We all know that dogs can eat certain types of apples, but can dogs drink apple juice? Technically, the only fluid dogs need is water. Yes, they can occasionally have certain types of juices or other drinks as a treat, but what they really need is plenty of water to keep them hydrated. The biggest problem with most types of apple juice is that they contain a high amount of sugar, which means too much apple juice can be bad for dogs.
Generally, it’s best to avoid giving pets apple juice altogether. However, if you’re curious about what else dogs can drink besides water, there are other beverages that dogs can have that are safer and don’t have a lot of sugar.
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Most Apple Juice Contains Additives
Unfortunately, apple juice isn’t made from just apples. Oftentimes, apple juice is made from a concentrate or with artificial flavorings. Even pure apple juice has preservatives added to it to keep it from spoiling too quickly. Also, a lot of commercially prepared apple juice is high in sugar and can also contain certain seasonings that aren’t good for dogs.
Apple Juice Can Help with Constipation in Dogs
Apple juice is known to help treat constipation in dogs, but you need to be careful as they don’t need very much. If you’re planning on using it as a treatment, you should make sure to choose an apple juice that contains as little sugar as possible (without artificial sweeteners which can be harmful to dogs!), and to dilute it with water. Alternatively, you can give your dog a little bit of Pedialyte when they’re constipated which is an even better treatment option.
While some people swear by this home remedy for constipation in dogs, others disagree over its effectiveness in relieving symptoms of constipation. In fact, they argue that it can end up causing your dog to have loose, runny stools, mainly due to its high sugar content.
Dogs Can Drink Homemade Apple Juice
Luckily, if you’re into juicing, you have some better options for your dog. Since apples are generally safe for dogs to occasionally eat, you can create your own fresh apple juice for your dogs that’s free of all those added ingredients that can be unsafe or even toxic to dogs. In fact, in the summer, you can also freeze your homemade apple juice in ice cube trays and give them to your dogs to help cool them down on hot days.
No, Dogs Can’t Drink Apple Juice
Although most apples are safe for dogs to eat on occasion, dogs can’t drink apple juice because it contains a lot of sugar (and other potentially harmful ingredients depending on which variety you purchased). If you were thinking of giving your dog apple juice because you don’t think your dog is getting enough to drink, you should talk to your veterinarian if you’re really you’re worried that it can lead to health problems.
Your veterinarian will be able to help you create a plan to keep your dog well hydrated all year long, even during the hot summer months. If your dog isn’t drinking enough, it could also be for various reasons, including certain health issues, and this is something that you will also need to discuss with your vet. They will be able to diagnose the problem and start the right course of treatment.
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