Hydration is one of the most crucial aspects of your dog’s health, and it goes far beyond filling their water bowl. A raw dog food diet, especially one from CDK9 Raw, can provide the natural moisture your dog needs to stay hydrated and healthy year-round. In this blog, we’ll explore how raw food contributes to hydration and compare it with other feeding options like freeze-dried raw food.
How Raw Food Keeps Dogs Hydrated
Unlike processed kibble, raw food contains natural moisture from fresh meats, organs, and vegetables. This moisture helps your dog stay hydrated throughout the day without needing to drink excessive amounts of water.
- Natural Hydration Sources in Raw Food: Fresh meats like chicken, beef, and fish contain higher water content, typically around 60-80% moisture, helping maintain your dog’s hydration. By feeding your dog meals like CDK9 Raw’s Mobility Care Mix, which contains high moisture, you’re supporting their overall health, as hydration is essential for digestion, energy levels, and organ function. Learn more about our raw dog food.
Comparing Fresh Raw Food vs. Freeze-Dried Raw Food
While both raw and freeze-dried raw food offer significant nutritional benefits, they differ greatly when it comes to moisture content and hydration. It’s important to note that while the nutritional values are showcased per 100g, feeding 100g of dried food versus 100g of raw food is not equivalent in terms of serving size. Dried food is more concentrated due to the lack of moisture, meaning you would typically feed a smaller portion compared to fresh raw food, which contains higher moisture levels.
Here’s a comparison between CDK9 Raw’s Complete Mobility Support and a popular freeze-dried raw food option:
Nutrient/Parameter |
CDK9 Raw Complete Mobility Support |
Popular Freeze-Dried Raw Food |
Moisture |
70.10% |
Max 14% |
Protein |
15.4 g |
Min 37 g |
Fat |
8.9 g |
Min 28 g |
Crude Fiber |
<1.0 g |
Max 2 g |
Ash |
3 g |
Max 9 g |
Calcium |
480 mg |
Not provided |
Phosphorus |
380 mg |
Not provided |
Metabolisable Energy |
580 kJ/100 g (~138.6 kcal/100 g) |
541.5 kcal/100 g |
Moisture Comparison
The biggest difference between fresh and freeze-dried raw food is the moisture content. CDK9 Raw’s Complete Mobility Support contains 70.1% moisture, naturally hydrating your dog with each meal. In contrast, freeze-dried raw food contains only up to 14% moisture, requiring the addition of water to rehydrate the food before feeding.
CDK9 Raw’s high moisture content (70.1%) means you can trust that your dog is staying hydrated without the need for rehydrating food. It’s the perfect solution for dog owners looking for both convenience and natural hydration.
Nutrient Balance
Both fresh and freeze-dried raw foods are packed with essential nutrients, but freeze-dried raw food tends to be more nutrient-dense due to the lack of moisture. For instance, freeze-dried options often contain higher percentages of protein and fat, such as 37% protein and 28% fat.
On the other hand, CDK9 Raw’s Complete Mobility Support offers 15.4g of protein and 8.9g of fat, providing a balanced approach that promotes hydration while supporting joint health. By feeding your dog fresh raw food, you not only provide them with essential hydration but also maintain a balanced intake of protein, fat, and moisture that supports overall health and digestion.
Supplementing Hydration with Natural Sources
In addition to the natural hydration provided by raw food, there are other ways to boost your dog’s moisture intake:
- Bone Broth for Added Hydration: Adding bone broth to your dog’s meals can increase moisture and provide extra nutrients like collagen for joint support. Bone broth is especially helpful for older dogs or those with joint issues, as it aids in hydration and mobility.
- Hydrating Fruits and Vegetables: Incorporate water-rich fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, blueberries, and watermelon into your dog’s diet. These foods offer a refreshing way to increase your dog’s water intake while adding variety to their meals. Frozen fruit treats are a great way to keep your dog cool and hydrated during hot weather.
Incorporating hydrating foods like bone broth and water-rich fruits enhances your dog’s hydration levels, ensuring they receive adequate moisture in every meal. Check out CDK9 Raw’s fresh and frozen dog food for meals that keep your dog naturally hydrated.
The Importance of Water Intake
Although raw food like CDK9 Raw naturally contributes to hydration, it’s still vital to monitor your dog’s water intake, especially during warmer months or after physical activity. A combination of moisture-rich raw food and access to fresh water ensures your dog stays properly hydrated.
- Monitor Your Dog’s Water Intake: Always keep fresh water available, especially if your dog is active or exposed to heat. Even though raw food provides hydration, additional water ensures that their body functions, such as digestion and joint lubrication, remain optimal.
Convenience of Fresh & Frozen Raw Food
Maintaining a steady supply of fresh raw food is key to supporting your dog’s hydration year-round. CDK9 Raw’s fresh and frozen raw dog food options make it easy to ensure your dog always has access to moisture-rich meals that keep them hydrated and healthy. With delivery options available, you can stock up on hydrating meals without the hassle of rehydrating food yourself.
Help your dog stay hydrated and healthy with CDK9 Raw’s fresh raw food options. Our meals are naturally packed with moisture, protein, and nutrients to support your dog’s overall health. Shop now and discover how our raw food can improve your dog’s hydration and vitality!