Pet Nutrition and Hydration: Key to Their Health
What our furry friends eat and drink has the most direct impact on their overall health. Therefore, diet is the aspect that pet owners should prioritize the most when caring for their dogs and cats.
With the wide variety of pet food brands and types available on the market, many owners pay close attention to selecting the right food for their pets. However, they often overlook the fact that, although water does not come in brands to choose from, the quality of the water their dogs and cats drink—and whether they are drinking enough of it—also directly affects their health.
To help pet owners better understand how to ensure their dogs and cats drink water healthily, this article specially compiles common questions about pet drinking water, as well as recommended pet water fountains for dogs and cats. Be sure to read on!
Common Questions About Pet Drinking Water
Regarding pets' drinking water issues, we have compiled several common questions from pet owners, including: Can dogs and cats drink tap water? Is it okay for pets to drink mineral water? What should be paid attention to when giving water to pets? And a frequently troubling question for many owners: "I know the amount of water intake is important, but my pet just doesn't like to drink water. What should I do?"
Can Dogs and Cats Drink Tap Water?
We often see in TV shows or foreign movies that not only dogs and cats drink tap water directly, but people also drink water straight from the faucet. This is because in many countries, tap water meets the standards for safe drinking water quality.
Although Taiwan's tap water also meets the drinking water quality standards, the public and household water pipes in Taiwan are often old and outdated. Additionally, the water storage tanks and cisterns used by many households do not have standardized schedules for regular cleaning.
Therefore, even though the water supplied by the water company is safe to drink, the water delivered through these aging pipelines to homes may be at risk of contamination. Because it is uncertain whether the water has been contaminated along the way, it is generally recommended not to drink tap water directly, whether for humans or pets.
This is especially important for puppies and kittens, whose digestive systems are fragile and less able to resist germs and bacteria. Drinking contaminated water could cause diarrhea or other health problems.
If tap water is not recommended for drinking, what kind of water can be given to dogs and cats? The best drinking water source for dogs and cats is boiled plain water. Why is that? You can take a look at the explanations for various water sources below:
Why Tap Water and Stagnant Water Are Not Recommended for Pets
Tap water or untreated water, such as water coming directly from pipelines or common stagnant water found in daily life, is generally not recommended for pets to drink.
Although tap water is treated for human consumption, it can still contain contaminants, bacteria, and microorganisms that may pose health risks to animals. Stagnant water, such as puddles or accumulated water in outdoor areas, is even more likely to be polluted and harbor harmful pathogens.
To ensure the health and safety of your furry friends, it is best to provide them with clean, filtered, or bottled water specifically intended for pet consumption. Avoid giving dogs or other pets water directly from pipes or natural stagnant sources to prevent potential illnesses.
Is Mineral Water Suitable for Pets?
Mineral water is sourced from natural underground springs and undergoes strict sterilization and treatment processes, making it safe for human consumption. It is also rich in minerals, which many people find beneficial.
Some pet owners may have heard that mineral water could contribute to the formation of urinary stones in pets. However, considering the typical mineral content of regular mineral water, the normal drinking amount for healthy cats and dogs is unlikely to directly cause stone formation.
That said, if your pet has a history of kidney disease, urinary stones, or related health issues, it is not recommended to give them mineral water to drink.
While drinking some mineral water usually does not have a significant impact on the health of healthy cats and dogs, it is generally more expensive compared to plain boiled or filtered water. Therefore, it is unnecessary and not cost-effective to use mineral water as a long-term drinking source for your furry friends.
Pure Water: Safe to Drink, But Not Always Necessary to Choose Specifically
Pure water is produced through filtration technologies such as distillation and reverse osmosis, resulting in water that is free of bacteria and impurities—often referred to as purified or distilled water. Many households nowadays opt to drink this filtered water to ensure drinking water safety.
Indeed, pure water is clean and safe. However, because it is filtered so thoroughly, essential minerals and trace elements are also removed. Unlike humans, pets do not have a diverse diet to replenish these minerals. Therefore, some experts advise against pets drinking pure water exclusively over the long term.
