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Dogs try to drink everything. The water bowl. Your iced coffee. A glass of lemonade left on the porch.
Table of Contents
Some drinks are harmless. Some can cause stomach trouble or worse.
Most owners guess wrong about at least one common drink on this list. This guide provides the fast, clear yes-or-no answers you need, starting with the drinks that matter most.
The Real Answer: Should Dogs Drink Anything Besides Water
Most dogs only need clean, fresh water. They do not need flavored drinks, milks, juices, or sodas to stay hydrated.
There are a few safe alternatives, but these should never replace a dog’s primary water source. Think of them like treats instead of daily drinks.
Quick Takeaway: Most human drinks are unsafe or unhelpful for dogs. Water is always your dog’s best friend.
The Dangerous Drinks List
Dogs don’t understand that your treats can sometimes be toxic to them. Here’s what to always keep out of reach.
Coffee & Tea
Caffeine is dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts can cause shaking, heart problems, or seizures.
Herbal tea may be safe only in tiny amounts, but it’s not worth the risk. Read our guide on what to do if your dog ate a tea bag.
What About Pup Cups?
Pup cups are safe because they do not contain coffee or caffeine. Most are just a small serving of whipped cream, which many dogs love.
Dogs can still react to the dairy and sugar. Some dogs are lactose intolerant, and the sugar can make your pup bounce off the walls.
Treat pup cups as an occasional fun moment, not a daily drink. If your dog gets gassy or has a loose stomach afterward, skip it next time.
Juice
Most juices contain sugar, acidity, and sometimes artificial sweeteners. The most significant danger is xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.
Even natural fruit sugars can cause diarrhea or stomach pain. Dogs don’t benefit from juice the way humans do, so skip it.
Warning: Never give your dog the juice from grapes because they’re toxic for dogs. Grape juice may cause kidney failure.
Milk
Most adult dogs are lactose intolerant and develop gas, bloating, or diarrhea after drinking milk. A few tablespoons won’t harm most dogs, but it won’t help either.
Soda
Dogs should never drink soda of any kind. The carbonation, acidity, sugar, and caffeine can all cause health issues. Even caffeine-free sodas contain additives that irritate a dog’s digestive system.
Beer, Wine & Other Alcohol
Alcohol affects dogs faster and more severely than humans. Even small amounts can cause dangerously low blood sugar or neurological problems.
Never give beer, wine, cocktails, hard seltzers, or alcohol-infused foods. Dogs process alcohol poorly and can become sick quickly.
If Your Dog Already Drank Something Risky
Here is the fastest way to check what to do next.
60-Second Action Plan
- Take the drink away so the dog cannot continue.
- Look for xylitol on the ingredient label. If you notice it, contact a veterinarian right away.
- Watch for vomiting, shaking, drooling, restlessness, or wobbling.
- Call your veterinarian or a poison hotline if symptoms appear or if your dog drank a significant amount.
- When in doubt, always contact a vet. It’s the safest path.
Many owners panic when they find an empty cup near their dog. You are always safer overreacting than underreacting.
Safe & Healthy Drinks For Dogs
Dogs don’t need specialty drinks, but some can be helpful, and some are just plain fun.
These options can support hydration, boost nutrients, or make special occasions feel even more enjoyable for your pup.
Use them as treats or functional add-ons, not everyday water replacements. And always stop if your dog shows any sign of stomach upset.
Best For Holidays: ZinfanTail Dog Wine Review
ZinfanTail Dog Wine is a playful, non-alcoholic “wine” made just for dogs. It contains only dog-safe ingredients, including Alaskan fish oil, glucosamine HCL, beet root (for coloring), and a non-toxic preservative.
It works as a topper, a special treat, or a way to include your dog in holiday dinners and celebrations.
Best For Birthdays: Pup-Pop Birthday Water Review
Pup-Pop is a celebratory dog drink meant for birthdays or special events. It’s lightly flavored, pet-safe, and contains no caffeine or artificial sweeteners.
Use it the same way you’d use dog-friendly soda substitutes: in tiny amounts and only on special days.
Best For Daily Wellness Boost: Barkista Dog Coffee Review
Barkista makes instant and brewable dog “coffee” pods that fit in standard K-Cup machines. They are caffeine-free and made from dehydrated goats miilk and mushrooms to support the immune system, relaxation, coat health, and more.
It is safe for dogs and can be fun for pups who want to “match” their owner during morning routine.
