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9 Best Dog Foods for Hydration (2024)

Written by: Justin Palmer
Justin Palmer is a Certified Pet Food Nutrition Specialist and co-founder of iHeartDogs.com. Inspired by his rescued husky, Splash, he dedicated himself to learning about extending both the length and quality of her life. Splash lived and thrived until 18 years old, and now Justin is on a mission to share what he learned with other dog owners.Read more
| Published on March 18, 2024

Keeping your dog hydrated is essential for their overall health and wellbeing. While water is the best way to keep your furry friend hydrated, there are other ways to ensure they are getting the necessary fluids in their diet. One way to do this is by incorporating hydrating dog food into their meals.

Hydrating dog food is a type of wet food that contains a high water content, which can help keep your dog hydrated. These types of dog foods are especially important for dogs who don’t drink enough water or have health issues that require additional hydration.

When choosing the best dog food for hydration, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to look for dog foods that have a high moisture content, typically around 75%. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that the food contains high-quality ingredients that provide essential nutrients for your dog’s health.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best dog foods for hydration. We’ve researched and tested various options to find the top choices for keeping your furry friend healthy and hydrated.

Best Dog Foods for Hydration

As pet owners, we know how important it is to keep our furry friends hydrated, especially during hot summer days or after a long walk. However, not all dogs are willing to drink water, and some may need additional hydration support due to health conditions. That’s why we’ve researched and tested the best dog foods for hydration that will not only keep your dog hydrated but also provide them with essential nutrients. Here are our top picks for the best dog foods for hydration.

#1 – BIXBI Rawbble Freeze Dried Dog Food

If you’re looking for a convenient and nutritious dog food option, BIXBI Rawbble Freeze Dried Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

  • Made with 97% meat and organs, with no fillers, animal meal, or rendered by-products.
  • Freeze-dried technology locks in essential nutrients, making it a great source of protein and flavor.
  • Grain-free, gluten-free, and made in the USA with USDA-certified animal proteins.

Cons

  • Some dogs may not like the taste or texture.
  • More expensive than traditional dry dog food.
  • May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.

BIXBI Rawbble Freeze Dried Dog Food is a great option for pet owners who want to give their dogs a healthy and nutritious meal without the hassle of preparing raw food themselves. With its high meat content and freeze-dried technology, it’s a convenient way to provide your dog with the whole-animal nutrients they need to stay healthy.

One of the biggest advantages of BIXBI Rawbble Freeze Dried Dog Food is its high meat content. Made with 97% meat and organs, it provides a healthy source of protein that can help support your dog’s overall health. Additionally, it contains no fillers, animal meal, or rendered by-products, making it a healthier option than many traditional dry dog foods.

Another benefit of BIXBI Rawbble Freeze Dried Dog Food is its freeze-dried technology. This process locks in more naturally sourced essential nutrients, making it a great source of protein and flavor. It’s also easy to store and transport, making it a great option for pet owners who are always on the go.

While BIXBI Rawbble Freeze Dried Dog Food has many benefits, it may not be suitable for all dogs. Some dogs may not like the taste or texture, and it’s more expensive than traditional dry dog food. Additionally, it may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.

Overall, BIXBI Rawbble Freeze Dried Dog Food is a great option for pet owners who want to give their dogs a healthy and nutritious meal. With its high meat content, freeze-dried technology, and convenient packaging, it’s definitely worth considering.

#2 – ULTIMATE PET NUTRITION Nutra Complete, 100% Freeze Dried Veterinarian Formulated Raw Dog Food with Antioxidants Prebiotics and Amino Acids, (1 Pound, Pork) Pork 1 Pound (Pack of 1)

We highly recommend the ULTIMATE PET NUTRITION Nutra Complete for dog owners looking for a premium blend of freeze-dried raw dog food that supports energy, digestion, coat, and longevity.

Pros

  • Nutra Complete is a premium blend of ranch-raised American pork, healthy vegetables, and essential vitamins. Each delicious bite contains 40 ultra-healthy ingredients that support your dog’s overall health.
  • The freeze-dried raw pork contains high-quality protein to support your dog’s organs and muscles.
  • Antioxidant-packed berries, high-fiber vegetables, and seeds full of fatty acids can support healthy eyesight, digestion, and mobility.

Cons

  • Nutra Complete may be too expensive for some dog owners.
  • Some dogs may not like the taste of Nutra Complete.
  • Nutra Complete may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.

Nutra Complete is a versatile product that can be used as a food or as a mixer. If you want to boost your dog’s diet with freeze-dried raw nutrition but don’t want to replace their current food, you can use Nutra Complete as a mixer. To add, simply reduce the amount of your dog’s food and replace it with the desired amount of Nutra Complete to avoid overfeeding.

