For us humans, yogurt is a tasty, light snack that is high in protein and probiotics. Your pet may give you those adorable puppy eyes as you serve yourself some Chobani.
Yogurt can be a healthy treat for dogs if you give them the right kind and amount, so sharing is safe. You should read the nutritional label carefully to ensure that the yogurt is safe to give to your dog because not all yogurt is made in the same way or with the same ingredients.
Yogurt is a dairy product rich in protein, probiotics, calcium, and potassium, all of which are good for our general health.
Even though we might wish that our dogs could eat the same as we do, they have entirely different dietary requirements. Where does yogurt fit into the diet of our canine friends, and how can we feed it to them so they can benefit from its health properties?
Dogs can consume non-fat plain yogurt in moderation, according to veterinarian Laura Robinson, who also serves as Pawp’s veterinary advisor. Yogurt in excess or of the wrong kind can have negative health effects. It can also cause some gastrointestinal (G. I. ) upset in certain dogs who may have sensitive stomachs. “.
Robinson adds, “Dogs do benefit from probiotics like people. If the yogurt contains live, active cultures, they can obtain probiotics from it. “.
Robinson claims there are more effective ways for dogs to obtain probiotics despite the fact that yogurt can be a good source for them. She recommends dog-specific probiotic products such as FortiFlora and Proviable.
Although yogurt is not toxic to dogs, there are a few things to consider before serving it to your canine companion.
The first being lactose issues. Dogs produce less lactase as they age, which can cause lactose intolerance. (If youre lactose intolerant, you know its no fun. ).
“Lactose in yogurt and dairy in general can cause G. I. vomiting and diarrhea in some dogs,” Robinson explains. “Dogs cannot digest lactose as easily as we can. “.
The type of yogurt you feed your dog is another important consideration. Some yogurts with the label “sugar-free” may actually contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is fatal to dogs. According to Robinson, xylitol “can result in seizures, vomiting, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and liver failure.” “.
Dogs cannot handle large amounts of fat because they are much more sensitive to it than people are, according to Robinson. Dogs who consume excessive fat may experience gastrointestinal issues like pancreatitis, diarrhea, and vomiting. She continues, saying that consuming too much yogurt can result in dangerously high calcium and magnesium levels, which can cause seizures. I. upset, and heart issues.
Give your dog a small amount of yogurt if you want to see if she can consume it without any issues.
What is the Best Kind of Yogurt for Dogs?
The best yogurt to give your dog is plain or non-fat plain without any sweeteners or preservatives, according to Purina Nutritionist Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS. Yogurts exist that dogs can eat and may even be healthy for them. You need to check the ingredients first, though.
Any yogurt that contains xylitol, a common sweetener in human foods and also known as birch sugar or birch sap, should never be consumed by dogs. Because it builds up in the liver tissue, even a tiny amount of yogurt sweetened with xylitol is toxic to dogs and may result in liver failure.
It’s also best to avoid yogurt that has fruit flavors or any other “mix-ins,” as these frequently contain syrups with added sugar and might also contain artificial sweeteners.
Also, dogs may have difficulty digesting the lactose in yogurt. After puppyhood, dogs’ ability to digest lactose usually decreases. Consuming excessive amounts of lactose can consequently cause gas, GI distress, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Where Can I Find Nutritional Information about Yogurt?
Depending on the type of yogurt you give your dog, you can give them a different amount. To determine the proper serving size, read the label and pay attention to the calorie and fat content.
You don’t want to overfeed your dog yogurt. Carbo-Johnson advises adding a tablespoon for an average-sized dog as a fun way to include new textures while consuming fewer calories.
Yes, as long as it’s xylitol-free, Greek yogurt is fantastic for dogs. Even your dog might prefer the texture of Greek yogurt. It’s thicker because the whey gets strained out. Other kinds of yogurt your dog can enjoy include:
Should Dog’s Eat Only Plain Yogurt?
Greek yogurt can be given to dogs, so you are not limited to plain yogurt. However, whether they are artificial or natural, if you plan to feed your dog yogurt, you must ensure that it is free of any additional sweeteners. So in that sense, the only yogurt you can give your dog is plain-tasting yogurt without any additional ingredients.
FAQ
How often can dogs eat yogurt?
In general, giving your dog one to two teaspoons of yogurt each day is a reasonable amount.
How much yogurt can I feed my dog per day?
As a general rule, we advise giving one spoonful, which is an appropriate serving size for a small dog. You can feed a medium dog two spoonfuls of Greek yogurt. Finally, three spoonfuls are thought to be sufficient for large dogs.
Can you give your dog too much yogurt?
Also, dogs may have difficulty digesting the lactose in yogurt. After puppyhood, dogs’ ability to digest lactose usually decreases. Consuming excessive amounts of lactose can consequently cause gas, GI distress, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Can a dog live on yogurt alone?
Even though plain yogurt is safe for dogs, some may have digestive issues because of the high lactose content. Similar to lactose intolerance in humans, a lactose intolerant dog who consumes lactose-rich foods is likely to experience diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and an upset stomach.