The reason why adding water to your dog’s food bowl is a game changer is covered in this blog.
We love to look after our pets and often go to great lengths to ensure our furry companions lead healthy and happy lives, by providing regular exercise, stimulating training, and quality food. It all counts.
Sometimes this aspect slips under the radar: hydration!
Just like us, dogs require adequate hydration to thrive so, we are going to discuss the importance of water for our canine friends by exploring how adding water to their food bowl can be a simple yet important way to ensure our friends stay properly hydrated.
Water is essential for every part of a dog’s comfort, from digestion to temperature regulation and joint lubrication. Without sufficient hydration, dogs can experience a range of health issues, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and even organ failure, just like us.
Many pet owners underestimate their dog’s water needs or assume, that if water is available, their pet will drink enough to hydrate themselves.
However, factors such as age, size, activity level, and climate can influence a dog’s hydration requirements.
One effective strategy to boost your dog’s water intake is to include it directly into their meals. Here are some reasons why you should consider adding water to your dog’s food bowl:
Increased Hydration: If you feed dry food: by moistening your dog’s kibble with water, you’re providing an extra source of hydration, especially beneficial for dogs who may not drink enough water throughout the day. This is particularly crucial for dogs on dry diets, as they may not receive sufficient moisture from their food alone.
Some dogs, especially if you have one of those picky eaters or those with dental issues, your best pal may find dry kibble unappealing. Adding water not only softens the food but also releases enticing aromas, making it more palatable and enjoyable for your furry friend.
This is another reason why adding water to your dog’s food bowl is a game changer!
Also, adequate moisture in your dog’s food can aid in digestion, helping to prevent issues like constipation and bloating. This is particularly important for dogs prone to gastrointestinal sensitivities or those transitioning slowly to new diets.
I personally feed my dogs a raw balanced diet, so if my dog has come from a breeder who does not feed in this way, I need to carefully transition my new dog to a raw diet and do it slowly.
Joint Support: For senior dogs or those with arthritis, maintaining proper hydration is crucial for joint health. Adding water to their meals can contribute to joint lubrication, potentially alleviating discomfort and promoting mobility.
Temperature Regulation: During hot weather or intense physical activity, dogs can quickly become dehydrated. Moistened food provides an additional source of water, helping to keep them cool and hydrated, especially when they may be less inclined to drink from their water bowl.
Incorporating water into your dog’s meals is simple and requires minimal effort.
However, it’s essential to strike the right balance. While adding water can offer numerous benefits, excessive moisture may lead to bacterial growth or spoilage if the food is left out for extended periods. Therefore, it’s best to prepare only what your dog will consume in one sitting and wash their food bowl thoroughly after each meal.
My dogs, however, as they have been encouraged to have a varied diet, lick their bowls clean, so clean in fact, that their food bowls look as though they do not even need a wash! Of course, I am joking here! I do wash them!
They never leave any food! If they did, another of my dogs would gladly finish off the leftover food and look for more morsels to eat!
I believe this is because I make their meals interesting.
Of course, your lifestyle can mean that you need to be super organised to not only feed your dog or dogs well, but also to prepare healthy food for you and your family if you live in a family environment. Sometimes our daily lives are a rush, aren’t they?
So, the next time you serve up their meal, consider giving it a hydrating twist—it might just be the simple yet transformative change your dog needs for a happier, healthier life.
I would love to hear your thoughts about why adding water to your dog’s food bowl is a game changer in your household!
Until next time!
