Is yogurt good for dogs? Unfortunately, this question can’t be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” While some types of yogurts may be ok, especially in small amounts, others can be dangerous to your dog’s health. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby discusses which types of yogurts are ok to share with your pup, and how to avoid potential dangers when feeding yogurt to your dog.
If you asked my friend’s dog, Ella, I’m certain she would say that yogurt is good for dogs and, therefore, you should always share your yogurt with your dog. Ella is obsessed with yogurt, to say the least! Every time someone in the house gets out a yogurt container, she comes running in hopes she will get some.
But is yogurt actually good for dogs? Should you be sharing your yogurt with your pup?
Can dogs have yogurt?
Plain, low-fat yogurt (regular yogurt or Greek yogurt) with no artificial sweeteners, added sugars, or flavors is fine for most dogs as long as their stomach can handle it and you give it to your dog in moderation.
Other types of yogurts may be too high in fat, contain the dangerous artificial sweetener xylitol (birch sugar), or contain too much sugar. This means dogs should not be eating vanilla yogurt, strawberry yogurt, peach yogurt, or any other flavored types of yogurt. And they definitely shouldn’t have sugar-free yogurt.
Is yogurt good for dogs?
The question of whether yogurt is good for dogs is a little more complicated. And it depends on what you mean by “good for dogs.”
From a safety perspective, plain, low-fat yogurt is safe for dogs to eat. However, some types of yogurts (those that contain the artificial sweetener xylitol) can be toxic to dogs.
Nutritionally speaking, yogurt does provide calcium, fat, and protein, but dogs don’t need to eat yogurt to meet their dietary requirements. Plus, yogurt can be high in calories and fat, which can contribute to obesity.
Finally, the health benefits of yogurt for dogs are debatable. While some people feel yogurt may help calm acid reflux in dogs or provide probiotics to support the GI tract, there are more effective options available. Additionally, dogs who are lactose intolerant may experience GI upset when they eat yogurt.
Is Greek yogurt good for dogs?
As long as you stick with the plain, unsweetened, and preferably low-fat variety, Greek yogurt is safe for most dogs to eat in moderation. Its thicker consistency may even be easier and less messy for your dog to eat than plain low-fat yogurt. Plain Greek yogurt is neither better nor worse than regular yogurt for your dog’s health.
Also, don’t give your dog any other type of Greek yogurt because it could contain too much sugar or it could contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Read on for important guidelines.
What should I keep in mind if I want to give my dog yogurt?
If you do end up giving yogurt to your dog, the following guidelines can be helpful.
1. Beware of artificial sweeteners
Although it may seem like “sugar-free” yogurt could be a healthier choice, be very mindful of the ingredients of yogurt (or any human food) you offer your pup. Some yogurt contains the sugar substitute xylitol—sometimes known as birch sugar. Even a small amount of xylitol is toxic to dogs and can be life-threatening.
It is critical to read the ingredients carefully to avoid giving your dog yogurt or anything else containing xylitol (birch sugar).
2. Yogurt should be a treat, not a meal
Your dog’s diet should primarily consist of dog food. A small amount of some human foods, like plain yogurt, is ok on occasion. But feeding too much can be problematic.
Dog food is formulated to ensure your dog gets all the required nutrients. If a dog fills up on human foods that aren’t necessarily nutritionally balanced, he or she may miss out on some essential vitamins or minerals in the dog food.
3. Pay attention to the sugar and fat content
Another consideration is caloric intake. Obesity is a huge problem for our pet dogs, and our diets are generally more calorie-dense than theirs. For example, flavored yogurt or those with added sugars may contribute too many calories to your dog’s diet, making it more difficult to keep him or her at a healthy dog body condition score.
Plus, remember to pay attention to the fat content of the yogurt as well. Giving your dog full-fat yogurt can also pack on the pounds if you aren’t careful.
4. Remember that some dogs are lactose intolerant
Another potential issue for some dogs is lactose intolerance. In general, most mammals are not designed to consume large amounts of milk after infancy. If you offer your dog some yogurt and they develop diarrhea, excessive gas, abdominal pain, or other signs of gastrointestinal discomfort, they may not be able to digest lactose. In this case, yogurt may not be the best choice for them.
But do not despair! If it is important to you to give your dog yogurt, some dairy-alternative yogurts, such as cashew yogurt and coconut yogurt, are also safe for most dogs. (Always avoid xylitol and offer these in moderation, too.)
5. Don’t expect yogurt to take the place of a probiotic supplement
Probiotics for dogs have many exciting benefits that reach far beyond the digestive system, and yogurt does contain probiotics. However, dogs would need to eat more than the recommended serving size of yogurt in order to consume a meaningful amount of probiotics. Thus, it is better to give your dog a probiotic supplement, not feed your dog yogurt, to cash in on the benefits of probiotics.
Plain yogurt in moderation is fine for most dogs
As my friend’s dog is quick to point out to her family, low-fat, plain, unsweetened yogurt (Greek or regular) makes a fine dog treat for most dogs in moderation, even if it doesn’t necessarily have clear health benefits. However, it is important to steer clear of sugar-free, flavored, or full-fat varieties of yogurt. And of course, if yogurt doesn’t agree with your dog’s tummy, don’t share it with him or her.
Do you give your dog yogurt?
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