If there’s one thing that our furry friends can’t get enough of, it’s dairy! While it’s an excellent source of calcium, too much milk can lead to stomach upset, especially if they’re lactose intolerant. So how much dairy should they be fed? You can offer pets milk or plain yogurt on the odd occasion, but it’s not a good idea to feed them large bowls of dairy. In this guide, we explore whether dogs can eat dairy products, how much to feed, and what lactose intolerance means.
Dogs Can Eat Dairy in Moderation
Dogs can have dairy products like milk, but they cannot overindulge. Products like milk and cheese are packed with calcium and are tasty treats, but if your dog is lactose intolerant, they will become very sick. The consumption of dairy products can make your dog feel very uncomfortable. Some pets experience symptoms for days after consuming large amounts of milk and similar snacks.
Regular whole milk is fatty and sugary, and these ingredients simply aren’t good for dogs. If you fed your fur friend bowls of ice cream and slices of cheese on a daily basis, they could develop pancreatitis. Fatty foods increase the risk of weight gain and obesity in pets. If you want to treat them with a dairy snack, small amounts of milk, yogurt, or cheese a few times a week are best.
Signs of Lactose Intolerance and Milk Allergies
A dog cannot consume a significant amount of dairy because they will get sick. Others become so sick and require veterinary care. If your pooch cannot handle dairy, they probably have an intolerance, which means they simply can’t digest and absorb a sugar called lactose. They need a special enzyme to absorb this sugar, but if they have too little lactase, they will get sick. Symptoms you can expect in this instance include flatulence, vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
Apart from an intolerance, the protein that occurs in dairy can trigger a milk allergy. The symptoms of this allergy are different from an intolerance and include hotspots, hair loss, and the risk of ear infections.
Which Dairy Products Can Dogs Eat?
Dogs can benefit from the calcium in dairy, but because it isn’t a source that they would normally get their calcium from, it should be fed in moderation. Popular dairy products include cow’s milk, goat’s milk, plain yogurt, and cheese. Cheese is a delicious snack, but pick products with low levels of fat, including mozzarella or cottage cheese.
Emmental or Swiss cheese has a low level of lactose, making it easier for dogs to digest. Avoid giving them ice cream because it has lactose, colorants, and sugar that can irritate your pooch’s digestive system. The occasional lick won’t do any harm, particularly on a hot day, but it’s best to steer clear of giving dogs ice cream.
How Much Milk Can Dogs Drink?
You can feed your canine companion about a quarter cup of milk every third day, provided they don’t show any symptoms. In addition to milk, plain or Greek yogurt makes for a quick and easy treat. Small dogs can enjoy a tablespoon of plain yogurt, while larger dogs can be fed two to three tablespoons.
If you notice that your furry friend has soft stools after dairy, refrain from feeding any more milk or cheese. Dogs with upset tummies can benefit from bland meals such as chicken and rice for a few days until their digestive problems have eased. If your pup has more severe symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea, and they aren’t eating or drinking water, always consult with a veterinarian.
The Best Types of Milk for Dogs
A few licks of regular cow’s milk aren’t harmful to dogs, but intolerances can cause uncomfortable symptoms. To avoid these ill effects, you can choose milk products that don’t contain lactose, such as almond and oat milk. Almond milk comes from almonds and can be served to pets as a simple treat. Oat milk is free from lactose and a healthy option for pets. You can give them lactose-free milk, but if they suffer from an allergy to dairy, it’s best to cut out any milk-based products.
Do not feed your dog flavored milk, especially chocolate milk, because chocolate is toxic to dogs. It can also contain xylitol, which is actually harmful to pets. Avoid goat’s milk because it consists of a fair amount of fat and will increase the risk of obesity in pets. Soy milk doesn’t include lactose; however, it is made from soybean, which is a filler ingredient in dog food. Soy is a common allergen in dogs, so don’t choose soy milk as an alternative to whole cow’s milk.
When Should I Give My Dog Dairy Products?
Dogs that receive nutritious daily meals don’t need to be supplemented with dairy. Your pooch receives the nutrients they need from high-quality dog food. Too much calcium, whether in the form of cow’s milk or a powdered supplement, can lead to toxicity and eventual kidney failure.
If you want to share a dairy treat with your fur friend, a small amount of milk or plain yogurt is best. However, don’t allow your pet to consume bowls of milk or large amounts of cheese, as it will upset their stomachs.
Wild dogs and wolves get their calcium from the bones of animal carcasses and not from milk, ice cream, or cheddar. Dogs shouldn’t be given milk or dairy to increase their calcium intake. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with sharing the occasional dairy treat with your fur friend, provided they remain healthy and happy.
