Human Yogurt for Dogs: The Pros and Cons

 

Can dogs eat yogurt? Is it good or bad for them? Find out the benefits and risks of feeding your canine companion this popular dairy product.

Yogurt is a delicious and nutritious snack for humans, but can dogs eat yogurt too? Is it safe or harmful for them? 

What brand of yogurt is good for dogs? How much yogurt can dogs have? 

These are some of the questions that many dog owners may have when they want to share their favorite treat with their furry friends.

In this article, we will answer these questions and more, based on scientific research and expert opinions. 

We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right yogurt for your dog, and how to introduce it to their diet gradually and safely.

But before we dive into the details, let’s address the main question: can dogs eat yogurt?

Can Dogs Eat Yogurt?

The short answer is yes, dogs can eat yogurt, but not all yogurts are created equal. 

Some yogurts may be beneficial for your dog’s health, while others may be harmful or even toxic.

Yogurt is a dairy product made by fermenting milk with live cultures of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. 

However, not all yogurts are suitable for dogs. Some yogurts may contain ingredients that are harmful or toxic for your dog, such as:

Added sugars

Some yogurts may have added sugars to enhance their flavor or sweetness. 

Added sugars are not healthy for dogs or humans, as they can contribute to obesity, diabetes, dental problems, and other health issues. 

Added sugars may be listed as sucrose, glucose, fructose, corn syrup, honey, molasses, or other names on the label. 

Avoid any yogurt that has added sugars or high sugar content.

Flavors

Some yogurts may have added flavors to make them more appealing or varied. 

Flavors may be natural or artificial, and may include fruits, nuts, chocolate, vanilla, coffee, or other ingredients. 

While some flavors may be harmless for dogs, others may be toxic or allergenic. For example,

·         Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine,

·         which are both poisonous for dogs.

·         Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs.

·         Macadamia nuts can cause weakness,

·         tremors,

·         vomiting,

·         and hyperthermia in dogs.

·         Coffee can cause nervousness,

·         agitation,

·         heart problems,

·         and seizures in dogs.

Avoid any yogurt that has added flavors or ingredients that are toxic or allergenic for your dog.

·         Fat: Some yogurts may have high fat content,

·         which can cause stomach upset,

·         diarrhea,

·         pancreatitis,

·         or obesity in dogs. Pancreatitis is a serious condition that causes inflammation of the pancreas,

·         which can lead to vomiting,

·         dehydration,

·         pain,

·         fever,

·         and even death in severe cases. Avoid any yogurt that has high fat content or is labeled as full-fat,

·         whole milk,

·         cream,

·         or cheese.

So what kind of yogurt can dogs eat? The best yogurt for dogs is plain,

·         unflavored,

·         unsweetened,

·         low-fat,

·         and preferably Greek-style yogurt. Greek-style yogurt has less lactose than regular yogurt,

·         which makes it easier for dogs to digest. It also has more protein than regular yogurt,

·         which is good for your dog’s muscles and bones.

How Much Yogurt Can Dogs Have?

Even if you choose the right yogurt for your dog,

·         you should still be careful about how much you give them. Yogurt should be given as an occasional treat,

·         not as a regular part of your dog’s diet. Too much yogurt can cause digestive problems,

·         such as gas,

·         bloating,

·         diarrhea,

·         or constipation. It can also interfere with the absorption of other nutrients in your dog’s food,

·         such as iron or zinc.

The amount of yogurt you can give your dog depends on several factors,

·         such as their size,

·         weight,

·         age,

·         activity level,

·         and health condition. As a general rule of thumb,

·         you can give your dog about one teaspoon of yogurt per 10 pounds of body weight per day. For example,

o    A 10-pound dog can have one teaspoon of yogurt per day.

o    A 20-pound dog can have two teaspoons of yogurt per day.

o    A 40-pound dog can have four teaspoons of yogurt per day.

o    A 60-pound dog can have six teaspoons of yogurt per day.

How to Introduce Yogurt to Your Dog’s Diet?

Start with a small amount, such as a quarter of a teaspoon, and see how your dog reacts. 

If they like it and don’t show any signs of discomfort or allergy, you can gradually increase the amount over time, until you reach the recommended dose for your dog.

You should also monitor your dog’s stool and behavior after giving them yogurt. 

If you notice any changes, such as loose stool, mucus, blood, straining, pain, itching, swelling, or hives, stop giving them yogurt and contact your veterinarian immediately. 

These could be signs of lactose intolerance, allergy, infection, or other problems.

You can give your dog yogurt in different ways, such as:

·         Mixing it with their regular food

·         Adding it to homemade treats or recipes

·         Freezing it in ice cube trays or molds

·         Spooning it directly into their mouth

What Brand of Yogurt is Good for Dogs?

There are many brands of yogurt available in the market, but not all of them are good for dogs. 

Some brands may have better quality and ingredients than others. When choosing a brand of yogurt for your dog, look for the following features:

·         Plain: The yogurt should be plain,

·         unflavored,

·         unsweetened,

·         and without any additives or preservatives.

·         Low-fat: The yogurt should be low-fat or fat-free,

·         to avoid excess calories and fat-related problems.

·         Greek-style: The yogurt should be Greek-style or strained,

·         to reduce the lactose content and increase the protein content.

·         Live cultures: The yogurt should have live cultures of beneficial bacteria,

·         such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

·         Organic: The yogurt should be organic or made from organic milk,

·         to avoid hormones,

·         antibiotics,

·         pesticides,

·         or other chemicals.