10 Homemade Electrolyte Recipes for Sick Dogs

Watching our furry babies when they’re sick and refusing to eat or drink is one of the hardest things to do. The struggle is only compounded by this niggling realization at the back of your mind telling you that if your pet keeps refusing food and drink, they’re at risk of losing essential electrolytes. After having spent countless sleepless nights worrying that my furry baby might be dehydrated, I started exploring homemade electrolyte recipes for dogs, focusing on gentle mixes like chicken broth or diluted Pedialyte that can help rehydrate your pup and restore lost minerals.

I’ve rounded up 10 such tried and tested DIY electrolyte recipes for dogs that have stood me in good stead over the years. Do note though, these are not a cure for whatever may be ailing your pet. Think of an homemade electrolyte as a supportive dog hydration home remedy that can help them tide over an illness without it taking too much of a toll. With that in mind, let’s dive into why electrolytes are important for sick dogs and how you can prepare them at home from scratch. 

Why Electrolytes Are Important for Sick Dogs

Electrolytes are the charged minerals, think sodium, potassium and chloride, that keep every cell in your dog’s body working right. They move nutrients and water into cells, help muscles and nerves fire properly, and keep pH balance steady. When a dog loses too much water through vomiting, diarrhea, or overheating, they also lose these vital salts. 

This is dangerous because without enough electrolytes, your dog can’t hydrate tissues or power organs properly. This can manifest in the form of symptoms like:

• Sunken eyes
• Dry sticky gums
• Lethargy
• A tented skinfold that doesn’t snap back
• Rapid breathing

Replenishing the lost minerals through electrolytes helps blood pressure and muscle function return to normal. For example, sodium and potassium together regulate fluid balance, and calcium and magnesium support heart and nerve function. If your dog is sick, giving plain water is a good start, but a homemade dog electrolyte solution will replenish those lost salts. This keeps your dog’s body working while their immune system fights off the bug or the effects of heat.

Things to Know Before Giving Homemade Electrolytes

Before you try a DIY recipe for dog electrolyte solution, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Use clean, fresh water for preparing the dog electrolyte solution. 
• Don’t withhold regular water just because you’re giving them an electrolyte solution. Your dog should always have access to clean and fresh drinking water, sick or not
• Be careful when choosing ingredients for homemade dog electrolyte. Steer clear of harmful ingredients like xylitol, onions, garlic, or other foods that can be toxic to dogs
• Do not give your pet human sports drinks as an electrolyte. Vets warn that drinks like Gatorade have too much sugar and salt for dogs. They might upset the stomach further. Only consider unflavored Pedialyte or work with vet-approved dog electrolyte recipes 
• Measure carefully. Follow recipes exactly. Too much salt or sugar is worse than none
• Stop and consult a vet if needed. These home remedies are for mild cases. If your dog refuses all fluids, has bloody stool or vomit, becomes extremely lethargic or weak, or isn’t improving, get veterinary help immediately

10 Vet-Inspired Homemade Electrolyte Recipes

Now that we have the basics covered, let’s talk about how to prepare natural electrolyte for sick dogs using ingredients from your kitchen pantry. Here is my roundup of vet-approved dog electrolyte recipes that I turn to from time to time, to help keep my sick doggos hydrated. Each is easy to make with common ingredients. 

Note: Remember to serve them at room temperature and in small, frequent amounts. You can store any leftovers in the fridge for a day or two or freeze into ice cubes and offer them as treats to your dog in warm weather.

1. Chicken Broth Electrolyte

Simple boiled chicken broth without any seasoning is one of my go-to electrolyte recipes for dogs. It’s rich in natural sodium and very easy for a dog to slurp. To make it, simmer skinless chicken or just bones in water for 20–30 minutes, then strain out the solids. Cool the liquid completely and skim off any fat. You can give this broth alone or mix it half-and-half with water. 

