Introduction

Yogurt is a healthy and delicious human food that you can also offer dogs. It contains a rich amount of calcium, protein, and probiotics beneficial for dogs. Your dogs want to sit beside you and enjoy their treats when it comes to snacks. Yogurt is suitable for dogs to eat as an occasional treat because of its various health benefits. This dairy product may cause digestion problems in some dogs.

Can dogs eat yogurt? Is yogurt good for dogs?

Yogurt is a very healthy human food that makes dog owners wonder if dogs eat yogurt? There are lots of health benefits of yogurt for dogs. You can serve yogurt to dogs as an occasional treat. Yogurt contains probiotics that boost the immune system and aid the digestion process. Yogurt should be a part of your dog’s diet because it contains calcium, which is good for bone health. Yogurt also reduces the risk of heart diseases and cancers in dogs. You must serve yogurt to your dog if you want its skin and coat thick and healthy.

Can dogs have Vanilla yogurt?

Always serve plain yogurt to your dog to get its maximum benefits. Vanilla yogurt is not a good option for dogs because it contains harmful ingredients like xylitol (an artificial sweetener), making yogurt toxic. So, you must avoid any flavored yogurt for your dog; otherwise, your dog will get sick.

Can dogs have plain Greek yogurt?

Plain, unflavored, and non-fat yogurt is safe for dogs to eat. Apart from plain yogurt, your dogs can also enjoy Greek yogurt as a snack. You must avoid serving flavored Greek yogurt to your dog because it contains artificial sweeteners making your dog sick. The first time dog owners must know that you can safely add 1 to 2 teaspoons of plain Greek yogurt to your dog’s diet.

Can dogs eat yogurt with fruits? 

Plain unflavored yogurt can be served with fresh fruits to your dog as a delicious snack. You must avoid flavored yogurt for your dog because it contains high sugar content, making it harmful for dogs. Another way to serve yogurt to your dog is by freezing plain yogurt in ice cube trays. Serving this cool treat will please your dog. Apart from that, a simple way is to serve yogurt at the top of your dog’s food to get the health benefits of yogurt.

Are dogs lactose intolerant? 

Most dogs are lactose intolerant, finding it difficult to digest the milk. When it comes to dairy products, yogurt is a healthy option but not suitable for lactose intolerant dogs. Not all dogs are lactose intolerant, which means they can enjoy yogurt and other dairy products without any problem. As a dog gets older, it becomes lactose intolerant.

Suppose you want to know whether your dog is lactose intolerant or not, then look for your dog’s response after using dairy products. The symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, abdominal pain, increased thirst, dehydration, and weakness after eating dairy products like yogurt. Your dog can enjoy this healthy snack in a moderate amount every day if not lactose intolerant.

How much yogurt can your dog eat? 

Dogs that are not lactose intolerant can enjoy yogurt as an occasional treat when served in small amounts. There is no harm in eating one teaspoon of yogurt every day. However, it depends on your dog’s size and how much yogurt will be safe for him. Small dogs can safely eat one teaspoon of yogurt every day. On the other hand, medium and large dogs can enjoy eating 2-3 teaspoons of yogurt every day, respectively. If you are giving yogurt to your dog for the first time, start with a small amount and notice your dog’s response after eating this snack. If your dog gets an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea, it means it is lactose intolerant and finds it difficult to digest the yogurt.

Final thought

Yogurt has excellent health benefits for dogs, but lactose intolerant dogs cannot eat yogurt. Yogurt contains probiotics, proteins, and calcium that strengthen your dog’s immune system and aid digestion. You can add plain Greek yogurt to your dog’s diet along with finely chopped fruits and vegetables for your dog’s good health. Feeding 1-2 teaspoons of yogurt is safe for your dog. However, if your dog has overeaten yogurt, immediately take it to the vet for timely treatment.