That said, compared to tap water, pure water is undeniably safer and cleaner. If your pet's diet is nutritionally balanced and pure water is your household's usual drinking water, it is perfectly fine for your pet to drink it as well.
Why Boiled Water is the Best Choice for Your Pets
When it comes to caring for our furry companions, there are many expenses involved—from food to various supplies. To keep things simple and cost-effective, one of the best choices for your pet's drinking water is plain boiled water.
Boiling tap water for 3 to 5 minutes ensures that the high temperature eliminates harmful substances and microorganisms that might be present. Once the water has cooled down, it is safe and healthy to offer to your pet.
Choosing boiled water not only saves money but also provides peace of mind that your pet is drinking clean and safe water every day.
What Should You Pay Attention to When Giving Water to Dogs and Cats?
When feeding cats and dogs water, besides the source of the drinking water, pet owners should also pay extra attention to the following points:
Daily Water Intake for Dogs and Cats
When considering the total water intake for dogs and cats, it is recommended that they consume approximately 40 to 60 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight per day. This total water intake includes not only the water they drink but also the moisture content from their food and the water produced through metabolic processes.
For example, a dog or cat weighing 5 kilograms should ideally have a total daily water intake between 200 ml and 300 ml.
It is important to understand that not all of this water needs to come directly from drinking. Since food and metabolism contribute to the overall hydration, some pet owners worry less about forcing their pets to drink a specific amount of water like meeting a strict KPI (Key Performance Indicator). Instead, it's more practical to monitor whether your pet's drinking habits, food intake, and urination patterns are normal and consistent.
Note: If you notice any significant changes in your pet's water consumption or urination frequency, it's advisable to consult your veterinarian to rule out any health issues.
Importance of Clean Drinking Environment for Pets
Pay Attention to Cleanliness: Beyond just monitoring your pet's water intake, it is even more crucial for pet owners to ensure the cleanliness of their pet's drinking environment.
Every day, the water bowl from which your furry friend drinks should be kept clean. If food residues fall into the bowl and are not removed, no matter how pure the water source is, it will be ineffective.
Bowls used for water and food should be properly cleaned daily, and fresh water should be provided regularly. However, when cleaning, special care must be taken to avoid using alcohol-based disinfectants, as pets are often sensitive to alcohol and can suffer allergic reactions or poisoning.
What to Do If Dogs and Cats Don't Like Drinking Water? (Cats Prefer Running Water and Are Picky About Water Quality)
If dogs and cats need to drink enough water every day, but your furry family members at home rarely drink water except for the amount they get during meals, what can you do? You can pay attention to the following points to encourage your pets to drink more water:
Tips for Placing Water Bowls at Home for Your Pets
To ensure your furry friends stay well-hydrated, try placing water bowls in various locations throughout your home. If you have multiple pets, it's best to have more water bowls than the number of pets. Even if space is limited and you have only one pet, it's ideal to provide at least one dedicated water bowl.
Keep in mind that cats usually prefer not to have their food and water bowls too close to each other. Therefore, it's a good idea to separate the feeding area from where the water bowls are placed.
Additionally, if you have multiple water bowls around the house, make sure to clean and refresh the water in each bowl daily to keep it fresh and inviting for your pets.
Why Cats Are Picky About Water Sources
If you have both dogs and cats at home, you might notice that cats seem to be less interested in drinking water compared to dogs. The reason lies in the natural instincts of cats as hunters. In the wild, cats rely on their intuition and life experience to judge the safety of water sources.
For example, flowing water is generally safer than stagnant water because standing water tends to harbor bacteria and microorganisms. This is why cats often show a special interest in moving water. Some cats even go as far as to sneak a drink from the toilet after watching their owners flush!
Similarly, water that has an unusual smell, contains foreign objects, or has food particles in it signals a certain level of risk to cats, making them reluctant to drink it.
