Is kefir better than Greek yogurt for dogs
Kefir vs. Yogurt: Whats the Difference?
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Yogurt and kefir are both dairy products made from fermented milk. Kefir is a liquid milk beverage. It has an acidic, creamy taste. Yogurt is thick and almost always eaten with a spoon. It can be used as a base in smoothies or sauces. Plain yogurt usually has a tart taste, but you can buy it sweetened or flavored, sometimes with honey, vanilla, or fruit.
Kefir is made by combining milk or water with a gelatinous kefir starter culture of bacteria, milk proteins, and yeast. Kefir can be produced with any type of milk, including:
- full-fat animal milk
- low-fat animal milk
- soy
- coconut
- other dairy-free milk
Some kefir is made with coconut water.
Kefir is typically fermented for 14 to 18 hours at room temperature.
The process of making yogurt is similar to kefir, but its fermented for less time (two to four hours) and is often cultured under heat.
- protein
- calcium
- potassium
- phosphorous
They are also rich in vitamin A, and B vitamins like riboflavin, folate, biotin, and B12.
Kefir has slightly less sugar than yogurt, but it depends on which brand you buy. The biggest nutritional difference between the two is that kefir contains more probiotics than yogurt. While yogurt also contains some probiotics, kefir is more potent. If you are looking to improve digestion or gut health, kefir is the better choice.
Nutritional values for yogurt vs. kefir
Kefir is generally tolerated well by people who are lactose intolerant. Its thought that the enzymes in kefir may actually help break down the lactose. One
Some people who are lactose intolerant can digest probiotic-rich yogurt better than milk. Read more about dairy foods that are naturally low in lactose.
Kefir contains three times more probiotics than yogurt. It has around 12 live and active cultures and 15 to 20 billion colony-forming units (CFUs). Yogurt has one to five active cultures and six billion CFUs.
Probiotics may offer the following benefits:
- increased immune function
- improved digestion
- better absorption of food and nutrients
- infection prevention (by protecting against unwanted bacteria)
Not all types of yogurt you see at the grocery store will contain probiotics. Look for contains live cultures on the label for the most probiotic-rich choice. Read more about the benefits of probiotics and digestive health.
Most adults tolerate kefir and yogurt well. However, some people experience mild side effects from eating probiotic-rich foods like kefir. You might experience mild digestive problems including gas, bloating, or constipation, especially when first adding kefir to your diet. If youre still experiencing discomfort after a few days, talk to your doctor about what might be causing the problem.
Yogurt can be eaten on its own, but is also delicious topped with fruit, honey, and granola. It can also be used as an alternative to cream or mayonnaise in a variety of sweet and savory recipes.
Try out the following:
You can also try drinking kefir as a beverage on its own. If you dont like the sour taste, you can mix it into a smoothie. You can even substitute kefir for buttermilk in recipes.
If you want to get more creative, try these recipes:
Kefir is sold at some grocery stores and health food stores. Look for it in the dairy section near the yogurt. You can also order it online.
Kefir and yogurt can both be healthy additions to your daily diet. If youre looking for the healthiest option of either kefir or yogurt, always check the nutrition label. Choose a plain, non-flavored version without any added sugar or coloring.
Kefir for Dogs: A Canine Nutritionists Guide to Gut Health and More
With my work in canine nutrition over the years, I have to say I have become skeptical of a lot of natural and home remedies for dogs. I dont like adding anything to my dogs diets that doesnt have good research behind it. However, kefir is one of the few natural probiotics that actually add to my own dogs food because of the many proven benefits.
In this article, we delve into the various advantages of kefir, especially looking at kefirs role in canine gut health, allergies and even wound healing. We will explore the different types of kefir available and offer guidance on how to incorporate this nutritious food into your dogs diet safely. So, lets uncover the benefits of kefir for dogs, backed by professional insights and the latest studies in the field of canine nutrition.
So, Is Kefir Good For Dogs?
Yes, kefir is good for dogs. Its a probiotic-rich food that aids in digestion, supports gut health, is anti-inflammatory, and can boost the immune system. Its also helpful for improving skin and coat health, and may assist in preventing certain allergies and diarrhea. However, its important to know what kind of kefir to give your puppy and how much to give your dog safely.
Personally, I give my dogs a few homemade spoonfuls mixed in their dog food everyday. I have definitely noticed far fewer tummy troubles, shinier fur, and just general better health overall.
