beer for dogs to drink

Is There Beer That Dogs Can Drink?

On a hot summer day, nothing quenches your thirst like a cool drink of water except maybe an ice cold bottle of beer. The same is true for our four-legged friends, though many of them prefer their beer at room temperature. Dog beer, that is, and let us quickly put any fears to rest when we tell you it is non-alcoholic. What a great way to experience late summer sunsets, snowy walks, or leaf viewing in autumn when you and your best buddy each have your own brew.

Is Dog Beer Safe for Dogs?

Yes, not only is dog beer safe for canines, but it is healthy, too. Fetch Canine Pale Ale and Unleashed Hydrating Energy Brew are both made from unsalted beef bone broth which contains essential nutrients. Add in flavorful fruits and vegetables like apple, carrot and blueberry, and you have a dog beer that supports the immune system, joints and aids in digestion. All ingredients are locally sourced in Canada. Crafty Beasts Brewing Company ensures their dog brew is 100% alcohol free and contains no hops or preservatives.

It’s a taste that dogs will love, and you can pour the beer right into their water bowl. You can mix it in with dry kibble or raw or canned wet food. Make beer ice cubes in the freezer and give as a treat. Pop open a can to serve to your furry friend, and if they don’t drink it all in one sitting, the brew is good for up to 10 days in the refrigerator. Unopened cans of dog beer have a shelf life of one year from the date stamped on the bottom.

How Much Water Should Dogs Drink?

In general, most dogs should drink about one ounce of water per pound of body weight, according to PetMD. That means an eight pound Papillon should drink about a cup of water per day, and a 64 pound Retriever should have closer to eight cups. These numbers are for an average weight adult dog with a low to medium activity level on a temperate day. If it is a hot day or you have an active dog, you will need to increase their water intake.

Fresh water is an important component of a dog’s health as it aids cell and organ function. While some pet owners may consider giving distilled water to their dogs, Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM, holistic vet and animal healthcare innovator, does not recommend distilled water, as beneficial minerals are removed from the water, which also offsets the electrolyte balance.

A major concern for dogs who do not get enough water is dehydration. Without water to sustain organs and remove toxins, a dog’s body will begin to shut down. There are other possible causes of dehydration such as illness, kidney disease and cancer so it’s important to look for the signs:

● Loose or wrinkled skin
● Loss of appetite
● Elevated heart rate
● Excessive urination/diarrhea
● Rapid weight loss
● Panting/drooling
● Lethargy
● Vomiting
● Dry, sticky gums

This list is provided by Dr. Karen Becker, DVM, best selling author and wellness advocate, as she points out that dehydrated dogs won’t always act thirsty but may exhibit some of the symptoms above.

Drinks That Rehydrate Dogs (And Some That Don’t)

The easiest way to prevent dehydration is to give your dog drinks that will rehydrate them, and of course water leads the pack! Having a cool, clean water source inside the house and outdoors is the first step to ensure your furry friends are getting enough water. Some of our canine companions are a little pickier than others so perhaps a continuously running water fountain bowl will pique their interest. It’s also a good idea to keep water bowls near their food bowl and near where they sleep to make it accessible.

There are drinks that should never be given to your fluffy BFF and those include any alcoholic beverages and drinks that contain caffeine such as coffee and tea. Some dogs become lactose intolerant as they become adults so if you want to give them milk, it would be best to start with a very small amount. Processed juice contains a lot of sugar, which is not good for pets, but you could juice your own fruits or vegetables. Just make sure you use produce that is ok for dogs such as apples, blueberries, carrots and cucumbers.

The main goal is to get water flowing through your dog’s body for proper organ function and to provide essential nutrients. An all-natural bone broth such as Fetch, the non-alcoholic dog beer, or Unleashed, a hydrating brew, offers dogs water and vitamins- a healthy combination to add to your dog’s diet. Pour some in their water bowl, mix with their dry, canned or raw food, or freeze in cubes for a cold treat on a hot day. Bonding with your dog over a beer is even better when you know the special treat is good for them, too.

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