Hydration, Naturally: Why Does My Pet Drink Less Water On A Raw Food Diet?

August 14, 2019

One of the first things pet parents notice after transitioning dogs and cats to a raw food diet is a decreased water intake – that’s because our furry friends are getting the natural hydration they need right from their meals! Proper hydration is one of the most important (and unfortunately, often overlooked) elements of a pet’s wellbeing. A raw dog food diet is a natural way to provide your pet with true, enhanced hydration with each and every bowl.

The Importance of Proper Hydration

Hydration plays a key role when it comes to digestion and absorbing nutrients. Water helps both dogs and cats breakdown food, so their bodies can efficiently process meals. Keeping your pet well-hydrated aids in the removal of waste and toxins, and helps the body maintain normal temperatures. Adequate H2O levels also help lubricate joints and support organ function. When organs consistently do not get the amount of water they need, they can become strained, stressed, and damaged. Without proper hydration, the kidneys and liver may also begin to fail or even shut down. These organs are imperative to your pet’s health and control many aspects of their wellbeing. Kidneys are responsible for maintaining proper concentrations of salt and water in your pet’s body, waste filtration, controlling blood pressure, and sustaining internal phosphorous levels. The liver is your pet’s second largest organ. Not only does it filter waste and toxins but it plays a key role in distributing nutrients throughout the body.

Commercially produced kibble and canned pet food are often higher in sugars and sodium which can decrease internal hydration levels. Just like in humans, water is a major component of blood and healthy cells in dogs and cats. Our furry friends’ organ tissues are made up of 70-90% water, so it’s imperative that they stay well-hydrated. Check out the difference in moisture content between Iron Will Raw and some major kibble brands:

Cats and Natural Hydration

Cats have evolved to absorb most of their hydration through food, which makes sense if they’re eating whole prey like mice and small birds. As a result of their natural diet, cats tend to have a lower ‘thirst drive’ and are not as capable as dogs at adjusting their water intake[1]. By feeding your cat a raw pet food diet, they’re getting much of the hydration they need through their meals. This is especially important for our purry friends who often suffer from urinary and kidney issues.

When Iron Will Raw is in your pet’s bowl, you know they’re getting enhanced hydration at every meal. Want to learn more about the benefits of a raw pet food diet for your canine or feline companion? Check out the Top 10 Reasons to Feed Your Dog Raw on our Blog page or ask our experts on Facebook and Instagram.

 

[1] Adolph EF. Tolerance to heat and dehydration in several species of mammals. American Journal of Physiology 1947;151:564–575.

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