Best For Anxious, Nervous, Or Stressed Dogs: Wolf Spring Canine Drink Review
Formulated by veterinarians, this Wolf Spring drink contains a lot of healthy ingredients for your pup. This calming formula has ingredients in it to help with excessive barking, separation anxiety, and more. So, in addition to being a fun flavor, it has mental health benefits too.
Best For Active, Working, Or Athletic Dogs: K9 Power Performance Drink Mix Review
K9 Power’s powdered drink mix contains energy-boosting and hydrating ingredients that are great for active dogs. It includes electrolytes, low-fat chicken protein, coconut oil, magnesium, alpha lipoic acid (supports reduced inflammation), and other vitamins and minerals. Simply mix it with water and serve your dog this healthy alternative to plain water.
Best Anytime Treat: JONES Craft Soda For Dogs Review
JONES Craft Soda for Dogs is a fun beverage crafted just for your pup. The savory soda uses human-grade ingredients and is noncarbonated. Sodas come in three meaty flavors: turkey, chicken, and beef.
All three have added glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health. Perfect to quench thirst, top your pup’s regular food, or mix in with medicine.
Other Dog-Safe Beverages
Dogs can drink a few other things you might have around the house. It’s vital to read the labels of anything you want to feed your pup and look for a dog-safe or dog-specific product when possible.
Bone Broth
Bone broth can encourage drinking during sick days. It can be made from various animal proteins, including beef and chicken. The broth contains plenty of flavors but is also a great source of chondroitin, glucosamine, the amino acid glycine, and hyaluronic acid, which support bone health.
Bone broth doesn’t replace your pup’s water or regular food, but it can add a nice boost to their bowl. It can also make food more appealing to picky eaters. Most dogs love it.
Always make sure the bone broth is low-sodium and free of onions or garlic.
Coconut Water
While it should only be an occasional treat, coconut water can be a refreshing beverage for your pup. Natural coconut water is full of electrolytes, antioxidants, and nutrients like vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. Your dog may like the taste and get a boost of energy.
The water is different from coconut milk. The water is the clear liquid found inside the coconut, and the milk is coconut flesh blended with water. The milk is much higher in fat and should not be given to dogs.
Almond Milk
Almond milk is a dairy-free product made from almonds, water, and salt. As an occasional treat almond milk is ok for your pup in very small amounts.
Almonds contain unsaturated fats, antioxidants, and fiber, among other nutrients. The unsweetened varieties are safe. Stay away from anything with added sugar, sweeteners, or additives.
DIY Dog Drinks & Mocktails
These DIY dog drinks use simple, dog-safe ingredients and make great summer treats, birthday surprises, or special-occasion sips. They should always be occasional add-ons, not daily drinks.
1. DIY Dog Mocktails (Piña Colada, Margarita, Watermelon Mojito)
These non-alcoholic “cocktails” look festive and use dog-friendly ingredients like fruit, broth, and coconut water. They take only minutes to make and are perfect for parties, photos, or a hot day.
2. Dog-Safe Pumpkin Spice Latte
This fall-inspired drink skips coffee and caffeine. It uses gentle ingredients like pumpkin puree and bone broth for a cozy seasonal sip.
3. The Dog-Friendly Pink Drink
This pretty pink recipe blends strawberries, goat milk powder, and coconut water. It feels like a dessert but uses simple ingredients most dogs tolerate well.
Drinks That Your Dog Should Avoid Or Consume Sparingly (Infographic)
Without question, water is the best drink for your dog. Here’s a handy guide you can reference in the future about which human drinks are unsafe for dogs. Always check with your veterinarian before giving your dog anything other than plain, fresh water to drink.
How Dogs Drink And Why Some Liquids Cause Trouble
Dogs don’t sip like humans. They curl their tongue into a scoop and pull water upward quickly.
Thicker drinks or sugary liquids disrupt this movement. This is why many drinks can cause gagging or stomach upset.
Dogs are built to drink water efficiently. Other liquids simply aren’t a natural fit.
Can Dogs Drink Too Much?
Dogs can drink too much water. If they drink excessively over the course of a few hours, it can lead to water intoxication.
Drinking too much water can cause the level of sodium, or salt, in the bloodstream to drop drastically. This creates an unsafe situation for your pup.
A low level of sodium can cause neurological damage, as well as swelling of cells called hyponatremia. It can lead to brain damage and even death in severe cases.
Drinking too much water too quickly also raises a dog’s risk for canine bloat.
Best Drink Accessories For Dogs
These accessories enhance hydration and make drinking more convenient. Use them daily or on your next outdoor adventure.
- Travel water bottles: Great for hikes, car rides, or long walks.
- Collapsible bowls: Lightweight and perfect for on-the-go drinking.
