Can dogs have fresh squeezed juice?

Juicing fresh fruits and vegetables into nutrient-dense beverages has become an increasingly popular health trend for humans. As more people add fresh squeezed juices to their own diets, some dog owners may wonder if their furry companions can also benefit from these beverages. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about whether dogs can drink fresh juice, which fruits and veggies are safe for canine consumption, and some delicious dog-friendly juice recipes your pup will love.

Can Dogs Have Juice?

In general, most veterinarians agree that dogs can safely consume small amounts of fresh, unprocessed fruit and vegetable juices in moderation. Juices made from produce like carrots, apples, blueberries, cranberries, celery, spinach, and kale can provide valuable vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants when included as an occasional treat.

However, there are some important factors to consider before serving juice to your dog:

• Avoid Adding Sugar – Store-bought juices may contain added sugar, which can be harmful to dogs. Only offer unsweetened homemade juices.
• Use Dog-Safe Fruits & Veggies – Some produce should be avoided, like grapes, onions, garlic, and chocolate.
• Portion Control Matters – Only give small amounts, adjusting for your dog’s size. Too much can upset their stomach.
• May Still Cause Gas or Diarrhea – Sudden dietary changes can cause digestive issues for some dogs.
• Not a Replacement for Water – Juice should never replace access to fresh water.

As long as these precautions are followed, most healthy adult dogs can enjoy a few ounces of fresh juice on occasion without issues. Puppies, older dogs, and dogs with medical conditions may be more prone to adverse effects, so check with your vet.

Best Fruits & Veggies for Dog Juice

When making DIY dog juice, stick to produce that is safe and beneficial for canine health. Here are some of the top fruits and vegetables to consider juicing for your dog:

Fruits

• Apples – Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Remove seeds first.
• Blueberries – Low in sugar and high in antioxidants. Choose unsweetened.
• Cranberries – May help prevent urinary tract infections.
• Strawberries – Full of vitamin C and manganese.
• Bananas – A great source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6.

Vegetables

• Carrots – High in vitamin A and fiber. An antioxidant-rich choice.
• Broccoli – Packed with vitamins K, C, and folate.
• Spinach – Provides vitamin K, iron, and calcium. Choose mature leaves.
• Sweet Potatoes – A nutrition powerhouse with vitamin A and C.
• Green Beans – Low calorie, high fiber. Also contain vitamins C, K, folate.

When mixing up a juice blend, aim for at least 60% vegetables and no more than 40% fruits to limit sugar content. Some mild veggies like cucumber or celery can also be used as natural juice diluters.

Fruits & Veggies Dogs Can’t Eat

While many fruits and vegetables are perfectly safe for dogs, there are also some produce types that should be avoided or only given in very small amounts. Do not juice or feed your dog:

• Grapes or Raisins
• Onions
• Garlic
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and some nut butters)
• Macadamia Nuts
• Caffeine

Even dog-friendly fruits like apples should not include stems, leaves or seeds, which contain cyanide compounds that can be toxic at high levels. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit may cause an upset stomach if large amounts are ingested. Introduce cautiously in very small portions.

How Much Juice Can Dogs Drink?

When giving your dog fresh juice, moderation is key. As a general guideline, the American Kennel Club recommends the following juice portion sizes based on your dog’s weight:

Dog Weight	Max. Juice per Day
Small Breeds Under 25 lbs	1 to 2 tsp
Medium Breeds 25-50 lbs	2 to 4 tsp
Large Breeds Over 50 lbs	Up to 1/4 cup

Start by offering just a teaspoon initially to watch for any digestive upset. If your dog seems to tolerate juice well after a few days, you can slowly increase to the maximum daily amounts noted based on his size. Any sudden changes to your dog’s diet should be made gradually to give their system time to adjust.

How to Make Dog Juice

Making your own fresh juices for dogs at home gives you control over the ingredients. Here is a simple process to follow:

1. Pick dog-safe produce – Choose fruits and veggies from the list of recommended options for dogs.
2. Wash thoroughly – Scrub produce well to remove dirt, chemicals or microbes.
3. Remove skins, seeds, stems – Peel thick skins and take out toxic seeds or stems.
4. Chop ingredients – Cut produce into smaller pieces to fit through juicer.
5. Juice produce – Use a juicer machine to extract fresh juice.
6. Pour into a bowl – Let your dog lap up the juice.
7. Refrigerate extra – Store any leftover juice in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Make sure to wash all produce thoroughly and scrub any tough skins before juicing. You can peel ingredients like sweet potatoes or oranges if preferred. Removing stems, leaves and seeds from apples, strawberries or other fruit is also recommended.

