How much water should my pet drink?

Enter your dog or cat's weight and any wet food. You'll get a typical daily amount from the bowl and the level vets treat as drinking too much.

?fl oz from the bowl a day

Water analysis

About this many cups
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Total water need
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Water from wet food
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Drinking too much is over
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Heat, exercise and dry food all raise thirst. A sudden change matters more than the exact number.

How the calculator works

Healthy dogs and cats need roughly 50-60 ml of water per kg of body weight a day, which is close to 1 fluid ounce per pound for dogs. Canned food is about 78% water, so the calculator subtracts what comes from wet food and shows what's left for the bowl.

When thirst is a warning sign

Vets generally treat more than about 100 ml per kg a day as excessive drinking (polydipsia). It can be an early sign of kidney disease, diabetes, Cushing's disease or an overactive thyroid in cats. If your pet starts drinking or peeing a lot more than usual, book a vet visit.

How to measure it

Fill the bowl with a measured amount in the morning, top up with measured amounts through the day, and measure what's left the next morning. Do this for two or three days, since one day can be misleading.

Questions

How much water should a 50 lb dog drink?

About 42 fluid ounces (roughly 5 cups) a day, more in hot weather or after exercise.

My cat barely drinks. Is that normal?

Cats on wet food can get most of their water from food. Cats on dry food should drink more. A fountain or wider bowl helps some cats drink more.

Sources
  1. Veterinary Specialists, Polydipsia (Increased Drinking) in Dogs and Cats

Last reviewed October 20, 2026. Estimates for healthy pets only, not veterinary advice.