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Gatorade re-hydrates and replaces electrolytes. It also tastes great, but should dogs be allowed to drink up?
Here’s the deal:
While you may enjoy gulping Gatorade, there are several reasons to question this idea.
Offering your dog a taste is one thing but sharing on a regular basis, or in large amounts, is not something we recommend.
Be sure to keep reading to get the details…
Avoid Giving Your Dog Lots of Gatorade
H2o is way better.
Yup! Water will always be the ultimate go-to hydration for hounds.
The thing is dogs don’t sweat like people do. As such, they do not need electrolyte replenishment.
Our advice is to keep your best buddy’s life as simple as possible.
Deciding On This Drink
People drink Gatorade routinely. Honestly, dogs should not.
Sure, you can occasionally share some during hot summer months. In that sense, it is a refreshing treat.
So let’s be clear:
This sports beverage is not toxic and there are certainly worse things you could give a pet dog.
With that being said, you don’t want your canine to begin craving Gatorade.
Moderation is a must.
Gatorade For Dehydration
There are unique situations where Gatorade could benefit your dog.
For example, you may not have anything else for restoring hydration.
Hey, it happens!
But Gatorade is not appropriate for your dog’s diarrhea problem. On the contrary, the high sugar content could make matters worse.
Tip: Look into Pedialyte. It’s great for doggie dehydration and also a smooth recovery following a bout of diarrhea.
Problematic For Pets
Let’s focus in on ingredients for your dog’s sake…
Basically, drinks that have a bunch of sugar, salt and/or caffeine should be avoided. Sometimes other questionable additives are included as well.
Do not forget that dogs have smaller sized organs!
They cannot fully process refined sugars, preservatives, chemicals and other unnatural ingredients. So, hopefully you agree that canine consumption of Gatorade is questionable.
Sugar Is A Big Factor
Sugar is, perhaps, the biggest reason why your dog cannot be drinking much Gatorade.
Sure, the levels in this fitness drink are less than those found in most colas.
But wait! Gatorade still contains several grams per serving.
It cannot be stressed enough:
It’s a bad habit even if the dog’s health doesn’t seem to be affected.
Also Too Much Sodium
Gatorade also has a considerable amount of sodium (this is how the electrolytes factor in).
But, again, dogs do not need to top up their electrolyte count.
So, you see, Gatorade isn’t very practical for animals like it is for people.
Rest assured, your dog is getting what they need from good old fashioned fresh water.
The Bottom Line
Dogs do not benefit from Gatorade.
In fact, there are undesirable ingredients in this popular drink.
A much better option would be Pedialyte. Research it if you are looking for ways to replenish hydration.
Do not regularly let your dog gulp down Gatorade. That’s what water is for!
This is good information.
Gatorade is a good source of electrolytes. I give Gatorade to my sporting dogs before and after competitions. It’s a great way to help your dog so that it doesn’t become a heat causality.
My vet recommend for me to give my dog Gatorade because he was dehydrated. Not to replace water, but with water. It has electrolytes in there that help with regaining energy. Honest, there isn’t a problem with it.