How much water should my dog drink?

Water – fresh, drinking water – is another key nutrient that is important for your dog´s nutrition. Like with humans, water is essential for your dog´s body optimal performance and it is also necessary for maintaining regular body temperature. It is a vital component in the transportation of nutrients and waste products throughout the body. Water participates in the digestion of food and helps absorb nutrients, ensuring that your dog receives the full benefit of its meals.

Moreover, water acts as a solvent for minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and glucose in the bloodstream, aiding in cellular metabolism and energy production. It also contributes to the lubrication of joints, which is particularly important for dogs of all ages, but especially for older dogs who may suffer from joint issues.

A dog’s need for water depends on various factors including its size, diet, age, activity level, and environmental conditions. Puppies, lactating mothers, active dogs, and those in hot climates might require more water.

Regular monitoring of your dog’s water intake is important to avoid dehydration! Signs of dehydration include dry gums, excessive drooling, or thick saliva. To test for dehydration, you can gently lift the skin on the back of your dog’s neck; if it doesn’t rapidly go back to its original position, your dog may be dehydrated.

When pets are dehydrated, their bodies can’t perform these vital functions properly. Dehydration impacts the balance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, which are essential for nerve and muscle function. This can lead to a range of health problems, some of which can be quite severe.

Here are some additional signs and consequences of dehydration in dogs:

• Reduced Elasticity of Skin: Dehydration affects the skin’s ability to return to place when pinched,
• Decreased Appetite: Dehydration can lead to a loss of appetite, compounding the problem as your pet then may consume even less water through their food.
• Thickened Saliva and Dry Gums: The moisture level in the mouth is a telltale sign of hydration status, and dehydration may cause gums to become dry or sticky and saliva to thicken.
• Changes in Urination: Dehydrated pets may urinate less frequently, and when they do, the urine can be more concentrated, potentially leading to urinary tract infections or the formation of urinary crystals or stones.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Dehydrated pets can have trouble digesting their food and absorbing nutrients, which can lead to stomach upset and a decline in overall health.

To prevent dehydration:

• Ensure Continuous Water Supply: Always have fresh water available, and encourage your pet to drink regularly.
• Watch for Behavioral Changes: Changes in your pet’s behavior, such as sudden listlessness or a decrease in their usual activity, can also indicate dehydration.

At any sign of dehydration, or if you suspect your pet is not drinking enough water, consult with a veterinarian promptly. They can provide guidance, and if necessary, administer fluids to rehydrate your pet and address any underlying conditions causing the dehydration.

According to FEDIAF, these are the approximate amounts of water requirements for dogs, depending on their physical activity and diet (ml/kg of body weight):

Unfortunately we didn´t find any relevant studies on freeze-dried dog food and water intake. In my experience, freeze-dried food generally requires a similar amount of water as dry food for rehydration, sometimes even more, with a highly active dog. This is the reason that we write the sentence “your dog should always have fresh water available” on the packaging of our treats. Please, be mindful of that especially when you use these treats on your outdoor adventures (hiking, mountain biking, etc.), when we are already limited by the amount of available water for our dogs.