Can I give my dog yogurt as a probiotic

Can Dogs Eat Yogurt?

Can most dogs eat yogurt? Yes, but that doesnt necessarily mean that they should. While yogurt is not toxic to dogs, many canines might have trouble digesting it because it contains lactose. And plenty of pups have trouble with foods that contain lactose, such as milk.

Is Yogurt Good For Dogs?

Yogurt is high in calcium and protein. It also can act as a probiotic, which can be good for the digestive system. If you feed your dog yogurt, it should be plain and free of any added sweeteners, both natural and artificial. Added sugars are not healthy for dogs or humans, and some artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, are toxic for dogs.

Additionally, you should also look for yogurt that has lots of live cultures, such as plain, Greek-style yogurt. This yogurt is better because it has lower levels of lactose than regular yogurt.

Hazards of Feeding Dogs Yogurt

Again, although yogurt is not toxic,your dog might have trouble digesting it. Dogs bodies are not designed to digest lactose after puppyhood, and, therefore, a food high in lactose can cause gas, diarrhea, and vomiting. If your dog displays any of these reactions, be sure to check in with your veterinarian. As with all treats, feed your dog a small amount and see how they react.

As with any dairy product, dog owners also have to be concerned with the fat content. Any time you give a dog too much fat in their diet, they can suffer from stomach upset, or even pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness. As previously mentioned, always make sure the yogurt contains no xylitol.

Can Yogurt Benefit Dogs?

Do the probiotics in yogurt benefit a dogs digestive system the way they benefit a humans digestive system? While it is possible for a dog to get this benefit from yogurt, there are better sources of probiotics.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora is a probiotic supplement designed for dogs and cats, which is frequently recommended by veterinarians. FortiFlora provides the good bacteria that can help improve your dogs intestinal health, without the lactose that may be difficult to digest.

If you have any questions or concerns about what to feed your dog, consult your veterinarian.

Here at the AKC, we field many queries from anxious dog owners about what is and isnt safe for their canine companions to eat. Questions range from the obvious (Can dogs eat steak bones?) to the trendy (Can dogs eat quinoa?) Check out more Can dogs eat articles on AKC.org to see what foods could be harmful to your dog, includingcherries,avocados, and onions.

Healthy Foods Checklist: Yogurt for Dogs

While most dog foods on the market dont contain yogurt, the yummy dairy product may provide some nutritional benefits for your dog as a meal additive.

Plain, low or non-fat yogurt provides probiotic benefits and serves as an excellent source of calcium for our canine companions. Adding a small spoonful of yogurt to your dogs regular kibble at mealtime can provide digestive benefits and even help your dog stay full longer.

If you decide to feed yogurt to your dog, make sure to read ingredient labels carefully. Avoid flavored yogurts that are packed with sugar, and never feed yogurt that contains the ingredient xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic for dogs. Its also important to avoid yogurt that is chocolate flavored, since chocolate is also poisonous to dogs.

Before making yogurt a regular part of your dogs diet, consult your veterinarian to ensure proper serving suggestions.

Some dogs have a harder time digesting dairy products, so keep an eye out for any signs of lactose intolerance. These may include diarrhea, gas, and vomiting. If your dog displays any of these symptoms following yogurt consumption, follow up with your veterinarian.

See Also

Can dogs eat yogurt?

Is yogurt safe for dogs?

Yes, yogurt is a safe, tasty treat for dogs. Adding some to your dogs kibble could be a way of incorporating a new flavor and texture without the added calories. Its also an easy way to introduce more water to your pets diet.

However, yogurt contains lactose that may trigger an adverse reaction in lactose-intolerant dogs. Some yogurt varieties also contain additives that may be harmful to dogs. Even with the health benefits that dogs can get from eating yogurt, certain precautions must still be observed to make sure that it can be safely shared with your canine buddy.

