yogurt is a food obtained from the fermentation of milk, thanks to the multiplication of lactobacilli and streptococcus. It is a food with multiple nutritional benefits for humans, but is it also for our dogs?
Many people are looking for natural options when it comes to replacing the classic industrial treats or who want to enrich their dogs' diet with new and varied options. In these cases the same doubt always arises: "Is this food good for my dog?", "Can it harm him?".
In this article on our site we will explain if dogs can eat yogurt, the types of yogurt that exist, the recommended doses and some extra tips every homeowner should know, read on!
Is yogurt good for dogs?
Yoghurt is a food that originates in Central Asia and that for centuries has spread throughout the planet, becoming one of the most consumed foods in the world, thanks to its multiple properties. Just like us, dogs can eat yogurt, in addition, for them it is also a beneficial food that has a positive impact on their he alth.
However, we must emphasize that dogs should only eat yogurt without sugar and without lactose, otherwise, we can cause problems gastrointestinal problems in our dog, preventing it from benefiting from the properties it offers and its nutritional value.
Benefits of yogurt for dogs
Yogurt is a source of nutrients, such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, sodium and protein. It also contains several groups of vitamins B, C, and E. All these substances stimulate the growth and development of the dog, in addition to complementing its diet. Dogs also benefit from this food thanks to the lactic acid bacteria, found in probiotic yogurts.
The bacteria present in these yogurts help to improve the digestion process, strengthen the immune system and stimulate the production of white blood cells. For this reason, yogurt is an ideal food to supplement in cases of yeast, diarrhea, constipation and for the restoration of the intestinal flora, generally after treatment with antibiotics. Of course, although it is a very beneficial food, does not replace in any case the treatment prescribed by a veterinarian
For this reason, if you have doubts when offering yogurt to your dog, especially if we are talking about sensitive dogs with a tendency to food intolerance, you can ask your veterinarian about the option of offering probiotics to dogs, which contain benefits similar to those of yogurt. These foods, rich in microorganisms, help restore the intestinal bacterial flora, all without the presence of lactose.
What kind of yogurt can I give my dog?
Although yogurt is beneficial for dogs, it is important to pay attention to the specific type, because sweetened, sweetened or sweetened yogurts should be avoided(terms that refer to the presence of sugar in yogurt). In fact, sugars are part of the list of prohibited foods for dogs, since their body is not capable of metabolizing this type of food, being in some cases toxic. Also, the yogurt we choose for our dog should not be flavored , so you should avoid those that contain the labels "banana", "strawberry" or " chocolate", among others.
Which is the best yogurt for dogs?
Of all the types of yogurt on the market, we encourage you to offer Greek yogurt, without sugar or lactose. It is preferred as it is more digestible and contains more protein than others. You can also opt for those that are labeled "low fat".
How to give my dog yogurt?
Here are some ideas so you know how to add yogurt to your dog's diet, yes, remember to let it try beforehand in small doses, to gradually integrate it into your diet:
- Add yogurt as a condiment when making homemade recipes for your dog.
- Use yogurt to make tasty treats by spreading it on bits of natural food, like s alt-free cooked chicken or s alt-free baked dried liver.
- You can use it as a base when making ice cream recipes for dogs.
The frequency and dosages vary depending on the dog's age, size or he alth status. In general, we can offer this food between one and two times a week, with the aim of not abusing it, and we must always adapt the doses to the size of the dog. For example, in large dogs we can use a whole yogurt, but in small dogs we will only use two or three teaspoons. In any case, we recommend you consult your veterinarian in case of doubt.
What happens if I give my dog yogurt? Can it have side effects?
Yogurt, as long as it does not contain lactose, sugar or other substances that may be toxic, is not harmful to dogs. However, some dogs may have difficulty digesting it, especially if they are not used to it, all of which can cause some side effects, such as:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Intestinal problems
- Digestive problems
To find out if your dog is intolerant to yogurt, you should check your dog's stool, paying special attention to texture and color. If you notice abnormalities, he stops offering it and go to your veterinarian. Finally, note that yogurt can be given to puppies, but always in reduced amounts and as a complement to a nutritionally balanced diet.
