Keeping your dog hydrated is simple. Just give them water. But what if you want to mix it up or help them rehydrate after a hot walk or a sick day? You’ve probably asked yourself if dogs can drink anything else. They can, but only if you’re careful.
Let’s break it down with clear, safe, and vet-approved options. Skip the guesswork. I’ll tell you what’s safe and fun and what to avoid like the plague.
Safe Drinks Your Dog Can Have
Can dogs drink bone broth?
Yes, dogs can drink bone broth if it doesn’t have onions, garlic, or too much salt. It’s full of nutrients, helps joint health, and encourages picky eaters to stay hydrated.
Bone broth is the go-to dog-friendly drink when plain water isn’t cutting it. It smells like dinner and tastes even better to dogs. Use beef, chicken, or turkey bones, simmer it for hours, skim the fat, and cool it down. Store-bought versions work, too; just read the label. If you see “onion” or “seasoning blend,” drop it. That’s a hard no.
Give it lukewarm. Pour a splash over dry dog food or offer it solo in a bowl. Want to turn it into a treat? Freeze it into cubes and give it on a hot day.
Is coconut water okay for dogs?
Yes, dogs can drink plain, unsweetened coconut water in small amounts. It’s rich in electrolytes, but too much can cause loose stools.
Coconut water sounds fancy, but it’s a slightly sweet way to stay hydrated to dogs. The key is keeping it plain. That means no sugar, no preservatives, and no flavors. One or two tablespoons is for small dogs, and a quarter cup is maximum for big dogs. That’s plenty.
Pour a little into their water bowl if they’ve been running around or after a long car ride. But don’t go overboard. This isn’t their new daily drink.
What kind of tea can dogs drink?
Dogs can drink weak, caffeine-free herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or ginger tea. Make sure the tea does not contain sugar, milk, or flavoring.
You’re not throwing a tea party, but if your pup’s got an upset tummy or nerves of steel during fireworks, herbal tea might help. Just boil water, drop it in the herbal bag, let it steep for a minute, and then cool it down completely. Don’t mix in honey or milk.
Chamomile calms, peppermint soothes digestion, and ginger helps with nausea. Serve it in their bowl or soak some kibble with it.
Can dogs have goat’s milk or kefir?
Yes, dogs can drink goat’s milk or kefir if they tolerate dairy. Both are easier to digest than cow’s milk and support gut health.
Cow’s milk is a coin toss for most dogs—too much lactose and boom—gassy stomach or messy poop. But goat’s milk and kefir, especially unsweetened, go easier on their stomach. They also add healthy probiotics to help with digestion.
Start small. Think spoonfuls, not cups. Watch for any signs of discomfort. If your dog starts scratching or acting bloated, pull it.
Can dogs have fruit or veggie juice?
Dogs can drink diluted juice from dog-safe fruits like apples or carrots. They should avoid grapes, citrus, or anything with added sugar or flavoring.
You’re better off blending and straining the fruit than grabbing anything off the shelf. Even juices labeled “100%” often sneak in preservatives or natural flavors dogs shouldn’t have.
Carrot juice boosts vitamin A. Apple juice (no seeds!) helps with hydration. Blueberry juice offers antioxidants. Always mix juice with equal parts water and give it as a treat—not a daily thing.
Are electrolyte drinks safe for dogs?
Only electrolyte solutions made for dogs are safe. Human sports drinks contain too much sugar, artificial coloring, or harmful ingredients.
Your dog just finished zoomies in 35-degree heat or had a bout of vomiting. You might want to reach for a sports drink, but don’t. Get vet-approved products like DoggyStat or Rebound. Or make your own simple one: cooled boiled rice water with a pinch of salt.
Use a syringe or mix it with their food. It helps replace what they’ve lost without messing up their system.
What’s with dog-friendly beer?
Dog beers are broth-based drinks made for fun and flavor, not hydration. They don’t contain alcohol and can be served as a novelty treat.
