10 Homemade Electrolytes for Dogs (Best Dog Electrolyte Drink Recipes + Safe Dosage Guide)

When your dog is sick and refusing food or water, it’s scary. Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or heat exhaustion can quickly cause dehydration. Along with fluids, your dog may also lose essential minerals called electrolytes. These electrolytes help the body stay stable, hydrated, and functioning properly.

Electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium. They support hydration inside cells, regulate nerve signals, and help muscles work normally. When dogs lose fluids, replenishing electrolytes can support recovery and improve hydration more effectively than plain water alone in mild cases.

This guide covers the best homemade electrolytes for dogs, including 10 vet-inspired dog electrolyte recipes, dosage tips, and clear signs of when you should contact a veterinarian.

What Are Electrolytes and Why Do Dogs Need Them?

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge in the body. They are essential for:

• Maintaining fluid balance
• Supporting heart and muscle function
• Helping nerves send signals properly
• Keeping hydration stable inside cells
• Supporting normal blood pressure and circulation

When your dog loses fluids from vomiting, diarrhea, overheating, or fever, they also lose electrolytes. This can lead to worsening dehydration, weakness, and slower recovery.

For a trusted overview of dehydration symptoms, you can read this guide on signs of dehydration in dogs from the American Kennel Club.

Signs of Dehydration in Dogs

Look for these common signs:

• Dry, sticky, or pale gums
• Sunken eyes
• Low energy, weakness, or unusual tiredness
• Reduced appetite
• Faster breathing
• Skin tenting (skin doesn’t snap back quickly after pinching)
• Dark yellow urine or less frequent urination

If your dog shows multiple signs, hydration support is important. If symptoms are severe, veterinary care is urgent.

Can Dogs Drink Electrolyte Water?

Yes, dogs can drink electrolyte water in small amounts when they are mildly dehydrated. Electrolyte water supports hydration by replacing minerals like sodium and potassium that may be lost through vomiting, diarrhea, or heat.

Electrolyte water should never replace normal drinking water. Your dog should always have access to fresh plain water, and electrolyte solutions should be offered in small frequent sips.

Can I Give My Dog Electrolytes?

Yes, you can give a dog electrolytes in mild dehydration cases, especially when they are losing fluids. Homemade dog electrolyte solutions can be used short-term as hydration support.

If your dog keeps vomiting, refuses all fluids, has blood in stool or vomit, collapses, or becomes extremely weak, do not rely on home care and contact a vet immediately.

Best Dog Electrolytes (Homemade Options)

The best homemade electrolytes for dogs are safe, gentle, and easy to digest. For most dogs, the top choices are:

• Plain chicken broth (no seasoning)
• Rice water (best for diarrhea)
• Pumpkin water mix (gentle digestion support)
• Homemade ORS (water + sugar + salt in correct ratio)
• Diluted unflavored Pedialyte (emergency option)

The best dog electrolyte drink depends on your dog’s symptoms and what they can tolerate without vomiting.

Things to Know Before Giving Homemade Electrolytes

Homemade electrolytes are supportive, but safe preparation matters.

Use clean water and correct measurements

Always measure ingredients accurately. Too much salt or sugar can make dehydration worse.

Always keep plain water available

Electrolytes should support hydration, not replace it.

Avoid unsafe ingredients

Do not add onion, garlic, artificial sweeteners, or flavoring. Never use flavored baby electrolyte drinks or sugary sports drinks.

Use small amounts frequently

Small sips work better than large gulps and reduce the risk of vomiting.

These are for mild cases only

Homemade electrolyte solutions do not treat the root illness. If your dog is worsening, contact a veterinarian.

10 Vet-Inspired Homemade Electrolyte Recipes for Dogs

Serve these at room temperature and offer small amounts frequently.

1) Chicken Broth Electrolyte Drink

Plain chicken broth is one of the best homemade electrolyte drinks for dogs because it’s hydrating and usually very appealing.

Ingredients

• Skinless chicken or bones
• Water

How to make

Simmer chicken in water for 20–30 minutes. Strain out solids, cool fully, and skim off fat. Do not add salt, onion, garlic, or seasoning.

You can serve it plain or dilute 1:1 with water.

Dosage

• 1–2 tablespoons per 10 lbs of body weight every hour
• Small dogs: 1–2 teaspoons
• Large dogs: ¼–½ cup

Storage

Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze.

2) Coconut Water + Pinch of Salt

Coconut water contains potassium and may support hydration in small amounts.

Ingredients

• Plain coconut water (no additives)
• A tiny pinch of sea salt

Dosage

• Small dog: 1–2 teaspoons
• Medium dog: 1–2 tablespoons
• Large dog: up to ¼ cup

Storage

Refrigerate up to 24 hours.

3) Bone Broth Mineral Electrolyte Drink

Bone broth contains minerals and can support hydration during recovery.

