We all know how important clean water is for ourselves, but have you thought about the quality of the water your pets drink every day?
Dogs and cats rely on fresh water to support digestion, circulation, temperature regulation and normal organ function. Keeping their water clean, fresh and readily available is one of the simplest ways to support their everyday wellbeing.
But what should you consider when choosing water for your pets? And does the bowl you serve it in matter?
Tap Water – What's in Your Pet's Bowl?
Tap water is treated to make it safe to drink, but the treatment process and water composition can vary depending on where you live.
In Australia, some water supplies contain chlorine or chloramine to control harmful microorganisms. Fluoride is also added to some public water supplies to help reduce tooth decay in people.
Some pet owners prefer to reduce their animals' exposure to these additives where practical, particularly if their tap water has a noticeable taste or smell.
Rather than assuming all tap water is the same, it's worth finding out what's in your local supply. Water quality reports can provide information about treatment methods and the levels of various substances present.
Personally, I prefer to avoid both chlorine and fluoride as these additives are not healthy and can disrupt the balance of healthy microbiome in the gut.
What Water Should Your Pets Drink?
Filtered water is one option if you'd prefer to reduce certain substances in your tap water. The type of filter matters, though, as different systems remove different contaminants. Look for a system that's suited to your local water supply and follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacing filters.
Other options include:
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Spring water: Choose a reputable source with appropriate quality controls.
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Rainwater: This can be an option when collected and stored properly, but roof surfaces, gutters, tanks and pipes can introduce contaminants. Appropriate filtration and regular tank maintenance are important.
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Tap water: If your local supply is suitable for drinking, it remains a practical option for many pets.
Whatever water you choose, make sure it's fresh, clean and available throughout the day. If you change your pet's water source, keep an eye on their drinking habits to ensure they're still drinking comfortably.
For pets eating a natural or fresh-food diet, paying attention to drinking water is another simple way to take a more considered approach to their daily care.
How You Serve Water Matters Too
The bowl itself deserves a little attention. A bowl that's difficult to clean or has become scratched, cracked or damaged can make it harder to maintain good hygiene.
Our preferred materials are stainless steel, good-quality ceramic and glass.
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Stainless steel is durable, non-porous and easy to clean.
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Ceramic is a good option when the glaze is food-safe and the bowl remains free from chips and cracks.
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Glass is non-porous and easy to clean, although it can break if knocked over.
Plastic bowls can develop scratches over time, making them harder to clean thoroughly. For everyday food and water bowls, we'd generally choose stainless steel, ceramic or glass instead.
Wash your pet's water bowl regularly, ideally every day, rinse it thoroughly and refill it with fresh water. In warm weather, check it more often, particularly if your pet spends time outdoors.
A Few Simple Ways to Encourage Healthy Drinking Habits
Even good-quality water won't help much if your pet doesn't drink enough of it. A few simple habits can make drinking more appealing.
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Keep water bowls clean and refill them regularly.
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Place bowls in convenient, quiet locations.
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Consider providing more than one water station, particularly in multi-pet households.
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Offer wet or moisture-rich food where appropriate for your pet.
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Watch for changes in drinking habits, especially sudden increases or decreases.
Cats can be particularly particular about where and how they drink, so the location and type of bowl may make a difference.
If you have a cat who doesn't drink much, read our guide to Keeping Cats Hydrated: Natural Ways to Support Urinary Health.
Choosing the Right Pet Bowl
At Greenpet, we believe the small details of everyday care matter. Clean drinking water, a suitable bowl and good hygiene are simple things you can get right every day.
For more information about choosing a bowl for your dog or cat, read our guide:
👉 Best Types of Pet Bowls – Stainless Steel, Ceramic and Glass
It's a quick read covering the pros and cons of different bowl materials, plus our favourite options for everyday feeding and drinking.