuse for not making sure your dogs have water.

DING DING DING!!!

We have a winner.

I made some redneck water bowls two years ago that hold more water than the normal heated water bowls. I use the 6 1/2 gallon rubber tubs, and got 15 foot of heat tape. I wrapped the heat tape around the outside of the tub with duct tape, and that is that. Works ok.

I agree fullcry, if it is a water issue buy a heated bucket or pack water from the house. The reason I mix water with my feed year round is for the hounds and they do better on it. If you ever took the time to watch your hounds eat dry food you will see them drink like camels afterwords. I feel that they never get the most out of their feed, when feeding dry food. I also believe dry feed is the biggest cause of twisted gut in hounds. I know how expansive dog food is because I soak it. Most folks care little about what they feed in the way of dog food, not realizing if they paid a little more for the food they would save money in the long run. Less clean up, less feed per dog, better nutrition, healthier animals = fewer vet visits, and so on. I know fullcry feeds meat to his hounds which is great if you have the means to get it and have a place to store it. The sled dog guys supplement their dogs on meat as well. So what ever you do, don't think that you are meeting the dogs fresh water requirement because you put water in their feed. It's not enough all it does is allow for the stomach acids to work faster on the feed and better nutrients absorption by the intestines.

sourdough

Sourdough, I agree 100% with what you've stated. My surprise is with the guys that fill up a dogs water bowl once a day, only to have it freeze an hour later and think that the dog is getting enough water.

I read on another forum about using a bird bath heater - supposed to be much cheaper.

I do have heated water bowls and do it almost every damn day. I was just thinking it keeps them hydrated. Was wondering During bear season. When its a little wormer I think it helps but I'm not shure.

Tough to get tired dogs to drink water when it -20 zero!! We mix with the food also so they at least get some water. has worked for years.

Its also hard on the pocket book to keep eight buckets plunged in.

hookshounds wrote:Its also hard on the pocket book to keep eight buckets plunged in.

Why? lol....