The sun beats down, the pavement radiates heat, and even a short walk can leave both you and your furry companion feeling parched. Summer brings joys like longer days and outdoor adventures, but it also brings the critical challenge of keeping our pets adequately hydrated. While a constantly available fresh water bowl is non-negotiable, sometimes our dogs and cats need a little extra help staying topped up, especially those who aren’t enthusiastic drinkers or primarily eat dry food. One simple yet effective strategy is to incorporate extra moisture directly into their meals by adding water or broth.
Why Extra Hydration Matters in Summer
Just like us, pets rely on water for nearly every bodily function. It regulates body temperature, aids digestion, lubricates joints, flushes toxins, and transports nutrients. During hot weather, pets lose more water through panting and sweating (primarily through their paw pads). Dehydration can set in quickly and range from mild lethargy to severe, life-threatening conditions like heatstroke. Ensuring sufficient water intake is paramount to preventing overheating and keeping internal systems running smoothly. Adding liquid to food boosts their overall daily water consumption effortlessly, integrating hydration into their regular feeding routine.
Benefits of Adding Liquid to Pet Food
Boosting hydration is the primary goal, but adding water or broth to your pet’s food offers several other advantages:
- Enhanced Hydration: This is the most obvious benefit. It directly increases the amount of water your pet consumes, particularly helpful for pets eating dry kibble, which has very low moisture content (typically around 10%).
- Improved Palatability: Many pets find moistened food more appealing. The added liquid can release aromas and soften textures, potentially encouraging picky eaters or older pets with dental sensitivities to eat more readily.
- Aiding Digestion: Extra moisture can help the food move more smoothly through the digestive tract, potentially assisting pets prone to mild digestive upset. Softer kibble is also physically easier to break down.
- Slower Eating: For pets who gobble their food too quickly, adding liquid can sometimes slow them down, forcing them to lap up the mixture rather than inhale dry kibble. This can reduce the risk of bloat or digestive discomfort.
- Weight Management Support: Water adds volume to food without adding calories. This can help pets feel fuller, which might be beneficial in a weight management plan (always consult your vet before making dietary changes for weight loss).
Water vs. Broth: Making the Choice
So, should you reach for the tap or a carton of broth? Both have their place.
Plain Water: The Simple Solution
Adding plain, clean water is the easiest, cheapest, and generally safest option. There are no added calories, sodium, or potentially problematic ingredients to worry about. You can use cool tap water or filtered water.
Pros:
- Readily available and inexpensive.
- No added sodium, fats, or seasonings.
- Suitable for pets with most dietary restrictions or sensitivities.
Cons:
- May not be as enticing as broth for very picky eaters.
Broth: The Flavor Enhancer
Broth (like chicken, beef, or bone broth) can be a fantastic way to tempt a reluctant drinker or picky eater due to its appealing smell and taste. However, extreme caution is needed when choosing a broth.
Pros:
- Highly palatable for most pets.
- Bone broth, in particular, may offer some additional nutrients (though amounts can vary wildly).
Cons:
- CRITICAL: Must be specifically pet-safe or plain, unsalted, and unseasoned homemade broth. Many human broths contain high levels of sodium, onions, garlic, and other seasonings that are toxic to pets.
- Can add extra calories or fat, depending on the type.
- More expensive than water.
Important Broth Warning: Never use standard cooking broths or stocks meant for human consumption for your pets. These often contain high sodium levels, which can be harmful, and ingredients like onions and garlic, which are toxic to dogs and cats. Always choose broths specifically formulated for pets or make your own plain, unseasoned version by simply simmering bones and/or meat in water without adding salt, onions, garlic, or other spices.
How to Add Liquid to Pet Food
Incorporating water or safe broth into your pet’s meals is straightforward:
- Start Small: Begin by adding just a small amount, perhaps a tablespoon or two, mixed thoroughly into the food. This allows your pet to adjust to the new texture and ensures it doesn’t deter them from eating.
- Gradually Increase: If your pet accepts the initial amount well, you can gradually increase the quantity over several days. Aim for a consistency your pet enjoys – some prefer just slightly dampened kibble, while others like a soupy consistency.
- Consider Temperature: Use cool or room temperature water or broth. Avoid very cold liquids, which might upset some pets’ stomachs, or hot liquids, which could pose a burn risk or degrade nutrients.
- Mix Well: Ensure the liquid is evenly distributed throughout the food, not just pooled at the bottom.
- Serve Immediately: Moistened food, especially kibble, shouldn’t be left sitting out for extended periods, particularly in warm weather, as it can spoil more quickly or attract pests. Discard any uneaten moistened food after about 20-30 minutes.
Adjusting for Food Type
Dry Food (Kibble): Kibble benefits the most from added moisture. Adding liquid softens the pellets, releases aromas, and significantly boosts the meal’s water content. You can add enough water or broth to simply coat the kibble or enough to create a noticeable ‘gravy’ or soup.
Wet Food: Canned or pouched wet food already has a high moisture content (often 70-80%). While you generally don’t need to add extra liquid for hydration purposes, adding a small splash of water or safe broth can sometimes enhance palatability for fussy eaters or slightly thin a very thick pâté if preferred.
Things to Keep in Mind
While generally safe and beneficial, keep these points in mind:
- Observe Your Pet: Watch for any signs of digestive upset (like loose stools) when first introducing added liquids, although this is uncommon, especially with plain water. Reduce the amount if issues arise.
- Picky Eaters: Some pets might initially be suspicious of the change in texture. Start very gradually and consider using a tiny amount of pet-safe broth for encouragement if plain water is rejected.
- Dental Health: While the benefits of hydration often outweigh this concern, be aware that solely feeding softened kibble long-term might slightly reduce the mechanical cleaning effect dry kibble can have on teeth. Ensure regular dental care routines (brushing, chews) are maintained.
- Still Need Fresh Water: Adding liquid to food is a supplement to, not a replacement for, a constantly available bowl of fresh, clean water. Always ensure your pet has access to plain drinking water.
Adding a splash of water or a bit of pet-safe broth to your dog’s or cat’s meals during the hot summer months is a simple, practical way to help them stay hydrated and healthy. It enhances their food, supports their bodily functions, and gives you peace of mind knowing you’re taking an extra step to keep them comfortable when the temperature rises. Just remember to choose your liquids wisely (especially broth!) and introduce the change gradually.
