Homemade Beverages for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Dating back to the earliest written records, liquid mixtures were the primary way humans provided therapeutic nutrition for working dogs. The Romans fed their sick dogs barley bread soaked in milk or whey. European households in the Middle Ages fed their hunting dogs specialised liquid treats while the French fed theirs buttered eggs and goat’s milk or a primitive form of liquid mash consisting of a meat-flavoured soup mixed with blood, cheese and breadcrumbs.
Today we can offer our dogs all manner of homemade beverages including herbal tees and fruit and vegetable juices.
Beverage Recipes
What is a dog beverage?
A dog beverage is a specially formulated, non-alcoholic and caffeine-free, dog-friendly liquid designed to provide safe hydration or nutritional benefits to dogs. Because standard human drinks like alcohol, coffee and certain milks are highly toxic to dogs, those of us who make homemade food for our dogs creates novel drinks using only 100% natural, dog-safe ingredients.
Health benefits of homemade beverages for dogs
While fresh clean water must always be your dog’s primary source of hydration, introducing specially formulated dog-safe beverages or safe homemade liquids can offer distinct health benefits to your dog.
Key benefits of homemade beverages for dogs
- Combat dehydration: flavoured drinks such as warmed and diluted bone broth entice stubborn, sick or elderly dogs to drink more fluids, ensuring they stay hydrated during hot weather or recovery.
- Support joint health: specially made dog drinks and bone broths are naturally rich in collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin which help maintain cartilage and reduce joint stiffness.
- Improve gut health: formulated pet beverages often contain prebiotics, dietary soluble fibres and natural oils that soothe the digestive tract and regulate gut motility.
- Boost immune function: homemade beverages for dogs can be fortified with vitamins and minerals from natural wholefoods that help protect cells and strengthen immunity.
- Electrolyte replenishment: after intense exercise or bouts of illness, specialised dog hydration drinks provide essential sodium, potassium and magnesium to quickly restore fluid balance.
- Reduces stress and anxiety: formulations infused with calming herbs like chamomile can help relax anxious dogs during stressful situations like travel or veterinary visits.
Popular types of homemade beverages for dogs
- Bone broth: bone broth provides amino acids and collagen while being highly palatable for fussy eaters.
- Electrolyte & hydration drinks: healthy ingredients that dissolve in water to boost recovery after hikes or agility training.
- Coconut water: a natural source of potassium and enzymes.
- Herbal teas: cooled chamomile or ginger tea can help soothe an upset stomach or mild anxiety.
Never give your dog human beverages like alcohol, coffee, tea, sports drinks or shop-bought broths. These frequently contain toxic levels of sodium, caffeine and artificial sweeteners like xylitol, all of which are toxic to dogs.
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What quantity of beverages for a dog?
Made only with natural ingredients, your dog cannot overdose on homemade beverages for dogs. Strictly speaking then, there is no limit to the amount your dog can have a day.
True, no dog-friendly beverage should replace water — your dog should always have a bowl of fresh clean water available — but the amount your dog drinks will depend on a multitude of factors including its age, health condition and the weather.
You might start off feeding your dog 30g to 60g (2 to 4 tablespoons) per day per 4.5kg of body weight, but this could comfortably be increased for healthy hydration on a hot day.
A few examples of homemade beverages for dogs
Probiotic Kefir Splash
Ingredients: 1/2 cup goat’s milk kefir or low-fat kefir, plus 1/2 cup cool water.
Method: pour both liquids into a small bowl and whisk gently until mixed.
Serve a small amount to support gut health.
Coconut Berry Cooler
Ingredients: 1 cup coconut water and a small handful of fresh blueberries.
Method: blend the coconut water and blueberries together until smooth then pour it into a bowl.
Cucumber and Watermelon Drink
Ingredients: 1 slice of seedless watermelon and 2 strips of fresh cucumber.
Method: put the watermelon and cucumber into a blender. Blend until it turns into a smooth liquid and serve fresh.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can dogs drink homemade milk alternatives like almond or oat milk?
A. Yes, in small amounts, provided they are unsweetened and completely free of the artificial sweetener xylitol.
Q. What fruits are safe to blend into a dog smoothie?
A. There are a great many dog-safe fruits that can be blended into dog-safe smoothies. They include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and bananas, watermelon and cantaloupe.
Q. Are herbal teas safe for dogs to drink?
A. Yes they are. Amongst your option for dog-friendly herbal teas are green and black tea, chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm, basil, dandelion root and and rooibos.
Q. How do I make a safe “Puppuccino” or Pumpkin Spice drink at home?
A. Whip a small amount of coconut cream or goat’s milk for a dairy-safe Puppuccino. Blend pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie mix) with unsweetened oat milk and a tiny pinch of cinnamon for a seasonal treat.
Q. Can I use ice cubes or frozen drinks to cool my dog down?
A. Yes, blending dog-safe fruits with water or plain kefir and freezing them into cubes is a great enrichment treat.
Q. How long do homemade dog beverages last in the fridge?
A. Fresh fruit blends and vegetable juices should be consumed within 24 to 48 hours. Fermented drinks like plain water kefir or goat’s milk kefir can last up to a week in a sealed container. You can freeze extra portions in silicone moulds for up to three months to reduce waste.
Q. Can homemade drinks replace regular water for my dog?
A. No, fresh, clean water must always be available and remain your dog’s primary source of hydration. Homemade beverages should only be treated as occasional snacks or meal toppers.
Q. What are the benefits of giving my dog homemade vegetable juices?
A. The likes of juiced celery and carrots provide a low-calorie boost of vitamins and antioxidants. Juicing removes the tough cellular walls of vegetables, making the nutrients easier for a dog’s short digestive tract to absorb.
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