The big question: is yogurt good for dogs? Yogurt is a common addition to a dog's diet and often recommended as appropriate by veterinarians. We hear from many dog owners each day that have been adding a little greek yogurt to their dog's dish each day in hopes that the live cultures will stabilize gut flora and stave off problems like diarrhea and loose stool, as well as yeast. Yet, they continue to to be confronted with these issues. This leads us to ask, is yogurt really the best choice for dogs?
SUMMARY:
5 minute read
- Is Yogurt Good for Dogs: The Problems with Yogurt and Your Dog
- The Dairy Problem with Yogurt
- The Low Probiotic Content Problem with Yogurt
- The Other Ingredients Problem with Yogurt
- A Better Alternative to Yogurt for Dogs
Is Yogurt Good for Dogs: The Problems with Yogurt and Your Dog
The question 'is yogurt good for dogs' contains many layers to answer. We have three main problems with yogurt: the dairy problem, the low probiotic content problem, and the 'other ingredients' problem. Let's dive in to the problems with yogurt for dogs, and a better alternative than yogurt to improve your pup's digestive health.
The dairy problem with yogurt
First, let's discuss dogs naturally producing enzymes. Dogs do not produce lactase (the enzyme that digests lactose) in the copious amounts as humans do. While yogurt contains less lactose than regular dairy products, it's in there nonetheless. In the natural world, there is no such thing as yogurt for dogs.
So this can become a digestive problem for dogs to produce lactase in order to digest yogurt and obtain the benefits of the live cultures. Moreover, it is not uncommon for dogs to regurgitate the yogurt shortly after eating.
Dogs do not produce lactase like humans do, and it can become a digestive problem for dogs to produce enough lactase to digest yogurt.
The low probiotic content in yogurt
The fact is, most yogurt does not contain enough of the right types of probiotics or live cultures to truly balance your dog's gut. This is also due to the fact that yogurt which is pasteurized after bacteria is added will contain almost no probiotics.
The most common species of probiotics in yogurt is acidophilus, and while acidophilus is good for dogs, it is not enough in itself to bring maximum benefit for dogs. Further, most species of bacteria that bring the most benefit to dogs will not perform well in a yogurt medium.Most yogurt does not contain enough probiotics to balance your dog's gut.
The "other ingredients" problem with yogurt
Some yogurts, in addition to live and active cultures, contain multiple other ingredients, flavors, or sugars that can adversely affect canine health. Lastly, all yogurt is high in calcium, which can pose a health problem for dogs if not closely monitored in context with the rest of your dog's diet, this is especially true for larger breeds.
A Better Alternative to Yogurt for Dogs
We believe that yogurt, while it can offer some minimal benefits, is not the best way to impact your dogs health. A better alternative, rather than giving your dog the benefits of active probiotic cultures through yogurt, is to provide these cultures alone through a pure probiotic supplement made specifically for dogs. Instead of yogurt, give your dog a daily dose of probiotics.
Probiotic Miracle®: Immune System and Gut Support
Great health starts in the gut with Probiotic Miracle®. This rigorously tested, scientifically formulated dry powder provides stabilized probiotic cultures that are right for dogs, and in the right amounts. Give your dog the benefits of yogurt without the risks of inappropriate nutrition.
Conclusion
We've hoped to sufficiently answer your burning question; 'is yogurt good for dogs'? In a nutshell, while yogurt may be seen as a healthy addition to a dog's diet, there are some important things to consider:
Dogs don't process lactose as well as humans, so even though yogurt has less lactose than other dairy products, it can still lead to tummy troubles for your pup. Plus, most yogurts don't have enough of the right probiotics to really benefit your dog's gut health. And let's not forget about the extra ingredients and sugars that can sneak into some yogurts, potentially causing more harm than good.
So, instead of yogurt, you might want to consider giving your dog a probiotic supplement made specifically for them. It could be a better way to support their overall digestive health without the risk of upsetting their stomachs. Until next time, thanks for reading!
Visit Nusentia for natural, trusted pet health supplements with proven formulas to improve your furry friend's overall health. A trusted brand by veterinarians and pet parents since 2008.
