Free Dog Water Intake Calculator

This dog water intake calculator shows how much water your dog needs each day from its weight.

Dogs drink more in hot weather, after exercise, when nursing and on dry food. Fresh water should always be available.

Typical water per day
4.2 cups
Fluid ounces31–37 oz
Millilitres907–1089 ml
See a vet if regularly over61 oz (1814 ml)

Includes water in food: wet food can supply a large share.

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Dog water intake chart by weight

WeightTypical per daySee a vet if over
5 lb (2 kg)4–5 oz8 oz
10 lb (5 kg)8–9 oz15 oz
20 lb (9 kg)15–18 oz31 oz
30 lb (14 kg)23–28 oz46 oz
40 lb (18 kg)31–37 oz61 oz
50 lb (23 kg)38–46 oz77 oz
60 lb (27 kg)46–55 oz92 oz
80 lb (36 kg)61–74 oz123 oz
100 lb (45 kg)77–92 oz153 oz
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How the dog water intake calculator works

  • Typical need: 50–60 ml per kg of body weight a day (about 0.8–0.9 fl oz per lb).
  • Warning level: more than about 100 ml per kg a day on a regular basis.
  • 1 cup = 8 fl oz ≈ 237 ml.

Puppies, nursing mothers, working dogs and dogs in hot weather need more. Related: dog food calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How does the dog water intake calculator work?

It uses the common veterinary guide of about 50 to 60 ml of water per kg of body weight a day, which is close to 1 fluid ounce per pound. That matches the NRC rule of about 1 ml of water per calorie the dog needs.

How much water should a dog drink a day?

Roughly 1 ounce per pound of body weight. A 40 lb dog needs about 4 cups a day, more in hot weather or after exercise.

How much water is too much?

Regularly drinking more than about 100 ml per kg a day (about 1.5 oz per lb) can be a sign of diabetes, kidney disease or other problems. See your vet if your dog suddenly drinks much more than usual.

Does wet food count?

Yes. Canned food is about 75–80% water, so dogs on wet food drink less from the bowl.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-11-11. These are estimates for general information, not veterinary advice. See how we calculate.

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