Can Dogs Drink Powerade?
Are you wondering as a pet parent if it’s okay for your dog to have Powerade? Or maybe somehow your pup consumed it by accident and you want to know what to be on the look for. Don’t worry! Powerade is safe in moderation, but keep reading to learn about when to give it to them and is this drink like others.
For some of us, walking our dog can be a workout on its own, making you reach for the nearest sports drink available to quench your thirst during a walk. With electrolytes and a promise for hydration, you might have wondered if you can give your pooch a sip of your Powerade when they seem thirsty.
In this article, we’re going to break down whether or not dogs can drink Powerade and if you should give it to them.
What is Powerade?
Powerade is a popular sports drink made by the Coca-Cola company that is used by athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone else looking for an improvement in athletic performance. Its main selling point is that it is full of electrolytes and hydrates you when you need it most (during any athletic activity). There are tons of people who drink Powerade casually and not during any athletic performances, simply because they like the taste. Its main competitor is, you guessed it, Gatorade, another wildly popular hydrating sports drink.
Is Powerade and Gatorade the Same Thing?
Although Powerade and Gatorade are basically the same thing, there are a few differences between them. The main ingredient in both is water, with some sweeteners, salt, and citric acid.
According to its label, Powerade does contain more vitamins than gatorade, specifically Vitamins B6 and B12 and some micronutrients like magnesium. Gatorade also contains slightly more sodium per serving than Powerade. Most would see these differences as insignificant and base their choice between the two on which flavor they like better…we’ll let you decide that one.
Can Dogs Drink Powerade?
Now that we’re familiar with what exactly Powerade is, can your dog drink Powerade?
Yes, your dog can drink Powerade! In moderation, Powerade is perfectly safe for your dog to drink and can replenish lost electrolytes after intense exercise.
Dogs should drink as much water as possible, but supplementing that with Powerade won’t do any harm as long as it’s in moderation.
In fact, many dog owners are adding Powerade and other sports drinks as a part of their dogs weekly diet to make sure their furry friend is getting all of the hydration and electrolytes it needs. You can give your dog Powerade by itself, or even mix it in with some of their food.
When Is It Okay To Give Dogs Sports Drinks?
It’s okay to give dogs sports drinks after intense exercise where they may have lost electrolytes or become dehydrated. You can also give your dog sports drinks if they are experiencing diarrhea. Diarrhea, in both animals and humans, causes you to be dehydrated and sports drinks can help rehydrate you in that case.
How Much Powerade Can They Drink Safely?
There is no concrete answer on how much Powerade your dog can drink safely, but it’s good practice to keep it at a few sips no more than a few times a week. Since Powerade has added sugar and some sodium, too much can have negative health effects over time.
If you give your dog Powerade regularly, you can check in with their vet to see what effects (if any) it has had on them.
Can I Give My Dog Powerade For Vomiting?
Similar to diarrhea, vomiting will cause your dog to become dehydrated. In both cases, you can give your dog powerade to help rehydrate them.
If your dog is not holding down any water after they have vomited, the smell and taste of Powerade could make them want to drink it. Since they’re dehydrated from vomiting, Powerade would be a good option for them to drink if they’re willing to.
However, be careful to give it to them sparingly to see if it further upsets their stomach. The sugar and sodium content in Powerade could worsen their stomach ache, but it is unlikely. Start with a small amount and gradually increase it if your dog is able to hold it down.
Does Powerade Contain Xylitol?
No, Powerade does not contain Xylitol. Xylitol is often used as a sugar substitute and is found in many bottle drinks, but not Powerade.
This is important because Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs and you need to make sure anything your dog is consuming does not have xylitol. It has been known to cause seizures, liver failure, and other severe health issues in dogs.
This is one reason why you shouldn’t give your dog human toothpaste. Instead, brush their teeth with an approved doggy product.
What Is The Difference Between Pedialyte And Powerade?
Among the most popular sports and hydration drinks is Pedialyte, which is similar to Powerade. Pedialyte is also safe for your dog to drink in moderation, but does contain a bit more sodium than Powerade. Overall, it will help rehydrate your dog but should be given to them in moderation.
Can I Give My Dog Gatorade For Diarrhea?
Yes, you can absolutely give your dog Gatorade if they are having diarrhea. Gatorade will help hydrate your dog and replenish their electrolytes when they need it most.
Similar to Powerade, Pedialyte, and other sports drinks, you should give Gatorade to your dog in moderation while they’re having diarrhea. Although it will rehydrate them, the sugar and sodium in Gatorade could make their diarrhea worse, but that is only if you give it to them in large amounts.
Short Version: Can Dogs Drink Powerade?
Powerade is a popular, hydrating sports drink that replenishes electrolytes and many dog owners are giving it to their pups to keep them hydrated. Powerade is very similar to Gatorade and Pedialyte, with a few differences like less sodium and more micronutrients and vitamins.
You can add it into your dog’s diet on a regular basis, or use it when they are having diarrhea or vomiting. In both cases, Powerade will rehydrate your dog.
Just be sure to only give them small amounts at first and monitor if their vomiting or diarrhea worsens. Also, Powerade does not contain xylitol, a popular sugar substitute that is extremely toxic to dogs. This means that you can give your dog Powerade without having to worry about it being toxic to them.
Key Points
- Powerade is a popular sports drink made mainly from water that is safe to give to your dog to help hydrate them
- Powerade does NOT contain Xylitol, which is a sugar substitute that is extremely toxic to dogs
- For vomiting and diarrhea, Powerade is great for hydrating your dog and getting them to drink if they are not drinking enough water
- Give your dog Powerade and other sports drinks in moderation, as there is added sugar and sodium in sports drinks
