Hydration and Health: How Fresh Food Supports Your Dog from the Inside Out

Hydration is often overlooked in dog health - but it’s essential for everything from digestion to joint function and kidney health.

While dogs do drink water, many don’t drink enough, especially if they’re fed dry kibble. That’s why moisture in food matters- and why Happy Hounds’ fresh meals play such a big role in overall wellbeing.

Why hydration matters

✅ Supports healthy digestion and stool quality
✅ Cushions joints and organs
✅ Helps regulate body temperature
✅ Flushes toxins from the kidneys

How dry food can dehydrate

Kibble typically contains only 6–10% moisture. To make up the difference, dogs must drink significantly more water - and many simply don’t. Over time, this can contribute to:

• Urinary crystals
• Chronic dehydration
• Strain on the kidneys
  

The fresh food advantage
 Happy Hounds meals are moisture-rich by nature - often containing up to 70% water. That means your dog gets hydration with every bite, without even trying.

Tips to support hydration
 💧 Always have fresh, clean water available
 💧 Use ceramic or stainless steel bowls (avoid plastic)
 💧 Add a splash of warm water or bone broth to meals for extra moisture and aroma
 💧 Feed fresh food for consistent hydration
 💧Include hydrating treats such as fresh gravy and bone broth. You can even make pupsicles using an ice tray and get creative with adding fruit. Shop our gravy and bone broth Here. 

Hydration doesn’t just come from the water bowl - it comes from the bowl of food, too. Feeding fresh is a simple, powerful way to support your dog’s long-term health, from kidneys to coat.