Why Yogurt is Good for Dogs

Yogurt contains substantial amounts of calcium, protein, zinc, and other nutrients. These are essential nutrients that play an important role in the growth and development of tissues and various physiological processes in the body.

Yogurt contains probiotics. These are beneficial microbes that promote and support the health and integrity of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Probiotics are a combination of live beneficial bacteria and/or yeasts that naturally live in the dog's gastrointestinal tract. A thriving population of good bacteria will discourage bad bacteria from overwhelming the GI tract and causing disease. Good bacteria can help improve intestinal health which is an important factor in maintaining a stronger immune system.

Also, beneficial bacteria can help break down lactose in the gut so its easier to digest.

While these benefits may be enjoyed by your dog by giving small amounts of yogurt occasionally, many vets still recommend a probiotic supplement that is specially formulated for dogs. The number of probiotics in yogurt is not enough to have significant benefits, health-wise, for dogs.

The Dangers of Feeding Your Dog Yogurt

Lactose in Yogurt

Yogurt comes in various flavors, including plain yogurt. While any of these types can be given to dogs, lactose-intolerant dogs have difficulty digesting yogurt, milk, and other dairy products because their bodies lack the enzyme lactase that can help convert lactose into simple sugars so it can be used in the body. Without an efficient way to digest and metabolize lactose, a lactose-intolerant dog may suffer from digestive upsets and exhibit symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive gassiness (flatulence).

If your pet is showing any of these symptoms after consuming some yogurt, you should call your vet.

Fat Content of Yogurt

Another important concern associated with yogurt is its fat content. Even if your dog is not lactose intolerant, regular consumption of yogurt can increase your pets risk for obesity. Too much fat in the diet can also lead to pancreatitis, which is a serious medical issue that is characterized by the inflammation of the pancreas and can be fatal.

Yogurt with Artificial Sweeteners

Some types of yogurt have an added artificial sweetener like xylitol, which is a sugar substitute. However, xylitol is toxic for dogs. Consumption can lead to liver failure because xylitol accumulates in the liver instead of being excreted from the body.

Any yogurt product containing artificial sweeteners or labeled low fat or low calorie should not be given to dogs.

Sugar in Yogurt

Many yogurt varieties contain high amounts of sugar which can wreak havoc on your dogs system. Even yogurt with fruit is not recommended for dogs because these frequently have added sugary syrups. Over time, too much sugar intake can increase a dogs risk of important health issues like diabetes, obesity, and dental problems.

Chocolate-Flavored Yogurt

Chocolate is toxic to dogs. Avoid giving even a small amount of chocolate-flavored yogurt to your dog.

You should make a habit of reading product labels to make sure that you are giving something to your pooch that is safe and healthy.

To protect your dog from adverse effects, always give yogurt in moderation. If its your dogs first time eating yogurt, start by offering a small amount of plain yogurt to see if he exhibits any reactions, including symptoms of lactose intolerance - diarrhea, vomiting, and gassiness.

If there are no problems, yogurt can be given in small amounts as an occasional treat. You can give yogurt directly or try mixing some into your dogs food.

What is the best type of yogurt for my dog?

When choosing yogurt for your dog always look for the following:

• Yogurt varieties that are plain and free of additives, including xylitol and fruits
• Non-fat or low-fat
• Naturally flavored
• Yogurt with active live cultures, such as Greek yogurt

How much yogurt can my dog eat?

Yogurt is not a basic dietary component for dogs. Like other human foods, its given as an occasional treat and that entails sticking to the 10% treat rule. This means that calories from treats should not exceed more than 10% of a dogs total calorie intake every day.

The appropriate serving size of yogurt for dogs is based on several factors which include the following:

• Size
• Weight
• Underlying medical conditions
• Activity level
• Spay or neuter status
• Daily calorie intake

Can dogs benefit from the probiotics in yogurt?