So, lets look at what this superfood is, what the benefits are according to scientific studies, which kind is right for your dog, how to make it, and how to incorporate it in your dogs diet.
What is Kefir?
Kefir is a fermented beverage that originates from the Caucasus Mountains, with a history that spans centuries. Traditionally made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, it is produced by adding kefir grains to the milk. These grains are not grains in the normal sense but are a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY) that ferment the milk, transforming it into kefir.
The fermentation process not only gives a unique, slightly tangy flavor to kefir but also generates a host of beneficial probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. These include vitamins B12 and D, calcium, magnesium, and various bioactive compounds. The final product is a slightly thickened, foamy drink that is similar to yogurt but with a thinner consistency. So lets look at the health benefits of this product, how to make kefir at home, and how to give your dog kefir.
Kefir For Canine Gut Health
About 70% of a dogs immune system is their gut. The gut lining is vital for keeping out pathogens and particles that your dog may be allergic to. Dr. Elizabeth Mondo and her colleagues explain the need for a healthy gut biome to keep dogs healthy.
When all the bacteria in a dogs tummy is balanced, it is called eubiosis. Its like having the right mix of people, each doing their own important job, keeping the city running smoothly.
But sometimes, this balance gets messed up thats dysbiosis. This is when:
- There is Less Variety of bacteria;
- The healthy Bacteria die off; and
- The Bad Bacteria Move In.
When this happens, it can lead to all sorts of problems like stomach issues, allergies, skin problems, obesity, and even mood changes. In fact, Dr. Amanda Blake even links bad gut health to atopic dermatitis and diabetes.
This is where our favorite fermented drink comes in. Its like sending in a team of super helpers into the city. Kefir is full healthy bacteria that help bring back the balance. Its like they help the good guys and kick out the bad guys in the intestines.
Scientists recently discovered something great about it. They gave dogs this fermented product for two weeks and found it really helped their stomach health. Heres what they found:
1. Good Bacteria Goes Up
Kefir adds more probiotics to your dogs stomach, which is great for their health.
2. Bad Bacteria Goes Down
There was also less of the bad bacteria. This means it is making the dogs gut a better place.
3. Overall Healthier Stomach
The study saw a healthy shift in the types of bacteria in the dogs stomachs. Even the bacteria that can cause trouble were less common.
4. Kefir is Safe for Dogs
The best part? Kefir didnt cause any problems for the dogs. Its both safe and good for them.
Why Kefir Works
This is is a big deal because it actually works in a dogs stomach. Heres why thats important:
Not All Probiotics Are the Same
Most probiotics for dogs arent tested or proven to work, and some lack live bacteria. This is one of the few products you can actually give your dog that really helps their gut.
Surviving the Stomach Trip
It also has strong bacteria that can survive in a dogs tough stomach environment. What many people overlook is that a dogs stomach simply is too acidic for most probiotics to survive.
Kefir vs. Yogurt For Dogs: Which is Better?
Contrary to popular belief, yogurt is not an effective probiotic for dogs for two reasons. Firstly, yogurt typically contains only about 50 million CFUs (colony forming units), which just isnt enough bacteria to colonize a dogs gut. Canine probiotics need 1-10 billion CFUs to be effective.
Plus, common yogurt bacteria like Streptococcus thermophilus and L. Bulgaricus do not survive in a dogs bile.
On the other hand, Kefir is a good probiotic choice because it has a lot of CFUs and the good bacteria it has can actually survive a dogs acidic gut.
Manages Dog Allergies
A strong gut helps dogs fight allergies like atopic dermatitis and food sensitivities. A strong gut lining, helped by good bacteria in foods like kefir, blocks harmful substances. The good bacteria make short-chain fatty acids that protect and strengthen the stomach lining.
Food allergies in dogs happen when their immune system wrongly identifies certain food components as threats.
This is because of a specific antibody known as Immunoglobulin E (IgE). When IgE connects with mast cells, it causes the release of substances that harm the dogs tissues. This is an allergic reaction and studies show that low doses of kefir actually lowers the amount of these cells.
Supports Kidney Health in Dogs
Kefir may also help dogs kidney health.
Dogs often have serious health issues like chronic kidney disease and renal dysfunction. These problems can get worse because of things like high blood pressure. The peptides in kefir, which come from fermented milk, have shown promising results in fighting these problems.
The study showed that kefir peptides (strings of amino acids or proteins) can lower inflammation and oxidative stress, which can harm the kidneys. By combating these elements, these peptides help protect against renal dysfunction.
