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We all know that there are some things our pups can have the occasional taste of. And there are other things that are an absolute no-go when it comes to doggy digestion.
Regular fresh water is vital to keep our fur babies happy and hydrated, but can dogs drink something other than good old H2O?
We are going to take a closer look at what liquids you can give your dog, which are pup-approved and which are not, as well as the nutritional benefits that certain drinks may have to support your dog’s hydration, nutrition and overall health.
So, what can dogs drink other than water?
When it comes to giving your dog anything new, first and foremost you must make sure that it is canine-safe. We would recommend always consulting your vet before introducing any new foods or drinks into your dog’s diet.
There are a few different drinks that have been found to be safe for dogs, these include:
A super refreshing and delicious choice, coconut water is a great source of hydration for dogs, being full to the brim with electrolytes as well as essential vitamins and minerals which can help support overall pup health.
Some coconut waters will have added flavorings and preservatives, so always check the label to make sure you are only giving your dog the pure, unsweetened stuff.
Most teas contain caffeine and additional flavorings and preservatives which can be harmful to dogs, however there are some pup-safe options when it comes to a nice cuppa.
Peppermint, chamomile and ginger teas are particularly good for promoting calmness and good digestion, and can be particularly beneficial if your dog has been suffering with a turbulent tum. Always make sure the tea has cooled before giving it to your pooch so it doesn’t burn their mouth.
A particular favorite amongst pups, this tasty liquid is made by boiling animal bones in hot water, the resulting product being a savory soup that can actually help support your dog’s health. Bone broth contains collagen, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin, all of which promote good joint and coat health.
Something to look out for when it comes to bone broth is that store bought options are not safe for dogs, as many contain additional seasoning and additives which can be toxic for pups. It is easy to make your own bone broth at home using natural, dog-safe ingredients. Consult your vet for further guidance if you want to introduce broth into your dog’s diet.
An extra tasty choice for your pup - if they liked bone broth they will LOVE this! Same rules apply: the bones, meat, marrow and feet of the chicken are boiled in water to create a delicious liquid filled with goodness. Chicken broth is particularly high in amino acids, which are notable for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Again, store bought chicken broth meant for humans usually has added flavoring and chemicals which can be harmful to dogs, and so you will need to find a dog-safe option or make the broth yourself at home.
If you would rather give your dog a break from meat and want to incorporate some more veggies into their diet, vegetable broth is a great choice. Boil dog-safe vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and spinach in hot water and let the taste sensation ensue!
An excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, vegetable broth should always be made at home without any added seasoning - store bought broth often contains flavorings like garlic and onion which is toxic to dogs.
Many of us will have chugged a fruit electrolyte sports drink after a particularly heavy workout - but did you know that electrolyte fluids can also be beneficial to dogs?
Of course we’re not about to pour our pups a cold glass of Lucozade, but there are dog-friendly options which can benefit a dog’s hydration greatly.
Electrolyte fluids must be provided by a veterinarian to ensure they are safe, and usually come in powder form which they will then dissolve in water. These can be particularly beneficial if your dog is severely dehydrated or has been poorly.
There are many fruits and veggies which are safe for dogs to ingest, however many are likewise high in sugar and so should only be given very occasionally.
It is always recommended to make your own juice from scratch, as store bought juices can contain all sorts of additives that can mess with your dog’s digestion.
Dog-safe fruit and veg such as kale, cucumber, carrots, bananas and blueberries are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which can help supplement your dog’s diet.
Canadian company Crafty Beasts Brewing have formulated an alcohol-free dog beer which allows your furry friend to relax with a frosty cold one at the end of a long day.
The beer is made using fruits, veggies, bone broth and dog-safe spices like turmeric and ginger to create a super tasty and nutrient-dense drink that contributes to your dog’s health - whilst making them feel like part of the pub party!
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All dogs are different, and will therefore have different dietary needs and sensitivities. Before giving your fur baby anything new to eat and drink, always consult your vet to ensure it will not have an adverse affect on your dog’s digestion and is safe to try.
There are a few things to keep in mind before giving your dog something new to drink:
It is definitely possible to have too much of a good thing, and so any new drinks should be given only occasionally and not as a dog’s main source of hydration.