While probiotics in yogurt are good for dogs, the amount that youll be giving your dog on a daily basis (following the 10% rule) wont be enough for your pet to enjoy the many benefits of probiotics from active cultures. Its best to consult with your vet who can recommend a probiotic supplement that is specially formulated for dogs. Dogs can certainly benefit from the probiotics in yogurt, but there are more efficient ways to supplement your dogs diet.

Is Greek yogurt safe for dogs?

Yes, Greek yogurt is safe for dogs, as long as its free of xylitol and other additives. Its thicker texture may appeal to some dogs. Greek yogurt contains active live cultures of probiotics and has lower lactose levels compared to regular yogurt.

The process of making Greek yogurt is different from most yogurt varieties. It undergoes a straining process to remove most of the liquid, leaving behind a significantly higher protein level compared to plain yogurt.

Read more:

Can dogs eat tofu?

Need to speak with a veterinarian regarding your dogs diet or another condition?

Click here to schedule a video consult to speak to one of our vets. You can also download the FirstVet app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores.

The 5 Best Yogurts For Dogs | Yummy Probiotics For Your Pooch!

Searching for a new way to spoil Spot? Yogurt can serve as an excellent treat or food-topper for dogs, and it may even provide health benefits in some cases.

Well share everything you need to know about yogurt for dogs below along with some of our favorite options available to share with your four-footer.

• #1 Seven Stars Yogurt [Best Regular Yogurt for Dogs] Certified organic by the USDA and made without GMOs, this is the best all-around yogurt for most dogs.
• #2 365 Organic Greek Yogurt [Best Greek Yogurt for Dogs] An organic Greek yogurt fortified with five probiotic strains and made by a brand you trust.
• #3 Happy Belly Greek Yogurt [Most Affordable Yogurt for Dogs] Packed with protein and made with only grade-A skim milk, this is an excellent option for cost-conscious canine owners.

Is Yogurt Safe for Dogs?

In general, plain, unsweetened yogurt is one of the foods that you can share with your dog safely.

That said, not all yogurt is safe for your furry friend. So, here are a couple of key pointers to keep in mind before feeding Fido some of this delightful dairy delicacy:

• Keep it simple. Look for yogurt that is totally plain without added flavoring, sweeteners, or sugar. Its also a good idea to seek out yogurt that has lots of live cultures (aka beneficial bacteria or probiotics).
• Stay clear of toxins. Remember to steer clear of any ingredients that can be toxic to your dog. This includes but is not limited to grapes, nuts, chocolate, xylitol, and sugar.
• Dont use diet versions. Diet versions of yogurt sometimes contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Instead, focus on limiting your dogs plain, full yogurt intake according to your veterinarians recommendations.
• Monitor calories. Dont forget that yogurt and any other treats should count towards your canines daily caloric intake.
• Keep an eye on fat content. Youll want to keep an eye on the yogurts fat content as well, particularly if your pooch is overweight. Generally speaking, yogurt should be served in small quantities.
• Go for Greek. Greek yogurt has less lactose, so many dogs are able to digest it easier. Its also more nutritious and has thicker texture that many pooches prefer, so its a better buy overall.

Why Give Your Dog Yogurt, Anyway? Is Yogurt Nutritious For Dogs?

When consumed in reasonable amounts, yogurt can be nutritious for your pooch and even help alleviate digestive issues. Some of the health benefits yogurt provides dogs include:

• Supports digestion The probiotics found in yogurt can help support Spots healthy digestion.
• Good source of protein Yogurt is an excellent source of protein for helping your hound maintain his muscles and stay energized.
• Packed With Calcium Calcium helps your canine build strong bones and teeth. Thankfully, yogurt has plenty of this essential nutrient so you dont have to worry about dog calcium supplements.
• Control Cholesterol Levels Yogurt can help reduce cholesterol levels for dogs struggling with hyperlipidemia.
• Yummy Dont forget that yogurt is just a tasty treat! And ensuring that our dogs get the chance to enjoy some safe and nutritious foods from time to time is important.