They also improve kidney health by reducing protein levels in urine and enhancing filtration capacity.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of KPs could be instrumental in maintaining healthy kidney function in dogs.
Kefirs Role in Wound Healing in Dogs
Kefir now shows promise in another area: wound healing. New research has found that it can help treat wounds. Although we dont recommend this as the best way to treat dog wounds, its interesting to note that it has great antibacterial properties.
Choosing the Right Kefir for Your Dog and How Much to Give
Goat milk kefir stands out as an excellent choice for your dogs health. Heres why:
- Goats milk, compared to cows milk, is easier for dogs to digest. Its less likely to cause allergies as it has the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in the milk. In general, dogs cant digest lactose, so they should never get cow milk products. Goat milk is packed with good stuff like vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. We also look at whether or not water or coconut kefir is a good option below.
- It contains a special probiotic strain that does well in a dogs gut calledE. hirae.
- It is also rich in another probiotic called Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This strain in kefir fights bad bacteria, acts as an antioxidant, and helps with digestion.
A Warning About Pet Kefir Products
A recent study showed that kefir products for pets might not always be what they claim. They often overstate the amount of good bacteria and may have different bacteria than listed. Heres what you should know:
- Many pet kefir products exaggerate their bacteria content and dont list the correct types.
- Theres a lack of regulation these products, leading to these inaccuracies.
Human-Grade Kefir: A Safer Option
Because of these issues, you might want to consider human-grade kefir:
- Human products are under stricter rules, so its more likely to have the good bacteria it claims.
- These products are made for human consumption, so they generally meet higher standards.
Another option for your puppys diet is to make it yourself. Heres how.
Homemade Goats Milk Kefir for Dogs
If you want to ensure your dog gets the best quality stuff thats the real deal, heres a recipe you can use at home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of fresh goats milk
- 1 tablespoon kefir grains (available at health food stores or online)
Equipment
- Glass jar (1-quart size works well)
- Non-metal stirring utensil (like a wooden spoon)
- Breathable cover for the jar (coffee filter, cheesecloth, or paper towel)
- Rubber band or string to secure the cover
- Strainer (plastic or stainless steel)
Instructions
- Clean the glass jar thoroughly and let it dry.
- Place the kefir grains into the jar.
- Pour the goats milk over the grains. Stir gently with the non-metal utensil.
- Place the breathable cover over the jars opening and secure it with a rubber band or string. This allows the mixture to ferment while keeping out contaminants.
- Place the jar in a warm area (around 68-75F) away from direct sunlight. Let it ferment for about 24 hours. The exact time can vary depending on the temperature and how thick you want the kefir. Warmer temperatures typically speed up the fermentation process.
- After 24 hours, check the mixtures consistency. It should have thickened to a consistency similar to buttermilk. If its not thick enough, let it ferment a few more hours and check again.
- Once fermented, strain it through a strainer into a separate container. This will separate the kefir grains from the liquid kefir.
- Transfer the kefir to a clean jar or bottle and refrigerate. It can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- The separated grains can be used immediately for a new batch or stored in a small amount of milk in the fridge for future use.
How Much Kefir to Give Your Dog
Start with a small amount of kefir, like a teaspoon, to see how your dog reacts. For tiny breeds, start with half a teaspoon. Keep an eye on their poop to make sure it does not upset their stomach. Gradually increase to a few tablespoons per day, depending on your dogs size and tolerance. Always consult your vet before introducing new foods into your dogs diet.
Is Water Kefir an Option?
Typically, the preparation of water kefir involves using about 1/4 cup of sugar per quart of water. While Fermentation uses up most of this sugar, theres often some left. So water kefir isnt my first pick for dogs with specific dietary restrictions or sugar sensitivities.
Preferring Goats Milk Kefir
Given the sugar content in water kefir, you might prefer using goats milk to make kefir for your dog. Goats milk kefir offers similar probiotic benefits without the added sugar, making it a healthier choice for dogs. Its easier to digest, less likely to cause allergies, and rich in nutrients beneficial for your dogs overall health.
However, you can try small amounts of water kefir if goats milk kefir is too rich for your dog.
Coconut Kefir for Dogs: Points to Consider
Coconut kefir is another variation that some people recommend. You can make it by fermenting the water or milk of coconuts with the grains in place of milk. Its dairy-free and often chosen by those looking for a plant-based alternativ-e-archive to traditional milk kefirs. However, I dont like using coconut milk for dogs for several reason:
Concerns with Lauric Acid
- Coconut kefir raises concerns due to its high content of lauric acid, a type of saturated fat. Approximately 50% of the fat in coconut is lauric acid.