Your dog should always have access to clean, fresh water throughout the day, and if you, under the guidance of your vet, decide to introduce a new beverage or two into your dog’s diet, it should be as an occasional treat. For example, fruit and vegetable juices in particular are high in sugar and so should be offered sparingly.
Not every dog-safe drink will be appropriate for all dogs. Each pup has their own dietary intolerances, and so it is important to make sure you are not giving your dog a drink that contains allergens or ingredients that may disrupt their digestion.
If your dog has certain sensitivities or health conditions, be sure to consult your vet before giving them something new to drink.
It is vital to get professional veterinary guidance before introducing your dog to new foods and drinks. You want to ensure that what you plan to give them is definitely dog-safe and will not interfere with their current diet.
While we have established that there are several drinks that are safe for your dog to try, there are also a whole host of beverages which should never be given to your pup, not even just a sip:
Alcohol itself is extremely toxic to dogs and should not be given to them under any circumstances. Alcohol consumption in dogs can have extremely adverse health effects and can even be fatal.
While homemade fruit and veg juice is okay for dogs very occasionally and in small quantities, overly sugary drinks should be avoided when it comes to canine refreshments.
Dogs who have too much sugar in their diet can end up with significant dental issues, as well as contributing to the risk of obesity and diabetes.
If you give your dog homemade fruit juice in small quantities, it may be worth considering diluting the drink with water - adds to the hydration factor too!
Most premade store bought drinks contain artificial sweeteners and preservatives which are extremely toxic to dogs. Despite their sugary nature, artificial sweeteners can actually cause a dog’s blood sugar to drop rapidly, as well as contribute to liver damage and can also be fatal.
Labels are there for a reason, so always check for dangerous ingredients before giving your dog any new food or drink.
Caffeine is absolutely not for doggy consumption; this energy-boosting component, which appears in many of our favorite hot beverages and energy drinks, can cause significant harm to our precious pups.
Caffeine is found in drinks such as coffee, teas, energy drinks and sodas - so keep your furry friend away from the fridge! The effects of caffeine if consumed by dogs include an increased heart rate, as well as tremors and restlessness, even leading to caffeine poisoning in particularly extreme situations.
As dogs get older, they lose the digestive enzymes they had as puppies which allowed them to digest their mother’s milk. Adult dogs tend to be intolerant to lactose, and are therefore unable to eat dairy products without significant digestive side effects.
While intolerances will range in severity, it is advised not to give your dog any dairy products whatsoever, as it is more than likely it will upset their stomach.
Similarly to humans, the carbonation of these drinks can cause uncomfortable gas build up and bloating in dogs.
Not only this, ingesting carbonated drinks can lead dogs to develop something known as GDV (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus), whereby a dog’s stomach fills with gas, resulting in extreme bloating which causes the stomach to twist. This condition can be fatal, so keep your pup away from the fizzy pop.
Can dogs drink anything? Well, no - but there are a lot of dog-safe drink options which will not only keep your pup hydrated, but which can also help give them an additional nutritional boost.
Pure coconut water can be a crisp and refreshing drink for your dog, whilst non-caffeinated teas such as peppermint and chamomile can promote calmness and healthy digestion. And for pups in need of a few extra electrolytes, speak to your vet about the possibility of introducing some electrolyte-replacing fluids.
Broths made from meat, bones and vegetables can be a nutritious and dog-safe choice for pet parents wanting to keep their dog hydrated while adding some extra goodness into their diet. Fruit and veggie juices, while they should only be given in moderation, can offer essential vitamins and minerals in the form of a sweet and tasty treat.
Both these drinks should be made from scratch at home to ensure only the cleanest ingredients, avoiding additives and seasonings that may be harmful to your dog.
And don’t forget the big, blazing red flags when it comes to doggy drinks: alcohol, caffeine, dairy, artificial sweeteners and excessive sugar can all cause significant health issues for your pup, with some being extremely toxic and dangerous if ingested even in a small amount.
Remember, always consult your vet before introducing your four-legged friend to new drinks, but if given the green light by a professional, the addition of exciting new flavors will keep your dog stimulated as well as boost their hydration - a win-win!
We hope this answers your question as to what your dog can drink other than water, so they can be part of the paw-ty and celebrate with their own treat on special occasions.
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