What Can My Dog Drink? Delicious Options Other Than Water
Every morning, we clean our pups’ water bowls and refill them with cool water. Every morning. Do dogs get tired of drinking just water? Is water boring? After all, humans drink a variety of liquids…iced tea, coffee, beer, wine, sodas, milkshakes, more wine…
First, are dogs bored with only drinking water? Who knows? We do know that:
- Most animals, including wild canines, rely entirely on water unless they are nursing.
- Water should be the main source of hydration for dogs. Why? Dogs rely on drinking water to ensure the proper function of their organs, to carry nutrients from cell to cell, to support cognitive function, and more.
- Dogs need to drink one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day to maintain adequate hydration.
If you want to change your dog’s routine up a bit, here are some great alternatives to water.
- Unsweetened coconut water. Limit this to no more than an ounce per serving,
- Unsalted bone broth. Bone broth contains a variety of essential minerals that improve nutrient absorption and can easily be mixed with your dog’s food. Be sure to purchase bone broth for dogs and only offer your pup one ounce a day.
- Some fruit/vegetable juices. If a fruit or vegetable is safe for a dog to eat, then the juice from that fruit or vegetable is safe to drink. Just make sure the juice is sugar-free and without added salt. Limit juice to a few sips.
- Unsweetened nut milk. Unsweetened cashew or almond milk is packed with beneficial vitamins, so a few sips of this milk alternative can be a nutritious treat. Avoid any type of macadamia nut milk, as macadamia nuts are considered highly toxic to dogs.
- Kefir. Kefir is a fermented drink made from cow, goat, or coconut milk and it is a powerful probiotic.
- Pedialyte. Make sure it is the unflavored choice and ask your vet about the proper dosage.
Now that you are aware of safe water alternatives how often can your pup have these options? 3-4 times a week and follow the 10% calorie rule. A dog’s daily treat intake should never make up more than 10% of their daily caloric intake, and this includes dog-safe beverages as well.