Water
• Did you know that water is considered the MOST IMPORTANT nutrient?
• Without a doubt water provides the foundation for all metabolism of all nutrients of the body.
• Water is the largest and heaviest component of the body, making dehydration a common threat to sick patients unwilling or unable to eat and drink.
Functions of Water• Volume effects the blood pressure of the animal• Water is a thermoregulator for body temperature• Transports solutes and gases (medium for all
chemical reactions)• Lubricates joints and eyes• Electrolyte balance• Is essential for absorption and metabolism of water
soluble vitamins like B and C• Is utilized by organs to maintain their functions;
kidney filtration
Water facts• Water makes up 84% of the weight of a
newborn puppy and 50-60% of the weight of adult dogs.
• Dog and cats require 30mL/lb/day
Animals and Water
• The animal’s body requires 2 ½ times the volume of water compared to the volume of dried food every 24 hrs.
• If a dog gets 8 oz of dry food, you should give the dog 20 oz of water.
• In other words, if your dog gets 1 bowl of food, then it will need 2 ½ bowls of water.