Yogurt is a food obtained from the fermentation of milk, due to the multiplication of lactobacilli and streptococci. It is a food that brings many nutritional benefits to humans. For those who live with dogs, the temptation to give them some yogurt is great, especially because of the canine insistence on eating everything. But is it convenient to consume yogurt in dogs?
Many people look for natural or healthier alternatives to reward their dogs than the classic snacks and find in this food a good option, as well as to enrich the canine diet thinking about mixing feed with yogurt. Therefore, it is important to clarify if it is really a healthy product for them. Find out if dogs can eat yogurt, the types they can drink and the benefits it brings them by reading this article.
Can dogs eat yogurt or not?
Like humans, dogs can eat yogurt because it is also beneficial to them, that is, it affects their health positively. However, dogs cannot eat any type of yogurt. It should be sugar-free and lactose-free. Otherwise, you could cause some gastrointestinal problems in your furry friend, preventing him from benefiting from the properties offered by the food and its nutritional value.
And it is that for more benefits that yogurt brings to the canine body, you should avoid giving sugary, sweetened or sweetened yogurts, since they are terms that refer to the presence of sugar in the food. Keep in mind that sugars are one of the prohibited ingredients for dogs, because their body does not have the ability to metabolize the foods that contain it, being toxic in some cases.
The yogurt you choose for your dog should not be of any flavor, so avoid those that contain labels of ‘banana’, ‘chocolate’ or ‘strawberry’, among others. Of the types on the market, we recommend giving you Greek yogurt without lactose or sugar. This Greek yogurt is preferable because it is more digestible, in addition to containing more protein than others. You can also opt for yogurts labeled as ‘low-fat’.
Benefits of yogurt for dogs
- It is a food rich in nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, protein, phosphorus and sodium. It also contains vitamins of group B, C and E. These substances stimulate the growth and development of the dog, in addition to complementing its diet.
- The lactic acid bacteria, present in probiotic yogurts, also report health benefits for your dog, as they contribute to improving the digestion process, strengthening the immune system and stimulating the production of white blood cells.
- Yogurt is an ideal food to supplement in certain yeast conditions, constipation, diarrhea and to restore the intestinal flora after a treatment with antibiotics.
- Despite being a very beneficial food for dogs, in no case should it replace the treatment prescribed by the veterinarian.
How much yogurt a dog can eat
The amount of yogurt your dog can eat, as well as the frequency of its consumption, varies depending on size, age and health status. Generally, you can offer this food between once and twice a week, always without abusing and adapting the doses to the size of your little furry.
In large dogs, you can give a whole yogurt, but in those of small breed you should provide the food in two or three small tablespoons. In any case, if you have doubts about oneHOWTO we recommend you consult your veterinarian about the exact amount your dog can take of yogurt.
How to give yogurt to my dog
- Give it to him to taste in small amounts so that the food gradually integrates into his diet.
- Add yogurt as a condiment when making homemade recipes for your dog.
- Use yogurt to prepare tasty treats. You can spread it on small pieces of a natural food, such as cooked chicken without salt, dehydrated liver baked (also without salt) and even in portions of fruit.
- You can use it as a basis in the preparation of ice cream recipes for dogs. Discover in this article How to make ice cream for dogs.
- Some dogs have difficulty digesting yogurt despite not containing lactose, sugars or other substances that may be toxic, especially if they are not used to consuming it. In this sense, it can cause side effects such as vomiting, flatulence, digestive problems, diarrhea or intestinal problems. In this case, avoid giving the food to your little furry and make the relevant consultations to a veterinarian.
Now that you know if dogs can eat yogurt, don’t miss these articles on Can dogs eat mushrooms? and can dogs eat strawberries?
If you want to read similar articles to Can dogs eat yogurt? we recommend that you enter our pet’s category.