When it comes to your dog’s hydration, nothing can beat clean, fresh water. That said, as a loving pet parent, it is quite natural to wonder if your dog could drink anything else besides water. After all, we get tea, coffee, milkshakes, juices, alcohol, and more. It is vital to remember, however, that most human drinks are not suitable for your dog.
In this article, we’ll look at a few drinks that some dogs can safely enjoy in small amounts —not as an alternative to water, but rather as an occasional treat, for example, once every one to two weeks.
Make sure you check with your vet before giving any of the following treats to your dog. Each dog is unique, and your vet knows if your dog has any particularity that makes any of the following drinking treats not suitable for your pooch.
The 9 Options for Dogs to Drink Instead of Water
1. Fruit juice with no added sugars or sweeteners
Store-bought fruit juices often contain added sugar, sweeteners, and food coloring, all of which can be harmful to your dog. You should never offer these types of juices. However, a small amount of homemade juice made from dog-safe fruits can be offered as an occasional treat, though whole fruit is usually the healthier option because it contains fiber. You can even freeze some and offer a refreshing little fruity ice cube to your pooch.
Fruit naturally contains sugar, so consider only giving this option to your dog as a treat, very occasionally, and only in small quantities. However, dogs suffering from diabetes should stay away from fruit and sugary treats.
Remember, grapes and grape juice are poisonous for your dog! Watermelon, cantaloupe, banana, blueberries, and strawberries are all perfectly safe in small quantities.
2. Unsweetened Almond Milk
Unlike macadamia nuts, almonds are not considered toxic to dogs, but they aren’t an ideal snack because they can cause digestive upset and are high in fat. Unsweetened almond milk can be an occasional treat for your dog, but check the ingredient list first to make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, chocolate, or other ingredients that are unsafe for dogs. If you’ve never given your dog almond milk before, consider starting with a tiny sip first in case it causes your pup a stomach upset. Almond milk is high in fat, which makes it unsuitable for some dogs.
Be aware that although almond and cashew milk are considered safe as a very occasional treat for canines, macadamia milk and nuts are toxic for dogs.
3. Coconut Water
Coconut water, but not coconut milk, is a safe occasional treat for your dog. It contains electrolytes like potassium and small amounts of other nutrients, but it should not be considered a meaningful replacement for plain water. Make sure the coconut water you pick is unsweetened; it should just contain coconut water with no added ingredients or additives.
Note that coconut water can’t be used as an alternative or replacement to water, but it can make a nice, nutritious treat.
4. Unsalted Broth
Chicken and beef broth can be tasty treats for some dogs, but vegetable broth should be used with caution, as it may contain ingredients that are unsafe for dogs. Broth can be a flavorful treat, but it is not a significant source of protein or essential nutrients for dogs.
The broth that you offer to your dog must be homemade so that you know exactly which ingredients have been used, to make sure that it doesn’t contain onion, garlic, or added salt. Onion and garlic are both toxic to dogs, and dogs receive all the salt they need with their regular complete and balanced diet.
For a safer option, only use homemade broth or consider looking at broth that’s formulated especially for dogs.
5. Vegetable Juice
Homemade juice made from dog-safe vegetables like carrots and pumpkin, diluted with water, can be offered occasionally, but whole vegetables are usually a better option because they retain fiber. However, it is much more beneficial to give your dog these vegetables whole. Your dog will love eating fresh raw vegetables, such as carrots and cucumbers!
Can Dogs Drink Milk?
Most adult dogs are lactose intolerant, and as such, even a small amount of cow’s milk can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal upset, though it’s important to note that not all dogs react this way.
If you do want to try giving your dog milk, goat’s milk may be a slightly better option than cow’s milk because it contains a little less lactose, but it is still not lactose-free. As with all foods, if your dog has never tried goat milk before, start with a tiny sip first and see how they respond.
Can Dogs Drink Tea?
