Yes, your dog can safely consume yogurt. It might be one of their favorite things to have, after all, it’s so tasty!
However, there are still some things you should be aware of before treating your fur-baby with some. Read on to find out.
Can I Give My Dog Yogurt?
The best kind of yogurt to give your dog is the plain kind. Even better if it’s non-fat kind.
Make sure there are no added artificial preservatives and no sweeteners as well. Avoid yogurt with any flavoring, even if fruit-flavored.
Check the ingredients label to make sure the yogurt doesn't contain any Xylitol. As it is deathly toxic for dogs and ingesting even a small amount may lead to liver failure.
Also each kind of yogurt is different so be sure to check on a case by case basis. This is a great resource.
Is Yogurt Bad for Dogs?
Yogurt may be troublesome for your dog’s immune system as pasteurized dairy products put more stress on the immune system. They may have trouble digesting as their bodies are not designed to digest lactose.
Too much lactose in their diet may lead to gas, diarrhea, and vomiting. Dairy products are also high in fat content and too much fat can lead to stomach upset and pancreatitis in dogs.
If your pet shows any of these reactions take them immediately to your veterinarian.
Is Yogurt Good for Dogs?
The active cultures in yogurt provide many probiotic benefits for a dog just like it does in humans. However, there are better sources of probiotics for dogs like probiotic supplements.
Best Practices For Giving Yogurt To My Dog
You can start by giving your dog a very small amount of yogurt. If they don’t show any reactions, you can occasionally give small amounts to them as a treat.
Choose a yogurt with more live-culture like plain, Greek yogurt, to get more probiotic benefits from it.
Can Puppies Eat Yogurt?
Yes, you can give your puppy plain yogurt but it’s important to exercise constraint. Young puppies don’t require much yogurt. A teaspoon is plenty when given as an occasional treat.
Moreover, it’s important to consult your veterinarian before introducing new food you aren’t so sure about.
If you want to treat your dog with some yogurt, we recommend these products that have just the right amount of yogurt:
That’s our blog! Hope you found it helpful. If you have any queries please feel free to comment on your questions.
To find more information visit The Dog Bakery blog here.
