Signs of dehydration in dogs and the best foods to combat it
How to tell if your dog is getting enough moisture, the warning signs when they’re not, and five high-moisture diets worth considering.
Proper hydration is essential for a dog’s health, influencing everything from organ function to skin and coat quality. Yet dehydration remains a common issue, particularly in dogs with medical conditions or inadequate diets. In this post, we’ll explore how to monitor your dog’s hydration, the signs of dehydration, how nutrition can play a pivotal role, and offer recommendations for diets specifically formulated to support hydration.
Is your dog getting enough moisture?
Dogs require a baseline water intake of about 50 to 70 milliliters per kilogram of body weight per day depending on their activity levels, diet, and environmental conditions (Grandjean et al., 2021).
Clear or light-yellow urine indicates adequate hydration. Darker urine and infrequent urination may signal dehydration.
Gently pinch your dog’s skin between the shoulder blades. If it quickly returns to its original position, your dog is likely hydrated. Delayed skin snap-back is a warning sign of dehydration.
Check your dog’s gums, they should be moist and slippery. Sticky or dry gums suggest dehydration.
Measure the amount of water your dog drinks over 24 hours and adjust as necessary.
A dehydrated dog may seem tired or uninterested in activities they usually enjoy.
Dehydration can suppress appetite, compounding the issue.
A dry, cracked nose or gums lacking moisture are clear indicators.
Dehydration often causes saliva to become sticky or ropey.
Noticeable sinking of the eyes can be a sign of severe dehydration.
Dehydration can lead to an increase in heart rate as the body struggles to maintain circulation.
In severe cases, dehydration can escalate to life-threatening conditions like heatstroke or kidney failure. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary if these symptoms persist.
How nutrition and diet can help keep dogs hydrated
Diet plays a significant role in maintaining hydration. While dry kibble contains only about 6 to 10 percent moisture, wet food and fresh diets can contain 70 to 85 percent moisture, significantly contributing to a dog’s daily fluid intake (González-Ortiz et al., 2018).
Strategies to enhance hydration through diet:
- 1Switch to high-moisture diets. Incorporating wet or fresh dog food can dramatically boost water intake.
- 2Add water to dry food. Soaking kibble in warm water or low-sodium broth hydrates the food and increases moisture intake.
- 3Offer hydrating treats. Foods like watermelon (without seeds) and cucumber are hydrating and safe in moderation.
- 4Supplement with electrolytes. In cases of mild dehydration, electrolyte solutions designed for dogs can restore balance.
- 5Use wet food toppers. Adding wet food or broths to meals can increase palatability and hydration.
Five nutritionist-recommended diets for hydration
Here are my top five diet recommendations for dogs struggling with hydration issues.
Price: $5.04 per pound
Food type: Fresh cooked food
Moisture content: 69%
Why recommended: Fresh, high quality chicken plus fruits and veggies, like nutrient-dense broccoli and carrots to support hydration.
Price: $11.99 per pound
Food type: Fresh refrigerated food
Moisture content: 49.2%
Why recommended: High-moisture content combined with whole ingredients, containing no preservatives, fillers, or by-products. A perfect option for pet owners who want a high-quality, fresh diet without feeding raw.
Price: $6.99 per pound
Food type: Fresh refrigerated food
Moisture content: 78%
Why recommended: A fresh, high-moisture option for dogs needing extra hydration in a minimally processed form.
Price: $5.13 per pound
Food type: Canned wet food
Moisture content: 85%
Why recommended: Minimal ingredients and one of the highest moisture contents on the market, perfect for hydration support.
Price: $5.99 per pound
Food type: Dehydrated (rehydrated to wet consistency)
Moisture content: Up to 80% when prepared
Why recommended: Offers a customizable hydration option that lets you control the moisture level.
Pet nutritionist recommendation
As a companion animal nutritionist, I often see the impact that proper hydration, or lack thereof, has on dogs’ overall health. Dehydration can lead to urinary tract problems, kidney issues, and even heatstroke in severe cases. Through my work, I’ve found that the simplest and most effective way to manage hydration is through diet.
If your dog struggles to drink enough water, switching to a high-moisture diet like canned, fresh, or adding water to kibble or other dehydrated food can make all the difference. I always recommend monitoring your dog’s water intake, especially during hot weather or periods of increased activity.
Andrea Geiger is a certified companion animal nutritionist with a master’s degree in Veterinary Toxicology and Nutrition. With over five years of experience in product development and consulting, Andrea specializes in creating science-based nutrition plans and formulating recipes that prioritize pet health, ensuring optimal nutrition for dogs and cats alike.
References
- Grandjean, D., et al. (2021). Water and Electrolyte Balance in Dogs and Cats. Veterinary Clinical Sciences.
- González-Ortiz, G., et al. (2018). Moisture Content and Its Role in Pet Food Digestibility. Journal of Animal Nutrition.
- Smith, B. (2020). The Impact of Wet Food on Canine Hydration Levels. Advances in Veterinary Science.
- Davis, H., et al. (2019). Dehydration in Companion Animals: Causes and Treatments. Veterinary Journal.
- Larson, J. (2020). Electrolyte Imbalance in Dogs with Chronic Dehydration. Veterinary Medicine.
- Roca, E., et al. (2022). Dietary Strategies to Prevent Urinary Tract Issues in Dogs. Journal of Pet Health.
- Kim, H., et al. (2021). The Role of High-Moisture Foods in Canine Kidney Health. Advances in Animal Nutrition.
- Chen, R., et al. (2017). Wet Food Diets and Their Role in Maintaining Canine Hydration. Animal Nutrition Studies.