Dogs love food almost as much as they love us, but getting the green light on which snacks are safe can be tricky. While some foods are universally okay, others have risks depending on your dog’s breed, age, or other factors. Yogurt is a great human snack that dogs can enjoy in limited quantities. However, there are downsides to feeding it to your pooch. If you’re wondering if dogs can eat yogurt and its variations — yes! But there are some things you should know before giving Fido a serving of this sweet treat…
What Is Yogurt?
Yogurt is a cultured milk product that’s full of protein, calcium, and probiotics. There’s no set recipe to create yogurt, but most brands use milk, starter bacteria, and culture to set the milk into a semi-solid. The types of starter bacteria and the length of time it cultures are what differentiate one yogurt brand from another. There are many types of yogurt, including plain, fruit-flavored, non-fat, and low-calorie varieties.
Why Does My Dog Need Yogurt?
As we mentioned above, yogurt is full of protein and calcium, making it an excellent source of nutrients for your pooch. In fact, the calcium in yogurt is easily absorbed by dogs’ bodies — making it a great alternative to milk for strengthening bones and teeth. If your dog is lactose intolerant, yogurt is a great alternative that provides the same nutrients. However, it’s important to watch how much you feed your dog as yogurt has more sugar than milk.
Are There Benefits to Feeding Dogs Yogurt?
Yogurt is a healthy snack that provides your dog with protein and calcium, both of which are essential for their health. If your dog is lactose intolerant, yogurt can provide all the benefits of milk without the side effects.
Are There Any Risks to Feeding Dogs Yogurt?
Yogurt is a healthy treat, but it can cause problems if fed in large amounts. Dogs that are lactose intolerant can experience stomach pains and other digestive issues if they consume too much yogurt. Too much sugar can also cause health issues in dogs. Keep in mind that too much calcium can cause your dog’s bones to become brittle and break more easily.
Which Types of Yogurts are Safe for Dogs?
Most yogurts are safe for dogs, but you should check the ingredients before giving your dog a snack. Look for yogurts that contain no added sugar and are dairy-free. Avoid feeding your dog yogurt that contains artificial colors, preservatives, or other additives.
How Much Yogurt Can I Give My Dog?
The amount of yogurt that’s okay to feed your dog depends on their size and weight. You don’t want to overfeed your pooch, so make sure you’re not giving too much. There’s no hard and fast rule, but we suggest measuring your dog’s portion size. Keep in mind that if your dog has any digestive issues, you should check with a veterinarian before feeding yogurt.
Can Dogs Eat Greek Yogurt?
Yes, dogs can eat Greek yogurt, but you should check the ingredients and avoid any with artificial flavors or colors. If you’re feeding your dog a Greek yogurt treat, make sure it’s unsweetened. You don’t want to feed your pooch too much sugar, regardless of the source.
Can Dogs Eat Cheese-Flavored yogurt?
Unfortunately, dogs can’t eat cheese-flavored yogurt. The artificial flavorings used to create this snack are toxic to dogs. If your dog ingests cheese-flavored yogurt, they could experience nausea and vomiting. If they eat too much, they could experience difficulty breathing.
Can Dogs Eat Frozen yogurt?
While most frozen yogurts are safe for dogs to consume, you should check the label first. Check the sugar content and look for a label that says the yogurt is free of artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners.
Bottom line
Yogurt is a delicious snack that can benefit your dog’s health. However, you need to make sure the yogurt you’re feeding them is low in sugar and free of artificial ingredients. If you’re not sure how much is too much, or if your dog has any digestive issues, it’s best to check with a veterinarian before giving yogurt to your pooch.
