💧 Pet Water Intake Calculator
Enter your dog or cat's weight to estimate its healthy daily water intake — so you know what's normal and can spot changes.
Water per day
750–900 ml
In cups (US)
3.2–3.8
A rough guideline of about 50–60 ml per kg of body weight per day (dogs) — wet food, heat and exercise raise it. Persistent big changes in drinking (much more or much less) can signal a health issue; check with your vet. 🔒 In your browser.
How the pet water intake calculator works
A common veterinary guideline is roughly 50–60 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day for dogs (cats sit around 50 ml/kg). The tool multiplies your pet's weight by that range and also shows it in cups, giving a healthy ballpark rather than a strict target.
Actual needs vary with diet (wet food provides a lot of water, so dogs on it drink less), weather, exercise and health. What matters most is a consistent pattern: a sudden, sustained increase or decrease in drinking can signal a problem — such as kidney disease or diabetes — and is worth a vet visit.
Frequently asked questions
How much water should my dog drink a day?
Roughly 50–60 ml per kilogram of body weight — so a 15 kg dog needs about 750–900 ml (about 3–4 cups) a day. Dogs on wet food drink less because the food supplies water.
How much water should a cat drink?
Around 50 ml per kilogram per day, so a 4.5 kg cat needs roughly 225 ml. Cats often get much of this from wet food and naturally drink less than dogs; encourage fresh water and consider a fountain.
When should I worry about my pet's drinking?
A sudden, sustained change — drinking a lot more or a lot less than usual — can indicate kidney disease, diabetes or other issues. If it persists for more than a day or two, see your vet.
Does food type affect water needs?
Yes. Wet/canned food is about 70–80% water, so pets eating it drink noticeably less from the bowl. Dry-food diets mean more drinking. Both can be perfectly healthy.
How can I get my pet to drink more?
Offer fresh water in clean bowls in several spots, try a pet water fountain, add water or a little broth to food, and include wet food. Cats especially often prefer moving water.