The research behind probiotics has expanded quite a lot in the past few years and as a result our understanding of yogurt has increased! The research is indicating that probiotics are a necessary and beneficial addition to our diets, promoting better digestion and even a stronger immune system.
As we’re snacking on our Greek yogurt and we look down at our canine family member, we might ask ourselves if our dogs can benefit from yogurt, too.
Is Yogurt Safe for Dogs?
Yogurt is a great snack for your dog! Yogurt not only contains probiotics, it’s also full of calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals all of which benefit dogs greatly!
Probiotics are bacteria that help the body digest food. The bacteria flourish in the intestines and kill off the bad bacteria that lead to things like diarrhea and excessive gas.
Calcium works to strengthen bones, while magnesium in the yogurt helps increase the body’s ability to absorb calcium effectively. Yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, is high in protein, a necessity in a dog’s diet.
Choosing the Right Kind of Yogurt to Feed Your Dog
Yogurt is inherently healthy, but a lot of yogurt companies add a ton of sugar to their product to improve its flavor. When you’re shopping for the ideal yogurt for your dog, you have to carefully read the label to avoid giving them anything that could make them ill.
The first thing you should avoid is sugar, especially in overweight or diabetic dogs. Dogs don’t break down sugar very well and excess sugar can lead to blood pressure drops, spiked blood sugars, and weight gain. When the label says “all natural sweeteners”, you should pay particular attention to what’s in it.
Artificial sweeteners are notoriously bad for canines. Xylitol is usually found in gums and breath mints but it can be found in food products, too, and it can actually kill a dog quite quickly. If the yogurt is sweetened with aspartame or sucralose, you should steer completely clear of that brand as well.
The best kind to get is plain, nonfat yogurt. It’s easier for dogs to digest and won’t lead to any stomach upset. Certain fruits are harmless, too, but there aren’t many flavored yogurts out there that are healthy for dogs.
Why Should I Feed My Dog Plain Yogurt?
If your dog has a sensitive stomach or minor immune problems, the probiotics will make a huge difference in how their bodies handle things. Most vets will recommend yogurt if your dog is on a course of antibiotics, which kill the good bacteria in the body and lead to stomach upset and even yeast infections.
For dogs that are having a minor (they don’t need to see the veterinarian) bout of diarrhea, plain yogurt can help clear the diarrhea up quickly. You can also mix pumpkin in with the yogurt to firm the stools and improve the yogurt’s taste.
For dogs that are having a minor (they don’t need to see the veterinarian) bout of diarrhea, plain yogurt can help clear the diarrhea up quickly. You can also mix pumpkin in with the yogurt to firm the stools and improve the yogurt’s taste.
What You Need To Know Before You Give Yogurt:
If your dog has had a negative reaction to cheese or some other kind of dairy in the past, you should talk to their vet before you introduce yogurt to your dog. Because of the yogurt-making process, some dogs with minor lactose intolerance might be able to tolerate yogurt in moderation.
Dogs who have suffered from vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or painful bloating generally can’t handle yogurt and shouldn’t be eating it. If you wanted to give your dog yogurt because they need probiotics, your vet can recommend safe ways to give them to your dog.
Yogurt is a delicious and healthy treat for dogs. Whether you’re trying to help them over a simple case of the tummy troubles or you want to help improve their digestion, you can consult with your vet for the best way to introduce yogurt into their diet.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Yogurt?
Yes, dogs can eat raw yogurt. Raw yogurt carries several valuable nutrients for dogs. My dogs love raw, plain yogurt. Raw yogurt provides several probiotics to your dogs. So, do not worry if your furry friend licks a spoonful of plain, raw yogurt.
Raw yogurt can be a healthy dog treat. But lactose intolerance is a common problem for dogs. Lactose-intolerant dogs may not be able to digest raw yogurt. Your dog should not have gas, diarrhea, vomiting, or bloating after eating raw yogurt.
Start with a little portion size of raw yogurt for dogs. Check your dogs for symptoms of lactose intolerance. Consult your vet before introducing new foods to your dogs is always a good idea.
Raw yogurt (regular yogurt) is a human food, and your vet can help you determine whether your dog can digest raw yogurt or not. It is noteworthy that raw yogurt provides Calcium to your dogs. While Calcium may seem beneficial for your dog, you should control the portion size. Too much Calcium can be more harmful than useful.
Raw yogurt carries proteins for dogs. If your doggo is trying to lick a little raw yogurt, you should let him do so. Ensure your raw yogurt is not mixed with spices, seasonings, and salt. That’s why we say that ‘plain raw yogurt’ is good for dogs.
My only concern with raw yogurt is its high-fat content. I do not like to feed too much fat to my dogs. It can lead to serious problems, such as pancreatitis in dogs.
Raw yogurt is a healthy treat for dogs because it aids in digestion. It can make your Fido happy. Make sure that your raw yogurt for dogs does not contain added sugars. Dogs do not need large portion sizes of sugar-rich foods.
Well, now you can get raw yogurt for your Fido. Do not get a sugar-free raw yogurt for dogs. It contains Xylitol (artificial sweetener) which can be toxic for your four-legged friend.
