💧 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.