Can Dogs Eat Yogurt? Is Yogurt Good for Dogs?

Yes, dogs can eat yogurt safely. If dogs have problems with lactose intolerance, yogurt is not a good choice. Yogurt can be very good for all breeds of dogs because of its high levels of calcium and protein.
Yogurt contains probiotics that aid the digestion and gut health of a dog while it boosts the immune system. Plain, low fat, unflavored and unsweetened yogurt with live bacteria is a healthy choice for dogs. However, Greek yogurt has higher protein contents, and it is lower in salt and sugar. Yogurt also offers bone and teeth protection for dogs.
View Table of Contents
- What are the Benefits of Yogurt for Dogs?
- How can Yogurt Harm Dogs?
- When Should a Dog Eat Yogurt?
- Which Nutrients in Yogurt Benefit Dogs’ Health?
- Which Nutrients in Yogurt Can Harm a Dogs’ Health?
- Can Yogurt Affect a Dog’s Mood?
- What are the Facts of Yogurt for Dog’s Health?
- Can Baby Dogs (Puppies) Eat Yogurt?
- Can Older Dogs Eat Yogurt?
- Should Different Dog Breeds Eat Different Amounts of Yogurt?
- Which Yogurt Recipes and Parts can be eaten safely by Dogs?
- Can Dogs Eat Frozen Yogurt Safely?
- Can Dogs Eat Goat’s Milk Yogurt Safely?
- Can Dogs Eat Sheep Milk Yogurt Safely?
- Can Dogs Eat Icelandic Yogurt Safely?
- Can Dogs Eat Australian Yogurt Safely?
- Can Dogs Eat Soy Yogurt Safely?
- Can dogs eat Almond Milk Yogurt Safely?
- Can Dogs Eat Coconut Milk Yogurt Safely?
- Can Dogs Eat Kefir safely?
- Which Dog Food Brands Add Yogurt to their Dog Foods?
- Can Eating Yogurt Cause Diseases in Dogs?
- What Else can Dogs Not Eat along with Yogurt?
- Which Dog Treat recipes contain yogurt?
What are the Benefits of Yogurt for Dogs?
The benefits of yogurt are listed below:
- Yogurt is nutritious for dogs, and it could help relieve digestive issues.
- Yogurt contains probiotics that help support dogs’ digestion.
- Yogurt is an excellent protein source that keeps the dog energized and aids muscle maintenance.
- Yogurt helps dogs reduce triglyceride cholesterol that causes hyperlipidemia.
- Yogurt’s high calcium and phosphorus levels help dogs to build strong teeth and bones.
- Yogurt helps balance the gut bacteria of dogs on antibiotics.
- Yogurt helps dogs to avoid yeast infections, which is a common problem after antibiotic treatment.
- Yogurt helps to prevent or heal ear infections in floppy-eared dogs like Cocker Spaniels and Beagles.
- Yogurt keeps bacteria in the dog’s body balanced to prevent yeast infections and the overgrowth of other bacteria, which is also the cause of ear infections.
- Yogurt’s high vitamin levels help keep dogs’ hearts, nerves, and blood cells healthy.
- Yogurt is an excellent riboflavin source that converts carbs into fuel.
- Yogurt contains an amino acid the dog’s body uses to produce brain chemicals melatonin and serotonin that induce relaxation and sleepiness.
The similar benefits of yogurt can be seen in milk and other dietary foods for dogs. To read what other human foods dogs can eat, read the related guide.
How can Yogurt Harm Dogs?
Yogurt poses some risks of harm even though it is not toxic for dogs. The list below will explain the potential risks:
- Most dogs have problems digesting lactose after they leave puppyhood.
- Lactose intolerance could cause painful gastrointestinal diseases and disorders in dogs.
- Symptoms of GI in dogs include gas, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Giving a dog yogurt with high-fat content could cause additional stomach problems.
- Too much fat in a dog’s diet could cause serious, life-threatening conditions like pancreatitis.
- Sugar-free or low-calorie yogurt typically has added xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic for dogs.
