What Can Dogs Drink Besides Water? 7 Safe Beverages for Your Pup
Wondering what can dogs drink besides water? Discover 7 vet-approved safe beverages, exact serving sizes by weight, and toxic drinks to avoid.
What Can Dogs Drink Besides Water? The Quick Answer
Plain, fresh water should always be your dog's primary hydration source — but yes, there are several safe alternatives you can offer in addition to water. Bone broth (unsalted, onion-free), goat's milk, plain kefir, and small amounts of certain fruit and vegetable juices are all generally safe for healthy adult dogs when served in controlled portions.
Dogs can safely drink several beverages besides water, but these should supplement — never replace — fresh water. Portion control is critical, as many safe alternatives contain calories, natural sugars, or fats that can cause digestive upset or weight gain if overfed. Always introduce new liquids gradually and consult your veterinarian if your dog has pre-existing conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or pancreatitis.
Whether your dog is a picky drinker, needs extra hydration during hot weather, or you simply want to add variety, this guide covers exactly what's safe, how much to serve, and which beverages are outright dangerous.
7 Safe Beverages Dogs Can Drink (Besides Water)
Here's a detailed breakdown of every safe alternative beverage, including preparation methods, nutritional benefits, and serving limits.
1. Bone Broth (Unsalted, No Onion or Garlic)
Homemade or commercially prepared dog-safe bone broth is one of the most popular alternatives. It's rich in collagen, glucosamine, and amino acids like glycine and proline, which support joint health and gut lining integrity.
- Simmer beef, chicken, or turkey bones in water for 12–24 hours
- Do NOT add salt, onions, garlic, leeks, or chives — all toxic to dogs
- Strain thoroughly to remove bone fragments and fat
- Skim the fat layer after refrigeration (excess fat can trigger pancreatitis)
- Serve lukewarm or cold — never hot
Nutritional highlights: Approximately 30–50 calories per cup, 4–6g protein, and rich in collagen peptides. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, easily digestible liquids like broth can support dogs with mild GI sensitivity during dietary transitions.
2. Goat's Milk
Goat's milk contains less lactose than cow's milk and has smaller fat globules, making it easier for many dogs to digest. It provides probiotics, enzymes, vitamins A, B-complex, and D, as well as calcium and potassium.
Preparation: Serve raw or pasteurized goat's milk plain — no added sweeteners. Refrigerate and use within 5 days of opening. Some pet stores sell goat's milk specifically formulated for dogs (e.g., Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Goat's Milk, typically $8–$12 for a 32 oz container in 2026).
3. Plain Kefir (Unsweetened)
Kefir is a fermented milk drink loaded with probiotics — typically 12 or more live active cultures compared to yogurt's 2–5. These beneficial bacteria support gut microbiome health, immune function, and nutrient absorption.
Preparation: Use plain, unsweetened kefir with no artificial sweeteners (xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs). Full-fat or low-fat varieties are both acceptable. Start with very small amounts to assess tolerance.
4. Diluted Fruit Juices (Apple, Carrot, Watermelon)
Fresh-pressed, 100% pure fruit or vegetable juice — diluted 50/50 with water — can be an occasional treat. Apple juice provides vitamin C and potassium; carrot juice offers beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor) and vitamin K; watermelon juice delivers lycopene, citrulline, and hydration.
Preparation: Juice fresh fruits or vegetables at home. Remove all seeds, cores, and rinds before juicing. Never use store-bought juice concentrates or cocktails, which contain added sugars, preservatives, and potentially xylitol. Dilute at a 1:1 ratio with water before serving.
5. Coconut Water (Unsweetened)
Unsweetened coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes — potassium (approximately 600 mg per cup), magnesium, and manganese. It can be useful for rehydration after vigorous exercise or on hot days.
Preparation: Choose 100% pure coconut water with no added sugar, sodium, or flavorings. Check the ingredient label carefully — some brands add ascorbic acid or natural flavors that are fine, but avoid anything with potassium sorbate or sodium benzoate in high concentrations.
6. Herbal Teas (Caffeine-Free, Specific Varieties Only)
Certain caffeine-free herbal teas — chamomile, peppermint, ginger, and rooibos — can be offered to dogs in small quantities when cooled to room temperature. Chamomile has mild calming properties due to apigenin; ginger tea can help settle mild nausea.
Preparation: Brew the tea as directed, then cool completely to room temperature (68–72°F / 20–22°C). Serve plain — no honey, sugar, milk, or lemon. Use only single-ingredient teas and verify the ingredient list contains no harmful additives.
7. Puppy Milk Replacer (for Puppies Only)
Commercial puppy milk replacers (e.g., Esbilac by PetAg, ~$18–$25 for a 12 oz powder can in 2026) are formulated to mimic mother's milk and are appropriate for orphaned or supplement-fed puppies. These are NOT necessary for adult dogs but are critical for puppies under 8 weeks who cannot nurse.