3 Dog-Friendly Juice Recipes

Once you understand the basics, get creative with nutritious juice blends your dog will love! Here are a few healthy recipes to try:

Carrot Apple Dog Juice

• 3 medium carrots
• 1 apple, cored
• 1 inch fresh ginger root
• 1 cup water

This vibrant orange juice is packed with vitamin A from carrots and vitamin C from apples. Ginger adds a kick of flavor and aids digestion.

Green Boost Blend

• 1 cucumber
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 cup spinach
• 1/2 apple
• 1 kale leaf
• 1/2 lemon, peeled

Blend up this green veggie juice as an antioxidant and fiber boost. The lemon adds a tangy note!

Tropical Fruit & Veggie Juice

• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 cup mango chunks
• 1 large sweet potato
• 1/2 cup coconut water

Whip up this tropical juice for your pup – the veggies and coconut water balance out the natural sugars.

Potential Benefits of Juice for Dogs

When made properly using dog-safe ingredients, fresh juices can provide some excellent health perks for your canine companion, such as:

• Vitamins & Minerals – Juices provide nutrients like vitamins A, C, K, folate, manganese, potassium, iron and more.
• Antioxidants – Fruits and veggies contain antioxidants to support immune health and prevent disease.
• Hydration – The liquid content helps keep dogs hydrated.
• Fiber – Juices contain soluble and insoluble fiber to support digestion.
• Phytochemicals – Plant chemicals may have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and immune boosting effects.

Research also shows that some specific juices may provide medicinal benefits for dogs. For example:

• Cranberry juice can prevent urinary tract infections.
• Carrot juice may improve eye health and vision.
• Green juices can reduce allergies and boost immunity.

Talk to your veterinarian about whether juices may be beneficial for any specific health issues your dog faces.

Possible Drawbacks of Dog Juice

While juices can provide valuable nutrition, there are also some potential risks to consider:

• High in Natural Sugars – Too much fruit juice can spike blood sugar levels.
• May Cause Digestive Upset – Excess juice could lead to diarrhea or vomiting.
• Not a Whole Food – Juicing removes beneficial pulp and fiber.
• Risk of Contamination – Improper storage could allow mold or bacteria to grow.
• Choking Hazard – Dogs may gulp juices down too quickly.

To mitigate these risks, serve small amounts of unsweetened juice made from thoroughly washed produce. Monitor your dog for any signs of GI distress. Introduce new juices slowly and supervise drinking.

Who Should Not Drink Dog Juice?

While juice is safe for most healthy adult dogs, there are some cases where juice should be avoided or only given with caution after consulting your veterinarian. Do not give juice to:

• Puppies under 12 months old
• Senior dogs with age-related conditions
• Dogs with diabetes or blood sugar problems
• Dogs with gastrointestinal conditions
• Dogs who have shown food allergies or sensitivities
• Dogs taking certain medications that interact with produce

If your dog falls into any of these categories, check with your vet before introducing juice. They can help you determine potential benefits vs risks in your individual dog’s case.

Type of Dog	Caution Needed?
Healthy Adult Dogs	No
Puppies	Yes
Senior Dogs	Yes
Dogs with Medical Conditions	Yes
Dogs with Food Sensitivities	Yes

Signs of a Negative Reaction

While most dogs can tolerate moderate amounts of juice without issue, some may experience an adverse response. Signs of a negative reaction can include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive gas or abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Itchy skin, hives, or swelling
• Trouble breathing

If you observe any of these symptoms after giving your dog juice, stop serving it immediately. Withhold all food for a few hours to give their stomach time to rest, then slowly reintroduce their normal diet. Contact your vet if symptoms are severe or persist beyond 24 hours.

Conclusion

With proper precautions, most healthy canines can enjoy small amounts of fresh, homemade fruit and vegetable juices as an occasional treat. Focus on dog-safe produce and avoid excess sugar. Introduce new juices gradually while watching for any digestive distress. Moderation and supervision are key when serving juices to dogs. Check with your vet before giving juice to puppies, seniors, or dogs with medical issues. With sensible guidelines in place, juice can be a fun way to provide your dog with supplemental nutrition from wholesome, natural ingredients.