While yogurt does have its benefits, it may not be the best fit for some dogs due to its dairy content; unfortunately, most dogs are lactose intolerant. That said, the bacteria contained in yogurt can actually allow some dogs to digest it more easily than some other dairy products.

Youll just have to see how your individual doggo handles it.

Bottom line: Yogurt may be a good occasional treat or meal topper for your pooch, but check with your vet before adding it to your dogs diet.Also, when you are introducing yogurt into your dogs diet, be sure to do so slowly and steadily.

The Five Best Yogurts for Dogs

Without further ado, here are five of the best yogurts for dogs.

While these arent the only options available, these yogurts are pooch-approved due to their minimal ingredient list, lack of added sweeteners, and abundance of active cultures. Just remember to stick to dog-safe recipes when picking a yogurt for your floof if you stray from our recommendations.

1. Seven Stars Yogurt

Best Regular Yogurt for Dogs

Seven Stars Yogurt

USDA-certified organic, low-fat, plain yogurt thats packed with plenty of probiotics.

About: If you cant find a suitable Greek yogurt option for your four-footer, this regular yogurt from Seven Stars Dairy is the next best thing. The organic yogurt is made with just whole milk and probiotics making a pure treat for your pooch.

Features:

• Organic, non-GMO yogurt option
• Yogurt comes in a generous 2-pound container
• Plain yogurt has 8 grams of protein per serving
• Added probiotics and active cultures help support doggie digestion

Pros

• Users were impressed with the consistent quality of this yogurt
• Contains added probiotics

Cons

• This yogurt naturally produces a collection of cream, or a cream line towards the top of the product. While this can be mixed in to adjust consistency, some dogs may prefer a different texture.

2. 365 Organic Greek Yogurt

Best Greek Yogurt for Dogs

365 Organic Greek Yogurt

Plain, affordably priced, organic Greek yogurt featuring five live probiotic cultures.

About: This organic Greek yogurt from 365 by Whole Foods is an excellent, plain yogurt option at an affordable price. With 16 grams of protein and no fat, this is a nutritious option that is sure to get your pups tail wagging.

Features:

• 2 pounds of organic, Greek yogurt derived from nonfat milk
• Features five different active and live cultures
• 16 grams of protein per serving
• Affordable price point for pure, Greek yogurt

Pros

• Customers loved the consistent quality and texture of this yogurt
• Organic yogurt features five active cultures

Cons

• This yogurt had very few critical reviews, though it may have a thinner texture than other Greek yogurt options since its derived from non-fat milk, which some pups may not enjoy as much

3. Chobani Non-Fat Greek Yogurt

Best Low-Fat Yogurt for Dogs

Chobani Non-Fat Greek Yogurt

Non-GMO, low-fat Greek yogurt with 19 grams of protein per serving.

About: While its important to stay away from diet or light versions of yogurt since they may contain artificial sweeteners toxic to dogs, a low-fat yogurt can be ideal for pups with weight concerns. This low-fat yogurt from Chobani is perfect for pups looking to pack in some protein without the excess fat.

Features:

• Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt
• 19 grams of protein per serving
• Processed from non-fat milk with added cultures
• Non-GMO yogurt with no added ingredients
• Large 2-pound container of yogurt

Pros

• Thick and creamy texture is great for pups
• Great Greek yogurt option for dogs with weight issues

Cons

• Some users found that this Greek yogurt was thinner than other Greek options, though this is to be somewhat expected, given that its a low-fat product.

4. Siggis Whole Milk Yogurt

Best Protein-Packed Yogurt for Dogs

Siggis Whole Milk Yogurt

Plain, whole milk yogurt loaded with 25 grams of protein per serving.

About: This yogurt from Siggis is made with whole milk giving it an ultra-thick, creamy texture. The yogurt is packed with 25 grams of protein per serving and five active probiotic cultures.