Serving Sizes by Dog Weight
Portion control is essential. Even safe beverages can cause digestive upset, caloric surplus, or electrolyte imbalance if overfed. The following table provides maximum daily serving sizes for alternative beverages. These amounts are in addition to your dog's normal water intake — not a replacement.
| Dog Weight | Bone Broth | Goat's Milk / Kefir | Diluted Juice | Coconut Water | Herbal Tea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (under 20 lb / 9 kg) | 1–2 tbsp | 1 tbsp | 1 tbsp | 1 tbsp | 1 tbsp |
| Medium (20–50 lb / 9–23 kg) | 2–4 tbsp | 2 tbsp | 2 tbsp | 2 tbsp | 2 tbsp |
| Large (50–90 lb / 23–41 kg) | ¼ cup (4 tbsp) | 3–4 tbsp | 3 tbsp | 3 tbsp | 2–3 tbsp |
| Giant (90+ lb / 41+ kg) | ½ cup | ¼ cup (4 tbsp) | ¼ cup (4 tbsp) | ¼ cup (4 tbsp) | 3–4 tbsp |
Note: These are maximum daily amounts. Start at 25% of the listed serving and increase gradually over 3–5 days if your dog tolerates it well.
Nutritional Benefits at a Glance
| Beverage | Key Nutrients | Calories (per ¼ cup) | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bone Broth | Collagen, glucosamine, glycine, proline | 8–12 kcal | Joint & gut support |
| Goat's Milk | Vitamins A, B, D, calcium, probiotics | 20–25 kcal | Digestible nutrition |
| Kefir | 12+ probiotic strains, B12, calcium | 18–22 kcal | Gut microbiome health |
| Diluted Apple Juice | Vitamin C, potassium | 14–16 kcal | Antioxidant boost |
| Coconut Water | Potassium, magnesium, manganese | 10–12 kcal | Electrolyte replenishment |
| Chamomile Tea | Apigenin, flavonoids | ~0 kcal | Mild calming effect |
Drinks That Are Toxic or Unsafe for Dogs
Just as important as knowing what's safe is knowing what to absolutely avoid. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center receives thousands of calls annually related to dogs ingesting harmful beverages. If your dog consumes any of the following, call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at (888) 426-4435 (24/7, consultation fee applies) or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 immediately.
- Cow's milk — Most adult dogs are lactose intolerant. Cow's milk has higher lactose content than goat's milk and commonly causes diarrhea, gas, and vomiting.
- Coffee or tea with caffeine — Caffeine is a methylxanthine (like theobromine in chocolate). Toxicity can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and seizures. Lethal dose: approximately 140 mg/kg of body weight.
- Alcohol (beer, wine, spirits) — Even small amounts cause ethanol poisoning. Dogs metabolize alcohol far more slowly than humans. Symptoms include vomiting, disorientation, difficulty breathing, coma, and death.
- Grape juice — Grapes and all grape-derived products (juice, raisins, currants) are nephrotoxic to dogs and can cause acute kidney failure. The exact toxic compound was identified in 2023 as tartaric acid. No safe dose exists.
- Anything containing xylitol — This artificial sweetener triggers rapid insulin release in dogs, causing hypoglycemia within 30–60 minutes and potentially liver failure within 24–72 hours. Toxic dose: as low as 0.05 g/kg.
- Sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade) — These contain excessive sodium and sugar levels formulated for human physiology, not canine. The sodium load can cause sodium ion poisoning in small dogs.
- Soda and carbonated beverages — High sugar, caffeine, and carbonation can cause bloating (a risk factor for gastric dilatation-volvulus in large breeds), obesity, and dental decay.
- Onion or garlic broth — All Allium species contain N-propyl disulfide, which destroys canine red blood cells and causes hemolytic anemia. Toxic at approximately 15–30 g/kg of body weight.
How to Introduce New Beverages Safely
Follow this step-by-step protocol to minimize the risk of adverse reactions:
- Day 1–2: Offer 25% of the recommended serving size for your dog's weight class. For a 30 lb dog trying bone broth, that means ½–1 tablespoon.
- Monitor for 24–48 hours: Watch for loose stools, vomiting, excessive gas, lethargy, itching, or ear redness (signs of food sensitivity).
- Day 3–4: If no adverse reaction, increase to 50% of the recommended serving.
- Day 5–7: Increase to the full recommended serving if your dog continues to tolerate it well.
- Ongoing: Offer alternative beverages no more than 2–3 times per week. Daily variety isn't necessary — water should remain the primary hydration source.
Pro tip: Introduce only ONE new beverage at a time. If you start bone broth and goat's milk simultaneously and your dog develops diarrhea, you won't know which one caused the reaction.