Take Taiwan's tap water as an example. To ensure it is safe for drinking, various water treatment chemicals are added during processing to eliminate harmful substances and bacteria. The most common treatment involves adding chlorine (Cl2). Although chlorine-treated water poses little risk to humans and has hardly any noticeable odor to us, cats have extremely sensitive noses. To them, this water smells strange and signals danger.
Therefore, providing water that cats feel safe drinking—such as boiled water or water from a pet drinking fountain that keeps the water flowing—is a better way to encourage cats to stay hydrated.
Increasing Water Intake for Dogs and Cats Through Wet Food
Many dogs and cats are not fond of drinking water directly, but they tend to show more interest if the water is part of their food. If your pet usually eats only dry kibble and does not drink enough water, their overall water intake might be insufficient.
One effective way to supplement their hydration is by incorporating wet foods such as canned meat or fresh food cans into their diet. These wet foods contain a higher moisture content, which helps increase your pet's fluid consumption without relying solely on drinking water.
However, feeding wet food requires extra attention to hygiene because it can easily foster bacterial growth. If the wet food is left uneaten for 30 minutes to an hour, it should be discarded and replaced with fresh portions to ensure your pet's health and safety.
Alternatively, you can prepare homemade fresh meals or treats for your pet to encourage better hydration and provide nutritious variety.
What Happens When Dogs and Cats Are Dehydrated?
When dogs and cats become dehydrated, they exhibit several noticeable symptoms that indicate insufficient water intake. Early signs include a dry nose and gums that appear grayish, dry, and sticky—whereas healthy gums should be pink, moist, and full. Their saliva may become thick and sticky, and their eyes can look dull, dry, and sunken into their sockets.
These symptoms help pet owners initially assess if their furry companions are not drinking enough water. If dehydration becomes severe, dogs or cats may urinate less frequently and in smaller amounts, show a vacant or dull expression, and have reduced activity levels. Such conditions require immediate veterinary attention, as dehydration can lead to kidney and urinary diseases. In extreme cases, it may cause multiple organ failure and death.
Pet owners should carefully monitor their dogs' and cats' drinking and urination habits to prevent dehydration and its serious consequences.
The Benefits and Selection Tips of Pet Water Fountains
By reading this far, you will realize that pet drinking water, just like pet food, involves many important aspects that require the owner's careful attention. What kind of water your furry friend drinks, how they drink it, and how to ensure they drink enough are all points to keep in mind. Therefore, to make it easier for pets to drink water and for owners to provide a water source conveniently, many pet water fountains have appeared on the market. Why should you use a pet water fountain? And how should you choose one if you want to buy it?
The Benefits of Pet Water Fountains
Benefits of Flowing and Filtered Water in Pet Drinking Fountains
Most pet drinking fountains use electricity and motors to create flowing water, similar to a fountain. The continuous movement of water makes pets perceive it as fresh, clean, and safe. This encourages dogs and cats to drink more actively, increasing their desire to hydrate.
Additionally, the majority of pet drinking fountains are equipped with filters and circulation systems. These features remove microorganisms, minerals, and chlorine from the water, ensuring that pets have access to cleaner and tasteless water. This combination of flowing and filtered water helps keep your furry friends healthier and better hydrated.
Choosing the Right Pet Water Fountain Based on Your Pet's Preferences
Pet water fountains have evolved significantly over time, now offering a variety of features and designs to suit different needs. Even the height of the flowing water spray can be adjusted and customized. This is especially important for cats, who are often naturally more "picky" by nature. Pet owners can experiment with different models until they find a water fountain that encourages their cat to drink willingly and regularly.
By paying attention to your pet's preferences and behavior, you can select a water fountain that not only keeps them hydrated but also enhances their overall well-being. The right fountain can make a big difference in encouraging pets to drink more water, which is essential for their health.
Smart Pet Water Fountains: Monitoring Your Pet's Drinking Habits
Some pet water fountains equipped with smart monitoring features can help pet owners track their pets' water intake through apps and Bluetooth technology. These devices record drinking frequency and volume, allowing owners to better understand their pet's hydration habits and control water temperature remotely.
