Your dog may be delighted to have a few licks of your yogurt, but the lactose may not agree with him. Greek yogurt may be better for dogs. Credit: Wesend61 | Getty Images
Yogurt is often viewed as a wholesome, probiotic-rich food, and many dog owners wonder whether it can be safely shared with their pet. The short answer is yes, yogurt can be good for some dogs, but only when the right type is chosen and fed in appropriate amounts.
Yogurt is not a necessary part of a dog’s diet, but it can serve as a healthy functional treat that provides beneficial bacteria, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. However, because dogs do not process dairy as well as most humans do, understanding the nuances of yogurt types and ingredients is essential before adding it to your dog’s bowl, lick-mat, Kong, or Toppl.
Lactose Is a Problem for Dogs
One of the most important considerations when feeding yogurt to your dogs is lactose intolerance. Adult dogs are lactose intolerant, as they do not produce the lactase enzyme needed to break down lactose, the natural sugar found in milk, past puppyhood. When a lactose-intolerant animal consumes lactose, the sugar cannot be digested and creates gastrointestinal upset including gas, bloating, loose stools, and diarrhea. The severity of these symptoms varies widely between individual dogs, which is why some dogs tolerate yogurt well while others do not.
Traditional yogurt made from cow’s milk contains a moderate amount of lactose, although less than milk itself due to fermentation. The live cultures in yogurt consume some of the lactose during production, making it easier to digest than fluid milk.
Greek yogurt is often a better option for dogs because it is strained during processing, removing much of the whey and lactose. As a result, Greek yogurt is lower in lactose, higher in protein, and thicker in texture, making it one of the most commonly recommended yogurt options for dogs.
There are lactose-free yogurts available, which simply have the lactase enzyme added to them to break apart the sugar into a digestible format for lactose-intolerant people and dogs alike. This is a phenomenal option for pet parents looking to give their dog a fun treat without risking tummy troubles.
Concerns About Lactose-Free Yogurt and Dogs
Ingredient safety is just as important as lactose content when selecting yogurt for your dogs. Many flavored yogurts contain added sugars, flavors, and other ingredients that are unnecessary and potentially harmful.
Low-calorie, sugar-free, or “diet” yogurts are of particular concern as they may contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic and dangerous to dogs. Even very small amounts of xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar causing seizures, liver failure, or death. For this reason, any yogurt given to a dog must be carefully checked to ensure it does not contain xylitol, which may also be listed under alternative names such as birch sugar.
Yogurt can be a safe, healthy, and delicious treat for dogs when chosen thoughtfully. As always, introduce new foods slowly and monitor your pet’s tolerance, keeping an eye out for signs of gastrointestinal upset. Plain, unsweetened, and preferably lactose-free, Greek yogurt is the best option for your pup due to low lactose and high protein levels. When fed sparingly, yogurt can be a simple way to add variety and beneficial digestive microbes to your dog’s diet.
