Can dogs have yogurt

Healthy Foods Checklist: Yogurt for Dogs

While most dog foods on the market dont contain yogurt, the yummy dairy product may provide some nutritional benefits for your dog as a meal additive.

Plain, low or non-fat yogurt provides probiotic benefits and serves as an excellent source of calcium for our canine companions. Adding a small spoonful of yogurt to your dogs regular kibble at mealtime can provide digestive benefits and even help your dog stay full longer.

If you decide to feed yogurt to your dog, make sure to read ingredient labels carefully. Avoid flavored yogurts that are packed with sugar, and never feed yogurt that contains the ingredient xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic for dogs. Its also important to avoid yogurt that is chocolate flavored, since chocolate is also poisonous to dogs.

Before making yogurt a regular part of your dogs diet, consult your veterinarian to ensure proper serving suggestions.

Some dogs have a harder time digesting dairy products, so keep an eye out for any signs of lactose intolerance. These may include diarrhea, gas, and vomiting. If your dog displays any of these symptoms following yogurt consumption, follow up with your veterinarian.

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Can dogs eat yogurt?

Is yogurt safe for dogs?

Yes, yogurt is a safe, tasty treat for dogs. Adding some to your dogs kibble could be a way of incorporating a new flavor and texture without the added calories. Its also an easy way to introduce more water to your pets diet.

However, yogurt contains lactose that may trigger an adverse reaction in lactose-intolerant dogs. Some yogurt varieties also contain additives that may be harmful to dogs. Even with the health benefits that dogs can get from eating yogurt, certain precautions must still be observed to make sure that it can be safely shared with your canine buddy.

Why Yogurt is Good for Dogs

Yogurt contains substantial amounts of calcium, protein, zinc, and other nutrients. These are essential nutrients that play an important role in the growth and development of tissues and various physiological processes in the body.

Yogurt contains probiotics. These are beneficial microbes that promote and support the health and integrity of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Probiotics are a combination of live beneficial bacteria and/or yeasts that naturally live in the dog's gastrointestinal tract. A thriving population of good bacteria will discourage bad bacteria from overwhelming the GI tract and causing disease. Good bacteria can help improve intestinal health which is an important factor in maintaining a stronger immune system.

Also, beneficial bacteria can help break down lactose in the gut so its easier to digest.

While these benefits may be enjoyed by your dog by giving small amounts of yogurt occasionally, many vets still recommend a probiotic supplement that is specially formulated for dogs. The number of probiotics in yogurt is not enough to have significant benefits, health-wise, for dogs.

The Dangers of Feeding Your Dog Yogurt

Lactose in Yogurt

Yogurt comes in various flavors, including plain yogurt. While any of these types can be given to dogs, lactose-intolerant dogs have difficulty digesting yogurt, milk, and other dairy products because their bodies lack the enzyme lactase that can help convert lactose into simple sugars so it can be used in the body. Without an efficient way to digest and metabolize lactose, a lactose-intolerant dog may suffer from digestive upsets and exhibit symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive gassiness (flatulence).

If your pet is showing any of these symptoms after consuming some yogurt, you should call your vet.

Fat Content of Yogurt

Another important concern associated with yogurt is its fat content. Even if your dog is not lactose intolerant, regular consumption of yogurt can increase your pets risk for obesity. Too much fat in the diet can also lead to pancreatitis, which is a serious medical issue that is characterized by the inflammation of the pancreas and can be fatal.

Yogurt with Artificial Sweeteners

Some types of yogurt have an added artificial sweetener like xylitol, which is a sugar substitute. However, xylitol is toxic for dogs. Consumption can lead to liver failure because xylitol accumulates in the liver instead of being excreted from the body.

Any yogurt product containing artificial sweeteners or labeled low fat or low calorie should not be given to dogs.

Sugar in Yogurt

Many yogurt varieties contain high amounts of sugar which can wreak havoc on your dogs system. Even yogurt with fruit is not recommended for dogs because these frequently have added sugary syrups. Over time, too much sugar intake can increase a dogs risk of important health issues like diabetes, obesity, and dental problems.

Chocolate-Flavored Yogurt

Chocolate is toxic to dogs. Avoid giving even a small amount of chocolate-flavored yogurt to your dog.

You should make a habit of reading product labels to make sure that you are giving something to your pooch that is safe and healthy.

To protect your dog from adverse effects, always give yogurt in moderation. If its your dogs first time eating yogurt, start by offering a small amount of plain yogurt to see if he exhibits any reactions, including symptoms of lactose intolerance - diarrhea, vomiting, and gassiness.

If there are no problems, yogurt can be given in small amounts as an occasional treat. You can give yogurt directly or try mixing some into your dogs food.

What is the best type of yogurt for my dog?

When choosing yogurt for your dog always look for the following:

• Yogurt varieties that are plain and free of additives, including xylitol and fruits
• Non-fat or low-fat
• Naturally flavored
• Yogurt with active live cultures, such as Greek yogurt

How much yogurt can my dog eat?

Yogurt is not a basic dietary component for dogs. Like other human foods, its given as an occasional treat and that entails sticking to the 10% treat rule. This means that calories from treats should not exceed more than 10% of a dogs total calorie intake every day.

The appropriate serving size of yogurt for dogs is based on several factors which include the following:

• Size
• Weight
• Underlying medical conditions
• Activity level
• Spay or neuter status
• Daily calorie intake

Can dogs benefit from the probiotics in yogurt?

While probiotics in yogurt are good for dogs, the amount that youll be giving your dog on a daily basis (following the 10% rule) wont be enough for your pet to enjoy the many benefits of probiotics from active cultures. Its best to consult with your vet who can recommend a probiotic supplement that is specially formulated for dogs. Dogs can certainly benefit from the probiotics in yogurt, but there are more efficient ways to supplement your dogs diet.

