Bottled water, a staple for the two-legged, is now being aimed at the four-legged market.

Aquience makes a number of health claims for its pet-directed bottled water.
(CBC)

Aquience, a Charlottetown-based company, recently launched Pet Quench, a water it says addresses a critical need for pets, particularly cats, which are prone to urinary disorders.

"Cats are not getting enough liquid in their diet, or not drinking," company president Derrick Walker said.

"One of the areas that it's designed for is to induce them to want to drink."

The water contains what the label calls "natural attractant" aimed to make dogs and cats want to drink more of the water. It also has aloe and papaya extract intended to help with digestion.

"It does smell a little meaty," said Dr. Mary McNiven of the Atlantic Veterinary College, given her first sniff of Pet Quench by CBC News on Thursday.

McNiven was skeptical of the company's claims that Pet Quench will improve pet health, but she conceded there could be a market. She said she will stick with tap water for herself and her two dogs and five cats.

"Consumers have to decide themselves how they want to spend their money," she said.

In the early going, Aquience, which is bottled in Ontario, has reached into markets across the country. The product was developed in Charlottetown, in part with a $50,000 grant from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

Pet Quench is not alone in the market. It's part of new range of water and water additives aimed at everything from hamsters to horses.

Canadians spend almost $5 billion a year on their pets. Aquience costs $1.79 for a half litre of water.