• Benefits: High-sodium, flavorful. Dogs usually love it
• Dosage: Offer 1–2 tablespoons per 10 lbs of body weight every hour or so, or just refill a small bowl to let them lap slowly. Tiny pups get teaspoonfuls, big dogs up to ¼–½ cup per serving
• Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days, or freeze
  

2. Coconut Water + Sea Salt Mix

Pure coconut water can be a mild natural electrolyte for sick dogs. It’s packed with potassium and some magnesium. To make this, give your dog a small amount of natural coconut water mixed with just a pinch of unrefined sea salt or Himalayan salt. 

• Benefits: High in potassium and magnesium and has a mildly sweet taste
• Dosage: Offer only a couple teaspoons for a small dog, up to a quarter cup for a large dog, per drink
• Storage: Coconut water can ferment, so use fresh as far as possible. Can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours

3. Bone Broth with a Pinch of Salt

Bone broth is a super-healing drink loaded with natural minerals, and a fail-proof dog dehydration remedy. It contains calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium, plus collagen that soothes the gut. Because it’s a liquid, it also boosts hydration. To make it, simmer raw beef, chicken or turkey bones in water for several hours. You can add a little apple cider vinegar to help leach minerals. Strain out the bones and fat. The leftover broth is golden and salty.

• Benefits: Nutrient-rich, easy to digest, dogs often love it.
• Dosage: Give warm broth by the spoonful. ~1 oz per 15 lbs body weight, every hour or two. It’s gentle, so small dogs may lap up a teaspoon at a time, while big dogs might get a quarter cup
• Storage: Keep broth refrigerated for 3–4 days or freeze portions. Thaw before serving. 

4. Rice Water Electrolyte Drink

Rice water is a traditional remedy for diarrhea and dehydration, and one of my top picks in homemade electrolyte recipes for dogs. It’s easy on the stomach and delivers fluids with a bit of starch to settle the gut. To make rice water, boil plain white rice in extra water and pour off the cloudy liquid. 

Use 1 cup rice + 4 cups water, simmer until the water turns milky. Then cool and serve only the liquid. If your dog is feeling up for it, you can even feed the soft rice separately. However, do not force feed a sick dog

• Benefits: Soothing starch, hydrating, very bland
• Dosage: Give tiny sips every 30–60 minutes. For toy/small breeds start with 2–3 ml per feed. For medium/large dogs, start with ⅛–¼ cup. Gradually increase volume if tolerated. Stop if vomiting resumes
• Storage: Keep rice water refrigerated and use it within 1–2 days. You can also freeze it

Pro Tip: If your dog doesn’t drink plain rice water, stir in a teaspoon of low-sodium chicken or beef broth to flavor it.

5. Carrot and Apple Hydration Mix

This fruity-vegetable mix can tempt a picky drinker. Boiled carrots and apples give gentle sweetness, vitamins, and a bit of natural potassium. I prepare it like a runny puree: chop 1 carrot and 1 apple and boil in 2–3 cups of water until soft. Blend or mash them into the water, adding water as needed, to achieve a thin juice-like consistency.

• Benefits: Packed with potassium, vitamin C and fiber
• Dosage: Serve about 1–2 tablespoons per 10 lbs, a few times a day. Very small pups: just a teaspoon. This is more of a treat/hydrator than a full meal
• Storage: Refrigerate for up to 2 days. You can also freeze ice cubes of the mix as treats

6. Pedialyte 

Unflavored Pedialyte, the electrolyte drink for babies, is a vet-approved dog electrolyte recipe that can be used in emergencies. But be sure to use only unflavored Pedialyte with no sweeteners. Even then, it must be diluted heavily. Veterinary experts typically advise mixing Pedialyte 1:1 with water to avoid giving too much sodium at once. 

• Benefits: Provides a balanced mix of sodium and potassium without the sugar of sports drinks
• Dosage: Give tiny amounts, a tablespoon or two, every 20–30 minutes to start. Larger dogs can take up to a few ounces per hour if they tolerate it
• Storage: The diluted solution should be used within a day. Any leftovers should be discarded

7. Homemade Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)

This is a classic veterinarian-inspired mix of water, salt and sugar, essentially a DIY Pedialyte. My vet-approved dog electrolyte recipe for this ORS solution is very precise: boil 4 pints of water, then add 1 teaspoon table salt and 4 teaspoons sugar. Stir until dissolved and let it cool completely. This matches the sugar/salt ratio used for humans and dogs in emergencies.