The high-quality freeze-dried raw pork in Nutra Complete contains essential amino acids that support your dog’s organs and muscles. The fresh fruits and vegetables in Nutra Complete are packed with antioxidants and fiber, which can support healthy eyesight, digestion, and mobility. Additionally, Nutra Complete contains a potent mix of critical nutrients to support your dog’s energy, coat, and immune system.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a premium blend of freeze-dried raw dog food that supports your dog’s overall health, we highly recommend trying ULTIMATE PET NUTRITION Nutra Complete.

#3 – JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Wet Dog Food

If you’re looking for a fresh dog food brand that’s highly recommended by vets and can provide optimal nutrition for your furry friend, then JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Wet Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • Made with fresh, whole foods that are gently cooked for optimal nutrient absorption
  • More digestible than kibble, which can improve your dog’s overall health
  • Shelf-stable and preservative-free thanks to innovative Tetra Pak packaging

Cons

  • A bit pricey compared to other dog food brands in the market
  • Some customers reported undercooked rice in their packages
  • The product may not be ideal for dogs with specific dietary requirements

This complete meal or dog food topper is formulated to deliver daily essential nutrients for active adult dogs. It’s perfect for traveling and can be stored unopened for up to two years. The product comes in a variety pack of six 12.5 oz chicken and white rice packs.

JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Wet Dog Food is made with 100% human-grade ingredients, making it a healthier option for your dog. Pet parents have seen improvements in their dog’s health, including better digestion, healthier skin and shinier coat, increased energy, easier weight management, and more excitement at mealtime.

We recommend JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Wet Dog Food for pet owners who want to provide their furry friends with a fresh and nutritious diet. It’s an excellent investment for your dog’s health and well-being.

#4 – The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain Free Fruit & Veggie Base Mix Dog Food (Just Add Protein), 3 lb Box

If you’re looking for a grain-free and easy-to-prepare dog food that is packed with essential nutrients, The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain Free Fruit & Veggie Base Mix Dog Food is a great choice.

Pros

  • This recipe is made with dehydrated ingredients that allow for versatile, easy home cooking or raw feeding.
  • It’s a great choice for raw feeders and homecookers who want to be sure their dog is getting all of their essential nutrients.
  • This recipe is designed to be mixed with meat or fish, based on your dog’s protein restrictions or preference.

Cons

  • This product is more expensive than traditional dog food.
  • Some users may find the prep work associated with adding their own protein to be cumbersome.
  • This product is intended for supplemental feeding only.

The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain Free Fruit & Veggie Base Mix Dog Food is perfect for pet owners who want to give their dog a healthy, homemade meal without all the hassle of chopping up veggies. Simply add warm water and your own source of protein, and voila! A homemade meal that you and your pets will love.

This recipe is made with human-grade ingredients, which means that it is of the highest quality and safety standards. It is also grain-free and contains no preservatives, by-products, fillers, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat or soy.

The Honest Kitchen is a well-respected brand in the pet food industry, and their products are made with the same quality and safety standards as people food. If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that is easy to prepare and packed with essential nutrients, The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain Free Fruit & Veggie Base Mix Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

#5 – Portland Pet Food Company Human-Grade Wet Dog Food Pouch

We highly recommend the Portland Pet Food Company Human-Grade Wet Dog Food Pouch for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with healthy, wholesome, and tasty meals.

Pros

  • Crafted with all-natural, fully cooked homestyle individual dog food pouches that are made with premium, fresh ingredients.
  • Gluten-free, wheat-free, and grain-free options make this premium dog food a great natural choice for sensitive dogs.
  • Great for wellness, picky, or senior dogs as it tastes so good that even picky dogs, sensitive dogs, and older dogs can’t refuse it.

Cons

  • The price point is a bit high compared to other wet dog food options.
  • The texture of the food can be a bit soupy, which can be messy for some dogs.
  • Some dogs may not like the taste of all the flavors available.

Portland Pet Food Company Human-Grade Wet Dog Food Pouch is a convenient, healthy, and delicious option for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with high-quality meals. This dog food is crafted with premium, fresh ingredients that are all-natural, fully cooked, and certified human-grade. The gluten-free, wheat-free, and grain-free options make this premium dog food a great natural choice for sensitive dogs.

In addition, this wholesome dog food tastes so good that even picky dogs, sensitive dogs, and older dogs can’t refuse it. It is made for all life stages, from puppy and adult to senior dogs, large breed, and small breeds. You can use this fresh dog food as a supplemental meal, combine it with dry dog food as a mixer, or use it as dog food toppers to entice picky dogs with a tasty boost of whole nutrition. It can also be used as a healthy dog treat or as small breed dog food.