No. Your dog should never drink or lick any caffeinated drinks because caffeine is toxic to them. While some caffeine-free herbal teas may be safe in very small amounts, it’s generally best to stick with plain water, as not all herbs are safe or well-studied for dogs.
A hot cup of something helps to keep most of us feeling cozy through the winter, but it’s important to remember that dogs don’t need the feeling of a hot cuppa. Your dog will appreciate their water at room temperature more than a hot cup of tea.
Should Dogs Drink Anything Other Than Water?
Your dog doesn’t need to drink anything other than fresh, clean water, but there are some circumstances where giving your dog a liquid supplement may be beneficial.
Dogs that are reluctant to drink water may be encouraged to drink if you occasionally add a small amount of dog-safe broth to their water. Additionally, some commercial dog drinks are formulated with extra nutrients and vitamins that aid in recovery or healing.
For very active dogs or dogs that have suffered vomiting and diarrhea, some drinks offer electrolytes, calories, nutrients, and protein.
Finally, you can think of alternative dog drinks as an occasional treat. A few licks of dog-safe, low-sugar fruit juice may be enjoyed by some dogs, but it should only be given in very small amounts and not regularly.
The 5 Delicious Purchasable Dog Drinks
1. DoggyRade Supplement
DoggyRade is an isotonic drink for dogs designed to support hydration and digestive health. It helps hydrate your dog, but it also contains probiotics and amino acids to support their digestive health. This drink can be used as an occasional hydration supplement during or after exercise, especially for active dogs.
DoggyRade comes in handy pouches that you can take with you when you go for your walk, and it comes pre-made, so you don’t have to worry about mixing or prior preparation.
2. Replenish Dog Water
Replenish is a chicken broth-based supplement that boosts your dog’s energy and hydration after periods of activity or sickness. It comes in small pouches, and all you need to do is add water.
Replenish Dog Water is marketed as a veterinary-formulated supplement that may support hydration and recovery, with additional claims about performance and focus that are based on product marketing rather than guaranteed effects.
3. The Honest Kitchen Beef Bone Broth
The Honest Kitchen Bone broth makes for the perfect occasional warming liquid treat for your dog. It can provide some protein and is typically formulated without ingredients like onion or garlic, but it should still be checked on a label and is not a significant protein source compared to a complete diet.
The bone broth comes in dehydrated form, so all that’s needed is to mix it up with warm water when you’re ready to serve it up.
4. Nature’s Diet Whole Cream Goat Milk
Cow’s milk contains more lactose, which can upset some dogs, while goat’s milk may be slightly easier to digest for some individuals, though it still contains lactose. Nature’s Diet Goat Milk comes in dehydrated form with no harmful additives, so you can store it in the cupboard and only use it when you need it.
Nature’s Diet Goat Milk can be offered as an occasional treat and contains small amounts of nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins, but it should not be considered a major source of nutrition.
Which Drinks Are Not Safe for Dogs?
Although there are several drink options you can safely offer your dog occasionally, there are also a few liquids you should keep away from them. If ingested, the following drinks can be hazardous and potentially fatal to your pet.
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Drinks that contain chocolate
- Grape juice
- Drinks with added salt, sugar, or artificial sweeteners
- Drinks that contain xylitol
Final Thoughts
Small amounts of pure (dog-safe) fruit juice, unsalted bone broth, and limited amounts of coconut water or goat milk can be given to some dogs as occasional treats, but tolerance varies, and water should remain the primary drink. However, the most important liquid in your dog’s diet is water; therefore, access to a fresh, clean supply is paramount.
Water helps regulate your dog’s body temperature, transport nutrients around their body, lubricate their joints, and generally keep them hydrated, but your dog may appreciate the occasional treat or supplement!
Related Reads:
- Can Dogs Drink Gatorade? Vet-Approved Facts & Safety Guide
- Can Dogs Drink Soda? Vet-Reviewed Risks, Facts & Safety Guide
Featured Image Credit: Dean Drobot, Shutterstock
The 9 Options for Dogs to Drink Instead of Water
