Ever wondered if your furry friend gets bored with plain water day after day? While water should always be your pup’s main hydration source, there are actually several safe alternatives you can offer as occasional treats.
As a veterinarian with over a decade of experience, I’ve compiled this list of dog-friendly beverages that can add variety to your canine companion’s drinking routine.
1. Bone Broth Bonanza
Homemade bone broth offers incredible nutrition in liquid form. Packed with collagen, minerals, and joint-supporting compounds, it’s especially beneficial for senior dogs with arthritis.
Make sure to skip onions, garlic, and excess salt when preparing. Serve at room temperature as an occasional treat or pour over kibble for extra hydration and flavor.
2. Coconut Water Cooldown
Natural electrolytes make coconut water a refreshing option after vigorous play sessions. The potassium content helps replenish what’s lost during exercise and supports muscle function.
Always choose plain, unsweetened varieties without added flavors or preservatives. Limit portions to a few tablespoons for small dogs and up to half a cup for larger breeds.
3. Goat’s Milk Goodness
Unlike cow’s milk, goat’s milk contains digestible proteins many dogs can tolerate well. The natural probiotics support digestive health and can soothe sensitive stomachs.
Fresh, raw goat’s milk offers maximum benefits, but pasteurized works too. Introduce slowly with just a tablespoon to ensure your pup doesn’t have any adverse reactions.
4. Veggie Juice Vitality
Blending dog-safe vegetables creates nutrient-packed refreshment. Carrots, cucumbers, and celery make excellent bases with vitamins A and K plus hydrating properties.
Avoid toxic additions like grapes or onions. Dilute homemade veggie juices with water at a 1:1 ratio to prevent overwhelming your dog’s system with too many concentrated nutrients at once.
5. Kefir Quencher
Fermented goodness in a cup! Kefir delivers beneficial probiotics that support gut health and immune function. The tangy taste appeals to many dogs, making it an easy way to boost nutrition.
Plain, unsweetened varieties are safest. Start with just a teaspoon for small dogs and work up to a tablespoon or two depending on how well your pup tolerates dairy products.
6. Fruit-Infused Water Refresher
Adding dog-safe fruits to water creates subtle flavor without sugar or additives. Sliced strawberries, blueberries, or watermelon pieces make water more enticing for picky drinkers.
Remove all seeds, pits, and rinds before infusing. Let the mixture chill for several hours before serving, and always remove the fruit pieces before giving the water to your dog.
7. Pumpkin Pour
Pure pumpkin puree thinned with water creates a fiber-rich drink that supports digestive health. The beta-carotene content promotes healthy vision and skin condition.
Make sure you’re using 100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling with spices and sugar. Mix one tablespoon with a quarter cup of water for a smooth, easily lappable consistency.
8. Chicken Broth Splash
Low-sodium chicken broth offers savory hydration that most dogs find irresistible. During hot weather or illness, it encourages drinking when water alone might be refused.
Avoid store versions with onion powder or excessive salt. Homemade is best – simply boil chicken without seasonings, skim off fat after cooling, and dilute the resulting broth with equal parts water.
9. Green Tea Treat
Caffeine-free, cooled green tea offers antioxidants that support cellular health. The gentle flavor appeals to some dogs as an occasional alternative to plain water.
Brew weak, allowing it to cool completely before serving. Limit to a few tablespoons weekly rather than daily, as even decaffeinated versions contain small amounts of stimulants not ideal for regular consumption.
10. Yogurt Smoothie Splash
Blending plain yogurt with water creates a protein-rich, calcium-packed refreshment. The smooth texture appeals to many dogs, while promoting bone health and muscle function.
Unsweetened, plain yogurt works best. Mix one part yogurt with two parts water for proper hydration. Freezing this mixture in ice cube trays makes refreshing summer treats dogs love.
11. Beef Broth Beverage
Rich in amino acids and minerals, beef broth helps maintain muscle tissue and supports joint health. The irresistible aroma makes it perfect for encouraging reluctant drinkers or administering medications.
Use only homemade or specialized pet versions without onions or salt. Skim fat thoroughly after cooling to prevent digestive upset and pancreatitis risk.
12. Watermelon Slush
Pureed watermelon with the seeds removed creates a naturally sweet, hydrating summer drink. With 92% water content and beneficial lycopene, it helps prevent dehydration during hot weather.
Blend seedless watermelon chunks until smooth and serve small amounts. The natural sugars mean this should remain an occasional treat rather than a daily beverage option.
13. Herbal Tea Hydration
Certain caffeine-free herbal teas offer gentle therapeutic benefits. Chamomile can calm anxious pups, while peppermint may soothe upset tummies when served cool.
Brew weak and never add sweeteners or milk. Always research specific herbs before serving, as many common varieties (like tea tree) are toxic to dogs despite being safe for humans.
14. Apple Cider Vinegar Dilution
Heavily diluted apple cider vinegar offers potential benefits for skin health and digestion. The acidic nature may help balance pH levels in dogs prone to urinary issues.
Mix no more than one teaspoon per quart of water. Start with even smaller amounts to accustom your dog to the tangy flavor. Only raw, unfiltered varieties contain beneficial enzymes and probiotics.
15. Sardine Water Supplement
The liquid from water-packed sardines offers omega-3 fatty acids in an easily consumed form. These essential fats support brain function, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy coat.
Use only sardines packed in water, never oil or sauce. Offer the drained liquid as an occasional treat, limiting to one teaspoon for small dogs and one tablespoon for larger breeds.
16. Frozen Berry Cubes
Melting ice cubes made from pureed dog-safe berries create a hydrating, antioxidant-rich treat. Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries all offer cognitive benefits and cancer-fighting compounds.
Blend berries with water, freeze in trays, then place in your dog’s bowl. As they melt, they create a naturally flavored drink that encourages hydration during hot weather.