- Non-spill bowls: Suitable for messy drinkers and road trips.
- Water fountains: A way to make hydration fresh and fun for dogs
- Elevated water bowls: Helpful for large breeds or older dogs with neck issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dogs and drinks are a surprisingly tricky combo. Many owners feel unsure about common beverages or panic when their dog accidentally sips something unsafe.
This FAQ addresses the most frequently asked questions, providing clear yes-or-no answers and concise explanations. Don’t see your question? Respond in the comments, and we’ll get back to you.
What Drinks Are Always Unsafe For Dogs?
The list includes coffee, tea, soda, juice, alcohol, flavored waters, and anything containing xylitol. These drinks contain caffeine, excess sugar, carbonation, or artificial sweeteners that can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, shaking, or more serious problems.
Even tiny amounts of xylitol can cause life-threatening low blood sugar.
Always check labels before giving your dog a taste of anything that isn’t plain water.
Can Dogs Have Flavored Water?
Most flavored waters are unsafe because they contain sweeteners, syrups, or artificial flavors. A few brands offer pet-safe flavored waters, but most human versions are not suitable for dogs.
To add flavor, try using a splash of low-sodium bone broth or a teaspoon of unsweetened coconut water. This creates a safe, natural flavor without the use of dangerous additives.
Can Puppies Try Any Of These Drinks?
Puppies should drink only water. Their digestive systems are still developing, and even safe alternatives can cause stomach upset.
Exceptions should only be made under a veterinarian’s guidance.
Is Gatorade Safe For Dogs?
A small amount of an unflavored or low-sugar electrolyte drink is usually safe for short-term dehydration. However, most dogs do not need Gatorade and may react poorly to dyes or sweeteners.
For true dehydration, bone broth or a vet-approved electrolyte solution is a better choice. If your dog is lethargic, vomiting, or refusing to drink water, consult your veterinarian instead of relying on human sports drinks.
Can Dogs Drink Pedialyte?
Plain, unflavored Pedialyte is usually safe in tiny amounts with vet approval. It can be helpful if your dog is recovering from vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive exercise.
However, flavored versions contain sweeteners and dyes that are not safe for dogs. If your dog appears dehydrated, consult your veterinarian before attempting a homemade electrolyte plan.
Why Does My Dog Try To Drink Everything I Drink?
Dogs are curious and love to mimic human behavior. Anything that smells sweet, milky, or fruity grabs their attention.
Sometimes the interest is emotional. Dogs want to be included in whatever we are doing, and sharing a drink seems fun to them.
Can Dogs Drink Sparkling Water?
Sparkling water can upset a dog’s stomach. The carbonation leads to bloating, gas, and discomfort.
Even unsweetened sparkling water can cause burping or nausea in sensitive dogs. Stick to still water only.
Why Do Dogs Drink From Puddles?
Puddles contain strong smells that attract dogs. They may taste interesting, especially after a rainfall.
The problem is that puddles can contain bacteria, fertilizer, antifreeze, or animal waste. Keep your dog away from standing water whenever possible.
Can Dogs Drink Protein Shakes?
No. Protein shakes contain sweeteners, dairy products, powders, and additives that are not suitable for dogs.
If you want to boost your dog’s protein intake, choose a dog-safe food topper or broth instead.
Can Dogs Drink Juice?
Dogs should not drink human juice due to its high sugar content and acidity. Even natural fruit juice can cause stomach trouble.
If your dog accidentally took a small sip, monitor for diarrhea.
Can Dogs Drink Oat Milk?
Plain, unsweetened oat milk is usually safe in very small amounts. However, many brands contain added sugar or vanilla flavoring.
Oat milk should only be given occasionally as a treat. It should never replace water or daily hydration.
Can Dogs Drink Vegetable Broth?
Yes, as long as it is onion-free and low sodium. Onions are toxic to dogs in all forms.
Vegetable broth can be a nice hydration boost on sick days. Always check labels for garlic, onion, or seasonings.
What About Human Foods? Here’s What Dogs Can Eat Safely
Now that you know which drinks are safe for dogs, you might be wondering about the food side of things. Dogs try to sneak bites of our snacks just as often as they try to sip our drinks, and some human foods are surprisingly safe while others can be dangerous.
If you want a clear, easy list of what dogs can and cannot eat, explore our guide to what human foods can dogs eat. And if you want to level up your dog’s nutrition with healthier options, check out our list of superfoods for dogs.
Your dog’s diet is one of the most powerful tools you have to support long-term health. We’ll help you make the safest, smartest choices every day.
