Can Dog Eat Hot Food?
You may be wondering what the best temperature to serve food to your dog is and can it eat hot or cold meals?
The optimal food temperature for dogs is about 38 degrees Celsius which is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. This is close to a healthy dog’s average temperature of 101-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is also the temperature at which the dog food will be the most delicious for your pet.
Serving the food too cold or too hot may lead to a lack of interest in eating and have adverse effects on some canines.
Read on to find out can dog eat hot food and what the repercussions of feeding your furbaby with food that is too cold or hot can be.
Can I Serve My Dog Food that is Warmer than 38 Degrees Celsius?
You shouldn’t because the higher temperature may make the food unappetizing to your dog. Plus, too hot food can burn your furbaby’s tongue and mouth.
Warming its food to the recommended 38 degrees C or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is the best way to make the food delicious and desired by your furry friend. This is especially useful if you have a fussy dog or a pup that is ill and has a low appetite.
Related: Can Dogs Eat Human Food?
Can I Serve My Pup Food Colder than 38 Degrees Celsius?
You can give your pet food that is colder than the recommended 39 degrees Celsius, but it will not be as palatable or appealing. Plus, the food can cause stomach upset in some pups if it is too cold.
The best way to ensure that the food is at the right temperature is to take it out of the fridge and let it reach room temperature before pouring it into your furry companion’s food bowl.
Some dog foods do not need to be stored in the fridge, so if you are opening a new can or another package from the pantry, then it is likely already at the perfect temperature for giving it to your pet.
Related: Top 21 Best Wet Dog Foods 2022
Is it Okay to Give Puppies Food That has Been Heated to 38 Degrees Celsius?
Yes, this is the recommended temperature to serve food to dogs of all ages and sizes.
So, remember to take out the food from the fridge and let it reach room temperature before giving it to your puppies.
It is advisable to stick to high-quality dog food formulated for puppies because it has the right amount and types of nutrients that the puppy needs to be active and grow healthy and strong.
Should I Serve Food Which is Well Above 38 Degrees Celsius to My Dog?
No, because eating food that is way too warm can burn your pup or make it sick.
Instead, follow the rule for letting the dog food reach room temperature before giving it to your furbaby.
If you find that you have reheated the dog food too much, let it cool down or break it down into smaller portions before feeding it to your pup.
Can I Give My Dog Food Straight out of the Refrigerator?
The best and safest temperature to serve food to your pup is 38 degrees Celsius. Food that is taken straight out of the fridge is way colder than that.
Not only will it be unappetizing for your furbaby, but cold food can be hard to digest and cause stomach problems, especially in more sensitive or older dogs.
Instead, take the food out of the fridge for about an hour or until it reaches room temperature, and give it to your furry companion then.
Is it Okay to Reheat Dog Food?
If it is mealtime, and you have forgotten to take the dog food out of the refrigerator on time, you may reheat it a bit in the microwave or by placing the can or bowl in hot water.
Do not place the metal can in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish, bowl, or cup instead!
You can immerse the can or bag of cold food into some hot water or even add a few spoonfuls of the hot water to the food to warm it up if you are in a hurry.
Do Dogs Like Hotter or Colder Food?
While all dogs are different, experts agree that canines need to smell their food properly and taste it well to enjoy eating it.
Plus, by bringing the food close to the dog’s body temperature, it will not be a shock to its mouth and digestive system and will be digested properly.
The easiest way to ensure that your furbaby is eating its food at the best temperature is to take out the can of food from the refrigerator and leave it on the counter until it reaches the recommended room temperature.
Final Verdict
Dogs can eat cold and hot food, but if you want to make it as pleasurable and as safe as possible for them, ensure to serve the dog food at a temperature of about 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the food is too hot, divide it into smaller pieces, or pour some cold water into it.
If it is too cold, microwave it in a suitable dish or bowl or warm the food up by placing the can or bag in boiling or hot water.
The best way to ensure that the food is at the right temperature is to allow it to reach room temperature before serving it.
Further Reading:
- How much should I feed my dog? Factors to consider