Features:

• Thick, whole milk yogurt has creamy consistency most pups love
• 25 grams of protein per serving
• Yogurt features five active cultures
• Non-GMO yogurt comes in large 1.5-pound container

Pros

• Whole milk yogurt has notably thicker texture which some dogs may prefer
• Yogurt is protein packed with 25 grams of protein per serving

Cons

• This yogurt comes with the a higher fat content than other yogurt options

5. Happy Belly Greek Yogurt

Most Affordable Yogurt for Dogs

Happy Belly Greek Yogurt

Protein-packed and affordable yogurt made from grade-A nonfat milk.

About: This affordable Greek yogurt from Happy Belly is super affordable and perfect for introducing yogurt into your dogs diet. The 5.3-ounce cups are made solely from grade-A nonfat milk.

Features:

• Small sized 5.3-ounce cups for convenience
• Made from a single ingredient (nonfat milk)
• Protein-packed affordable snack
• Compact container is easier to take on the go

Pros

• Compact container is great for testing whether or not this yogurt is a good fit for your pooch.
• Non-fat yogurt is derived from just milk and includes 15 grams of protein per serving

Cons

• There are no added active cultures to this yogurt.

How Much Yogurt Should I Give My Dog?

The ideal serving size for Spot depends heavily on his size, diet, underlying health issues, and activity level. Therefore, its best to consult your veterinarian to obtain a personalized recommendation for your pooch.

But generally speaking, yogurt shouldnt take up more than 5 to 10 percent of your dogs daily caloric intake (assuming your doggo doesnt get other tasty treats your pooch shouldnt get more than 10 percent of his daily calories from anything besides good ol dog food).

Because your pooch probably wont be consuming more than a tablespoon or two on a daily basis, there are a number of ways to incorporate yogurt into his diet. Here are a few ideas:

• Pupsicles You can freeze yogurt to create a fun frozen treat for your furry friend. You can also use yogurt to make DIY doggie ice cream to cool off your canine.
• Topper If your pooch isnt crazy about his dry food, you could add a small spoonful of plain, unsweetened yogurt to the top of his bowl to liven things up.Yogurt is a great bonus ingredient to mix with dry kibble to make your pups eats a little more exciting.
• In Pupcakes Yogurt is included in many dog cake pops, homemade dog cupcakes (aka pupcake), and other canine-friendly treats as a cake ingredient or a simple frosting for Fido.
• Sweetening The Deal If your dog doesnt enjoy taking his daily supplement or medication(s), disguising it within a spoonful of yogurt can entice him to gobble it down without issue.
• As A Treat You can also serve plain, unsweetened yogurt directly to your four-footer as a treat. You can also use it to fill a KONG, or put it on a lickimat for extra pooch enrichment.

***

Yogurt can serve as a delicious, nutritious treat for your furry friend. Just be sure to select a dog-safe formula and adhere to your veterinarians recommended feeding instructions.

Does your dog enjoy yogurt? Whats his favorite way to chow down on this tasty treat? Wed love to hear all about it in the comments below!

FAQs About Dogs Eating Yogurt

Can dogs eat yogurt?

Yes, dogs can eat yogurt. Many dogs have some kind of lactose intolerance though, so while a bit of yogurt can make a great snack for a dog, you wont want to go overboard and give your dog too much yogurt. When choosing a yogurt for dogs, choose plain yogurt without added flavoring, sweeteners, or sugar.

Can dogs eat greek yogurt?

Yes, dogs can eat greek yogurt. In fact, greek yogurt is the best yogurt for dogs to eat since it contains less lactose than non-greek yogurt.

Can dogs eat plan yogurt?

Yes, plain yogurt is the best option for dogs. You want to avoid any yogurt with added flavoring, sugar, or fake sweeteners. The plainer, the better! Also avoid fat-free or low-fat varieties, as these often have added sweeteners that can be toxic for dogs.

Can puppies have yogurt?

Yes, puppies can have yogurt, but only give them a small amount since most pups have trouble digesting lactose.