Dogs Who Should NOT Have Alternative Beverages
Not every dog is a candidate for beverage variety. Consult your veterinarian before offering anything beyond water if your dog falls into any of these categories:
- Puppies under 12 weeks: Their digestive systems are immature and still transitioning to solid food. Stick to water and puppy milk replacer if needed.
- Dogs with kidney disease: Extra minerals (potassium in coconut water, phosphorus in dairy) can worsen renal function. The AKC notes that dietary management is a cornerstone of canine kidney disease treatment.
- Dogs with diabetes: Natural sugars in fruit juices and milk can destabilize blood glucose levels.
- Dogs with pancreatitis: Fat content in goat's milk, kefir, and improperly skimmed bone broth can trigger pancreatic inflammation flare-ups.
- Dogs with food allergies: Dairy-based beverages (goat's milk, kefir) may cross-react in dogs with known dairy or beef protein sensitivities.
- Dogs on sodium-restricted diets: Even homemade bone broth can contain naturally occurring sodium. Check with your vet first.
- Senior dogs with compromised digestion: Older dogs may have reduced enzyme production, making new foods harder to tolerate.
When to Call the Vet
- Vomiting more than twice within 24 hours after consuming a new beverage
- Bloody or black, tarry diarrhea
- Abdominal bloating or distension (especially in large/deep-chested breeds — this can indicate GDV, a life-threatening emergency)
- Lethargy or collapse
- Excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, or difficulty swallowing
- Signs of allergic reaction: facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing
- Increased or decreased urination after consuming electrolyte-rich beverages
- Refusal to drink plain water for more than 12 hours
For suspected poisoning, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (24/7, consultation fee applies).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs drink milk?
Most adult dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack sufficient lactase enzyme to break down the lactose in cow's milk. Goat's milk is a better option due to its lower lactose content, but even that should be introduced cautiously. If your dog develops gas, diarrhea, or vomiting after consuming any dairy, discontinue immediately. According to the ASPCA's toxic and non-toxic foods list, while milk isn't classified as toxic, it is not recommended as a regular part of a dog's diet.
How much bone broth can I give my dog daily?
For small dogs (under 20 lb / 9 kg), limit to 1–2 tablespoons per day. Medium dogs (20–50 lb / 9–23 kg) can have 2–4 tablespoons. Large dogs (50–90 lb / 23–41 kg) can have up to ¼ cup, and giant breeds (90+ lb / 41+ kg) up to ½ cup daily. These are maximum amounts — many dogs do fine with less. Always ensure the broth contains no onion, garlic, or added sodium.
Is coconut water good for dogs nutritionally?
In small, controlled amounts, unsweetened coconut water provides potassium, magnesium, and manganese — electrolytes that can help with rehydration after exercise or in hot weather. However, it's not necessary for most dogs, as a balanced commercial diet already provides adequate electrolytes. The potassium content (approximately 150 mg per ¼ cup) is safe for healthy dogs but could be problematic for dogs with kidney disease or those on potassium-sparing medications.
What happens if my dog drinks too much juice?
Excessive fruit juice consumption can cause osmotic diarrhea (the high sugar content draws water into the intestines), abdominal cramping, and gas. In severe cases, large volumes of sugary liquid can cause a rapid spike in blood glucose, which is particularly dangerous for diabetic dogs. If your dog has consumed a large quantity of juice, monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy over the next 12–24 hours, and ensure access to plenty of plain water. Call your vet if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours or if your dog appears distressed.
Can dogs drink Pedialyte or electrolyte solutions?
Unflavored Pedialyte can be used under veterinary guidance for dogs experiencing dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea. The standard pediatric formulation contains appropriate electrolyte ratios for short-term use. However, you should never administer Pedialyte without consulting your veterinarian first, as the underlying cause of dehydration needs to be identified. Typical dosing is approximately 2–4 mL per pound of body weight per hour, but your vet will determine the correct protocol based on your dog's condition and hydration status.
Are there dogs who should avoid all alternative beverages?
Yes. Dogs with kidney disease, diabetes, pancreatitis, known food allergies (particularly to dairy proteins), and puppies under 12 weeks should generally stick to plain water unless a veterinarian recommends otherwise. Senior dogs with multiple comorbidities should also be evaluated by a vet before introducing new beverages into their diet.
Can I add flavor to my dog's water to encourage drinking?
If your dog is reluctant to drink plain water, you can add 1 teaspoon of low-sodium bone broth to their water bowl as a flavor enhancer. Some owners also add a few ice cubes made from diluted chicken broth. The goal is to make water slightly more appealing without replacing it with a calorie-dense beverage. If your dog consistently refuses water, this may signal an underlying health issue — schedule a veterinary checkup to rule out conditions like dental pain, nausea, or systemic illness.
Priya Sutaria
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
