Can Dogs Drink Mineral Water?
Quick Guide
Can dogs drink mineral water? The answer is YES, mineral water is completely safe for your dog.
It is a question you may be asking while out with your faithful hound, and the only liquid you brought along is your bottle of Perrier. He’s panting away, and you wonder if it’s safe to share or better to wait until you get home? Well, get used to sharing because your pup can drink almost any water you do.
Sparkling mineral, purified, even tap water is okay at times but not all water is created equal. There are seven common types of water. Some of them neither you or your pet should be drinking.
Types of Water
- Tap Water – You get this water from a sink, shower, bathtub, or outdoor faucet. It’s sometimes not recommended for drinking purposes, depending on where you live. It’s typically chemically treated according to local municipal regulations, which is why it may be unsafe to drink. People use it primarily for cleaning, bathing, cooking, and landscaping.
- Purified or Filtered aka (Regular Water) – The name pretty much says it all. This water has undergone a purifying process. All the bad stuff gets taken out like bacteria, metal, sediments (tiny solid particles), and basically anything that isn’t supposed to be H2O. Nothing is added to or left in this version, making it perfect for consumption. You can purchase bottled or set up a filter or purifier at home to clean up the tap water.
- Springwater – When rainwater is collected underground and breaks through to the surface, it’s called a spring. Springs are nature’s version of purified water. The underground pathways keep the liquid from being contaminated. It’s rich in healthy minerals from its trip through the earth.
- Well Water – Like spring water, well water is rain that gathers underground, but instead of finding its way to the surface, it creates an underground lake. People construct wells by digging a hole on top of these subterranean bodies of water. Unlike spring water which is running water and great for drinking water, well water can sometimes be unfit for consumption without further treatment.
- Distilled Water – It is also called demineralized water, which is exactly how it sounds. All salt and minerals are removed from the water by a process called distillation. This form of water is not meant for drinking because part of what makes water suitable for us is the natural minerals and electrolytes. It’s purer than even purified water, and in this pristine form, it can actually be harmful and begin to cause your body to lose much-needed minerals.
- Mineral Water – The opposite of distilled water, mineral water is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, chloride, and more. These restorative materials are what make it known as healthy drinking water. It is naturally occurring spring water, but the rules to be categorized as mineral water are strict. The minerals need to be the exact ones found in the spring of origin, and it has to consist of, at minimum, 250 parts dissolved minerals for every one million units of water. This is the only form of water allowed to be called “naturally carbonated,” but only if the original spring is bubbly. It typically has a somewhat salty taste compared to regular spring water, even though both contain minerals.
- Sparkling Water – When pressurized carbon dioxide is added to a liquid, it is carbonated. Sparkling water is water that has undergone this process of carbonation. It makes the fluid fizzy like soda but without the added sugars. As mentioned above, some water is naturally carbonated. They come from mineral springs that contain enough carbon dioxide to bubbly without artificial assistance.
With so many types of drinking water, you may be wondering if some are better for your dog than others. The short answer – yes, some types of water are definitely a better choice than others.
Is Mineral Water Healthier for Dogs than Regular Water?
Are you still asking, can dogs drink mineral water? While mineral water is good for dogs as well as humans, there really isn’t much of a difference in benefit between it and filtered tap water. There is a bit of difference to be had, though. Mainly, mineral water contains more minerals. Some of which are essential to your canine’s health, like potassium, sodium, and calcium. These are critical aspects of your pet’s nutrition and help maintain cellular functions like acid-base balance and nerve signal transmission, keeping a healthy immune system, and much more.
Choosing mineral water for your pup means he gets essential nutrients and stays hydrated. Depending on the contents of the water, your dog could see benefits in multiple areas of health, such as improving circulation, stronger muscles and bones, reduced blood pressure, and better digestion.
You won’t get that from filtered, purified, or even spring water. When regular water goes through processing, most of the goodies are removed along with the contaminants. Yet, at the end of the day, as long as your dog has a balanced diet, he’s likely getting the nutrients he needs from other sources.
Popular Brands of Sparkling Mineral Water
- San Pellegrino – A popular naturally sparkling mineral water. Its origins are in the Italian Alps. The naturally carbonated springs are located in Val Brembana in the San Pellegrino Terme area, at the foothills of the Italian Alps near Bergamo. It boasts of having a ‘terroir’ – not to be confused with terror – a French word meaning each place on earth has its signature taste.
- Perrier – It originates from rainfall in the Massif Central Mountains in the south of France. The spring is naturally carbonated. Yet the company collects the water and carbon dioxide separately. After the fluid is purified, they put the carbon dioxide back in at the same level it was in the original spring. It is the most well-known sparkling mineral water brand with its signature green glass bottle.
- Topo Chico – Another sparkling mineral water. This brand is from Cerro del Topo Chico in northern Mexico. It’s been around since 1895, making it a couple of centuries-old and the only company not based on a spring in Europe. It’s naturally carbonated, like all the others, but they do admit to adding a bit more carbonation during processing. It’s a favorite amongst those who want a more substantial bubbly effect.
Mineral Water vs. Sparkling Water: What’s the Difference?
The simple answer is one can be non-carbonated or naturally carbonated and contains beneficial nutrients, while the other is artificially carbonated regular water. Unfortunately, the simple answer doesn’t really give you a clear picture. So let’s break it down further:
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water is just as hydrating as regular water. There are no added sugars to weigh you or your pup down, and the fizzing can give a slight boost in energy. It’s also been said to ward off hunger and aid in digestion. Sadly, you’re unlikely to find minerals in regular sparkling water. In fact, it almost wholly lacks taste because of it, which is why many brands will add flavors or salt. It’s also not considered fancy or particularly healthy, so the price tag is significantly lower.
Mineral Water
Unlike regular sparkling water, mineral water sparkling or not has many health benefits. Sparkling mineral water, however, has not only the advantages of normal sparkling water but can also be a great source of many nutrients. It’s proven that mineral water can keep you happy, hydrated, and healthy.
There may be an issue of taste, though. Minerals affect the flavor of the water, especially things such as sodium (which makes it taste salty) and calcium. You’ll also need to keep in mind that mineral water is naturally sparkling, and the minerals that allow it to do that have a taste of their own. Many find the taste appealing, especially when compared to the lack thereof coming from its counterpart. Couple that with the health benefits, and it’s no wonder mineral water is a bit pricey.
Water Choice for Dogs
Every living thing on the planet needs water to survive. Humans and animals alike are made up of about 80% water. Quality water is necessary for survival. With that said, keeping your dog away from the unfiltered tap and well water is likely in everyone’s best interest. Don’t forget to steer clear of distilled water as well because it comes with a host of problems.
You can give sparkling water (both mineral and regular) to your pup, but we recommend exercising caution. Less is undoubtedly better in this case as too much carbonation can cause your dog some issues like bloating and stomach upset. All other types of water get a green light all the way.
Non-carbonated mineral water may be marginally better for your furry pal. Your pup can drink as much as his heart desires without any ill effects and with guaranteed health benefits. It may cost you more than the alternatives, though.
In the end, it all boils down to personal preferences, both yours and your pet’s. Try different water types until you find the one your pouch likes best and fits into your budget.
