Whether you’re celebrating or unwinding after a long day with your pooch by your side, cracking open an alcohol-free dog brew is a great way to savor your company and strengthen that human-canine bond.
Here’s what you should look for in beer for dogs:
- It is specially designed for dogs
- There is no alcohol
- No added carbonation
- Does not include hops
Here are Dogster’s favorite dog beers and why your dog will gulp them down:
- The original dog beer innovator Bowsers beer is made from human grade meat and malting barley. Dogs have been drinking this brew alongside their humans since 2007.
“Malting barley is high in B vitamins and amino acids that are good for a dog’s coat and we use the same quality used in human craft beers,” says Jenny Brown, Founder and CEO of 3 Busy Dogs, Inc., makers of Bowser Beer and dog treats. “There’s no added salt or fat, and there’s never any carbonation, alcohol, or hops,” she adds. So this sociable drink is actually a great liquid treat.
Different meats add different flavors to the lineup. The Mix it up! is a blend of beef, chicken and pork, Brown Beefy Ale is all beef, and Porky Pug Porter is pork flavored. Of course, they come in a six-pack of anthropomorphic design, and the plastic bottles can be recapped and refrigerated if your pooch doesn’t knock it over.
- Due to the whimsical bonding factor between humans and animals, the dog beer market has grown and even human brewmasters Anheuser-Busch have added pop-open canned beers to the dog beer selection. dog shelves. Their first batch Dog Brew by Busch launched in 2020 sold out in 24 hours. Brewed from bone broth, it’s a blend of flavors designed to appeal to a dog’s palate, including bone-in pork butt, corn, celery, basil, mint, turmeric, ginger and water.
- Bark Brew Dog Beer can be served in a bowl or poured over dry dog food. Along with the organic ingredients, such as chicken, salmon oil, and malt extract, there’s added glucosamine, which has been shown to soothe inflammation in dogs. It was manufactured by Sir Woofchester’s Canine Hospitality company in Great Britain.
What is dog beer and how does it taste?
The malt and meat give it a different smell than human beer, but the appealing aromatic bouquet and taste are irresistible to dogs. Doggie beer can be served at room temperature, chilled, and even frozen as ice cubes to enjoy on a hot day.
“Depending on the size of the dog, small dogs can comfortably go down a few ounces,” says Jenny. “A big dog might knock over a bottle or two. But it’s always a good idea to limit the amount, especially if a pooch has a sensitive stomach.
Can dogs drink human beer?
No, dogs cannot drink human beer. Real beer (and alcoholic beverages) are toxic to pets.
“A few licks probably won’t be problematic for a dog,” says Dr. Renee Schmid, senior veterinary toxicologist at the Pet Poison Helpline. “A healthy 10-pound adult dog should consume about 3 ounces of standard 4.2% beer before we get too concerned about alcohol poisoning. Young and older dogs may develop signs in smaller amounts” , she adds.
Signs of alcohol poisoning in dogs:
- Sedation/lethargy
- difficulty walking
- vomiting
- hypothermia (low body temperature),
- decrease in breathing rate
- hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
Signs can be seen within minutes to 1.5 hours after ingestion.
Letting a dog drink real ale can be very dangerous.
“If they vomit and are unable to protect their airways, they can aspirate, which is life-threatening. Additionally, many signs can be difficult for pet owners to recognize and, if left untreated, can cause long-term harm,” warns Dr. Schmid.
Make sure your dog drinks responsibly and follow their lead!