• Benefits: Replaces electrolytes cheaply with pantry ingredients
• Dosage: Let your dog drink small amounts from a bowl or syringe every 15–30 minutes. Tiny dogs should be given a few milliliters per dose, big dogs can have up to a few tablespoons
• Storage: This ORS is perishable and the solution must be used within 24 hours. Discard any left overs

8. Ice Cube Treats with Electrolytes

When it’s hot or your pup just won’t drink, icy treats are great. Simply freeze any of the above liquids into cubes or popsicles. For example, pour bone broth or rice water electrolyte into an ice cube tray and freeze. 

• Benefits: Cool and fun for dogs, and slow-release hydration
• Dosage: Give 1 or 2 cubes at a time for a small dog, up to 4–5 cubes for a big dog, a few times a day
• Storage: Keep them frozen until needed. Don’t let your dog gulp whole chunks
  

9. Pumpkin Water Mix

Pureed pumpkin, plain canned or cooked and pureed at home, not the kind used for pie filling, is very hydrating and nutrient-rich. It is about 90% water and high in potassium, and has lots of fiber to soothe guts. Pumpkin for Dog is known superfood for dog digestion, and works well as a base for an electrolyte drink. Just mix 1 part pumpkin puree with 2–3 parts water to thin it into a sloppy juice.

• Benefits: High in water and potassium, a key electrolyte, and very gentle on the stomach
• Dosage: Typically 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight per meal is enough. Dilute more with water if giving by spoon/syringe
• Storage: Can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. However, pumpkin mix will separate, so you need to stir it before serving. You can also freeze it to make popsicle treats.
  

10. Goat Milk with Electrolyte Boosters

Unsweetened goat’s milk is easier on many dogs’ stomachs than cow’s milk, and it’s full of electrolytes and vitamins. You can give it plain or mix in extra electrolytes. 

• Benefits: Naturally contains potassium, sodium and calcium. Often better tolerated due to enzymes
• Dosage: Small dogs/puppies should be given 1–2 teaspoons at a time, large dogs can have up to ¼ cup. Monitor for any signs of intolerance such as bloating or loose stool
• Storage: Keep goat milk in the fridge and use it in 1–2 days

How to Administer Electrolytes to Your Dog

Once you have the fluid ready, you might need tricks to get your dog to drink it. Patience and small amounts are key. Try offering the solution by letting your dog lap it from a shallow dish. If they won’t drink on their own, use a dropper or oral syringe. Slowly squirt a few milliliters into the side of their mouth. Go gently and rub their throat to encourage swallowing.

If your dog still refuses, don’t force big gulps. Instead, offer ice chips or frozen treats made from the mix. Watch for progress: as they rehydrate, you should see moist pink gums (instead of tacky/dry), brighter eyes, and improved energy. If your dog eats a little, and seems perkier, the electrolytes are working. If your dog remains lethargic or won’t drink at all despite attempts, it’s time to contact the vet.

When to Seek Professional Help

Homemade remedies help mild cases, but some signs mean it’s time for a visit to the vet. Look out for:

• Blood in vomit or stool: This could signal something serious like an ulcer or infection
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea: If it lasts more than 24 hours or your dog can’t keep even water down
• Severe lethargy or weakness: If your dog can’t stand, won’t eat, or is unusually listless, don’t wait
• No drinking at all: If your dog refuses all fluids, you need emergency care
• Shock or collapse: Pale gums, fast heart rate, or collapse are ominous. Call the vet immediately

Conclusion

Helping a sick dog feel better is all about careful observation and gentle care. These natural electrolyte recipes can be comforting while you’re waiting for your pup to recover. In my experience, combining these home remedies with a vet’s advice gives the fastest relief. Keep your dog calm and cozy, offer these fluids in small sips, and contact your vet early if things don’t improve. With early action and the right hydration, most dogs bounce back quickly. Trust your instincts, stay prepared, and give your furry friend all the love and support they need.