The Importance of Pet Hydration Through Raw Pet Food

Fresh Is Best® Brings Cats and Dogs Closer to Their Natural Hydration

When it comes to caring for our pets, one of the most overlooked aspects of their health is proper pet hydration. It’s easy to assume that providing a bowl of clean, fresh water is enough to meet the hydration needs of dogs and cats, but their evolutionary biology suggests otherwise.

In the wild, carnivores get most of their hydration from their prey, not from drinking water in a bowl. This fact is critical to understanding why raw pet food, like Fresh Is Best’s freeze-dried raw cat food and dog food, can be a more natural and beneficial way for dogs and cats to meet their hydration needs.

The Prey Animal Concept & Pet Hydration

The Prey Animal Concept revolves around the idea that dogs and cats are descendants of wild ancestors – wolves and African wildcats – that primarily hunted and consumed prey animals. These prey animals provided not only essential nutrients but also hydration. Raw meat consists of about 70-75% water, while dry kibble contains only 10-12% water at most¹. For an animal in the wild, the moisture from their prey is crucial to maintaining overall hydration levels. Wild animals rarely drink standing water because their prey provides enough fluid to sustain them.

When pets eat commercial kibble, they lose out on this crucial source of moisture, forcing them to rely almost exclusively on water from a bowl. This can lead to chronic dehydration, which may not always be obvious to pet owners. Chronic dehydration has significant health consequences over time, including kidney strain, urinary tract issues, and decreased energy levels. A raw food diet, such as Fresh Is Best, helps to return pets to the natural hydration patterns their ancestors followed, leading to better overall health and well-being.

Why Drinking from a Bowl Is Not Enough

Many pet owners may think, “My dog or cat has access to water all day, so they’re getting enough hydration.” However, this doesn’t consider that dogs and cats are not naturally inclined to drink large amounts of water at once. They evolved to get much of their water from their food, not from standing water sources.

For cats especially, this is a significant issue. Cats are notorious for being reluctant drinkers. Their ancestors lived in arid regions, and their bodies are adapted to conserving water. As a result, many cats on a kibble-based diet fail to drink enough water to compensate for the lack of moisture in their food.

This can lead to dehydration-related conditions like kidney disease, which is one of the most common health issues in domestic cats. Raw food, with its high moisture content, can help combat these issues by providing a more natural and efficient way for cats to stay hydrated. Dogs, though more likely to drink water than cats, can still suffer from dehydration when relying solely on water from a bowl. In fact, dogs on a kibble diet may be more prone to gulping down large amounts of water to make up for the dryness of their food.

This can lead to bloating and digestive discomfort, as well as placing undue stress on their kidneys and urinary system. A raw food diet provides consistent hydration through each meal, reducing the need for excessive drinking and keeping dogs’ bodies more balanced.

Health Benefits of Pet Hydration Through Raw Pet Food

Switching to a raw diet can significantly improve your pet’s overall health by addressing their hydration needs more naturally. Here are some key benefits:

Improved Kidney and Urinary Tract Health

Chronic dehydration strains the kidneys and increases the risk of urinary tract infections and kidney disease, particularly in cats. Because raw food contains much more moisture than kibble, pets are less likely to experience these issues. Cats in particular benefit from a raw diet in this regard, as it reduces their risk of developing urinary crystals and blockages—common problems for cats on a dry food diet.

Enhanced Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

Proper hydration is essential for digestion. When pets eat raw food that contains natural moisture, it aids in the breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients. Kibble, on the other hand, is dry and requires more water for digestion, which can cause bloating, indigestion, and even constipation. A well-hydrated pet has smoother digestion and is more likely to absorb the nutrients they need to thrive.

Increased Energy Levels and Overall Vitality

Dehydration can lead to lethargy and fatigue. Pets on a raw food diet with proper hydration are more likely to have higher energy levels, improved muscle tone, and better endurance. They feel better because their bodies are functioning optimally.

While a bowl of water may seem sufficient, the reality is that dogs and cats are biologically designed to get their hydration from their food. By choosing a raw pet food diet, like Fresh Is Best’s freeze-dried raw options, pet owners can help their furry companions stay properly hydrated, which can lead to improved digestion, better kidney health, a shinier coat, and more energy. The closer we can bring our pets to their natural diet, the healthier and happier they will be.

Sources:
¹ National Research Council (NRC), Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats