What is the best non dairy yogurt for dogs
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.
The 10 Best Dairy-Free Yogurt Brands to Buy Right Now
Dairy-free no longer means giving up yogurt. There are now numerous dairy-free and vegan probiotic-rich yogurts on the market! But I must confess that some might not meet your expectations. So weve taste-tested, compared, and gathered our unbiased reader reviews to identify the best dairy-free yogurt brands on the market. They all happen to be plant-based and carrageenan-free, and you will find gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, coconut-free, and even paleo-friendly options.
The 10 Best Dairy-Free Yogurt Brands to Buy Right Now
We compared roughly 40 brands, all listed in our Dairy-Free Yogurt Review Section, and these are the top picks by consumers like you and me. Our round up includes the most delicious and nutritious coconut, almond, cashew, soy, oat, and top allergen-free yogurts. And yes, we have Honorable Mentions listed too!
Oui by Yoplait
Not surprisingly, Yoplait has come out on top for dairy-free yogurt. Its hard not to like the perfectly smooth and creamy consistency, the spot on flavor, and the ideal yogurt thickness. This is one of those I cant believe its dairy-free products. We also liked the relatively short ingredient list, and how these dont overtly taste like coconut.
- Base: Coconut Cream
- Unique Attributes: Fruit on the Bottom, Glass Jars
- Appeals Most To: Mainstream Yogurt Fans
- Key Dietary Notes: Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, tree nut-free*
- Unsweetened Option? No
- More Specifics: Oui Dairy-Free Ingredients, Nutrition Facts & Reviews
- Availability: United States
- Remaining Wishes: An unsweetened variety or at least a lower sugar plain version would make this line complete. They contain a moderate amount of added sugars, but each flavor is on the decadent side in terms of taste. We liked it for an afternoon treat, but for breakfast, a low sugar option would go over better.
Harmless Harvest Coconut Yogurt
When we first made this list of the best dairy-free yogurt, Harmless Harvest was a newcomer. Theyve since gained nationwide distribution, and found their niche as a very well-rounded and likable product. People are happy with the taste, texture, and ingredient list. Its completely organic, focused on fair trade, includes 7 live and active cultures, and is free of any funny business.
- Base: Coconut Milk
- Unique Attributes: Certified Organic, Fair Trade
- Appeals Most To: Sustainable Shoppers & Probiotic Seekers
- Key Dietary Notes: Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, tree nut-free*
- Unsweetened Option? No
- More Specifics: Harmless Harvest Ingredients, Nutrition Facts & Reviews
- Availability: United States
- Remaining Wishes: Their Plain is fairly low in sugar, which is great, but an unsweetened would add versatility to this brand. They used to be richer, but went lower fat early on, and some people do notice the slight starchiness. A full fat Greek version without he starch would be great. Also, their cup size is smaller than average, which is a bit of a let down.
Cocojune Organic Cultured Coconut
If youre missing Coyo, then Cocojune might be the next best thing. Its not quite as rich, but its still thick enough to compare to Greek-style yogurt. We also love the the short, nutritious ingredient list and the five live and active cultures.
- Base: Organic Coconut
- Unique Attributes: Full-Fat Coconut Base, Low Sugar
- Appeals Most To: Creamy Cravings & Clean Eaters
- Key Dietary Notes: Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, tree nut-free*
- Unsweetened Option? Yes
- More Specifics: Cocojune Cultured Coconut Ingredients, Nutrition Facts & Reviews
- Availability: United States and Canada
- Remaining Wishes: We hope they get their production consistency down. Most cups have a thick texture, but theyve had some watery batch issues. Their customer service seems good, so reach out if you do have this problem.
Silk Dairy-Free Yogurt Alternative Made with Soy
I believe this is the highest protein option on the market without any added protein. Consequently, it has a very smooth consistency that beckons to dairy yogurt. In fact, Tony exclaimed Yoplait! when he sampled one of the flavors. Its satisfyingly sweet with a slight tang. The cups come only in flavors, but you can buy the lower sugar Plain variety in larger tubs.
