Can Dogs Eat Warm Food? How to Safely Warm Food for Dogs

Yes, dogs can eat slightly warm food that isn’t too hot. You should only feed your dog food that is slightly above their body temperature, or around 101–103 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm food can increase the flavor and aroma, making it more appealing to your pooch. You should serve your dog warm food with cold water to keep their body temperature low, especially if it’s a hot day.

Warming up food can be useful if you have a dog with a decreased appetite due to an illness or an older adult dog with a limited sense of smell. Warming up dog food can:

1. 1. Add variety to your dog’s diet: Warming pet food can be helpful for picky eaters. A slightly increased food temperature can make wet or dry dog food more appealing.
2. 2. Enhance the aroma: Heating dog food increases the smells and aromas, which can entice your dog to eat the meal.
3. 3. Increase flavor: Warming up dry kibble with a bit of chicken broth can make the food taste better, making it more appetizing to dogs.

You should only warm dog food to slightly above their body temperature, around 101–103 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are three methods for warming up dog food:

1. 1. Add warm water: Mixing in a bit of warm water to chilled or canned food can return the food to room temperature. Pet parents can add warm broth to dry kibble to add flavor and aroma to make the food more appealing.
2. 2. Microwave it: Some pet owners avoid microwaves because the heat can damage enzymes in the food, decreasing the nutritional value. However, many dog owners safely heat cold food in the microwave.
3. 3. Use a double boiler: A double boiler (a bowl or pot placed over a larger pot partially filled with simmering hot water) allows for indirect, gentle heat. Heat up canned or wet food using this method to increase the temperature slowly.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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