Hydration is one of the most important parts of a dog’s health — yet it’s often overlooked. While most dog owners think hydration comes only from water bowls, moisture-rich treats and foods can play a surprisingly helpful role. For picky drinkers, sick dogs, or dogs prone to dehydration, the moisture content in treats can support healthy hydration levels and ease digestion.
Below, we explore what moisture content really means, how treats can help, and which natural options like Sweet Potato Slices, Beef Lung Bites, and Chicken Jerky work best for sensitive or hydration-challenged dogs.
What Does Moisture Mean in Dog Treats?
Moisture refers to the water content inside a treat.
High-moisture treats contain more natural water, while low-moisture treats (like dehydrated treats) contain less.
Moisture affects:
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Digestibility
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Hydration support
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Chew texture
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Caloric concentration
Treats like Sweet Potato Slices provide natural moisture along with fiber, while airy treats such as Beef Lung Bites offer a light texture that’s easier on the stomach.
What Are Hydrating Treats for Dogs?
Hydrating treats are snacks that contain above-average moisture or help stimulate water intake. These include:
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Fresh fruits (blueberries, watermelon — in moderation)
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Moisture-rich treats
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Rehydrated dehydrated treats
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Frozen treats
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Broth-based treats
For dogs who have trouble drinking enough water, adding moisture through food and treats can make a big difference.
Even treats that start dry — like Sweet Potato Fries — can be softened by soaking them briefly, creating a hydrating, easier-to-digest snack.
How Do You Keep a Dog Hydrated?
Hydration can be supported through:
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Fresh water available at all times
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Adding water or broth to food
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Offering moist treats
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Feeding foods with higher humidity
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Giving frozen treats in hot weather
If your dog struggles with hydration, incorporating moisture-rich treats helps bridge the gap between drinking and eating.
Fiber-rich treats like Sweet Potato Slices also help the body retain water during digestion.
How to Add Moisture to Dog Food
Adding moisture to meals is simple:
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Mix warm water into kibble
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Add low-sodium bone broth
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Add wet food or toppers
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Rehydrate dried treats
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Freeze broth into cubes for enrichment
You can crumble treats like Chicken Jerky on top of soaked kibble to increase interest while keeping moisture levels high.
How to Keep a Dog Hydrated When Sick
Sick dogs — especially those with vomiting, diarrhea, or fever — lose water quickly.
Helpful strategies:
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Offer ice chips (easier to tolerate)
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Provide broth-soaked sweet potato
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Feed moisture-rich foods
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Offer mild treats like Beef Lung Bites, which are gentle on the stomach
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Use oral hydration solutions (vet-approved)
Avoid fatty treats, as they can worsen stomach upset.
How to Hydrate a Dog That Won’t Drink
Common methods include:
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Adding flavor (broth) to water
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Giving broth cubes
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Offering moist treats
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Mixing water directly into food
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Hand-feeding small amounts of water
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Using a pet-safe syringe (vet-advised for severe cases)
Many picky drinkers respond well to slightly softened sweet potato treats, which increase moisture intake without forcing them to drink.
Hydrating Foods for Dogs
Some naturally hydrating dog-friendly foods include:
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Cucumber
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Watermelon (seedless)
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Blueberries
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Pumpkin
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Cooked sweet potato
This is why sweet-potato–based treats like Sweet Potato Sticks with Cinnamon & Pumpkin are helpful — they add moisture and fiber that supports hydration.
How to Hydrate a Dog With Diarrhea
During diarrhea, dogs lose both water and electrolytes.
Support hydration by offering:
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Electrolyte solutions (vet-recommended)
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Pumpkin or sweet potato treats for gentle digestion
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Broth-soaked treats
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Small, frequent amounts of bland food
Avoid chews that are fatty or dense, as they can worsen symptoms.
Dog Hydration Supplements
Hydration chews, electrolyte powders, and broth boosters can help when a dog needs extra support.
However, many dogs do just as well with:
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Moisture-rich treats
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Broth
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Rehydrated dried treats
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High-moisture meals
Natural treats like Sweet Potato Slices add mild hydration support without additives.
Final Thoughts
Treats can’t replace water, but they can support hydration by providing natural moisture, encouraging drinking, or easing digestion. Moisture-rich or rehydrated treats — such as Sweet Potato Slices, Sweet Potato Sticks, Beef Lung Bites, and gently textured jerky — offer hydration benefits while remaining safe, simple, and nutritious.
For dogs that struggle with drinking, have digestive issues, or need extra moisture due to heat or illness, choosing the right treats can make a noticeable difference in overall hydration and health.