- Base: Non-GMO Soymilk
- Unique Attributes: Naturally Nutrient-Dense
- Appeals Most To: Old-School Soy Supporters
- Key Dietary Notes: Vegan, gluten-free, tree nut-free, coconut-free*
- Unsweetened Option? No
- More Specifics: Silk Soy Yogurt Ingredients, Nutrition Facts & Reviews
- Availability: United States
- Remaining Wishes: Ever since Whole Soy was discontinued, we havent found an unsweetened soy yogurt. We would love Silk to emerge with one!
Culina Plant-Based Yogurt
Like Cocojune, Culina is looking to step in where Coyo left off. They use coconut meat for the richest finish and keep their sugars at a low level. But as their name implies, they offer more of a culinary experience. Their flavors include dairy-free yogurt originals like Blueberry Lavender, Strawberry Rose, and Mango Orange Blossom.
- Base: Organic Coconut
- Unique Attributes: Creative Flavors, Full-Fat Coconut Base
- Appeals Most To: Health Foodies
- Key Dietary Notes: Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free*
- Unsweetened Option? Yes
- More Specifics: Culina Yogurt Ingredients, Nutrition Facts & Reviews
- Availability: United States
- Remaining Wishes: While its a good product, it comes with a very premium price. We do hope they are able to bring their cost down without watering down the product more (they already did once). It would also be great if they were more transparent about the specific probiotic cultures they use. And finally, please stop changing the packaging! Brands with an identity crisis always make us nervous about consistency.
So Delicious Coconutmilk Yogurt Alternative
Many So Delicious products have come and gone over the years, but their core line of coconut milk yogurt alternative has persisted. It has changed a little bit, with minor reformulations and flavor additions, but overall, its been consistent. Their unsweetened varieties are quite versatile in recipes, and come in large tubs. And their newer Pairings, with crunchy toppings, are a very popular treat.
- Base: Organic Coconutmilk
- Unique Attributes: Fortified, Many Varieties, Easy Availability
- Appeals Most To: No Fuss Shoppers
- Key Dietary Notes: Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, tree nut-free*
- Unsweetened Option? Yes
- More Specifics: So Delicious Coconut Yogurt Ingredients, Nutrition Facts & Reviews
- Availability:United States
- Remaining Wishes:It would be great if they balanced out the fortification with magnesium (it includes calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12). And some lower sugar fruit flavors would be fantastic, since these are on the sweet side.
Siggis Plant-Based Coconut Blend
For many years, Siggis has been loved for their thick, creamy skyr, so its no surprise that their plant-based version is on the thick and rich side. It also focuses on nutrition with both fat and protein levels that outweigh the sugars, even in the fruit varieties.
- Base: Coconut Milk, Pea Protein, and Macadamia Nuts
- Unique Attributes: More Protein (and Fat) than Sugar
- Appeals Most To: Macronutrient Balancers
- Key Dietary Notes: Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free*
- Unsweetened Option? No
- More Specifics: Siggis Plant-Based Ingredients, Nutrition Facts & Reviews
- Availability: United States
- Remaining Wishes: They do keep the sugars modest, but an unsweetened variety is always appreciated. As many have professed, the added pea protein does affect the taste and texture a touch. It would be great if they dabble in a line that uses more nuts for protein rather than adding isolates.
DAH! Almond Yogurt
This is the first dairy-free India-Style yogurt to hit North America. Its slow-cultured for richness and a naturally high probiotic count. The end result has received top marks for taste, texture, and nutrition.
- Base: Almond Milk
- Unique Attributes: High Probiotics, Low Sugars
- Appeals Most To: Healthy Global Cuisine Enthusiasts
- Key Dietary Notes: Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, coconut-free*
- Unsweetened Option? Yes
- More Specifics: DAH! Almond Yogurt Ingredients, Nutrition Facts & Reviews
- Availability: United States
- Remaining Wishes: Were just hoping their distribution expands. Right now, they are primarily available at select natural food stores and regionally with some other grocers. They make a dairy line, but their dairy-free yogurts are still hard to find. Dont confuse the two!
Cocoyo Living Coconut Yogurt
This very virtuous brand disappeared several years ago, but it was purchased by GTs and brought back to life! Its arguably the cleanest dairy-free yogurt on the market. In fact, the pure flavor contains just raw young coconut, raw young coconut water, and dairy-free probiotic cultures. It boasts a whopping 100 billion probiotics per 1/2 cup serving with no added sugar. But this brand isnt for the faint of heart. Its a bubbly yogurt that beckons more to home brew kombucha than mainstream Yoplait yogurt.
- Base: Raw Coconut
- Unique Attributes: Effervescence from High Live & Active Probiotics
- Appeals Most To: Cultured Food Fanatics
- Key Dietary Notes: Vegan, paleo, gluten-free, soy-free, tree nut-free*
- Unsweetened Option? Yes
- More Specifics: Cocoyo Ingredients, Nutrition Facts & Reviews
- Availability: United States
- Remaining Wishes:I know this can be challenging with high quality products, but a price reduction would be helpful. Its on the indulgent side of the grocery budget.
Silk Almondmilk Yogurt Alternative
Silk struck a nice balance between simple wholesome ingredients, creamy consistency, and delicious flavor with their almondmilk yogurt line. Unlike many dairy-free almond-based products, they use a good does of real almonds to provide richness and nutrition. In fact, its such good quality, that you can make amazing dairy-free yogurt cheese with it! And yet, this is one of the more fairly priced alternatives that often goes on sale.
- Base:Almondmilk
- Unique Attributes: No Gums of Any Kind, Fortified with Calcium Citrate
- Appeals Most To: Value Seekers
- Key Dietary Notes: Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, coconut-free*
- Unsweetened Option? Yes
- More Specifics: Silk Almondmilk Yogurt Ingredients, Nutrition Facts & Reviews
- Availability:United States and Canada
- Remaining Wishes: They have an Unsweetened Vanilla, but an Unsweetened Plain would round out the mix and make this brand more versatile.
*Know Your Needs! By ingredients, all of the products listed above are dairy-free. Nonetheless, check with the company on their manufacturing processes for all varieties if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. All products are at some degree of risk for cross-contamination with allergens, but you must determine if the protocols are safe for your needs. Also processes and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company / product. Also, our tree nut free notation is based on fact instead of the FDA definition. Please note that coconut is not a tree nut.
What About Oatmilk Yogurt?
Oat-based yogurts have struggled to hit the mark in terms of taste and texture. But there are two promising brands that might make our top list in years to come.
- Halsa Oatgurt: This smaller brand has been around for years, but since they arent owned by one of the big guys, their distribution hasnt been boisterous. Nevertheless, they just narrowly missed our best dairy-free yogurt list, and have easily ranked as one of the best oatmilk yogurts.
- Icelandic Provisions Oatmilk Skyr: This new-ish variety has received top marks, but the company cant seem to get their production and distribution in place. If its availability becomes viable, it will likely become quite popular.
More Dairy-Free Yogurt Honorable Mentions
These didnt quite make our top ten list. Not because they arent great, but simply because they are very hard to find!
- Coyo Coconut Yogurt Alternative: This amazing yogurt is straight up cultured coconut cream. Its pure, rich, low sugar, and made with seven live active cultures. It has always been near the top of our best dairy-free yogurt list, but theyve had some serious availability issues in the U.S. They are a little easier to find in Australia and theUnited Kingdom.
- The Coconut Collaborative: Were not sure why, but The Coconut Collaborative yogurts never took hold in North America. People loved them, but they lost their distribution. However, they are still a favorite brand in Europe.
The Most Controversial Dairy-Free Yogurt Brands
- Forager Project Cashewmilk Yogurt One or five stars, there seems to be no middle ground for this clean yogurt brand. Its more sour than most, in fact, some people buy the unsweetened to use as sour cream! Theyve also had consistency issues, with some batches coming out creamy and thick, while others are on the watery side.
- Kite Hill Yogurts They have been prolific with yogurt creation at last count they had five different product lines. But their tastes dont connect with everyone, and theyve suffered many production issues, including frequent spoilage.
- Lavva Dairy-Free Pili Nut Yogurt This unique, rich yogurt has a very loyal following. Its made with coconut cream, pili nuts, and plantains, and without added sugars. But its a true love or hate product, in term of taste, so the company struggles to keep it on store shelves.
Which Dairy-Free Yogurt Brands Do You Love or Loathe?
Dont be shy! Do you love one that didnt rank in our top 10? Did we hit the mark for you? Did we miss a good dairy-free yogurt that you can buy? Leave a quick rating and review on your favorites (or ones you dont recommend) via our Dairy-Free Yogurt Review Section. You can also read the reviews of others on brands you havent tried!