Many Dogs Are Lactose Intolerant
The lactose in yogurt could also cause trouble for your dog. Like humans, some dogs don’t make enough of the digestive enzyme lactase that’s needed to digest milk. While raw milk is full of these enzymes, the pasteurization process destroys them.
If your dog is lactose intolerant, he may experience digestive upset when he eats yogurt. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include:
If you give your dog dairy products and he experiences these symptoms, cut out the dairy.
Yogurt May Contain Added Sugars Or Artificial Sweeteners
Small amounts of sugar are safe for your dog if it comes from natural sources like berries, carrots, or other fruits and vegetables.
But too much can be a problem ….especially when it’s in the form of starch or added sugars. Stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea are common side effects. And over time, too much sugar can also lead to chronic inflammation that causes issues like:
Yogurt often has sugar added … especially low-fat yogurt or frozen yogurt. But don’t buy “sugar-free” yogurt. Because that can be worse … due to sugar substitutes that can harm your dog.
Some artificial sweeteners may be potentially carcinogenic. Or you may find xylitol-sweetened yogurt. Xylitol is a deadly substance to dogs and even small amounts can be very dangerous. Xylitol is a common sugar alternative that’s safe for humans but can cause fatal liver failure or hypoglycemia in dogs.
Research also shows artificial sweeteners can harm gut bacteria and lead to glucose intolerance. This can increase your dog’s blood sugar levels and his risk of obesity and diabetes.
Is Yogurt Bad for Dogs?
While your dog may enjoy eating yogurt, it’s important to be aware of the ingredients in the yogurt. Dogs should never eat any yogurt containing xylitol, a common sweetener in human foods. Even a small amount of xylitol-sweetened yogurt is toxic for dogs and may lead to liver failure because it accumulates in the liver tissue. It’s also best to stay away from yogurt flavoured with fruits or any type of “mix-ins”, as these frequently have added sugar in the form of syrups and may also use artificial sweeteners.
How to make homemade yogurt for dogs
Yogurt has gone a long way from being an edgy health food! Today, you will find yogurts in the fridge in most households. When you consider the fact that yogurts are so delicious and provide numerous benefits for humans, you may be wondering if this is something that your dog can benefit from. Can dogs eat yogurt? Yes; the good news is they can, and there are a lot of benefits associated with doing so!
Below, we will provide you with some great information when it comes to adding yogurt to your dog’s diet. Not only will we talk you through the benefits and correct serving side, but we will give you some fun yogurt-inspired, dog-friendly recipes as well – the perfect treat for any pup!