Many people ask us what foods are beneficial or harmful to their dogs, including yogurt. The beginning of veterinary medicine, based mainly on the administration and supervision of food with beneficial properties for our dogs.

What about yogurt? Can or can’t they eat it?

The answer is very simple and complex at the same time they can and cannot. We will explain it in detail so that we can all understand how and when they can eat yogurt. Dogs cannot drink cow's milk, the lactose it contains is very harmful to them, it can cause diarrhea, vomiting, the appearance of parasites (worms) in their digestive tract and even important allergic reactions that can be very serious. Yogurt is a product that barely contains lactose, the bacteria that form yogurt itself are responsible for digesting the lactose in milk, so in scientific terms: A yogurt contains very small doses of lactose that do not have to cause problems To our dogs. But this does not mean that all dogs can take them, for example, Spaniels tolerate lactose very unwell even in minimal quantities, so it is convenient to seek information about the breed and its tolerance to yogurt.

What kind of yogurt can dogs eat?

We must buy plain yogurt. We must avoid at all costs the yogurts of flavors, sugary, or with pieces of fruit. In our modest opinion, skimmed natural yogurts with Bifidus are the best option.

What benefits does yogurt give to dogs?

It is an excellent source of calcium and natural probiotics for dogs, vitamins, and a multitude of beneficial bacteria. They help control the yeasts of the digestive system and maintain healthy and strong stamina. When our dog takes antibiotics for medical reasons, antibiotics not only kill harmful bacteria or viruses but usually kill good and necessary bacteria in our dogs. This is why many people add yogurt in their dogs' food when they are taking antibiotics. As we say, as long as the dog tolerates yogurt well, it is an excellent food supplement. It is also the basis for making healthy ice cream for dogs, something they love.

How much yogurt should a dog take, and how?

The truth is that the recommended amounts are always indicative, from one tablespoon a day. We can do this for three or four days a week. Keep in mind that the young one will have a small amount of yogurt. Yogurt can be given alone or mixed with the usual food (feed or meat). Although, as indicated, the measures are always indicative, we know cases of dogs that eat yogurt every day and have strong health, others that only take a couple of times per week and also have excellent health.

What precautions should a dog have?