Hydration for Dogs on Natural Diets: How Much Water Do Dogs Really Need?

By Dr Duncan Houston

Quick Answer

Dogs on natural diets often drink less water because their food contains more moisture, but their total hydration needs stay the same. As long as they are eating well, urinating normally, and showing no signs of dehydration, lower water intake from the bowl is usually normal.

As a veterinarian, this is something I get asked all the time when owners switch from kibble to fresh feeding. It looks concerning at first, but in many cases, it is actually a sign things are working as expected.

Why Dogs on Natural Diets Drink Less

Natural diets such as raw or cooked food typically contain around 60 to 75 percent moisture.

Dry kibble contains roughly 7 to 10 percent moisture.

That means dogs eating fresh food are already getting a large portion of their hydration from meals, so they naturally drink less from their water bowl.

This is completely normal in a healthy dog.

How Much Water Does a Dog Need?

A general guideline is:

50 to 60 mL of water per kg of body weight per day

This includes both:

• Water from food

• Water from drinking

Examples:

• 10 kg dog needs about 500 to 600 mL per day

• 30 kg dog needs about 1.5 to 1.8 litres per day

Dogs on natural diets may meet a large portion of this through food alone.

Signs Your Dog Is Well Hydrated

• Moist gums

• Normal skin elasticity

• Regular urination

• Light yellow urine

• Good energy and appetite

If these are all normal, hydration is usually adequate regardless of how much they are drinking at the bowl.

Signs of Dehydration

Contact a vet if you notice:

• Dry or sticky gums

• Lethargy or weakness

• Sunken eyes

• Skin that stays tented when lifted

• Dark urine or reduced urination

These signs are more important than how often your dog drinks.

How to Support Hydration on a Natural Diet

Add extra moisture to meals

Mixing a small amount of water into food can help increase hydration, especially in hot weather or after exercise.

Use whole food hydration sources

Water-rich foods can support fluid intake:

• Watermelon

• Cucumber

• Zucchini

These should be given in moderation.

Use gentle additions

Options like unsalted bone broth or small amounts of fermented dairy such as kefir can improve both hydration and palatability.

Common Mistakes

• Not cleaning water bowls regularly, which can reduce drinking

• Assuming less drinking means dehydration without checking clinical signs

• Not adjusting hydration for heat, exercise, or illness

• Feeding only dry food in hot conditions without increasing water availability

Do Puppies and Senior Dogs Need More Attention?

Yes.

Puppies:

• Higher metabolic rate

• More prone to dehydration

Senior dogs:

• May drink less

• May have underlying conditions affecting hydration

Both groups should be monitored more closely.

Whole Foods and Hydration

One of the biggest advantages of natural feeding is built-in hydration.

Fresh, minimally processed diets:

• Provide consistent moisture intake

• Support kidney and urinary health

• Reduce reliance on drinking behaviour alone

This is one of the reasons many dogs do well when transitioned off dry-only diets.

Final Thoughts

If your dog is eating a natural diet and drinking less, it is often completely normal.

Focus on the whole picture, not just the water bowl.

Hydration is about total intake, clinical signs, and overall health.

FAQs

My dog is drinking less after switching to raw food. Should I worry?
Usually no. As long as they are otherwise healthy and showing normal hydration signs, this is expected.

Should I add water to my dog’s food?
It can be helpful, especially in warm weather, after exercise, or for dogs that eat quickly.

Can dogs still get dehydrated on a natural diet?
Yes. Illness, heat, vomiting, or diarrhea can still lead to dehydration regardless of diet.

If you want to track your dog’s hydration, monitor urine changes, and catch early warning signs, the ASK A VET™ app helps you stay on top of subtle changes before they become serious.