Yogurt
What is yogurt?
Yoghurt is a dairy product made by fermenting milk with certain bacterial cultures. This converts the lactose, i.e. the milk sugar, into lactic acid. This gives yogurt its typical taste and creamy consistency. Yoghurt is available in different varieties, such as natural yoghurt, fruit yoghurt or lactose-free yoghurt.
Can dogs eat yogurt?
Yes, dogs can eat yogurt. The calcium and protein it contains are healthy for your dog. Yoghurt can also support your dog's intestinal flora and immune system as it contains valuable lactic acid bacteria. These can also help to regenerate the intestinal mucosa and reduce inflammation. Yoghurt can also be useful after antibiotic treatment to rebuild the intestinal flora.
Which yogurt can my dog eat?
Dogs are usually only allowed to eat pure natural yogurt because it contains no additives. As far as fat content is concerned, dogs of normal weight should eat yogurt with 3.5 percent fat. Overweight dogs should try a low-fat version or avoid it altogether.
You should not give your dog fruit yogurt or other flavored yogurts, as these often contain a lot of sugar or artificial sweeteners. These can harm your dog and lead to obesity or diabetes. Particularly dangerous is the sweetener xylitol, which is toxic to dogs and can even be fatal. If you want to offer your dog some variety, you can mix the natural yogurt with pureed fruit or vegetables.
How much yogurt can my dog eat?
As with everything, you shouldn't overdo it with yogurt. Too much yogurt can lead to diarrhea or bloating, especially if your dog is lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance means that your dog no longer produces the enzyme lactase, which is necessary for the digestion of lactose. This can occur in some dogs in the course of their lives if they are no longer given dairy products.
The right amount of yogurt depends on the size and weight of your dog. As a rule of thumb: one teaspoon per kilogram of body weight per day. This means that a dog weighing 10 kilograms can eat about 10 teaspoons of yogurt a day. You can give the yogurt as a treat between meals or mix it into the food.
Yoghurt is a healthy and tasty dairy product for dogs that you can feed them in moderation. However, make sure that you only buy natural yogurt without sugar or sweeteners and that your dog is not lactose intolerant.
If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.
Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊
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