What Can Dogs Drink Besides Water?
Key Takeaways
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Water is the best and safest drink for dogs and should always be their primary source of hydration.
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Safe alternatives like low-sodium vegetable broth, coconut water, Pedialyte, and herbal teas can be given occasionally in moderation.
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Dogs should never consume alcohol, caffeinated drinks, chocolate drinks, grape juice, or sugary/artificially sweetened beverages, as they can be toxic.
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Lactose-intolerant dogs should avoid milk, as it can cause digestive issues.
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Alternative drinks should never replace water but can be used as treats, for picky drinkers, or to help with dehydration.
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Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new beverages to your dog’s diet to ensure their safety and health.
Since hydration is so important for dogs, you may worry about whether your pup is getting enough water. If you’ve seen your canine forgetting to drink out of their water bowl, you may wonder if there are any other drinks for dogs.
A few options include fruit juice, coconut water, and more. In this guide, we go into detail about the type of beverages a dog can drink besides regular water from the faucet.
However, you’ll want to avoid taking water away from your pup. Your dog’s water bowl should get a regular fill every day.
While there are some other options for your dogs to drink, water is the one that is entirely safe and healthy. You can give dogs a more fun drink as a treat, but it should never replace water.
Safe Beverages for Dogs (In Moderation)
Although water is the best and safest drink for dogs, certain beverages can provide additional nutrients or hydration when given in moderation. Here are some safe options:
1. Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth
Low-sodium vegetable broth is a great way to keep dogs hydrated while adding extra flavor to their meals. It contains electrolytes and essential nutrients that can be especially beneficial for picky drinkers or dogs recovering from illness.
When choosing a vegetable broth, ensure it is low in sodium and free from onions, garlic, artificial flavors, and added seasonings, as these ingredients can be toxic to dogs. Opt for a homemade or vet-approved store-bought version to ensure it’s safe and nutritious for your pup.
2. Pedialyte
The electrolyte-enhanced drink Pedialyte is safe for dogs to drink and quickly rehydrate their bodies. However, make sure the type is unflavored, and you give the dosage your veterinarian recommends. First, try a bit to see if your pup likes the healthy Pedialyte drink.
3. Nut Milk (e.g., Almond or Cashew Milk)
Since many adult dogs are lactose intolerant, nut milk is your best choice to keep your pup from getting sick. Nut milk is full of vitamin E and vitamin B3. Your dog can have a small amount of almond or cashew milk but ensure it has no added ingredients.
4. Kefir
Kefir is a fermented milk product that has plenty of probiotics. Dogs benefit from probiotics, which are known as good bacteria. Probiotics improve gut health and alleviate digestive problems.
5. Pure Fruit Juice in Small Amounts
You shouldn’t give your dog fruit juice from the store, especially those with added sugars, flavors, and preservatives. Yet, you can give your pup dog-friendly fresh fruit juice directly from the fruit itself. Avoid grapes, berries, and sour fruit for better dog health.
6. Pure Vegetable Juice
Do you have a blender? Then you can make some dog-friendly vegetable juices for your pup to enjoy. Try adding carrots, broccoli, and cucumbers to your blender and make a delicious beverage for your dog. They’ll also get plenty of great vitamins and nutrients from the drink.
7. Coconut Water
Another healthy and safe drink for your dog is coconut water. Instead of just getting water from the sink, coconut water can give your pup nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins. Yet, you need to ensure the coconut water you buy does not have any added sugars or sweeteners.
8. Herbal Teas (e.g., Chamomile)
Certain herbal teas, such as chamomile, can be safe and even beneficial for dogs when served cooled and in small amounts. Chamomile tea has calming properties, while some teas contain antioxidants that support overall health.
Avoid caffeinated teas, and always check with your vet before offering herbal tea to your dog.
What Your Dog Shouldn’t Drink
As you search for what beverages are okay for dogs, you should also note the ones you’ll need to avoid. Certain drinks are dangerous and essentially poisonous to dogs. We outline a few below.
1. Alcohol
Giving your dog alcohol is a terrible idea due to its toxic properties. Alcohol can make your dog very sick. You will likely see your dog vomiting, breathing heavily, and having diarrhea. If your pup has too much alcohol, it could even die. As such, you need to store all alcohol products far away from your dog.
2. Caffeine
Caffeine is also dangerous for dogs, as it can cause seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly death. Coffee or black tea has the component methylxanthine, which is a toxic ingredient for canines. Keep all caffeine products away from your pup.
3. Chocolate Drinks
Any beverages with chocolate are highly toxic to dogs due to the theobromine ingredient. Chocolate can harm a dog’s circulatory system, kidneys, and nervous system. Ensure your dog never eats or drinks any chocolate products.
4. Wine and Grape Juice
Grapes cause kidney failure in canines. As such, you can’t give dogs any grape juice or wine. Further, wine is alcoholic, so it has twice as many reasons for possible health problems among dogs.
5. Any Beverages with Salts, Sugars, or Other Artificial Flavors or Sweeteners
Drinks with added sugars, sweeteners, and salts are not suitable for your canine. Such beverages can lead your dog to gain unneeded weight. Artificial sweeteners can also bring toxicity to a dog and lead to seizures, a coma, or even death.
6. Milk (for Lactose-Intolerant Dogs)
While some dogs can tolerate dairy, many are lactose-intolerant and may experience diarrhea, bloating, or vomiting after consuming milk. If your dog shows signs of lactose intolerance, it’s best to avoid milk altogether.
Why Water Is the Best Choice
Water is the safest and most essential drink for dogs. It supports:
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Proper organ function
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Digestion and nutrient absorption
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Regulation of body temperature
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Overall hydration and health
Unlike humans, dogs don’t get bored with water. It is their natural and most effective hydration source. While some alternative drinks can be given as occasional treats, they should never replace fresh, clean water.
Do Dogs Get Bored with Water?
Generally, dogs are not like humans, and they usually don’t get bored with a bowl of water as their way to avoid dehydration. Your dog needs water as its primary liquid to grow and develop. Any other beverages are considered supplements and should never take the place of water.
When to Offer Alternatives to Water
Although water should always be the primary beverage, there are certain situations where safe alternatives can be beneficial:
As a Treat
Beverages such as coconut water can be given occasionally as a special treat. However, these drinks should not replace water, but may be added to your dog’s diet to provide variety.
For Picky Drinkers
Some dogs are reluctant to drink water, especially if they don’t feel well. Adding a splash of low-sodium vegetable broth to their water bowl can encourage hydration.
During Illness or Dehydration
If your dog is sick, vomiting, or has diarrhea, they may need extra electrolytes. Unflavored Pedialyte or coconut water can help restore hydration, but always consult your vet for the correct dosage.
The Importance of Hydration for Your Dog
Keeping your pup hydrated is essential to help them grow, develop, and thrive. Water is necessary to keep your dog’s organs and muscles healthy.
Final Word
As pet parents, we often want to share everything with our dogs, even our favorite drinks. But while it’s tempting to offer them something different, not every beverage is safe. The key is knowing what helps and what harms. A splash of low-sodium broth or unsweetened coconut water can be a fun treat, but sugary, caffeinated, or artificially sweetened drinks can have serious consequences.
When it comes to your dog’s health, simplicity is best. Water has kept dogs hydrated for centuries, and it will continue to do so. Instead of looking for alternatives, focus on making fresh, clean water easily accessible at all times. At the end of the day, your dog doesn't need a lot of variety. They just need you to make the right choices for them.