- Too much sugar, in contrast, poses health harm for dogs.
When Should a Dog Eat Yogurt?
The best times to give dogs yogurt are listed below:
- Giving the dog a small portion of yogurt at night will encourage the production of melatonin and serotonin, which make dogs relaxed and sleepy.
- Giving the dog yogurt about an hour after administering an antibiotic will help balance the good bacteria in his gut.
- Giving the dog yogurt throughout a course of antibiotics will prevent yeast infection.
- Giving a long-eared dog like a Weimaraner or Bloodhound yogurt will help fight ear infections.
How much Yogurt can a Dog Eat per Day?
The amount of yogurt your dog can safely eat will also depend on the type of yogurt the dog gets to eat. Regular yogurt has about 120 calories per 125ml, nonfat yogurt has 110 calories, and low-fat yogurt has 100 calories for the same amount.
The amount of yogurt a dog can eat per day is based on the factors listed below:
- The size and weight of the dog determine the size of a healthy portion of yogurt. Remember that any treat, including yogurt, should not be more than 10% of a dog’s daily calorie intake.
- Half a cup of yogurt contains between 100 and 120 calories.
- A large dog like a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Boxer can eat about half a cup of yogurt per day.
- Medium dogs like Jack Russels or a Shih Tzu’s daily yogurt treat is about a tablespoon of yogurt.
- A small dog like a Dachshund or a Corgi can eat about two teaspoons of yogurt per day.
- The dog’s daily calorie intake is an important aspect because the total amount of treats per day must not exceed 10% of the daily calories.
- Take the dog’s underlying health issues in mind when deciding how much yogurt to serve.
- The activity level of the dog is an essential aspect of managing weight.
Check the label carefully and pay attention to the fat, sugar, and calorie content so you can measure the correct serving size.
Which Nutrients in Yogurt Benefit Dogs’ Health?
All yogurts are packed with potassium, calcium, zinc, protein, and vitamins B6 and B12
- Zinc: Zinc is an antioxidant and mineral that plays a significant role in multiple metabolic processes of dogs. It is essential for maintaining a dog’s healthy immune system.
- Calcium: Yogurt is a significant source of calcium for dogs. One or two spoons will provide a healthy dose of calcium to help build strong bones and teeth in dogs.
- Protein: Protein is an essential nutrient for dogs. Yogurt is a valuable source, especially Greek yogurt, which has more proteins than regular yogurt.
- Potassium: Potassium is an electrolyte mineral essential for a dog’s blood circulation, muscle activity, and heart and brain function. A lack of potassium could cause irregular heartbeat, a condition called Arrhythmia. Potassium also limits cholesterol, fat, and other harmful substances to build up and cause hardening of the arteries — a condition that could lead to numerous health problems.
- B vitamins: Yogurt contains vitamins B6 and B12 that boost a dog’s mood, generate glucose, promote red blood cell production, increase energy, protect eye health, and support brain function.
- Probiotic: Yogurt contains excellent probiotics for a dog’s gut. Probiotics in yogurt are safe for canines. It promotes a healthy gut. Probiotics in yogurt can also help dogs fight yeast infections, resulting in skin and ear problems. Furthermore, probiotics help a dog’s body absorb nutrients and boost immunity.
- Magnesium: Yogurt contains about 30 mg of magnesium per cup, which improves dogs’ nerve-cell and muscle membrane stability. It also promotes the functioning and secretion of hormones. Furthermore, magnesium forms a dog’s mineral structure of teeth and bones.
Which Nutrients in Yogurt Can Harm a Dogs’ Health?
The nutrients in yogurt that can harm dogs and examples are listed below:
- Lactose: Lactose is a carbohydrate in yogurt that might cause digestive problems in dogs. That could lead to gassiness, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive intake of water.
- Enzymes and pasteurization: Enzymes that dogs need are typically destroyed during the pasteurization process.
- Sugar: Sugar is never a healthy nutrient in anything fed to a dog. However, while avoiding yogurt with sugar, dog owners must avoid yogurt that contains artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is toxic and could be fatal for dogs.
