How the estimate works
We multiply body weight by the standard 50–60 ml/kg daily range. One US cup is about 237 ml, so the range also shows cups. A 10 kg dog, for example, lands near 500–600 ml (about 2–2.5 cups) a day.
When dogs need more
| Situation | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Hot weather / heavy exercise | Add 50–100% |
| Puppies (up to 6 months) | Often double the adult rate |
| Nursing mothers | Substantially more — free access |
| Kidney or urinary issues | Follow your vet’s plan |
Guidance aligns with AKC and PetMD water-needs references. Verified Oct 22, 2026.