UPDATED FOR 2026
Alcohol-Free Beer for Dogs: What It Is, What’s Safe and What’s Still Available
Yes, “beer for dogs” is actually a thing — but it is not beer in the normal sense. These products are usually alcohol-free, non-carbonated drinks made from broth, malt, herbs or dog-safe flavourings and packaged to look like beer.
I first wrote about this years ago after discovering a surprisingly large number of dog-themed drinks. Some of those brands are still around in 2026, some have disappeared, and at least one well-known producer has now stopped making its dog beer altogether.
Important: never give your dog normal beer, wine or any alcoholic drink. Alcohol can poison dogs, and hops can also be dangerous to them. If your dog has consumed alcohol, contact a vet promptly.
Reese, my red setter, looking considerably more at home in a bar than I expected when I first wrote this article.
What exactly is “beer for dogs”?
The name is mostly a bit of fun. Dog beer is generally a savoury pet drink designed to look like beer without containing the things that make human beer beer.
Depending on the product, the base may include:
- meat or bone broth
- non-fermented malt or barley
- dog-safe vegetables
- herbs
- water
- added flavourings
They are usually served in a bowl or poured over food as a topper. Think of them as novelty dog treats rather than a beverage your dog actually needs.
Is dog beer safe for dogs?
A purpose-made dog drink can be suitable as an occasional treat if the ingredients are appropriate for your dog and you follow the manufacturer’s serving guidance. But the phrase “alcohol-free” does not automatically mean “safe for dogs” if you’re talking about a human drink.
If your dog has a health condition, food allergy or sensitive stomach, it’s sensible to check with your vet before introducing any new treat.
UK OPTION • STILL LISTED IN 2026
Woof & Brew – Bottom Sniffer
Woof & Brew is the easiest UK name to recognise from the original article. Its brilliantly named Bottom Sniffer is still listed in 2026 as an alcohol-free, non-carbonated dog treat.
The current recipe includes non-fermented beer wort, natural chicken flavouring and herbs such as bladderwrack, burdock, dandelion, flax, nettle and rooibos. It can be served as a drink or poured over food.
Woof & Brew also still lists its dog “wine” products and gift packs, although availability appears to fluctuate and several items have been showing as sold out.
View Bottom Sniffer →
US DOG-BEER BRAND
Good Boy Dog Beer
Good Boy Dog Beer came out of Texas and became one of the better-known US examples of the trend. The company created dog drinks using broth, meat, herbs and other pet-friendly ingredients rather than alcohol.
Products have included names such as IPA Lot in the Yard, Crotch Sniffin’ Ale and Mailman Malt Licker. The joke is beer-themed, but the drinks themselves are built as pet treats.
If you find Good Boy stocked locally, check the current ingredient list and serving information before buying, as formulas and availability can change over time.
Visit Good Boy Dog Beer →
BIG-BRAND NOVELTY
Busch Dog Brew
Busch caused a bit of a stir when it launched Dog Brew in the US. Despite the branding, this was not beer for dogs in the normal sense.
The product was built around broth, vegetables, herbs and spices rather than alcohol or hops. It was essentially a savoury dog drink in a beer-style can.
Availability has changed over the years, so I would treat this more as an example of how mainstream the dog-beer idea became rather than assume it is sitting on every shelf in 2026.
What happened to Bowser Beer?
Bowser Beer was one of the original names in this niche and featured in my old article. The company started in 2007 and produced meat-based, alcohol-free drinks for dogs.
However, Bowser Beer has now stopped producing its dog beer. The company says supply-chain pressures led it to discontinue production and pivot towards its doggie cigar treats instead.
So if you see old “best dog beer” lists still recommending Bowser Beer as an active product, they are out of date.
What about Beer Paws and the other older brands?
The original version of this article also featured Beer Paws and several other US brands. This is where I would be more cautious in 2026.
Beer Paws was known for dog beverages made with ingredients such as beef base, malt extract and glucosamine. There are still old retailer and review references online, but its current product status is much less clear than it once was.
Rather than padding this article with brands that may no longer be easy to buy, I’d now focus on products with clear current availability and treat the older names as part of the history of the category.
Do dogs actually need special drinks?
No. Fresh water is what dogs need for hydration. Dog beer is a novelty treat — useful for birthdays, gifts, pub outings or simply because the packaging makes owners smile.
If your dog enjoys broth-style treats, a dog-specific product can be a fun option. Just keep portions sensible and remember that treats are extras, not part of the core diet.
Looking for alcohol-free beer for humans?
Fair enough. That’s rather more MyDryBar’s usual territory.
See the Best Alcohol-Free Beers →Dog beer FAQs
Can dogs drink normal beer?
No. Dogs should not be given beer or any other alcoholic drink. Alcohol can cause poisoning, and hops can also be dangerous to dogs.
What is dog beer made from?
It varies by brand, but common ingredients include broth, malt, water, herbs, vegetables and dog-safe flavourings. Proper dog beer should contain no alcohol.
Is alcohol-free human beer safe for dogs?
I would not use human alcohol-free beer as a dog treat. Even if the alcohol level is very low or zero, it may contain ingredients that were never formulated with dogs in mind. Use a purpose-made dog product instead.
Can dog beer replace water?
No. Dogs should always have access to fresh water. Dog beer is an occasional treat or food topper.
Is Woof & Brew Bottom Sniffer still available?
Woof & Brew still lists Bottom Sniffer in 2026, although stock availability appears to vary and several packs have recently shown as sold out.
Is Bowser Beer still made?
No. Bowser Beer says it has stopped producing its dog beer and is now focusing on other dog treats.
What should I do if my dog drinks real beer?
Contact your vet promptly and tell them what your dog drank, how much you think was consumed and your dog’s approximate weight. Do not try to induce vomiting unless a vet specifically tells you to.
MyDryBar verdict
Dog beer is still one of the stranger corners of the alcohol-free world, but I can see why it exists. It’s basically clever packaging wrapped around a dog treat, and when the ingredients are suitable it can be a bit of fun.
The main thing is not to confuse novelty dog drinks with actual beer. Your dog does not need to join you in drinking alcohol — no matter how convincing the sad eyes are.
For UK buyers, Woof & Brew remains the most obvious name from the original article. In the US, Good Boy Dog Beer remains one of the best-known examples, while Bowser Beer should now be considered a discontinued product.