- Potassium: Although potassium is a valuable nutrient for dogs, too much potassium in a dog’s bloodstream can cause Hyperkalemia, which is a condition that affects the heart, and could lead to severe complications.
Can Yogurt Affect a Dog’s Mood?
Yes, yogurt can affect a dog’s mood. So, what is there in yogurt that can improve a dog’s mood?
Vitamin B6 in yogurt produces neurohormones like norepinephrine, which plays an essential role in causing a good mood in dogs.
Can Yogurt Make Dogs Sleepy?
Yogurt contains the protein tryptophan, which the dog’s body converts into serotonin. Serotonin is a well-known hormone that causes dogs to relax and feel sleepy.
What are the Facts of Yogurt for Dog’s Health?
It is essential to know what yogurt is to understand the health facts of yogurt for dogs. These facts are listed below:
- Yogurt is a dairy product that is made by the bacterial fermentation of milk to preserve nutrients.
- Yogurt cultures are the bacteria used to make yogurt by fermenting lactose, which is the natural sugar content of milk.
- The fermentation process produces a substance called lactic acid.
- Lactic acid causes the unique texture and flavor of yogurt by causing the curdling of milk proteins.
- Yogurt is made from different kinds of milk, from whole milk to skim milk.
- Yogurt is also made from milk of different mammals and also almond milk and coconut milk.
- Without added flavors and colorants, plain yogurt has a thick white consistency with a tangy taste.
- Many commercially produced yogurt brands are not healthy for dogs because they contain sugar or artificial sweeteners and artificial colors and flavors.
- Plain unsweetened yogurt contains a range of vitamins, protein, calcium, and additional minerals.
- The bacterial process to make yogurt reduces some vitamins like pantothenic acid and vitamin B1.
- In contrast, folic acid levels in yogurt are higher than in milk because the bacterial process produces more than what is present in milk.
What is the Best Temperature of Yogurt for Dogs?
Temperatures play important roles in yogurt, some of which affect the health aspect, and others affect the dog that eats it.
Live cultures in yogurt are beneficial for dog health. However, the temperature of the milk as it is processed and pasteurized can do two things. If the temperature is not at least 130 F or 54.4 C, it will not be hot enough to kill dangerous bacteria. On the other hand, if the milk temperature is below 98 F or 36.7 C, the beneficial bacteria will become dormant.
However, dormant bacteria will reactivate if they are warmed up to provide the benefits associated with live cultures.
That brings us to the effect the temperature has on the dog. Most dogs love frozen yogurt treats on hot days. Although the healthy bacteria in the yogurt will become dormant in the freezer, it will warm up enough to reactivate the health benefits of the bacteria as it heats up in the dog’s digestive system and gut.
Do Different Yogurt Types Affect Dogs Differently?
The two types of yogurt that are most healthy for dogs are regular plain yogurt and Greek yogurt. The comparison is listed below:
- Protein: Nutrition experts recommend Greek yogurt for dogs because it contains almost twice as much protein as regular yogurt. Greek yogurt’s protein content is about 17 grams, while regular yogurt has only about 9 grams. Therefore, double the amount of protein in Greek yogurt provides more beneficial recovery and muscle growth while keeping the dog feeling fuller for longer.
- Consistency: Although consistency plays no role in the health of the different types of yogurt, some dogs prefer the thicker creamier texture of Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt’s whey or watery substance is removed altogether, while regular yogurt typically has a wet layer on top.
- Carbohydrates and sugar: Health experts say regular yogurt has about double the carbohydrate content compared to Greek yogurt. Yogurt varieties that taste like dessert have added sugars or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which could be fatal for dogs. Added sugar also increases the carb level of yogurt. Therefore, dog owners are advised to give their canines Greek rather than regular yogurt.
