Can dogs eat Greek yogurt every day

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

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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.

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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.

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.

Can Dogs Eat Greek Yogurt? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Dogs are known for wanting whatever their human has, and if you are a dog owner, you will know what we are referring to! No matter what is on your plate, your dog will be at your feet, with its big eyes and tail wagging, waiting for their share.

If this sounds like your dog and you have Greek yogurt in your bowl, you may wonder if you can let your dog lick your bowl clean once youre done. So, can dogs eat Greek yogurt?

Dogs can eat Greek yogurt in moderation as long as your dog is not lactose intolerant, and the yogurt is not sweetened with sugar or xylitol. In this article, well discuss the benefits of Greek yogurt and if you should add it to your dogs diet.

What Is Greek Yogurt?

Is Greek yogurt different from regular yogurt? They are very similar in that they are both fermented dairy products. When a dairy product is fermented, the lactose converts into lactic acid. Regular and Greek yogurt has the same ingredients but differs in taste and nutritional content.

Greek yogurt is created by straining off the whey and other liquids from conventional yogurt. It takes a lot more milk to make the same amount of regular yogurt because the straining process reduces the volume. Since most of the liquid has been removed, Greek yogurt is substantially thicker and more tart than conventional yogurt. Due to the need for more milk, it is also more expensive.

Can Dogs Eat Greek Yogurt?

Yes, dogs can eat Greek yogurt. However, there are some considerations to take into account. Dogs can eat Greek yogurt in moderation if they are not lactose intolerant. The yogurt shouldnt include any added sugar or flavors, especially xylitol. You need to consider all the ingredients before feeding yogurt to your dog and read the label beforehand because each product, especially new brands, will have different ingredients. Always stick to plain, unsweetened yogurt.

You shouldnt give yogurt to your dog if they have lactose intolerance because even a teaspoon could make them sick, causing vomiting and diarrhea.

It is also essential to consider artificial sweeteners and preservatives since some additives can be harmful, namely Xylitol. Xylitol is often used as a sugar alternative, but unfortunately, it is highly toxic to dogs, even a tiny amount. It can cause liver failure, low blood sugar, vomiting, and seizures. If your Greek yogurt contains xylitol, it is UNSAFE for your dog.

What Are the Benefits of Greek Yogurt?

While Greek yogurt can potentially cause some stomach trouble for your dog, it also has benefits too. Greek yogurt contains more concentrated amounts of probiotics than regular yogurt, which is extremely helpful to your dogs gut health.

Greek yogurt can add active cultures to support your dogs gut health and microbiome. Probiotics help fight off harmful bacteria and strengthen your dogs immune system. They also fight yeast infections which can help dogs that battle recurring yeast or skin infections. Greek yogurt is also beneficial for dogs on antibiotics, as it helps replace the good bacteria that the medication has killed. It is also high in protein and calcium.

Image Credit: praditkhorn somboonsa, Shutterstock

How to Feed Your Dog Greek Yogurt as Part of a Healthy Diet

Greek yogurt can affect some dogs tummies, so your dog should only have it as an occasional snack. You can determine if your dog is intolerant to dairy products by serving a tiny portion. Monitor your dog for any signs of diarrhea, vomiting, or tummy upset, and take note of the consistency of their stool. If your dog is not showing any of these signs, you can safely feed Greek yogurt as a treat.

A general guideline is 1 teaspoon for a small dog, 2 teaspoons for a medium dog, and 3 teaspoons for a large breed. You can also freeze Greek yogurt in ice trays and add them to interactive tray feeders.

Final Thoughts

Dogs can eat Greek yogurt, but like all human foods you share with dogs, it must be in moderation. However, before changing your pets diet, contact your veterinarian to ensure its okay. You can safely give Greek yogurt to your dog if they are not lactose intolerant and only if it is free from added sugars, flavors, and toxic xylitol. If your dog shows any signs of gastrointestinal discomfort, you should stop feeding Greek yogurt immediately.

Featured Image Credit: Varvara Serebrova, Shutterstock

Can Dogs Eat Greek Yogurt?

Published January 18, 2022 by DFG Staff

Since most dogs are lactose intolerant, you may be wondering whether dogs can eat Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is actually a good treat for dogs, when given in moderation. In fact, there are actually several health benefits that dogs receive from yogurt and its a creamy treat that they absolutely love! Heres why it is OK to give your dog or puppy Greek yogurt, and some tips on how much you may want your pet to have!

Health Benefits Of Greek Yogurt For Dogs

One of the biggest health benefits of Greek yogurt is its high calcium content which is an important nutrient for a healthy skeletal system. Greek yogurt is also rich in lactobacilus acidophilus, a bacteria or probiotic, that helps keep digestive tracts healthy by stopping the growth of harmful bacteria.

Yogurt can also help prevent a number of health conditions, including yeast infections, diarrhea, constipation, and painful bowel movements. Greek yogurt is also great for pregnant dogs because it contains folic acid and niacin. It can help enhance your dogs immune system, reduce cholesterol levels, and encourage gut and digestive health.

Dogs and Dairy Products

The main concern with giving dogs any type of yogurt is the fact that it is a dairy product, and most dogs are lactose intolerant. That being said, there are many nutrients in dairy products that are extremely beneficial for dogs, as long as the dairy products are given in moderation. For instance, dairy products are rich in calcium which is necessary for strong teeth and bones.

The best way to know if your dog is tolerant to Greek yogurt is to give them a small amount. If they dont show any signs of an upset stomach, it should be okay to give them Greke yogurt once in a while as a treat. Be sure to keep servings to just a couple of tablespoons at a time, and only give them this treat once a week or so.

Avoid Flavored Greek Yogurt

A lot of Greek yogurt is flavored, which means that it has a lot of additives. Sometimes, they even contain sugar, or even worse, artificial sweeteners, which as we all know, is seriously unhealthy for dogs. Whether you are giving your dog Greek yogurt or regular yogurt, the best option is always to make it a plain variety.

How Much Greek Yogurt Can Dogs Eat?

It is best to only give your dog small amounts of Greek yogurt once in a while as a treat. One of the best ways to serve it is to put a couple of teaspoons of the treat on top of their regular food.

You can also give them a spoonful each morning for breakfast when you are eating it yourself. Greek yogurt can be beneficial to dogs that are taking antibiotics when given a few hours after the medicine is taken.

Yes, Dogs Can Eat Greek Yogurt in Moderation

When it comes to dairy for dogs, one of the best options is plain Greek yogurt. It is loaded with nutrients that dogs need for their health, and it can be a healthy treat when given in moderation. If your dog does demonstrate symptoms of lactose intolerance after eating Greek yogurt, discontinue giving them the treat and contact your vet for additional health advice.