Yogurt is a healthy treat for dogs that contains essential vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and protein. Yogurt promotes healthy gut, strong bones, and a healthy immune system.
Safe Amounts to Feed Your Dog
However, the amount that is safe to feed your dog varies on factors like your dog’s weight and height, activity levels, and preexisting medical conditions. Yogurt should be considered an “occasional treat” since dogs should not have more than 10% of their daily calories in the form of treats. The amount of yogurt that is safe for a dog to consume per day depends on the size of the dog, but small dogs can be given one teaspoon, medium-sized dogs two teaspoons, and large dogs three teaspoons. It’s essential to take other factors into consideration or speak with your vet to determine how much yogurt is safe.
Best Types of Yogurt for Dogs
When giving yogurt to dogs, it’s best to use plain or unflavored, Greek or other types of active or live culture yogurt, and little or no fat content. Artificially flavored yogurt, or yogurt containing xylitol or chocolate, should be avoided since they are fatal to dogs.
Different Ways to Give Yogurt to Your Dog
Yogurt can be given to your dog in different ways, including freezing small servings in ice cube trays, mixing it in their food, adding fresh berries, and using it as a substitute for fatty ingredients in dog-friendly birthday cakes.
Hazards and Risks of Feeding Yogurt to Your Dog
However, some hazards and risks of giving this to your dog include the fat and sugar content that can lead to obesity and diabetes, additives and artificial sweeteners that are toxic to dogs, and lactose that can be harmful to lactose-intolerant dogs, leading to digestive problems. Therefore, you need to look for signs of lactose intolerance when feeding your dog yogurt.
Dogs Allergic to Yogurt
While yogurt is generally considered safe for dogs, some dogs may have an allergy to it. Symptoms of a yogurt allergy in dogs can include itching, swelling, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you suspect that your dog is allergic to yogurt, it’s important to stop feeding them yogurt and speak to your vet.
Your vet may recommend an elimination diet to determine if your dog is truly allergic to yogurt or if their symptoms are caused by something else. If your dog is allergic to yogurt, they will need to avoid all dairy products, including cheese and milk.
In conclusion, yogurt can be a beneficial and healthy snack for dogs, but it should be fed in moderation, and you should seek the advice of your vet before giving it to your furry friend.