- Fat: Both nonfat yogurt and Greek yogurt are available with less than 1 gram of fat if made with skim milk. If, however, the dog owner goes for full-fat yogurt, Greek yogurt will have higher fat content than regular yogurt. The full-fat version of Greek yogurt has 10 grams of fat, 7 saturated, compared to regular full-fat yogurt that will deliver 8 grams of fat, 5 saturated, to the canine.
Does Yogurt Function as a Probiotic for Dogs?
Probiotics in yogurt are beneficial for dogs on multiple levels. The most common value is in the role probiotics play in boosting a dog’s immune system. The immune system of a dog is harmed when the healthy and harmful bacteria in a dog’s gut are out of balance. Probiotics’ job is to get the dog’s gut bacteria, lactobacillus, and streptococcus, back in balance.
The roles of the healthy bacteria in yogurt and a dog’s health are listed below:
- Restore the growth of the essential good bacteria in canines
- Provide protection for the dog’s body against harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses
- Responsible for production of digestive enzymes in the dog’s gut
- Form a barrier between the dog’s body and allergens, heavy metals and toxins
- Produce the B vitamins essential for the dog’s health
- Assist the dogs’ body in the absorption of nutrients like iron, magnesium, and calcium
- Protect the dog against dental disease
- Support the dog’s brain function
Do Dogs Have Lactose Intolerance?
Most dog breeds have trouble digesting dairy products, unlike humans, among which only some ethnic groups have high numbers of lactose-intolerant people. It is not due to toxicity but because their bodies are typically unable to produce an enzyme called lactase. Lactose is a nutrient consisting of two sugars that must be broken up to allow the dog’s body to digest it. The lactase enzyme must do the separation of the two sugars.
While the dog is still a puppy nursing on the mother, the process is not a problem. However, as soon as the doggy moves beyond puppyhood, the digestion of lactose becomes a problem in most dogs. Any food with high lactose levels will cause gas, vomiting, and diarrhea. Dog owners are advised to test their dogs with small amounts of yogurt to check for lactose intolerance and then seek their veterinarian’s advice.
Can Yogurt be Used within Dog Treats?
Yes, yogurt can be used with dog treats. However, like any treat, moderation is key. The 90/10 rule says that 90% of the canine’s daily calories must be a healthy diet, and only 10% can be treats. Depending on the dog’s age, weight and size, the daily yogurt treat would not be more than a couple of spoons. That allocation can be incorporated in the dogs daily treat in the following manners:
- Toppers: Make the dog’s dry food more special by topping it with a spoon of plain unsweetened yogurt.
- Pupsicles: A perfect treat to keep the doggy cool in the summer is a frozen yogurt treat.
- Pupcakes: Use the daily yogurt allocation as an ingredient in cupcakes for the canine, or use it as frosting on the cakes. Keep the 90/10 rule in mind — both the cupcake and the yogurt must be included in the math.
- A treat on its own: Spread the yogurt on a dog’s lickimat or in a KONG to make it last a bit longer
Can Baby Dogs (Puppies) Eat Yogurt?
Yes, puppies can eat yogurt. It is a nutritious and tasty treat for young pups, but it must be given in moderation. Yogurt labels must be checked for low carbohydrates and sugar, both of which could disturb the undeveloped digestive system of a puppy. However, check for xylitol or other artificial sweeteners, which could be toxic for dogs.
Yogurt is a healthy food, safe for puppies because, in small amounts, it could help with the digestion of newborn pups. A teaspoon at a time is enough to keep the growth of pathogens in check and fight toxins. However, any signs of tummy trouble should be discussed with a veterinarian before giving the pup more yogurt.
Do not overlook the mother. Mama-dog might develop mastitis, which can be treated with antibiotics. The effects of the antibiotics can reach the pup’s gut through nursing. It is a good idea to give Mama yogurt to keep the guts of both balanced.
Can Older Dogs Eat Yogurt?
Older dogs can eat yogurt; in fact, it is a healthy choice of treat. Dogs’ bodies naturally manufacture Vitamin C. However, as they age, their systems’ ability to produce Vitamin C is diminished. For that reason, a daily yogurt treat can benefit any aging dog.