Yes, there’s dog beer. But it’s not beer. It’s broth mixed with herbs and flavorings like pork or chicken. Brands like Busch’s Dog Brew or Bowser Beer sell it in cans, so it feels fun but stays safe.
Pour a bit into a dish during a barbecue. It won’t hydrate them as well as water, but it makes them feel included. Keep it rare though—once in a while is fine.
Fun Ways to Serve These Drinks
Getting your dog to drink something new might take a trick or two. Here’s how to make it fun and easy.
Freeze it into cubes
Pour bone broth or coconut water into an ice cube tray and freeze. Offer one or two on a hot afternoon. They’ll chew it like a toy but get hydration too.
Mix with food
Splash a spoonful of goat’s milk or herbal tea into dry food. It softens kibble and makes meals more appealing, especially for older dogs.
Make doggy popsicles
Blend dog-safe fruits like banana, blueberry, or watermelon with water or broth. Pour into silicone molds and freeze. It’s a treat and drink in one.
Flavor their water
If they’re not drinking enough, add a drop of broth to their water bowl. The smell alone pulls them in. Just don’t leave it out all day—change it often.
Drinks You Should Never Give Your Dog
Some drinks are flat-out dangerous. Keep these away no matter how cute those begging eyes look.
Alcohol
Even a sip can be toxic. It messes with their liver, brain, and body temperature. Vomiting, confusion, or collapse are signs you’ve got an emergency.
Coffee or tea with caffeine
Caffeine hits dogs harder than humans. Heart racing, muscle shakes, and seizures can all follow. Never leave mugs unattended.
Sugary drinks and soda
Sugar causes weight gain, messes with teeth, and can spike energy in unfavourable ways. Plus, carbonation can upset stomachs.
Milk
Most dogs are lactose-intolerant. One lick might be fine, but more could lead to gas, bloating, or diarrhoea. Skip it or switch to lactose-free.
Artificial sweeteners
Xylitol is deadly for dogs. It drops their blood sugar fast and can cause liver failure. Check all drinks, even “sugar-free” ones, before giving them anything.
A Few Smart Rules Before You Try New Drinks
Trying new things can be fun, but safety comes first. Keep these points in mind.
Talk to your vet
Even safe drinks can react badly depending on your dog’s health. If your pup has kidney problems, diabetes, or food allergies, double-check first.
Start small
A spoonful is enough. Give it, wait a few hours, and see how they react. No change? Great. Try more next time.
Watch for side effects
Itching, vomiting, soft poop, or strange behavior means something didn’t sit right. Go back to plain water and note what you gave them.
Stick to the 10% rule
Treats, including drinks, shouldn’t exceed 10% of your dog’s daily food intake. Too much of anything, even good stuff, causes problems.
So What Can Dogs Drink Besides Water?
Dogs can safely drink small amounts of bone broth, coconut water, herbal tea, goat’s milk, diluted juices, dog-specific electrolyte solutions, and dog beers. Water should still be their main drink, but these options can help when you want to switch things up.
If your dog turns their nose up at water or needs a hydration boost, now you know what’s safe to try. Keep it simple. Watch the labels. And when in doubt, go back to basics. There’s nothing wrong with sticking to the good old water bowl.
Quick Chart for Reference
| Drink Type | Safe? | Serving Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Bone Broth | Yes | Homemade or low-sodium, no onions |
| Coconut Water | Yes | Unsweetened, only a little |
| Herbal Tea | Yes | Caffeine-free only |
| Goat’s Milk/Kefir | Yes | Use plain, no flavoring |
| Fruit/Veggie Juice | Yes | Dilute and skip grapes or citrus |
| Electrolyte Mixes | Only dog-safe | Vet-approved or rice water |
| Dog Beer | Yes | Rare treat, not regular hydration |
| Milk | No | Too much lactose |
| Soda/Sugary Drinks | No | Too much sugar |
| Alcohol/Caffeine | No | Toxic |