Everything you need to know about dog beer

Updated 07/11/2023

We've all heard the phrase, “It's a dog's life”. Well, what if we told you that life could include kicking back with a cold one? No, we're not talking about sharing a regular human brew with your furry friend, but rather the latest trend in pet-friendly refreshments: dog beer! We’re here to quench your thirst for knowledge about beer for dogs by answering the question “Is beer bad for dogs?” and finding out how your pup can safely enjoy a sip.

Can dogs have beer?

No, dogs cannot drink real beer, or any other alcoholic beverages for that matter. Alcohol is toxic for dogs and can induce vomiting, hypothermia, seizures, and respiratory failure. Hops, a key ingredient in the making of beer, is also toxic and can cause vomiting, seizures, and an increased heart rate in dogs. 

What is dog beer?

While the answer to “Can dogs drink beer?” is a definite no, specially formulated dog beer is a tasty alternative. It’s not your typical brew - doggy beer is a non-alcoholic, non-carbonated beverage specifically crafted for our four-legged friends. Ingredients vary, it typically includes dog-safe ingredients like bone broth, malt, barley, herbs, and veggies, along with a range of health-boosting vitamins and minerals. Sounds delicious, right? You’ll be pleased to hear you can buy beer for dogs in supermarkets and some dog-friendly bars, or make your own at home.  

Buying dog beer 

Choose a dog beer that contains natural ingredients and nutrients to promote a healthy lifestyle for your doggy. Here are a few of our favorites:

Bowser Beer for Dogs 

Grab a six-pack of Brown Beefy Ale (beef), Cock-a-doodle Brew (chicken), and Porky Pug Porter (pork). 

Busch Brew for Dogs 

Vegetables, herbs, and bone broth are combined to make a nutritious and tasty treat for your furry friends. 

Snuffle Dog Beer

Beef and chicken flavors are mixed with malt barley extracts, mineral oils, vitamin B, and other dog-friendly goodies to get your furry friend's taste buds twitching.

Dog beer recipe 

Better yet, make your own beer for dogs! 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken or beef broth
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

Method: 

• Combine the ingredients and warm up the mixture to pour over kibble, or store in the freezer for up to three months. 

How to serve dog beer

Serving dog beer in a chilled bowl or freezing it as ice cubes is a great way of keeping pups cool during the summer months. If your furry friend has sensitive teeth, you can pour dog beer over their kibble to soften it. Some pet parents also like to use beer for dogs as a special reward for being a good boy during training sessions or as a bonding experience during social gatherings.

So, while it’s clear the answer to “Is beer safe for dogs” is a resounding no, beer made specially for dogs can be a fun and safe way to share a special moment with your furry friend.

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.