Flavored Dog Water Recipe

Adequate water intake and proper hydration are necessary for keeping your pup healthy. However, some canines don’t drink enough water and can develop several health problems. For example, lack of water (in the body) affects the circulation of blood and harms the health of different organs. If you own a finicky dog that is drinking less water, you can try a flavored dog water recipe.

In this article, we will discuss such recipes and some other ways to encourage your pooch to drink enough water.

How Much Water Should Dogs Drink?

Your dog should always have access to fresh drinking water. It will increase the chances of your pup staying hydrated as they will take a sip every now and then. According to Puppy Tip, dogs must drink 0.5-1 ounce of water per pound of body weight. This means that a 10-pound canine should drink 5-10 ounces of water in a day.

However, this quantity can change a little if your pup is eating homemade food. This is because it contains more water content than commercial dog foods. Hence, the water in the food will compensate for the water needs of your furry friend.

If you own a puppy, it’s imperative to watch them closely for water intake because they must drink some water every 1-2 hours. Likewise, dogs suffering from certain medical conditions, like kidney disease and diabetes, will need more water. This is because they dehydrate much quicker than healthy canines.

Flavored Dog Water Recipe

Adding some homemade chicken broth to your dog’s water will definitely make it more enticing. Dogs love chicken and its aroma will urge them to drink more water. Let’s see how it can be done.

Ingredients:

• One 3-pound chicken
• Water

Instructions

1. Place chicken in a large stockpot and cover with three inches of water.
2. Bring to a boil then simmer for 1 hour.
3. Remove chicken from the water and reserve for another recipe.
4. Discard all cooked chicken bones because cooked bones are a splintering and choking hazard for dogs.
5. Refrigerate broth to skim off fat before freezing.
6. For use, defrost some broth and mix it with water (1 part broth and 2 parts water).
7. Serve the water in your dog’s water bowl and it will be hard to resist.

Thanks to Dog Tipper for this recipe.

Other Ways to Get Your Dog to Drink More Water

The following are some alternatives (of flavored dog water recipe) to increase your canine’s water intake.

Rule Out Medical Reasons

If your dog is not drinking enough water, the first thing you must ensure is that he/she is healthy. Many illnesses, like nausea and urinary tract infection, can decrease the thirst of your pup. Hence, you should immediately visit your vet if there is a change in your dog’s drinking habits.

Keep Water Accessible

It is recommended to have multiple water bowls around the house even if you have only one dog. This is particularly important for owners with big or multi-story houses. Canines don’t drink what they need but what they are given. Hence, water should be accessible to them at all times.

Water should not only be available, but it should also be convenient for your pooch to drink. Senior dogs who are suffering from joint problems may find it difficult to bend down and drink. Therefore, you should try placing the bowls in an elevated space to increase their water intake. For example, elevated bowls can be an amazing investment for pups suffering from arthritis.

Use Canned Food

If you feel that your pooch is not drinking sufficient water, you can try to add some to his/her meal. For instance, you can add some water to your dog’s dry food (kibble). Not only will it moisten the kibbles, but it will also limit their meaty smell.

Similarly, you can add some canned food to your canine’s diet. This can be very useful because canned food has about 75-80% moisture in it. On the other hand, water accounts for only 10% of dry dog food.

Ensure Clean Dog Bowls

Dogs don’t like to drink from dirty or rusted bowls, and they must be replaced to keep your pup interested. You should keep a close eye on the dog bowls to see if they are damaged. If there is something wrong with your canine’s water bowls, invest in some new ones. It’s highly recommended to go for ceramic or stainless steel dog bowls because they last longer than plastic bowls.

In addition to bowls, you also need to change the water regularly to keep it fresh and healthy. Also, clean the bowls thoroughly each day to remove the impurities that are settled on the vessel.

Add Ice Cubes in Water

Dogs prefer to drink cool water and ice cubes can be a great encouragement, especially in summer. It will help your pooch to counter the heat without causing any harm to his/her health. You can also add some dog-safe fruit in the water to make it a special treat.

Purchase a Pet Fountain

Dogs love to drink from running water and you can use this information to increase their water intake. The water in a pet fountain stays cool, fresh, and healthy. Investing in a pet fountain is also beneficial for the owner because the water won’t require frequent changing (constant circulation). Try to find a product that comes with a carbon water filter to remove dirt and odors.