Why Yogurt Is Good for Your Dog’s Gut Health?

 

Yogurt is a delicious and nutritious treat for your dog, but not all yogurts are created equal. Learn how to choose the best yogurt for your dog and how it can benefit their gut health.

Yogurt is a delicious and nutritious snack that many people enjoy, but did you know that it can also benefit your dog’s gut health? Yogurt contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help balance the digestive system and support the immune system. 

Yogurt can also help with diarrhea, constipation, and other digestive issues in dogs. But not all yogurts are created equal. 

You may wonder: what brand of yogurt is good for dogs? In this blog post, we will tell you how to choose the best yogurt for your furry friend, and how much to give them.

What Are Probiotics and Why Are They Good for Dogs?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that live in the gastrointestinal tract of animals and humans. 

They help with the digestion of food, fight off harmful pathogens, produce vitamins and nutrients, and strengthen the immune system.

Dogs have billions of probiotics in their gut, but sometimes they can get disrupted by factors such as stress, antibiotics, infections, parasites, or dietary changes. 

This can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea, gas, bloating, or allergies. It can also affect the overall health and well-being of your dog.

That’s why supplementing your dog’s diet with probiotics can be beneficial. Probiotics can help restore the balance of the gut microbiome and prevent or treat various digestive disorders. 

They can also improve the skin and coat condition, reduce inflammation, and enhance mood and behavior.

One of the easiest ways to provide your dog with probiotics is by feeding them yogurt. Yogurt is a fermented dairy product that contains live cultures of bacteria that are similar to those found in the canine gut. 

However, not all yogurts are suitable for dogs. You need to choose the right type and amount of yogurt for your dog.

How to Choose the Best Yogurt for Your Dog?

When shopping for yogurt for your dog, you need to pay attention to the following factors:

Ingredients

Look for plain, unsweetened yogurt that has no artificial sweeteners or additives. Some sweeteners, such as xylitol, can be toxic for dogs. Some additives, such as gelatin or starch, can reduce the amount of live cultures in the yogurt.

Fat content

Choose low-fat or non-fat yogurt for your dog to avoid excess calories and potential pancreatitis. If your dog is underweight or has high energy needs, you can opt for full-fat yogurt occasionally.

Live cultures

Look for yogurt that has live and active cultures on the label. This means that the yogurt contains viable probiotics that can benefit your dog’s gut health. 

Some common probiotic strains that are good for dogs are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium breve, Enterococcus faecium, and Bifidobacterium lactis.

Type

There are different types of yogurt available in the market, such as plain, Greek, flavored, or kefir. Plain yogurt is the most basic and versatile option for dogs. Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than plain yogurt and has more protein and less lactose. 

Flavored yogurt may have added sugars or fruits that can upset your dog’s stomach. Kefir is a fermented milk drink that has more probiotics than yogurt but also more calories and alcohol.

To help you compare different types of yogurt and their benefits for dogs, we’ve created this table:

Type	Calories	Protein	Fat	Sugar	Lactose	Probiotics	Benefits
Plain	61 kcal per 100 g	3.5 g per 100 g	3.3 g per 100 g	4.7 g per 100 g	5 g per 100 g	Yes	Low in calories and sugar; high in calcium; suitable for most dogs
Greek	97 kcal per 100 g	10 g per 100 g	5 g per 100 g	4 g per 100 g	4 g per 100 g	Yes	High in protein; low in lactose; good for active or underweight dogs
Flavored	95 kcal per 100 g	3 g per 100 g	1.5 g per 100 g	13 g per 100 g	5 g per 100 g	No	High in sugar; may contain artificial sweeteners or fruits; not recommended for dogs
Kefir	55 kcal per 100 g	3.4 g per 100 g	1.7 g per 100 g	4.7 g per 100 g	4 g per 100 g	Yes	High in probiotics; low in fat; may contain alcohol; not suitable for all dogs

How Much Yogurt Can You Give Your Dog?

The amount of yogurt you can give your dog depends on its size, weight, activity level, and health condition. As a general rule, you can start with one teaspoon of yogurt per 10 pounds of body weight per day. 

You can adjust the amount according to your dog’s response and tolerance.

You can also consult your veterinarian before adding yogurt to your dog’s diet, especially if your dog has any medical issues or allergies. 

Some dogs may be lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy products and may experience adverse reactions such as diarrhea, vomiting, or itching.

You can feed your dog yogurt as a treat, a snack, or a supplement to their regular food. 

You can also mix yogurt with other healthy ingredients, such as pumpkin, banana, peanut butter, or oatmeal, to make a tasty and nutritious smoothie or popsicle for your dog.