The convenient large dog food pouch is ready to eat individual servings. You don’t need to thaw it or add water. The easy wet dog meal pouch allows you to give your pet real food at home or on the go. It is great for travel, hiking, on-the-go lifestyles, or simply a delicious human-grade meal at home. It is lightweight and easy to store, and you don’t need a can opener for this instant meal or treat. The variety pack of five pouches allows your dog to sample all the flavors available, like turkey, pork, salmon, and beef.

Portland Pet Food Company donates 5% of their net profits to local non-profit animal shelters and programs, so you can feel good about every part of your healthy dog food purchase. Overall, Portland Pet Food Company Human-Grade Wet Dog Food Pouch is a great option for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with healthy, wholesome, and tasty meals.

#6 – Nature’s Diet Simply Raw® Freeze-Dried Raw Whole Food Meal – Makes 18 Lbs Fresh Raw Food With Muscle, Organ, Bone Broth, Whole Egg, Superfoods, Fish Oil Omega 3, 6, 9, Probiotics & Prebiotics (turkey)

If you’re looking for a dog food that’s both healthy and easy to prepare, Nature’s Diet Simply Raw Freeze-Dried Raw Whole Food Meal might be worth considering.

Pros

  • Raw Food Made Easy: Simply Raw combines the safety, easy prep and shelf-stable convenience of kibble and canned food with the unsurpassed nutrition offered in real, fresh raw food.
  • Ingredients With Purpose: Simply Raw is made with only the freshest human-grade ingredients.
  • All Natural Nutrition: At Nature’s Diet, we believe in honest, transparent labels.

Cons

  • Limited Flavors: Nature’s Diet Simply Raw Freeze-Dried Raw Whole Food Meal is only available in turkey flavor.
  • Price: This product is more expensive than some other dog foods on the market.
  • Texture: Some dogs may not like the texture of freeze-dried food.

Nature’s Diet Simply Raw Freeze-Dried Raw Whole Food Meal is a great option for dog owners who want to give their pets a healthy, raw food diet without the hassle of preparing it themselves. The freeze-drying process ensures that the food is safe and free of pathogens, while the all-natural ingredients provide your dog with the nutrition they need to stay healthy.

One of the best things about this product is how easy it is to prepare. Simply add water to the 3 lb bag and you’ll have over 18 lbs of raw whole food ready to serve in minutes. The ingredients are carefully chosen to support holistic health and provide functional benefits for lasting wellness. You’ll find freeze-dried raw beef muscle, organ meat, chicken bone broth, whole egg, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, OMEGA fatty acids, probiotics & prebiotics – all in one bag.

Nature’s Diet believes in honest, transparent labels, so you can trust that you’re getting only the best ingredients in your dog’s food. There are no fillers, no grains, no GMOs, no unnatural preservatives, no soy, no added flavorings or dyes – just honest, raw, whole food nutrition.

While Nature’s Diet Simply Raw Freeze-Dried Raw Whole Food Meal is a great option for many dogs, it does have some drawbacks. The limited flavor options may not be suitable for picky eaters, and the price is higher than some other dog foods on the market. Additionally, some dogs may not like the texture of freeze-dried food.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, convenient, and healthy dog food, Nature’s Diet Simply Raw Freeze-Dried Raw Whole Food Meal is definitely worth considering.

#7 – Rachael Ray Nutrish

If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious wet dog food, then Rachael Ray Nutrish Savory Favorites variety pack is a great option.

Pros

  • Made with real beef, chicken, or lamb and wholesome veggies
  • Contains added vitamins and minerals
  • No artificial flavors or preservatives

Cons

  • Contains plastic packaging that may not be environmentally friendly
  • Some customers found the price to be a bit high
  • Some dogs may not like the taste of all three flavors

This wet dog food is made with simple, natural ingredients and is free from corn, wheat, and soy. The variety pack includes three mouth-watering flavors inspired by recipes from Rachael’s kitchen: Hearty Beef Stew, Chicken Paw Pie, and Savory Lamb Stew. Each tub contains 8 ounces of wet dog food, making it easy to portion out for your furry friend.

In addition to being delicious, this wet dog food also contains added vitamins and minerals to help support your dog’s overall health and wellbeing. Plus, it’s free from artificial flavors and preservatives, so you can feel good about what you’re feeding your pup.

While some customers found the price to be a bit high, others appreciated the quality of the ingredients and the convenience of the individual tubs. Some dogs may not like the taste of all three flavors, but many customers reported that their dogs loved the taste and looked forward to mealtime.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality wet dog food that’s made with natural ingredients and contains added vitamins and minerals, then Rachael Ray Nutrish Savory Favorites variety pack is definitely worth considering.

