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Do you ever wonder if yogurt is good for dogs? A lot of people do. Yogurt has been used as a natural remedy to cure many ailments, from digestion issues to skin conditions and even allergies.
In this brief article, we’ll break down the answer to that question so you can decide whether or not your dog should be eating some of those healthy probiotics!
What is yogurt?
Yogurt is a dairy product that contains live cultures of beneficial bacteria.
These bacteria include lactobacillus and streptococcus. They help to improve the digestive system and boost the immune system.
Yogurt can come in plain flavour but often comes in other flavours like vanilla, mixed fruit, strawberry, mango, and others.
Is yogurt good for dogs?
Generally speaking, yogurt is safe for dogs, and yes, it is good for them too. Every dog has different dietary needs and sensitivities, however, so there are some circumstances in which yogurt should be avoided:
- Allergies to dairy products/lactose intolerance: if you have a dog with an allergy to dairy products, you will want to avoid feeding them yogurt because it does contain some dairy.
- Serious medical conditions: if your dog has serious medical conditions like diabetes or kidney disease, you will want to avoid feeding them products containing lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products, and it is not safe for dogs with these kinds of conditions.
If your dog has any of the conditions listed above, it should not be eating yogurt.
Newborn pups do not have fully developed immune systems yet; thus, they are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses and should be given foods that contain probiotics. Yogurt can be very beneficial both to a pregnant dog and its litter of puppies, but consult your veterinarian if in doubt.
Types Of Yogurt
It may take some trial and error to find the right kind of yogurt for your dog, but there are a few types you can try, like plain Greek yogurt.
Greek yogurt has lots of live bacteria and has a lower lactose level than other kinds of yogurt. If your dog is not in a healthy state, talk with your veterinarian about the best diet for them.
How much yogurt can dogs eat?
In general, dogs should not have more than one or two tablespoons of yogurt for every 25 pounds of body weight each day. Of course, this is a general rule, so you should monitor your dog’s response to yogurt.
Benefits Of Yogurt For Dogs
Improved Digestion
Yogurt can help to improve a dog’s digestive system. It contains probiotics that colonize the digestive tract with good bacteria.
Enhanced Immune Function
Consuming probiotics like those found in yogurt will strengthen your dog’s immune system and help them fight off infections and diseases.
Weight Loss
Yogurt, particularly plain yogurt that doesn’t have the added sugar of flavoured yogurt, is low in calories and high in protein.
The protein will help build muscle mass which can help your dog feel full even though they are eating less food.
Conclusion
Dogs can eat yogurt even if they haven’t had dairy products before, but like anything, it should be given in moderation, especially flavoured yogurt which contains additional sugar and calories. Just make sure that it’s safe for your dog to consume whatever fruit is contained in the yogurt.
Yogurt with live cultures is beneficial for your dog’s digestive system and immune system, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking for healthy snacks for dogs. Yogurt with live cultures also helps balance the “good” bacteria in your dog’s stomach, resulting in a healthier skin and coat!
Thanks for reading. Are you considering feeding your dog yogurt? Feel free to share your situation in the comments below.