- Contrary to popular belief, lauric acid can be inflammatory to the stomach lining, which could be detrimental to a dogs digestive health.
- While medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are generally considered beneficial for dogs, lauric acid does not provide the same benefits. Its a common misconception that lauric acid acts like other MCTs.
A detailed study that discusses the effects of lauric acid and its implications can be found in this article published in the MDPI. This study provides in-depth insights into why lauric acid might not be as good for dogs as many believe.
Can You Freeze Kefir for Dogs?
Yes, you can freeze kefir for your dogs. Freezing it is a practical way to extend its shelf life and can be especially useful for creating frozen treats, like those youd add to a dog lick mat for mental stimulation and healthy treats for puppies.
However, its important to note that while freezing kefir does not kill the probiotics, it may put them in a dormant state. Once it is thawed, these probiotics typically become active again. This means that the probiotic benefits are generally retained, even after freezing and thawing.
For best results:
- Freeze Freshly Made Kefir: Since you prefer giving it fresh to maximize probiotic benefits, freeze the kefir soon after you make it.
- Use in Moderation: When using frozen kefir as a treat, especially for young puppies, its important to do so in moderation. While kefir is healthy, any dietary changes or additions should be introduced gradually.
- Thawing: If you plan to use frozen kefir as a food supplement rather than a frozen treat, let it thaw in the refrigerator before serving. This gradual thawing helps preserve the integrity of the probiotics.
Note: Because Kefir is high in calcium, I never give too much to my growing dogs. This is because too much calcium can cause constipation, and disrupt proper bone development in young dogs.
Final Thoughts: Integrating Kefir into Your Dogs Diet
In summary, its easy to see that this food, full of good bacteria, can be really great for your dogs health. Kefir can help with their stomach, skin, and overall health. Its definitely something good to think about adding to what your dog eats.
References:- Kim, D.H., Jeong, D., Kang, I.B., Lim, H.W., Cho, Y. and Seo, K.H., 2019. Modulation of the intestinal microbiota of dogs by kefir as a functional dairy product. Journal of dairy science, 102(5), pp.3903-3911.
- Mondo, E., Marliani, G., Accorsi, P.A., Cocchi, M. and Di Leone, A., 2019. Role of gut microbiota in dog and cats health and diseases. Open Veterinary Journal, 9(3), pp.253-258.
- Blake, A.B. and Suchodolski, J.S., 2016. Importance of gut microbiota for the health and disease of dogs and cats. Animal Frontiers, 6(3), pp.37-42.
- Weese, J.S. and Arroyo, L., 2003. Bacteriological evaluation of dog and cat diets that claim to contain probiotics. The Canadian veterinary journal, 44(3), p.212.
- Murad, H.M., Malik, Z.J. and Umayra, A.N., 2018. Evaluation the skin regeneration by using Kefir production in local dogs. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 10(10), pp.2653-2658.
- Melo, C.D.C.S., da Silva Freire, A., Galdeano, M.A., da Costa, C.F., de Oliveira Gonalves, A.P.D., Dias, F.S. and Menezes, D.R., 2021. Probiotic potential of Enterococcus hirae in goat milk and its survival in canine gastrointestinal conditions simulated in vitro. Research in Veterinary Science, 138, pp.188-195.
- Metras, B.N., Holle, M.J., Parker, V.J., Miller, M.J. and Swanson, K.S., 2020. Assessment of commercial companion animal kefir products for label accuracy of microbial composition and quantity. Journal of animal science, 98(9), p.skaa301.
- Nilvo, G., 2020. The Effects of Fermented and Cultured Supplements on Dog's Gut Microbiome. New Mexico Journal of Science, 54(2).
- Chen, Y.H., Chen, H.L., Fan, H.C., Tung, Y.T., Kuo, C.W., Tu, M.Y. and Chen, C.M., 2020. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifibrotic effects of kefir peptides on salt-induced renal vascular damage and dysfunction in aged stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats. Antioxidants, 9(9), p.790.
- Rogero, M.M. and Calder, P.C., 2018. Obesity, inflammation, toll-like receptor 4 and fatty acids. Nutrients, 10(4), p.432.
Meet Your Experts
Tamsin De La Harpe
Author
Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions.Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.
Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions.Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.