Ingredients

• Raw bones (chicken, beef, turkey)
• Water
• Optional: 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

How to make

Simmer 4–8 hours. Strain fully, cool completely, and skim off fat.

Dosage

• About 1 oz per 15 lbs body weight every 1–2 hours
• Small dogs: 1–2 teaspoons
• Large dogs: ¼ cup

Storage

Refrigerate 3–4 days or freeze.

4) Rice Water Electrolyte Solution for Dogs

Rice water is one of the best homemade electrolytes for dogs with diarrhea.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• 4 cups water

How to make

Boil rice until water becomes cloudy. Strain the liquid and cool it.

Dosage

• Small dogs: 2–3 ml every 30–60 minutes
• Medium dogs: 1–2 tablespoons
• Large dogs: ⅛–¼ cup

Stop if vomiting returns.

Storage

Refrigerate 1–2 days or freeze.

5) Carrot and Apple Hydration Mix

This is a gentle homemade electrolyte drink that may encourage drinking.

Ingredients

• 1 carrot
• 1 apple (remove seeds)
• 2–3 cups water

How to make

Boil until soft and blend into a thin watery mixture.

Dosage

• 1–2 tablespoons per 10 lbs, a few times daily
• Small dogs: 1 teaspoon

Storage

Refrigerate up to 2 days or freeze.

6) Diluted Unflavored Pedialyte for Dogs

This is a safe emergency electrolyte option when diluted correctly.

Mix

1:1 Pedialyte and water

Dosage

• Start with 1–2 tablespoons every 20–30 minutes
• Large dogs may tolerate a few ounces per hour

Storage

Use within 24 hours.

7) Homemade ORS for Dogs (Dog Oral Rehydration Solution)

A simple dog ORS recipe made with water, sugar, and salt.

Ingredients

• 4 pints (about 2 liters) water
• 1 teaspoon table salt
• 4 teaspoons sugar

How to make

Stir until dissolved and cool fully.

Dosage

• Small dogs: a few ml every 15–30 minutes
• Medium dogs: 1–2 tablespoons
• Large dogs: 2–4 tablespoons

Storage

Use within 24 hours.

8) Electrolyte Ice Cubes

Electrolyte ice cubes are useful if your dog refuses to drink.

How to make

Freeze broth, rice water, ORS, or diluted Pedialyte into cubes.

Dosage

• Small dogs: 1–2 cubes at a time
• Large dogs: 4–5 cubes a few times daily

Supervise to prevent gulping.

9) Pumpkin Water Mix

Pumpkin is gentle and supports hydration and digestion.

Ingredients

• Plain pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• Water

How to make

Mix 1 part pumpkin with 2–3 parts water.

Dosage

1 teaspoon per 10 lbs body weight

Storage

Refrigerate 3–4 days or freeze.

10) Goat Milk Electrolyte Drink

Goat milk contains natural minerals and may be easier to digest for some dogs.

Ingredients

• Unsweetened goat milk

Dosage

• Small dogs: 1–2 teaspoons
• Large dogs: up to ¼ cup

Stop if loose stool occurs.

Storage

Use within 1–2 days.

Dosage Guide Based on Dog Size

Use this as a general safe starting point:

Small dogs (under 10 lbs)

1–2 teaspoons every 20–30 minutes

Medium dogs (10–25 lbs)

1–2 tablespoons every 20–30 minutes

Large dogs (25–50 lbs)

2–4 tablespoons every 20–30 minutes

Extra-large dogs (50+ lbs)

¼ cup every 30–60 minutes

If vomiting continues, stop and contact a veterinarian.

How to Administer Electrolytes Safely

Use gentle methods:

• Offer from a shallow bowl
• Use a spoon for small sips
• Use an oral syringe slowly into the side of the mouth
• Offer electrolyte ice cubes for slow licking hydration

Do not force fast drinking. Slow, frequent amounts are safer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:

• Giving sports drinks meant for humans
• Using flavored Pedialyte or drinks with sweeteners
• Adding onion, garlic, or seasoning to broth
• Giving too much too quickly
• Over-salting homemade recipes
• Skipping vet care when symptoms are severe

When to Seek Veterinary Help Immediately

Home electrolyte support is for mild cases only. Contact a veterinarian urgently if your dog has:

• Blood in vomit or stool
• Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
• Extreme weakness, shaking, or collapse
• Refuses all fluids
• Pale gums or signs of shock
• Heat stroke signs such as heavy panting and drooling

If your dog cannot keep fluids down, dehydration can become serious quickly.

Conclusion

Homemade electrolytes for dogs can support hydration during mild dehydration caused by vomiting, diarrhea, or heat. The key is using safe ingredients, correct measurements, and offering small amounts frequently.

If your dog is not improving, is refusing fluids, or looks weak, do not wait. Veterinary care is always the safest option in serious cases. With proper hydration support and early attention, most dogs recover faster and feel better sooner.

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