What Can I Add to My Dog’s Water? Fresh water should always be the foundation of your dog’s hydration routine. But if you’re wondering what you can add to your dog’s water, there are a few options to consider.
The most important thing is to choose ingredients and products that are appropriate for dogs. Human drinks, broths, and flavored products can contain ingredients that don’t belong in your dog’s bowl.
Here’s what to know before changing up their water.
Start With Fresh Water
Clean, fresh water should always be available to your dog.
If your dog suddenly stops drinking, drinks significantly less than usual, or seems unwell, adding something to the bowl shouldn’t take the place of veterinary care. A noticeable change in your dog’s normal drinking habits can have many causes and should be discussed with your veterinarian.
If your dog is healthy and you simply want to offer something different in the bowl, there are dog-appropriate options to consider.
Dog Hydration Drink Mixes
A dog hydration drink mix is designed to be mixed directly with water.
LapsUp is a powdered hydration drink mix made just for dogs. Every serving starts with 12–16 oz of fresh water, then adds coconut water, real fruit, and electrolytes.
RISE Apple Berry Sunrise
RISE is made for the everyday morning hydration routine and contains naturally occurring electrolytes from its ingredients.
REFRESH Watermelon Cran Cooler
REFRESH is made for walks, playtime, warm days, travel, and adventures. It includes added potassium citrate, magnesium citrate, and pink Himalayan salt.
Both come in individual stick packs that mix directly with fresh water.
Fresh water stays. LapsUp upgrades it.
Dog-Safe Broth
Broth is another option sometimes added to a dog’s water or food, but the ingredients matter.
Unsalted chicken broth may be an option for some dogs. Check the label carefully because not every broth made for people is appropriate for dogs.
Check the Ingredients First
Avoid broths containing ingredients that can be harmful to dogs, including onion and garlic. Sodium content is another reason to check the label before serving.
Choose a product intended for dogs or carefully review the complete ingredient list. If you’re unsure, ask your veterinarian.
What About Coconut Water?
Coconut water is an ingredient in both LapsUp RISE and REFRESH, but that doesn’t mean every coconut water product on the grocery shelf is appropriate for your dog.
Products made for people can vary in ingredients and formulation. If you’re considering one, review the complete ingredient list and ask your veterinarian if you’re unsure whether it is appropriate.
LapsUp uses coconut water as part of formulas made just for dogs.
Can I Add Fruit to My Dog’s Water?
Some fruits are appropriate for dogs, while others are not. Even with dog-safe fruits, preparation and portion matter.
Rather than assuming a fruit or fruit-flavored human drink is appropriate to add to your dog’s water, check the specific ingredients first.
LapsUp uses real fruit ingredients. RISE features apple and blueberry, while REFRESH features watermelon and cranberry.
What About Human Sports and Electrolyte Drinks?
Human sports and electrolyte drinks are formulated for people, not dogs, and may contain sweeteners or other ingredients that aren’t appropriate for them.
Xylitol is particularly important to avoid. The FDA warns that xylitol is toxic to dogs and can cause serious or even life-threatening effects.
If you want to add an electrolyte drink to your dog’s water, choose a product formulated for dogs and follow its directions. If your dog may be dehydrated or has special hydration needs, contact your veterinarian.
What Should I Check Before Adding Something to My Dog’s Water?
Before adding a broth, hydration mix, or other product, consider four things.
Is It Intended for Dogs?
Choosing a dog-specific product can take some of the guesswork out of adapting something formulated for people.
What Are the Ingredients?
Read the complete ingredient list. Something that seems healthy for people isn’t automatically appropriate for dogs.
How Is It Served?
Follow the product directions, including preparation and the recommended amount of water.
Does Your Dog Have Special Dietary or Health Needs?
If your dog has a medical condition, dietary restriction, or special hydration needs, talk with your veterinarian before introducing a new supplement or drink.
Where Does LapsUp Fit?
LapsUp is for dog parents looking for a dog-specific way to change up the water bowl.
It doesn’t replace water. It starts with it.
Pour one LapsUp stick into your dog’s empty water bowl, add a splash of water and stir or shake well, then add the remaining fresh water for 12–16 oz total.
If it’s your dog’s first time trying LapsUp, start with half a serving for the first day or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Safely Add to My Dog’s Water?
Fresh water should always be available. Dog-specific hydration drink mixes are one option. An appropriate unsalted broth may also be an option for some dogs, but check the ingredients carefully. If you’re unsure what is appropriate for your dog, ask your veterinarian.
Can I Flavor My Dog’s Water?
A dog-specific flavored hydration product is one option. If you’re considering another product or ingredient, make sure it is appropriate for dogs and check the complete ingredient list before adding it to their water.
Can I Add Chicken Broth to My Dog’s Water?
Unsalted chicken broth may be an option for some dogs, but check the ingredients first. Avoid broths containing ingredients that can be harmful to dogs, including onion or garlic.
Can I Put Electrolytes in My Dog’s Water?
If you want to add an electrolyte product to your dog’s water, choose one formulated for dogs and follow its directions. Fresh water should continue to be available.
LapsUp RISE contains naturally occurring electrolytes from its ingredients. REFRESH also contains added potassium citrate, magnesium citrate, and pink Himalayan salt.
Can I Give My Dog a Human Sports Drink?
Human sports drinks are formulated for people and may contain sweeteners or other ingredients that aren’t appropriate for dogs. If you’re considering one for your dog, ask your veterinarian first.
Does LapsUp Replace Plain Water?
Never. Every serving of LapsUp starts with 12–16 oz of fresh water. Continue to keep clean, fresh drinking water available as part of your dog’s normal routine.
What If My Dog Won’t Drink Water at All?
If your dog suddenly stops drinking, drinks substantially less than usual, or seems unwell, contact your veterinarian. A hydration drink mix shouldn’t be used in place of veterinary care for a dog who may be sick or dehydrated.
Fresh Water Stays. LapsUp Upgrades It.
There are different ways to change up your dog’s water, but fresh water remains the foundation.
LapsUp starts with fresh water and adds coconut water, real fruit, and electrolytes in two formulas made just for dogs.
RISE Apple Berry Sunrise. Every morning.
REFRESH Watermelon Cran Cooler. Walks, playtime, warm days, travel, and adventures.
Their water, upgraded.
