While hydrating ourselves in a hot summer, we all prefer beverages, like Gatorade. Our dogs sometimes make puppy faces when they see us drink this beverage, and we feel like offering them some. But can dogs drink Gatorade?
The good news is that dogs can also drink Gatorade whenever they are tired and dehydrated. Just make sure you allow them to have it in a small quantity. Since the electrolytes in this drink are designed for us, dogs can’t have it as much as we can. Besides, you need to be certain about some safety concerns regarding dogs drinking Gatorade. So stay tuned.
All About Gatorade
Gatorade is an American sports beverage that is famous for providing hydration to players and everyone else. Since 1965, this drink has been consumed by many people. It was first introduced to the University of Florida by some researchers.
The Gatorade drink contains 90% water and 10% electrolytes, minerals, and sugar. Here, the electrolytes are sodium, potassium, and chloride.
Along with some sugar-coated carbohydrates, this drink offers hydration to the body. That’s why it is still the favourite of many players.
Can Dogs Drink Gatorade?
Dogs can drink Gatorade in small amounts if it does not contain any toxic substances. Well, we will discuss those toxic ingredients later.
If your dog ever feels tempted or dehydrated, offering him a few sips of Gatorade won’t be a bad idea. Its electrolytes will help him restore balance and feel rejuvenated.
Although Gatorade can be safe for dogs, you can’t replace it with water. This beverage should always be a supplement and occasional treat for dogs. You must rely on water for hydration and can have Gatorade sometimes in a few sips.
Can Dogs Drink Sugar-Free Gatorade?
Don’t think sugar-free Gatorade drinks have everything except sugar. Well, they have an alternative to sugar, i.e., artificial sweeteners. Some artificial sweeteners are xylitol and sucralose.
Sucralose can be safe for dogs in small amounts and doesn’t pose any adverse effects. On the other hand, xylitol is completely toxic for dogs, even in small amounts. Hence, you must read out the ingredients before offering a sugar-free Gatorade to your dog. If it has sucralose, you can feed it to him, but if it has xylitol, you can’t.
How Gatorade Can Be Good For Dogs?
The Gatorade drink plays a great role in relieving dehydration, not only for humans but also for dogs. Dogs usually vomit and get diarrhoea from dehydration. You will be surprised to know that offering a few sips of Gatorade can solve these problems. Thanks to its electrolytes that stabilise the fluid balance, it offers hydration.
Sometimes, the Gatorade drink can be helpful for sick dogs, as they need hydration. However, this can be a short-term solution for them.
How Gatorade Can Be Bad For Dogs?
Gatorade’s drink can be harmful to dogs, especially when they have xylitol. Humans can consume this sweetener, but dogs can’t. Once a dog consumes xylitol, he can have a damaged liver, seizures, or low blood sugar.
Sometimes, taking the Gatorade drink with sucralose can also be harmful, especially when dogs consume it too much. In such cases, your dog may have increased insulin levels, irritation in the gut, risks of cancer, digestive upset, and allergic reactions. Again, taking too much sodium from this drink can cause high blood pressure in dogs and put stress on their cardiovascular functions.
As said earlier, the Gatorade drink contains electrolytes but is specifically designed for humans. If a dog consumes it, he may not get as many benefits as we do. In fact, they can have an improper balance in their GI tract because of the electrolyte ratio in this drink.
How Can Dogs Drink Gatorade?
Dogs can have a few sips of Gatorade, but that doesn’t mean you can offer it to them directly. You must introduce this drink to them first.
When your dog is having Gatorade for the first time, try diluting it with water prior. This will lower the sugar and sodium content of the drink. Dogs who are not used to having salt and sugar can have adverse effects from eating something like a Gatorade drink.
You are diluting the drink with water, but that doesn’t mean you can offer them one bottle of this drink. The quantity should always be moderate. Although sugar and sodium have decreased in this drink, these substances are still there. So he should have a few sips every time.
Let’s say your dog is now comfortable drinking Gatorade. Now you may serve him a fresh drink without adding any water. In that case, a small breed shall not have more than three sips, and a large breed shall not have more than five sips.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Drink Gatorade?
How much Gatorade can dogs drink?
Dogs can have Gatorade with a few sips. For instance, Pomeranian, Pug, and small dogs can have one to two sips. Again, Tosa Inu, Saint Bernard, and large breeds can have three to four sips.
What type of Gatorade can you give to your dog?
Both sugar-based and sugar-free Gatorade can be safe for dogs to drink. However, the sugar-free Gatorade should not have xylitol as an artificial sweetener, as it is toxic for them.
Can dogs drink Gatorade for diarrhoea?
If your canine friend is having diarrhoea from dehydration, you may offer him a few sips of Gatorade. But if he is having an upset stomach for other reasons, he should avoid Gatorade or any other beverage.
What is better for dogs, Gatorade or Pedialyte?
Both Gatorade and Pedialyte can be safe for dogs in small quantities. However, Pedialyte has fewer calories and sugar than Gatorade, so it would be a better choice for dogs.
Final Verdict
After knowing about some potential risks associated with Gatorade, you may wonder, Can dogs drink Gatorade? The answer is yes if you are certain about the ingredients. If the drink does not have xylitol and you are offering a few sips to your canine friend, it can be safe.
Sometimes, the health record of dogs becomes a barrier for them to consume certain foods and drinks. Your dog may have a health issue or has a health issue for which Gatorade can be harmful for him. That’s why you must get permission from your vet first before letting your dog drink Gatorade or any other beverage.