Additionally, these smart fountains notify owners when the water level is low or when the filter needs replacement, ensuring the water remains fresh and safe. With such functions, pet owners no longer need to worry about their pets drinking too little without their knowledge, which could lead to chronic dehydration or more serious health issues.
By integrating app connectivity and smart sensors, these fountains provide peace of mind and promote healthier hydration for pets, addressing concerns about water consumption and quality proactively.
How to Choose a Pet Water Fountain
When selecting a pet water fountain, it is important to consider your pet's height, physical condition, and preferences. These factors help ensure the fountain is comfortable and appealing for your furry friend.
Key aspects to focus on include the height of the fountain, the noise level during operation, the water storage capacity, and how easy it is to clean. A fountain that suits these criteria will better meet your pet's needs and encourage proper hydration.
Since every household differs in environment, budget, and number of pets, it is advisable to base your choice on these fundamental conditions. Paying attention to these basic considerations will help you find the most suitable water fountain for your pet.
Recommended Pet Water Fountains for Dogs and Cats
The pet water dispensers available on the market can generally be divided into the following three types. Pet owners can consider factors such as the number of pets at home, their budget, and the characteristics of their pets when making a choice:
Circulating Filtered Pet Water Fountains
Circulating filtered pet water fountains are designed with built-in filters and motors that work together to provide clean, fresh water for your pets. These devices filter out impurities such as dirt, pet hair, microorganisms, chlorine, and other contaminants from the water. The motor continuously circulates the water, ensuring that your cats and dogs always have access to fresh, clean water to drink.
However, it's important not to become complacent just because the fountain has a circulation and filtration system. If you neglect regular maintenance—such as changing the water, replacing the filter cartridge, or cleaning the fountain—the water will simply become dirty and keep circulating. This can result in your pets drinking contaminated water, which could be harmful to their health.
To keep your pets healthy and hydrated, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and cleaning. Regularly refreshing the water and replacing the filters will ensure that your circulating filtered pet water fountain continues to provide the best quality water possible.
Automatic Fountain Pet Water Dispensers
Automatic fountain pet water dispensers are designed to release water in a flowing, fountain-like manner, stimulating pets' desire to drink. Most of these devices allow you to adjust the height of the water flow to accommodate pets of different sizes, whether cats or dogs.
The changing water levels especially appeal to cats, as they perceive this as fresh, clean, and safe "running water", which encourages them to drink more actively. While many cats enjoy water sources that mimic natural flowing water such as fountains or springs, some more timid cats may initially be startled by the sound of the motor or the water spurting out.
To help your cat get used to the new automatic fountain, it's best to introduce it gradually. When you bring home a new fountain water dispenser, keep your cat's original water bowl available as well. This way, if your cat is hesitant at first, they still have access to their familiar water source while they adjust to the new fountain.
Smart Pet Water Dispensers: Features and Benefits
Smart pet water dispensers typically offer the most comprehensive and advanced features. In addition to the basic functions such as continuous filtration and automatic water spraying, these devices often come equipped with intelligent monitoring capabilities. They can proactively notify you when the water level is low, or when it's time to replace the water or the filter cartridge.
Some models even allow you to monitor your pet's water intake through a dedicated mobile app, offering a variety of specialized functions tailored to your pet's hydration needs. However, smart pet water dispensers generally come at a higher price point.
Pet owners can evaluate their situation to decide if the investment is worthwhile. For example, if you have a busy work schedule and often forget to change the water or check the water level, it might be worth spending a bit more to purchase a smart pet water dispenser to ensure your pet stays well hydrated.
Popular Pet Water Dispensers Recommended
Here are a few popular pet water fountains suitable for both dogs and cats:
Beacon Pet FlowerMet Water Fountain
The Beacon Pet FlowerMet Water Fountain comes in several versions, with the most common featuring a circulation filtration system combined with an automatic water spraying function. This innovative design ensures your pets always have access to fresh, clean water.
