Yoghurt is a delicious food enriched with nutrients like proteins and calcium, along with probiotics, that are good for the health of the human digestive system.
It is a food that has been eaten by humans for many years.
It provides many health benefits like the prevention of diseases like heart disease and osteoporosis, boosts and enhances our immunity and also helps in weight management. Also, the question is can dogs eat yoghurt?
The simple answer is yes; dogs can enjoy yoghurt Let’s get into detail about how yoghurt is good for dogs. What are the health benefits and risks associated with consuming yoghurt? What type of yoghurt is good for dogs?
Let’s start.
What is yoghurt?
Yoghurt means to coagulate, thicken or curdle. Milk is used to make yogurt and used by humans for many years.
In the Middle East, milk-producing animals were reared and domesticated so yogurt originated from that specific area. Also, as milk quickly gets spoiled, herdsmen use bags made of intestinal guts to carry it. Also, intestinal bacteria inside the bags would make and thicken the milk, storing it for a long time.
Yogurt was the only specific way to store and preserve milk for many years, rather than drying it
With time, yogurt was helpful in relieving signs of stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Yoghurt became a famous dessert when people thought to add honey, fruits, and sugar.
What are the different types of yogurt?
Yogurt is of three types- kefir, regular yogurt, and Greek-style yogurt. All the types possess the same ingredients, however, there is a difference in nutrient profile. Let’s discuss the differences.
- Greek yoghurt– Among the three types, it is thicker and creamier yogurt as manufacturers use to strain it thrice for removing whey from the final product. When milk curdles, whey is the watery fluid left behind.
It contains more fats, proteins, and less amount of carbs and sugar compared to regular yogurt. The high ratio of proteins and thick texture give u a fuller feeling and help in losing weight.
- Regular Yogurt- It is less thick and has a runny texture compared to Greek yogurt as manufacturers only strain it twice, resulting in some whey in the final product. However, this yogurt contains more calcium and fewer calories.
- Kefir is the drinkable and smooth cousin of yoghurt. The health benefits are the same and are ok for a dog to enjoy.
Moreover, all the above-mentioned types are enriched with calcium and probiotics that enhance your immunity and help to support a healthy heart and manage weight loss, and aid in digestion.
For humans, it is a healthy diet addition; however, it is not a great option for dogs.
Dairy Products and Dogs
Most dogs are intolerant to lactose while others get affected by dairy allergies. Moreover, A natural sugar called lactose is present in milk. Also, in dogs, there is an absence of digestive enzyme lactase, which helps to break down sugar for digestion.
Some dogs are truly allergic to dairy products. The vets have a clear idea regarding allergies and lactose intolerant. Consult your vet immediately if you observe any of the symptoms.
Lactose intolerant symptoms:
The symptoms related to lactose-intolerant are
- Lack of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Abdominal discomfort
- Vomiting
Symptoms of milk allergies
The symptoms related to milk allergies in dogs are
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive itchiness
- Excessive licking of the paw
- Issue in breathing
- Hives
- Skin redness
What are the health benefits of yoghurt?
The health benefits of yoghurt are discussed below
- Improved digestion
- Healthy coat and skin
- Improvement in immunity
- Minimize risks of cancers and diseases
- Relieves the symptoms of ear infections, hot spots, and constant itchiness
- Protects against tooth decay
What are the risks associated with serving yogurt to dogs?
Yoghurt is non-toxic for dogs however, some points need to be considered before serving yogurt to dogs.
The first and foremost issue is lactose problems. With the growth of dogs, there is the production of fewer enzymes that causes lactose intolerance.
Another point to consider is the kind of yogurt. However, In some yoghurts, there is the presence of sugar like xylitol that results in hypoglycemia, vomiting, liver failure, and seizures.
How much yoghurt can be fed to a dog?
If the dog is not lactose intolerant, yoghurt can be added in a moderate amount to their food. Depending on the size, daily calorie intake, weight, underlying health issues, neuter status and activity level the serving size of yogurt is
- 1 tsp. daily- small dogs
- 2 tsp. daily medium dogs
- 3 tsp daily- large dogs
Conclusion
Yoghurt is a delicious food enriched with nutrients like proteins and calcium, along with probiotics, that are good for the health of the human digestive system.
However, it is a food that has been eaten by humans for many years. It provides many health benefits, like the prevention of diseases like heart disease and osteoporosis, boosts and enhances our immunity and also helps in weight management.
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