Another reason that makes yogurt a brilliant and healthy choice for older dogs is the potassium levels in yogurt that prevent cholesterol problems and multiple nutrients that can support the dog’s health as it ages.
Should Different Dog Breeds Eat Different Amounts of Yogurt?
Yes, different dog breeds should eat different amounts of yogurt. However, it is not the breed but the breed’s size that determines how much yogurt a dog should eat per day. Puppies, small breeds, large breeds, pregnant and aging dogs need varying amounts of nutritional content in their diets, and the same applies to yogurt.
- According to general rules, toy and small breeds like Miniature Schnauzers and Toy Poms should not eat more than one or two teaspoons of yogurt per day.
- Medium-sized dogs such as Border Collies and Bulldogs can eat one tablespoon of yogurt per day.
- Large dog breeds like Rottweilers and Dobermans can have half a cup of yogurt per day.
Is Yogurt More Beneficial for Some Dog Breeds?
No, Yogurt is equally beneficial for all breeds of dogs.
Is Yogurt Less Beneficial for Some Dog Breeds?
No, Yogurt is equally beneficial for all breeds of dogs.
Which Yogurt Recipes and Parts can be eaten safely by Dogs?
Plain unsweetened yogurt is generally a treat that pet parents and their dogs can share safely. Keeping moderation in mind, dogs can enjoy yogurt treats in many forms while keeping the following in mind because some yogurts are not safe for dogs.
The key pointers are listed below:
- Keep it simple. Choose only plain yogurt brands with no added flavoring, sugar, or sweeteners as treats for canines.
- Check the yogurt labels for brands packed with probiotics, beneficial bacteria, and live cultures that benefit your dogs.
- Read the labels and avoid giving dogs yogurt containing toxins like added sugar, xylitol, nuts, grapes, chocolate, and other additives.
- Avoid “diet” versions. These are typically artificially sweetened by xylitol, which is severely toxic to dogs.
- Monitor daily calories. Ensure that yogurt and all the other treats together should count towards the dog’s daily caloric intake.
- Check the label for the fat content, particularly for dogs with weight problems.
- Choose Greek yogurt if possible because the lactose level is lower, reducing digestion risks.
Can Dogs Eat Frozen Yogurt Safely?
Yes, dogs can eat frozen yogurt safely. The table below shows the nutritional information for Regular Frozen Yogurt and Frozen Greek Yogurt:
Half-cup Frozen Yogurt |
Calories |
Protein |
Fat |
Sugar |
Carbs |
Calcium |
Regular |
120 |
4 grams |
2 grams |
17 grams |
22 grams |
150 milligrams |
Nonfat |
110 |
3 grams |
0 grams |
24 grams |
2 grams |
100 milligrams |
Low-Fat Greek |
100 |
6 grams |
1 gram |
14 grams |
18 grams |
100 milligrams |
The exact nutrition details vary depending on the brand and the ingredients. It is best to check the label for nutritional information before buying or asking at the frozen yogurt shop.
Can Dogs Eat Goat’s Milk Yogurt Safely?
Yes, dogs can eat goat’s milk yogurt safely. It is highly recommended because it is also healthy for dogs. The most desirable and most significant benefit of goat’s milk is its digestive properties. Goat’s milk is packed with probiotics, which help support dogs’ digestion by populating the healthy bacteria in dogs’ digestive tract.
Can Dogs Eat Sheep Milk Yogurt Safely?
Yes, dogs can eat sheep milk yogurt safely because it is good for dogs with severe lactose intolerance. Sheep milk is 10% lower in lactose when compared to cow’s milk. Sheep milk yogurt is also richer in Folic Acid, vitamins B12, A, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, and copper than cow’s milk yogurt.
Can Dogs Eat Icelandic Yogurt Safely?
Yes, dogs can eat Icelandic yogurt safely. It is packed with nutrients to benefit dogs’ health. It also promotes heart and bone health, helps with weight loss, and helps regulate blood sugar. Icelandic yogurt also provides dogs with good amounts of protein but minimal amounts of fat and carbs.