Is Greek yogurt safe for dogs?

Yes, Greek yogurt is safe for dogs, as long as its free of xylitol and other additives. Its thicker texture may appeal to some dogs. Greek yogurt contains active live cultures of probiotics and has lower lactose levels compared to regular yogurt.

The process of making Greek yogurt is different from most yogurt varieties. It undergoes a straining process to remove most of the liquid, leaving behind a significantly higher protein level compared to plain yogurt.

Read more:

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Can Dogs Eat Yogurt?

If your dog starts begging whenever you pull out some yogurt for breakfast, you might be wondering: Can dogs eat yogurt?

But before you let him lick the spoon, you should keep in mind that some dogs can get sick if they have yogurt, so you should be super careful about giving your dog a taste.

We spoke with Dr. Maureen K. Murithi, a veterinarian working with Pet Keen, and Dr. Michelle Burch, a veterinarian from Safe Hounds Pet Insurance, to find out why yogurt can be bad for dogs, how much you should give your dog and what types of yogurt are safe for your dog to eat.

Can dogs eat yogurt as part of their diet?

If your dogs not lactose intolerant, yogurt can be good for him in small quantities, since it actually has a ton of health benefits.

Yogurt is a rich source of protein as it contains casein and whey, Dr. Murithi told The Dodo. It is a source of calcium necessary for bone growth and body metabolic processes.

Yogurt also contains probiotic bacteria (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus) that can help improve your dogs immunity and gut health.

Probiotics help the small intestines and colon improve the epithelial barrier and prevent unwanted bacteria from entering the bloodstream, Dr. Michelle Burch, a veterinarian from Safe Hounds Pet Insurance, told The Dodo. Supplementation will also enhance the immune system found in the intestines.

Probiotics can also help if your dogs experiencing stomach issues. Probiotics will inhibit pathogenic bacteria from multiplying in the small intestines and colon, which can cause diarrhea or vomiting, Dr. Burch said.

Can yogurt be bad for dogs?

Since yogurt contains some lactose, yogurt can be bad for dogs who are lactose intolerant.

While yogurt has a low lactose concentration, as it is used during the fermentation process to form glucose and galactose, dogs can still react, Dr. Burch said. Dogs with severe lactose intolerance that ingest yogurt may develop vomiting, diarrhea, gas and belly pain.

When a dogs lactose intolerant, they lack the enzymes necessary to break down lactose, Dr. Murithi explained.

Even if your dogs not lactose intolerant, she still might have some stomach issues if she eats too much yogurt. If your dog overeats yogurt, there can be no adverse side effects, or it may experience gastrointestinal upset, Dr. Burch said. Symptoms of gastrointestinal upset include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and belly pain.

Dogs who are overweight probably shouldnt be fed yogurt, either. I recommend dogs who are overweight and need to lose excess weight should not be given yogurt, Dr. Burch said. Yogurt contains excessive calories.

Also, yogurt has a ton of fat, which can make your dog sick if he eats too much over time, especially if he has a history of pancreatitis. Yogurt also [has a] high fat content, which not only takes time to be broken down by the body, but can predispose dogs to ... illnesses such as pancreatitis, Dr. Murithi said.

How much yogurt can I give my dog?

Yogurt should only be fed as a treat to your dog.

I recommend keeping the amount of yogurt given in a day within the 10 percent treat rule, Dr. Burch said. Your dog should not consume more than 10 percent of their daily caloric needs in the form of treats, including raw fruits and vegetables.

Try these Fruitables strawberry yogurt flavor dog treats from Amazon for $5

However, if your dog is overweight or lactose intolerant, you should avoid giving your dog yogurt altogether.

If your pup does have a small bite of yogurt and has diarrhea, vomiting or excessive gas as a result, you should avoid giving him yogurt again. Dogs who previously have experienced gastrointestinal upset with other dairy products should not be fed yogurt, Dr. Burch said.

What kind of yogurt can dogs eat?

When choosing yogurt for your dog, make sure it's plain and free of both natural and artificial sweeteners, Dr. Murithi said. Most veterinarians advocate for plain yogurt.

Before giving your dog yogurt, check the ingredients on the label to make sure it doesnt contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener thats dangerous for dogs.

Some non-fat yogurts contain xylitol as a sweetener, Dr. Burch said. Xylitol is toxic to dogs [and] can ... result in low blood glucose and liver disease.

You may also opt to choose a yogurt that doesnt have any lactose in case your dog is sensitive.

Lactose-free yogurt is also safer, Dr. Murithi said.

Try Green Valley Organics lactose-free plain yogurt from Amazon for $5

Can dogs eat Greek yogurt?

Dogs can eat Greek yogurt as well, and its usually a better option than standard yogurt.

Plain Greek yogurt is preferable to normal plain yogurt, Dr. Murithi said. It contains more live cultures that help to increase the healthy bacteria in the gut, which helps digestion. This can be beneficial in dogs [on] antibiotics, especially for a long period of time, which kills the good bacteria in the gut. Probiotics also help to fight yeast infections in dogs with recurrent ear and skin infections.

And compared to regular yogurt, you might find that your dog likes Greek yogurt more because of its texture. Greek yogurt is also thicker, which dogs prefer, Dr. Murithi said.

The bottom line is that yogurt can be good for some dogs and bad for others, so the best thing you can do is start with tiny amounts and keep an eye on her reaction. If shes totally fine, youll probably be OK feeding her yogurt as a treat every once in a while. And you can finally share a bit of your breakfast!