Yoghurt is a wholesome food that has been widely consumed by humans for hundreds of years. It is packed with minerals like protein and calcium, and it also contains probiotics that support digestive health. It is thought to have a variety of health advantages, including the prevention of conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease, a boost to the immune system, and help with weight management. But is it secure and beneficial for our animals?
In general, sharing yogurt with your dog or cat is safe as long as certain safeguards are taken. However, vets stress that just because something is safe doesn't imply it's optimal for every dog. Read this question regarding dogs' health.
What are the benefits of yogurt for dogs?
In general, sharing yogurt with your dog or cat is safe as long as certain safeguards are taken. However, vets stress that just because something is safe doesn't imply it's optimal for every dog. Read this question regarding dogs' health.
What are the benefits of yogurt for dogs?
Calcium and protein are abundant in yogurt. It can function as a probiotic as well, which is advantageous for the gut. Yogurt should be simple and devoid of any additional sweeteners, artificial or natural, if you serve it to your dog. Both dogs and humans should avoid added sugars, and certain artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, are hazardous to dogs.
The risks of giving yogurt to dogs
Although yoghurt is not harmful, it may be difficult for your dog to digest. After puberty, dogs' bodies are not built to process lactose; therefore, a food that contains lactose might result in flatulence, diarrhea, and vomiting. If your dog demonstrates any of these traits, make sure to take them to the vet. Feed your dog just a little and see whether they respond, as you should with any treat.
Dog owners should think about the fat content just like they would a dairy product. When a dog consumes too much fat, they may have stomach discomfort as well as pancreatitis, a severe and even fatal condition. Always check the yogurt to make sure it doesn't contain xylitol, as was previously stated.
Choosing the best yogurt for your dogs
If you plan to give your dog yogurt (and your veterinarian has given the go-ahead), make sure to only pick varieties that are pure and devoid of any additives, including either artificial or natural sweetness like xylitol, which can be quite harmful.
Always seek out yogurt with live, active cultures, like plain Greek-style yogurt. Due to its reduced lactose content compared to conventional yogurt, this yogurt is also more beneficial for your pet. Greek yogurt, which has had the whey drained out, offers a thicker texture that your dog could also appreciate.
Unfortunately, even a tiny amount of yogurt sweetened with xylitol is harmful to dogs and can cause fatally low blood sugar levels. Pet owners should thus never give their animals yogurt flavors that are flavored with fruits and other "mix-ins," as they frequently contain extra sugar that comes in the form of sweet syrups along with additional artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol.
The bottom line is that yogurt fits within the "ten percent" rule that is frequently employed by veterinarians, which states that treats like yogurt should not make up over ten percent of the total calories your dog eats each day. However, you should limit any "human" nourishment for your dog. As a result, your dog's size, weight, and any underlying medical conditions will all affect how much yogurt they can stomach. Generally speaking, adding a spoonful of plain yogurt (without xylitol) to your dog's food, if recommended by your veterinarian, will probably be a safe addition for your dog, who may appreciate a novel and stimulating texture to their diet.
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