Can Dogs Eat Australian Yogurt Safely?
Choosing the 98% fat-free yogurt is a healthy choice. Its active probiotic cultures are natural, gluten-free, and packed with calcium for strong bones and healthy guts. Australian-made pet formulated yogurt is also the perfect place to hide a dog’s essential tablets.
Can Dogs Eat Soy Yogurt Safely?
Yes, dogs can eat soy yogurt safely, but only if the dog does not have a soy intolerance or allergy. Canines can have soy yogurt and other soy products like soy milk and tofu.
Can dogs eat Almond Milk Yogurt Safely?
Yes, dogs can eat almond milk yogurt safely. Almond milk yogurt is lactose-free and ideal for dogs with severe lactose intolerance. Note the importance of going with plain almond milk yogurt rather than the vanilla variety. Vanilla flavorings likely also contain additives, extra sugars, or xylitol artificial sweetener — a deadly toxic additive.
Can Dogs Eat Coconut Milk Yogurt Safely?
Yes, dogs can eat coconut milk yogurt safely. However, it is suggested that the homemade version could be the safest option. Commercial coconut milk yogurt might be artificially flavored with potentially toxic additives. Furthermore, it could contain real bits of coconut preserved with harmful artificial preservatives.
Can Dogs Eat Kefir safely?
Yes, dogs can eat Kefir safely. It contains yeasts that are beneficial in counteracting destructive yeasts in the dog’s body. It is an excellent choice for dogs with recurring problems with skin or ear infections. Kefir is also rich in Vitamin A, B complex vitamins, Vitamin K, Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, biotin, and phosphorus.
Which Dog Food Brands Add Yogurt to their Dog Foods?
Some dog food manufacturers include yogurt in their recipes for making dog foods. Examples are listed below:
- Seven Stars Regular Yogurt — Certified organic by the USDA and made without GMOs.
- 365 Organic Greek Yogurt — An organic Greek yogurt fortified with five probiotic strains.
- Happy Belly Greek Yogurt — Packed with protein and made with only grade-A skim milk.
Can Eating Yogurt Cause Diseases in Dogs?
Yes, although yogurt is not toxic for dogs, it must be given with care and in moderation. In general, all dog breeds are vulnerable when they consume dairy products. Dogs are unable to break down lactose, which is a combination of two sugars. Once beyond their puppy days, their digestive systems are not designed to handle dairy products or lactose.
Therefore, most dogs are lactose intolerant. However, starting with small portions might have no adverse effects on a dog, showing that spoiling doggo with moderate portions of yogurt is safe. However, when dogs show symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, gassiness, vomiting, and drinking excessive amounts of water after eating yogurt, a trip to the vet might be the best route to go.
Can Dogs Eat Yogurt When They are Sick?
Yes and no. Certain conditions in dogs could worsen if they consume yogurt, while others can be resolved by giving the dog yogurt.
Can An Anemic Dog Eat Yogurt?
No, anemic dogs should not eat yogurt. The minerals in yogurt impair the dog’s absorption of iron. In combination with the dog’s iron-rich food as part of its regular diet, that can have an adverse effect on the amount of iron the dog’s body absorbs. For this reason, it would be safer to avoid giving an anemic dog a yogurt treat.
Can Dogs With Kidney Disease Eat Yogurt?
A dog with kidney disease must ingest fat but at a gradual pace. Although increasing fat intake is essential, if it is not gradually increased, the dog could experience digestion upset, and there would even be a risk of pancreatitis. This is best done under the care of a veterinarian.
If the dog seems uncomfortable after eating, has loose stools, diarrhea or vomiting, and has appetite loss, it would indicate the need to reduce the fat immediately. Giving dogs dairy products like whole milk yogurt and cottage cheese can provide the necessary fat. However, moderation is crucial because high levels of phosphorus could be harmful.
Can Dogs With Pancreatitis Eat Yogurt?