Three Water Flow Modes
The Beacon Pet FlowerMet fountain offers three distinct water flow modes to suit different pets' drinking preferences:
- Gentle Waterfall Mode: This mode produces a mild waterfall with a smaller water flow, making it especially suitable for cats who prefer a softer stream.
- Fountain Mode: By removing the small flower-shaped nozzle on the device, the fountain creates a broad, spring-like flow. This mode is ideal for both dogs and cats, with many dogs particularly enjoying the ability to drink large gulps of water.
- Combined Fountain and Waterfall Mode: This hybrid mode caters to both dogs and cats, offering a versatile drinking experience.
Convenient Features for Pet Owners
On the front of the water fountain, there is a transparent window that allows pet owners to easily monitor the water level, ensuring that your furry friends always have enough water to stay hydrated.
With three different water flow modes, the Beacon Pet FlowerMet Water Fountain effectively attracts both cats and dogs to drink more water, promoting better hydration and health.
PETKIT Peiqi (Xiaopei) Pet Water Dispensers
The PETKIT Peiqi (Xiaopei) pet water dispensers are highly popular among pet owners, suitable for both cats and dogs. PETKIT offers three models in this series: the Smart Pet Circulating Water Fountain 2nd Generation W2S, the Smart Pet Circulating Water Fountain 3rd Generation W4, and the Smart Pet Circulating Water Fountain SOLO.
Features Common to All Models
All three models come equipped with a circulating filtration system, automatic filter replacement detection, and water level reminders. Additionally, they feature a design that simulates a natural spring to encourage pets to drink fresh, flowing water.
Comparison Between the 2nd and 3rd Generation Models
The 3rd generation model is an upgrade over the 2nd generation, with a higher price point. However, it operates with a quieter motor and has a simpler internal structure. Due to design changes, the 3rd generation lacks the water level indicator present in the 2nd generation, and its water capacity has decreased from 2 liters to 1.35 liters. Each model has its own advantages and disadvantages, so pet owners can choose based on their individual needs and preferences.
The SOLO Model
The SOLO is a more minimalist and compact model with fewer features, offered at a more affordable price. It is also the only model available in multiple colors, boasting a more attractive appearance. Because of its stylish design, many pet owners who care about home decor prefer this model.
Xiaomi Pet Drinking Fountain
Xiaomi, a well-known brand for smart home appliances, has also launched a pet drinking fountain. This product is suitable for both cats and dogs. However, according to official recommendations, it is not advised for use by puppies and kittens under three months old, nor by large breed dogs.
The Xiaomi pet drinking fountain features the same minimalist white design as other Mi Home appliances. It incorporates a circulating filtration system that simulates a natural spring, providing fresh, flowing water for pets.
What makes this fountain particularly special is its integration with the Mi Home mobile app. The app can send reminders to pet owners when it's time to replace the filter or refill the water. Additionally, owners can remotely control the fountain through the app, switching between different water flow modes with ease.
Homerun Pet Water Fountain
The Homerun Pet Water Fountain features a wireless design that eliminates the risk of electric leakage while your dog or cat drinks. This thoughtful safety feature ensures peace of mind for pet owners concerned about electrical hazards.
Additionally, among several pet water fountains on the market, the Homerun Pet Water Fountain is rated by users as the quietest option. This makes it an excellent choice for pet owners who are easily disturbed by noise during sleep, allowing both pets and owners to rest peacefully.
Conclusion
That concludes the introduction and recommendations for pet water fountains. Drinking water is an essential daily habit for maintaining the health of both dogs and cats. Pet owners should pay close attention to their pets' drinking habits and water intake. This is especially important for independent and picky cats, who tend to dislike drinking water; owners must be extra vigilant. Additionally, regardless of the type of pet water fountain used, it is crucial to follow the instructions for replacing the filter and providing clean water. Remember to also clean the device regularly to ensure your furry friend drinks fresh and safe water!
