Keeping your dog or cat hydrated may sound simple. However, ensuring your pet is properly hydrated goes beyond providing adequate water. In the wild, canines and felines derive much of their hydration from their food sources—raw meat and fresh produce. But since many domestic dogs and cats are fed a dry, kibble-heavy diet, chronic dehydration is a common concern.
Your pet’s body is comprised of 80% water. To help pets stay healthy and active, incorporating moisture-rich foods into your pet’s diet and providing them with proper hydration is key.
4 WAYS TO ADD MORE MOISTURE TO YOUR PET’S DIET
1. Feed Fresh Pet Food
Raw frozen pet food typically has at least 70% moisture content, while dry pet food generally has 10-12% or less moisture content. At Primal Pet Foods, we firmly believe that small changes have a big impact, and adding any amount of fresh or raw food to your pet’s diet can help support a happier, healthier life. Whether you are adding more fresh food to pets’ current meals or looking to fully switch your pet to a raw diet, Primal’s lineup of Balanced Bases is a fantastic starting point when adding quality nutrients to mealtime! Pronto Formulas even come packaged in a quick-thaw, scoop-and-serve format that takes the stress and pre-planning out of feeding.
2. Try a Primal Hydrator or Topper
Top your pet’s bowl with Primal Fresh Toppers or Primal Raw Toppers to easily boost your pet’s bowl with wholesome, fresh ingredients that contain between 70-89% moisture in a single serving. Or boost hydration with Primal Hydrators- Bone Broth or Raw Goat Milk. Both Toppers and Hydrators can be used as an addition to your pet’s current diet whether you feed raw, kibble, or a mix. For picky eaters, Toppers & Hydrators help make your pet’s food more flavorful which can encourage them to consume more moisture. They can be served individually as a wholesome snack or a delicious, high-value treat for your pet.
3. Rehydrate Freeze-Dried Nuggets
Primal’s Freeze-Dried Nuggets are completely shelf-stable and can be fully prepared in just a few minutes by adding water or other hydrator. Though our Freeze-Dried Nuggets can be fed straight from the bag, your pet will enjoy optimum nutrition by rehydrating with water, Primal Bone Broth, or Primal Raw Goat Milk. This is one of the easiest ways to add moisture to your pet's favorite meal.
4. Provide Adequate Water Sources
Pets generally need 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. If your pet isn’t drinking enough water on its own, try these tips:
- Add ice to your pet’s water dish. Pets may be particular about water temperature. A cool bowl of water, especially on a warmer day, may help.
- Consider using a pet fountain. Some pets, especially cats, are more likely to drink water if it's moving.
- Leave multiple water bowls around your home for your pet. Pets may be deterred from drinking water if their bowl is on the other side of their home. Keeping water bowls accessible to your pet can help them consume more water.
Ready to add more moisture to your dog or cat’s bowl? Give Primal’s Bowl Builder a try to discover the many ways that adding fresh foods to your pet’s diet can make them happier and healthier—whether they eat canned, kibble, raw, or a mix of all!