It’s no secret that dogs love food. They’ll pretty much eat anything you put in front of them, including your favorite shoes and that expensive steak you were saving for a special occasion.
So it’s no wonder that you might be asking if it’s okay to share your yogurt with your furry friend. After all, yogurt is healthy for humans, so it must be good for dogs, right? So let’s take a closer look.
The good news is that, yes, dogs can safely eat some types of yogurt. However, choosing the right kind of this treat for your dog is important. Dog-friendly yogurts usually contain live and active cultures, which are beneficial for your dog’s digestive system.
However, some yogurts also contain too much fat, sugar or sweeteners, which can be harmful to your dog. So, make sure to read the label before giving your dog any yogurt.
What is Yogurt?
Yogurt is a dairy product that is made by fermenting milk with bacteria. It is typically made from cow’s milk but can also be made from other types of milk, such as goat or sheep’s milk. It contains many beneficial nutrients, including protein, calcium, and probiotics, which are live and active cultures that help support digestive health in humans and dogs alike.
So overall, yes, your dog can safely eat this snack as long as you choose the right type for them. Just make sure to read the label carefully to check for any ingredients that may be harmful to dogs, such as sugar or sweeteners. With this information in mind, you can feel confident sharing some tasty yogurt with your beloved pup!
The Different Types of Yogurt and Which One is Best for Your Dog
Most people know that yogurt is good for you, but did you know that it’s also good for your dog? It is an excellent source of calcium and protein, and it can also help settle your dog’s stomach.
But with so many different types of yogurt on the market, which one should you choose for your furry friend? Let’s take a look at the different types of this healthy treat and see which one is best for your dog.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is made by straining regular yogurt to remove whey and lactose. This type of yogurt is higher in protein than regular yogurt and has a thicker, creamier consistency.
When dogs eat Greek yogurt they reduce their chances of being allergic to milk or lactose intolerance. Be sure to choose the plain version without any added sugars and do not let your dogs eat flavored yogurts.
Plain Yogurt
Plain yogurt is regular yogurt that has not been strained. It has a thinner consistency than Greek yogurt and is lower in protein.
Plain yogurt is a good choice for dogs who are not sensitive to lactose or milk. As with Greek yogurt, be sure to choose plain yogurt without any added sugars or artificial flavorings.
Kefir
Kefir is a fermented milk drink that contains live cultures (good bacteria) that can help improve digestion. Kefir can be made from cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or coconut milk.
Kefir is a good choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or prone to gastrointestinal problems. Be sure to choose plain kefir without any added sugars or flavors.
Yogurt can be a healthy treat for your dog, but it’s important to choose the right type. Plain yogurt, plain Greek yogurt, and kefir are all safe for dogs, but each type has different benefits.
Be sure to choose the plain kind without any added sugars or flavors so that your dog can enjoy the health benefits without the risk of obesity or tooth decay.
Health Benefits of Yogurt for Dogs
Did you know that yogurt is not just a healthy treat for humans but for dogs as well? In fact, there are many health benefits of yogurt for dogs. Here are just a few:
Provides Probiotics
Yogurt contains probiotics, which are live organisms that help keep the digestive tract healthy which will be good for your dog’s immune system. A probiotic supplement can also help relieve stomach upset and diarrhea in dogs. When choosing a yogurt for your dog, make sure it says “live and active cultures” on the label.
Provides Protein
Protein is an integral part of a dog’s diet, and yogurt is a good source of protein. Protein helps maintain muscle mass, aids in repair and recovery from exercise, and helps to keep the coat healthy. When choosing to let your dog eat yogurt, look for one that is low in sugar and fat and high in protein.
Prevents Yeast Overgrowth
Yeast is a type of fungus that is present in small amounts in the body. However, an overgrowth of yeast can lead to skin problems such as itchiness, redness, and hair loss. Yogurt can help to control yeast infections because it contains an enzyme that breaks down yeast.
When choosing a yogurt for your dog, make sure it says “contains lactase” on the label. This means that the product has been treated to break down the lactose, which is a sugar found in milk that can contribute to yeast infections.
Tooth Decay Prevention
The lactic acid in yogurt can help to prevent tooth decay by keeping the pH levels in the mouth balanced. The calcium in yogurt can also help to strengthen teeth and bones. When choosing a yogurt for your dog, look for one that is low in sugar and fat and high in calcium.
Also, choose yogurt with live cultures in the ingredient list so that your dog can enjoy the many health benefits of this tasty treat. Whether you choose Greek, plain, or kefir yogurt, your dog will love being spoiled with a healthy treat!
5 Ingredients in Yogurt to Avoid Feeding Your Pup
Giving your dog yogurt can be a great way to add some extra protein and calcium to their diet. However, not all yogurts are created equal. In fact, there are some ingredients that you’ll want to avoid when buying yogurt for your four-legged friend.
Here are five of the most common offenders.
1) Sugar
Just like with people, too much sugar can wreak havoc on a dog’s system. Not only can it lead to weight gain and tooth decay, but it can also cause diabetes and other serious health problems. So if you’re going to give your dog this healthy treat, make sure it’s plain and unsweetened.
2) Artificial Sweeteners
You might think that artificial sweeteners would be a safer option than sugar, but that’s not necessarily the case. For example, xylitol, an artificial sweetener, is toxic to dogs and can cause low blood sugar, liver damage, and even death.
So, even if the yogurt you’re giving your dog is sugar-free, it’s essential to check the label for there type of sweeteners before giving it to them.
3) Added Fruits
While fruit is a perfectly healthy snack for people, it’s not necessarily the best choice for dogs. Some fruits, like grapes and raisins, can actually be toxic to dogs and cause kidney failure.
And even if the fruit in question isn’t dangerous, it’s important to remember that dogs don’t process sugars as well as we do. So too much fruit could give your dog an upset stomach or worse. So, when in doubt, leave the fruit out.
4) High Fats
Fat is an essential part of a dog’s diet, but too much of a good thing can be problematic. Excess fat can lead to obesity and other health problems down the road.
Therefore, it’s best to choose a low-fat or nonfat yogurt when feeding it to your pup. Otherwise, you might end up doing more harm than good.
5) Propylene Glycol
This ingredient is often added to yogurts as a thickening agent—but it’s also used in anti-freeze and has been linked to Heinz body anemia in dogs. Therefore, it’s best to avoid yogurts that contain propylene glycol altogether.
When searching for the perfect yogurt for your pup, be sure to avoid any that contain sugar, artificial sweeteners, added fruits, high fats, or propylene glycol. Stick with plain yogurts that are low in fat or fat-free instead—your dog will thank you!
How Much Yogurt is Safe for Your Fur Baby?
As a pet owner, you probably want to do everything possible to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. And one simple way to do that is by incorporating yogurt into their diet. But before you start feeding Fido spoonfuls of yogurt, it’s important to know how much is safe for them to consume.
For small-size dogs, one teaspoon per day is generally safe. For medium size dogs, two teaspoons per day are usually fine. And for large-size dogs, three teaspoons per day should be sufficient. However, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian first to see if they have any specific recommendations for your dog.
Yogurt is packed with protein, calcium, and probiotics, all of which can be beneficial for your dog’s health. So if you’re looking for a healthy treat to give your pup, this product is a great option. Just make sure you don’t overdo it!
Bottom Line
Overall, feeding your dog a small amount of plain, unsweetened yogurt as part of their diet is generally safe and can provide some health benefits. Just be sure to speak with your veterinarian first to make sure that yogurt is appropriate for your dog and to get guidance on how much to feed them each day. And when in doubt, always err on the side of caution!
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*photo by maria.uspen – depositphotos
