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Is your dog a fussy drinker?
Many dogs, like our Cockapoo, prefer a puddle to their water bowl.
At certain times we all worry about our dog's hydration levels. Whether it's after some serious exercise, vomiting, sickness or hot weather.
Dehydration can be a serious concern, so we've explore some innovative solutions. We’ll delve into four products designed to encourage your dog to drink more - Furr Boost, Bone Broth, Pawer Water and Goats Milk.
These aren't just hydration boosters; they offer your dog a wealth of additional health benefits too.
UPDATED : NOVEMBER 2024 - We've added the new Beef Bone Broth Powder from Buddy & Lola |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Our Picks of the Best Dog Hydration Solutions
1. Best Dog Health Drink
Furr Boost
Topping our list is the double award-winning Furr Boost, a UK brand dedicated to canine hydration.
We feel that what sets it apart from its rivals is it's sheer convenience. Packed with 100% natural, human-grade ingredients, Furr Boost offers a refreshing and nutritious alternative to plain water straight from the carton.
Simply pour it straight into your dog's bowl or dilute it with water.
The blend of meat, fruit, vegetables, vitamins and oils not only enhances the taste but also delivers essential nutrients to support your dog's health.
The irresistible aroma, whether served chilled or warmed as a soup, is a major draw for even the pickiest pups. Our testers couldn't resist the temptation – they eagerly lapped up every drop - better than a puddle!
Beyond its taste appeal, Furr Boost offers practicality. The compact cartons are easy to store and transport, making them ideal for on-the-go hydration.
With a long shelf life and potential benefits for your dog's skin, coat, digestion, immunity, anxiety, and metabolism, Furr Boost is a versatile product for dogs of all ages and needs.
For dogs with particularly discerning palates, gently warming Furr Boost to release its meaty flavours can work wonders.
They offer a collection of six wheat and grain free recipes :-
🍵 Chicken, butternut squash & cranberry
🍵 Beef, broccoli & blueberry
🍵 Pork, sweet potato & apple
🍵 Venison, butternut squash & cranberry
🍵 Plant-Based vegan
🍵 Salmon, sweet potato & blueberry
Our Verdict : The bottom line is that if you’re looking for a convenient solution to get your dog drinking more, we think that Furr Boost is a hydration game changer. |
Ingredients : Each carton contains the three main flavour ingredients plus added vitamins, sea kelp, probiotic, yeast beta glucan, salmon oil, flaxseed oil and coconut oil
Reasons to Buy
+ Convenient cartoons
+ Selection of flavours
+ Taster selection available
Reasons to Avoid
- Pricier than some
- May not be suitable for raw fed dogs
2. Best Bone Broth
Long-time readers know we're big fans of UK company Buddy & Lola's natural pet care products. Their range is vet-recommended and approved plus 100% natural, without all those nasty fillers.
Their latest offering, Beef Bone Broth Powder is a natural supplement packed with essential nutrients to support your dog's overall health. In addition to being packed full of protein, beef bone broth is great for joint health and digestive support.
But the main reason that we're massive fans of bone broths in general is their hydrating qualities. We struggle to get Freddie to drink water from his bowl but by adding the bone broth, it makes it far more enticing.
If you like us are concerned about your dog's hydration levels, then Beef Bone Broth is a game changer.
Bone broths are also a great option for dogs recovering from illness.
You can of course make bone broth yourself or buy fresh, but Buddy & Lola's Beef Bone Broth Powder is a quick and easy option which is great value for money.
Mix it with warm water for a delicious broth or make ice cubes (brothsicles) for a super-charged treat.
One 120g pouch makes 6 litres of beef bone broth
Our Verdict : If you're looking for a great value bone broth then the new Beef Bone Broth powder from Buddy & Lola is a great value option. |
Ingredients : 100% Bovine Bone Broth Powder
Reasons to Buy
+ Great value option
+ Range of health benefits
Reasons to Avoid
- If you enjoy cooking homemade broths
For 15% OFF the entire Buddy & Lola range (first time purchases only)
enter SMARTBARK15 at checkout
3. Best Dairy Supplement
Another supplement from the Buddy & Lola stable, this time - Goat's Milk Powder. Packed with essential nutrients, it's a multi-purpose addition and ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
If you haven't heard of Goats Milk Powder you're not the only one. But this amazing, natural health supplement is a hidden gem.
Nutrient-rich it's a versatile supplement that offers a wide range of benefits. Not only can it maintain hydration levels but it provides a real boost to immunity.
Ideal for dogs recovering from antibiotics or sickness, Goats Milk Powder can help restore gut health and support their immune system during the healing process.
One of the standout features of this powder is its suitability for dogs with specific dietary needs. For those dogs who are intolerant to cow's milk, this supplement offers a safe and effective alternative.
So lots of benefits, but we also loved that Buddy & Lola's Goats Milk is incredibly versatile. Your dog can enjoy it as a hydrating drink, or freeze it as a refreshing popsicle treats. In testing (as you can see) it was super palatable and Freddie lapped it up!
Plus, with just 2 tsp needed daily for a medium-sized dog, it’s the most cost-effective hydration solution we’ve found.
Each pouch makes a staggering 2.4L of milk, providing ample hydration.
We should just mention that Buddy & Lola offer the convenience of free next-day delivery (on orders over £30) and you can shop with confidence with their 100% money-back guarantee.