#8 – The Honest Kitchen Butcher Block Pâté: Chicken & Super Greens Wet Dog Food, 10.5 oz x6

If you’re looking for a high-quality, human-grade dog food that’s both nutritious and delicious, The Honest Kitchen Butcher Block Pâté is a great choice. Made with cage-free chicken and super greens like kale and spinach, this wet dog food is complete and balanced for puppies and adult dogs of all life stages, breeds, and sizes.

Pros

  • Made with 100% human-grade ingredients and produced in a human food facility for higher quality and safety standards
  • Does not contain by-products, fillers, additives, preservatives, or potentially unsafe and unhealthy ingredients found in feed-grade products
  • Convenient, easy-to-use box made with sustainable materials certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and is recyclable in most curbside pickups

Cons

  • Some dogs may not enjoy the texture of the pâté
  • More expensive than some other wet dog food options
  • May not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary restrictions or allergies

The Honest Kitchen’s commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients from sources they trust is evident in the Butcher Block Pâté. The wet dog food is kettle-cooked in small batches for a hearty, smooth texture, and contains no gums, carrageenan, feed-grade ingredients, meat meals, fillers, GMO ingredients, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives.

In addition to being nutritious and delicious, the Butcher Block Pâté is also easy to use and store. The BPA-free box is convenient to open and re-close after use for easy storage.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, human-grade wet dog food that’s both nutritious and delicious, The Honest Kitchen Butcher Block Pâté is a great choice.

#9 – Lucy Pet Beef Formula Dog Food Rolls

If you’re looking for a convenient and nutritious dog food roll that’s great for travel, training, or as a healthy treat, then Lucy Pet Beef Formula Dog Food Rolls are worth considering.

Pros

  • Complete and balanced for all life stages from puppies to adults.
  • No refrigeration needed until opened. Store unopened rolls in your pantry.
  • Formulated with biotin to support healthy skin & coat and added taurine for heart and eye health.

Cons

  • Some customers found it difficult to slice or chop the tightly packed roll.
  • A few customers reported that the roll crumbled more than they expected.
  • Not suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies.

Lucy Pet Beef Formula Dog Food Rolls are a semi-moist, meaty beef formula that even the pickiest dogs will love! You can slice or chop the roll to use as a full feed or a treat, or grate it and use it as a food topper. The rolls are available in 4 lb, 2.5 lb, 1 lb, and 2.75oz sizes, making them a convenient option for travel with your dog, ideal for senior or convalescing dogs, and great for hiding medications.

One of the key benefits of Lucy Pet Beef Formula Dog Food Rolls is that they are formulated for optimum nutrition, a healthy coat, and high energy, making them suitable for all life stages from puppies to adults. The rolls are also easy to use, with no refrigeration needed until opened. You can store unopened rolls in your pantry, making them a convenient option for busy pet owners.

Another benefit of Lucy Pet Beef Formula Dog Food Rolls is that they are formulated with biotin to support healthy skin & coat and added taurine for heart and eye health. These added ingredients can help support your dog’s overall health and well-being.

However, some customers found it difficult to slice or chop the tightly packed roll, which may be an issue for some pet owners. Additionally, a few customers reported that the roll crumbled more than they expected, which could be messy and less convenient. Finally, it’s important to note that Lucy Pet Beef Formula Dog Food Rolls may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies, so be sure to check the ingredients list carefully before purchasing.

Overall, if you’re looking for a convenient and nutritious dog food roll that’s great for travel, training, or as a healthy treat, Lucy Pet Beef Formula Dog Food Rolls are definitely worth considering.

Dog Foods for Hydration Buying Guide

When choosing a dog food for hydration, there are several features to consider to ensure that you are getting the best product for your furry friend. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Ingredients

The first thing to look for when choosing a dog food for hydration is the ingredients. Make sure that the food contains high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid foods that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives that can be harmful to your dog’s health.

Moisture Content

The moisture content of the food is also important. Look for foods that have a high moisture content, as this will help keep your dog hydrated. Wet dog food is a great option, as it contains up to 80% moisture. You can also add water or broth to dry dog food to increase its moisture content.

Nutritional Value

It’s important to choose a dog food that is nutritionally balanced and provides your dog with all the essential nutrients they need. Look for foods that are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of your dog’s life stage, breed, and activity level.

Brand Reputation

When choosing a dog food for hydration, it’s important to choose a reputable brand. Look for brands that have a good reputation for producing high-quality, nutritious dog food. You can also check online reviews and ratings to see what other dog owners have to say about a particular brand.

Price

Price is also an important factor to consider when choosing a dog food for hydration. While it’s important to choose a high-quality food, you don’t want to break the bank. Look for foods that fit within your budget and provide your dog with the nutrition they need.

By considering these factors, you can choose a dog food for hydration that meets all of your dog’s nutritional needs and helps keep them healthy and hydrated.

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