Yes, dogs with pancreatitis can eat yogurt or kefir. However, care must be taken to ensure low-fat products. Dogs with inflammation of the pancreas or pancreatitis must be fed low-fat diets.
Can Dogs With IBD Eat Yogurt?
Yes, dogs with IBD can eat yogurt because it is an excellent source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria. Dogs with IBD have imbalanced harmful and good bacteria in their gut. Giving a canine food rich in probiotics like yogurt can restore balance. Choosing plain, nonfat, or low-fat yogurt is essential.
Can Dogs With Diabetes Eat Yogurt?
Yes, diabetic dogs can eat yogurt. Making yogurt a part of the diabetic dog’s regular diet can keep the digestive system in good shape. However, add only moderate portions of plain unsweetened yogurt to assist with the dog’s digestion and nutrient absorption.
Can Dogs Eat Yogurt to Help With Diarrhea?
Yes, yogurt can benefit a dog with diarrhea. Plain yogurt can settle a canine’s stomach. Greek yogurt may be the best option for this condition. It can be given as a topper on dry kibble or as a separate treat. Greek yogurt has low sugar content and high probiotic levels to restore bacterial balance in the dog’s digestive tract.
Can a Nursing Dog Eat Yogurt?
Yes, a nursing dog can eat yogurt, and it could even benefit her puppies. Yogurt’s health benefits include multiple nutrients that Mama dogs can pass onto their babies to share the benefits. One significant benefit is magnesium that benefits bone growth.
Furthermore, if the nursing mother develops mastitis, she will likely be treated with antibiotics, affecting the bacteria balance in her gut. The probiotics in yogurt treats can restore the balance in Mama dog’s gut and be passed on to prevent any bacterial imbalance in the pups.
What Else can Dogs Not Eat along with Yogurt?
Many ‘human foods’ can safely be added to a dog’s yogurt treat, and some could have deadly consequences.
The list below contains some examples:
1. Cocoa
Dry cocoa powder is highly toxic for dogs. One gram of cocoa powder contains as much as 26 mg of theobromine, a poisonous alkaloid for dogs. Even a few grams consumed by a 20-pound dog could cause seizures.
2. Pickled Beets
Pickled beets are another human food that can cause serious health harm in dogs. Pickled beets or any other pickled food absorb too much salt during the pickling process. Salt is bad for any size and breed of dog. If dogs consume any salt whatsoever, it must not exceed more than 10 milligrams per pound of the dog’s weight.
However, beets are packed with nutrients and perfectly safe for dogs to eat canned or boiled — without salt.
3. Jam
Although jam is not toxic for dogs, it is packed with sugar, which has no benefits. A tiny sliver of jam will not harm the dog, but it will also do no good. Jam is almost only sugar, and excessive amounts of sugar can have severe long-term health consequences for a dog. Inflammation can develop throughout the dog’s body, and it might even cause diabetes in dogs.
4. Ice Cream
Ice cream is just one more dairy product that would likely cause stomach problems due to lactose intolerance. Most dogs develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or gas, bloating, and constipation. However, a homemade yogurt ice cream could provide any canine with a cool refreshment on a hot day.
5. Wasabi Peas
Dogs cannot eat wasabi. Their stomachs are not able to digest spicy foods, and wasabi peas might cause serious gastrointestinal irritation. It is not toxic for dogs, but it is not safe either.
6. Cracker Jacks
Dogs should not be given Cracker Jacks or any other store-bought popcorn variants. The same dangers exist for kettle corn, caramel corn, cheddar cheese popcorn, or any other popcorn to be found on the shelves of supermarkets. The reason for keeping them away from canines is the additives. They are all packed with excessive artificial flavorings, sweeteners, sodium, and preservatives, all of which are hazardous for dogs’ health.
Which Dog Treat recipes contain yogurt?
There are numerous recipes available for making dog treats containing yogurt. The following three-ingredient combination recipes are widely available:
The main ingredient for these frozen treats is yogurt.
Combine it with pumpkin puree and peanut butter, or blueberries and bananas. Mix the ingredients and freeze for tasty doggy popsicles.