Our Verdict : If you're looking for a great value option then we'd recommend taking a look at Buddy & Lolas NEW Goats Milk Powder. |
Ingredients : 100% Whole Goats Milk
Reasons to Buy
+ Great value option
+ Range of health benefits
Reasons to Avoid
- Needs mixing
For 15% OFF the entire Buddy & Lola range (first time purchases only)
enter SMARTBARK15 at checkout
4. Best Hydration On-The-Go
Pawer Water
Another hydration option to consider is Pawer Water.
This innovative award-nominated powder, designed to be mixed into your dog's water, delivers more than just moisture.
Offering enhanced hydration with electrolytes, Pawer Water also boasts a blend of seven powerful ingredients that support bone, skin, and coat health.
There are several situations where your dog might benefit from a electrolyte supplements:
Dehydration: This can occur due to vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating (especially in hot weather), or inadequate water intake.
Illness: Certain illnesses, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or Addison's disease, can disrupt electrolyte balance.
Intense exercise: Prolonged or strenuous physical activity can lead to electrolyte loss through sweat.
Hot weather: High temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Recovery from surgery or illness: Post-operative or post-illness recovery often involves fluid loss and may require electrolyte replenishment.
The chicken broth flavour of Pawer Water makes it appealing to dogs. Even our picky tester, Freddie, enjoyed it.
We love the convenience of the single-use sachets, perfect for on-the-go hydration as you could slip one into your dog walking bag
Whilst Pawer Water is available to buy in individual sachets, we'd suggest buying the 5 or 12 packs as they are much better value for money.
Our Verdict : If you're seeking a simple way to enhance your dog's well-being while keeping them hydrated, Pawer Water is worth considering. |
Ingredients : Hydrolysed Bovine Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Flaxseed Oil Powder, Sodium Chloride, Grape Seed 4:1 Extract
Reasons to Buy
+ Great for hydration on-the-go
+ Added electrolytes
Reasons to Avoid
- Individual sachets are pricey
Buying Options
Our Verdict
Just like us, dogs need to stay hydrated to thrive. While plain water is essential, it's often not enough to entice picky pups.
Luckily, there are innovative products like Furr Boost, Pawer Water, and Buddy & Lola's Goats Milk Powder or Beef Bone Broth Powder that can make hydration fun and beneficial.
Each option we feature offers unique advantages, from convenience to added health benefits. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy solution or a more comprehensive approach, there's a hydration product to suit your dog's needs.
Remember, your dog's hydration is crucial for overall health and well-being. So why not explore these exciting options and discover the perfect way to keep your furry friend refreshed?
Before you go ..!
If you're looking to keep your dog hydrated whilst you're out and about, take a closer look at the Buddy Bottle.
The Buddy Bottle's ingenious nesting system makes it a compact and travel-friendly solution. This bottle is a 3-in-1 solution with an insulated 900 ml water bottle plus a nested water bowl and an additional food bowl.
You could fill the Buddy Bottle with any of the hydration solutions we cover in this review.
With it's leak-proof design, double walled stainless steel to keep the water cold and a durable powder coated finish, this innovative solution is built to last.
Measuring 27cm high and 10.4cm diameter it weighs 544g empty and 1.4kg when filled to capacity.
It's worth mentioning that in testing, we choose to leave the bottle in the car knowing it would be cool on our return (see photos).
Our Verdict - The Buddy Bottle is a gem of a water bottle with some standout features. If you're looking to keep your dog hydrated and fed on-the-go, then the Buddy Bottle will certainly fit the bill.
Available exclusively on the Buddy Bottle website in a range of stylish colours.
FAQ's
How much water should a dog drink a day?
A dog's water needs depend on factors like size, activity level, diet, and the weather. Generally, they require about 40-60 ml of water per kilogram of body weight daily.
For instance, a 6kg French Bulldog might drink around 300ml, while a 30kg Dalmatian could need 1,500ml or more.
Wet food provides more moisture than dry kibble, so adjust your dog's water intake accordingly.
How can I encourage my dog to drink more water?
If your vet has ruled out any health concerns, try these tips to boost your dog's water intake:
Keep it fresh: Regularly change your dog's water to ensure it's always clean and inviting.
Spice it up: Add a splash of one of the hydration drinks we feature in this review to make water more appealing.
Multiple options: Provide several water bowls in different locations around your home.
Easy access: Make sure your dog can easily reach their water bowls at all times.
Cleanliness counts: Wash water bowls regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.
Hydration boost: Add a bit of water to your dog's food for extra moisture.
What are the health issues linked to reduced water intake in dogs ?
Insufficient water consumption can lead to a range of health problems for dogs :-
Dehydration: This is the most immediate and obvious concern. Symptoms include lethargy, dry gums, sunken eyes, and decreased skin elasticity.
Kidney problems: Reduced water intake can strain the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney disease or stones.
Constipation: Proper hydration helps maintain a healthy digestive system. Inadequate water intake can contribute to constipation.
Dry skin and coat: Water is essential for skin and coat health. A lack of hydration can lead to dryness, itchiness, and potential skin issues.
Reduced energy levels: Proper hydration is crucial for overall bodily functions. Dehydration can cause fatigue and decreased energy.
If you notice a significant decrease in your dog's water consumption, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
Hopefully you've found a hydration solution in our review that will suit your dog. If you reckon we've missed an absolute blinder of a dog drink that we're crazy for leaving out, then give us a shout.
Thanks for stopping by and reading our article on the Best Hydration Solutions
