Why Do Dogs Drink Less Water on a Raw Diet? The Complete Hydration Guide

Have you noticed your furry friend making fewer trips to the water bowl since switching to raw food? Don’t panic! This is actually completely normal and even expected As a raw feeding enthusiast who’s spent years researching canine nutrition, I’m here to explain everything you need to know about hydration and raw diets.

The Raw Diet Hydration Mystery Solved

One of the first things many pet parents notice after transitioning their dogs to a raw food diet is a significant decrease in water consumption I remember when I first switched my German Shepherd to raw – I was initially concerned when his water bowl stayed full for much longer than usual!

But here’s the simple truth Dogs drink less water on a raw diet because they’re getting substantial moisture directly from their food

Let’s break down the numbers:

• Raw or natural foods contain 60-75% moisture
• Dry kibble contains only 7-10% moisture

This massive difference means your dog is essentially “drinking” through their food when eating raw. It’s not that they need less hydration overall – they’re just getting it from a different source.

How Much Water Should Dogs Actually Drink?

The general guideline for a dog’s water intake is about 50-60 mL per kg of body weight daily. This translates to:

• A 10 kg dog needs approximately 500-600 mL/day
• A 30 kg dog needs about 1.5-1.8 L/day

But here’s the important part: this includes water from food AND from the bowl. So naturally, if they’re getting more from their food, they’ll drink less from their bowl.

Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet, confirms that reduced water consumption is perfectly normal when dogs eat moisture-rich foods instead of dry kibble.

How Raw Diets Naturally Hydrate Your Dog

Raw diets provide natural hydration in several ways:

1. High moisture content – Raw meat is naturally water-rich
2. Cellular water – The moisture is contained within food cells, providing slow-release hydration
3. Fruits and vegetables – Many raw diets include produce that adds additional moisture

This mirrors how dogs would naturally hydrate in the wild – through consuming fresh prey rather than drinking from streams. Their bodies have evolved to get optimal hydration this way!

Signs Your Dog Is Well-Hydrated (Even If They Drink Less)

Just because your dog isn’t emptying their water bowl doesn’t mean they’re dehydrated. Here are signs your dog is getting plenty of moisture:

• Moist nose and gums
• Elastic skin that quickly returns to normal when pinched (the “bounce-back test”)
• Regular urination with light-yellow urine
• Normal energy levels and appetite

Iron Will Raw, a premium raw dog food company, explains that proper hydration plays a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, waste removal, and maintaining normal body temperature. When dogs get adequate moisture through their diet, all these processes work more efficiently.

Warning Signs of Dehydration to Watch For

While decreased water drinking is normal on raw diets, you should still monitor for dehydration, especially in hot weather or after intense exercise. Contact your vet if you notice:

• Dry gums or sticky saliva
• Lethargy or weakness
• Sunken eyes
• Skin that “tents” when pinched
• Dark urine or infrequent urination

Boosting Hydration for Raw-Fed Dogs

Even though raw-fed dogs naturally drink less water, there are still ways to boost their hydration, especially during hot weather or for very active pups:

1. Bone Broth

Homemade unsalted bone broth is amazing for adding moisture while providing nutrients. I make big batches and freeze them in ice cube trays – my dogs go crazy for them!

2. Goat Milk or Kefir

These probiotic-rich liquids provide hydration plus gut health benefits. Start with small amounts, especially if your dog has a sensitive tummy.

3. Water-Rich Treats

Consider offering:

• Watermelon (seeds removed)
• Cucumber slices
• Zucchini
• Low-sodium broth ice cubes

4. Extra Water Mixed Into Meals

Simply adding a few tablespoons of filtered water to your dog’s raw meal can increase moisture content even further.

Raw Diet: The Pros and Cons

While this article focuses on hydration, it’s worth noting some general benefits and challenges of raw feeding:

Pros of Raw Feeding

• More natural hydration as discussed above
• No fillers that contribute nothing nutritionally
• Closely replicates ancestral diet
• Dogs generally love the taste (no picky eating!)
• Can help with dental health (especially when including raw meaty bones)

Challenges of Raw Feeding

• Safety concerns regarding bacteria like salmonella and E. coli
• Nutritional balance requires knowledge and research
• More expensive than conventional kibble
• Storage and preparation requires more time and space

Special Considerations for Different Dogs

Puppies

Puppies are more prone to dehydration due to their small size and high energy. Monitor them closely when transitioning to raw to ensure they’re getting enough moisture.

Senior Dogs

Older dogs may have a reduced thirst drive or lose fluids faster. Add extra moisture to their meals and keep a closer eye on hydration signs.

Active Dogs

Dogs who exercise heavily need more hydration. Consider adding extra water to meals on active days or offering a small amount of electrolytes designed for dogs.

Common Questions About Raw Diets and Hydration

Q: Is it concerning if my dog hardly drinks any water after switching to raw?
A: Not necessarily! As long as they’re showing signs of good hydration and are eating moisture-rich raw food, reduced water intake is normal. However, always have fresh water available.

Q: Should I add water to my dog’s raw food?
A: It’s not usually necessary, but it doesn’t hurt! Adding a bit of water can be beneficial in hot weather, after exercise, or if your dog eats quickly.

Q: Will my dog get enough hydration from just food?
A: Most dogs get sufficient hydration from raw food alone, but individual needs vary based on activity level, climate, and health status. Always provide fresh water regardless.

Q: Can dehydration happen even on a raw diet?
A: Yes, especially in cases of vomiting, diarrhea, or extreme heat. Always watch for signs of dehydration.

Keeping Your Dog’s Water Fresh

Even if they drink less, keeping their water clean and fresh is important:

• Clean bowls daily to prevent biofilm buildup
• Use stainless steel bowls when possible (they harbor less bacteria)
• Change water at least once daily
• Consider a pet fountain to encourage drinking for dogs who need extra hydration

Final Thoughts

The reduced water intake in raw-fed dogs is one of nature’s elegant solutions to hydration. Instead of worrying about your dog drinking less from their bowl, celebrate the fact that they’re getting moisture in the most natural way possible – through their food!

As Mr Dog Food wisely points out, dogs rarely overdrink and will naturally consume what they need. By feeding a moisture-rich raw diet and always having fresh water available, you’re setting your furry friend up for optimal hydration.

Have you noticed your dog drinking less since switching to raw? What other changes have you observed? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

Remember: While this article provides general guidance, every dog is unique. If you have concerns about your dog’s hydration or are considering switching to a raw diet, consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice.