Can Dogs Eat Greek Yogurt

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Dogs usually want what we are eating. They don’t care what we are exactly eating; they just want a taste of it. If you are like us, and you have a weak spot for your dog, so you sometimes share your food with them, you might have wondered, “Can dogs eat Greek yogurt?” After all, yogurt can be a part of a healthy breakfast, and its benefits for human digestion are very well known. It would be easy to conclude Greek yogurt would be beneficial for dogs, right? Well, it depends. Here is what you should know about giving Greek yogurt to your dog.

Is Greek yogurt safe for dogs?

The first thing we need to establish is whether Greek yogurt is, in fact, safe for dogs to eat. The best answer to the question, “Is Greek yogurt safe for dogs?” is - yes. Dogs can eat Greek yogurt if they are not lactose intolerant. This product contains lactose, and if your dog can’t handle it, you will probably notice some gastrointestinal distress like vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive flatulence.

Is it good for dogs?

Yogurts are probiotics, which means they contain beneficial bacteria that help our digestion. The easiest way to look at it is - if your digestion contains a good balance of “good” bacteria, your digestion will run smoothly and without any problems. The same works for our dogs. However, the digestive balance we have and our dogs have is different, so some things that are beneficial for us might not be beneficial for them.

Greek yogurt is packed with calcium and protein; both nutrients are absolutely necessary for a healthy dog diet. Greek yogurt is a “secret ingredient” many dog owners use to help restore their dog’s gut health. Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, fight the harmful bacteria that found their way into the dog’s digestive system. However, because yogurt contains lactose, some dogs simply cannot handle it.

Another thing many dog owners think about sharing with their dog is milk. If you want to know more about it, check out this article - Is milk good for dogs?

Can Greek yogurt be bad for dogs?

Unfortunately, yogurt can cause some bad reactions. Your dog might get diarrhea, vomit, or become really gassy. If your dog is lactose intolerant, it would be best to avoid giving them yogurt. Even a tiny amount could make them sick.

Before you decide to give some Greek yogurt to your dog, you should read the list of ingredients. Not all yogurts are the same, and some brands include additives that might not be safe for dogs. Reading the ingredient list of dog products is a great habit all dog owners should develop.

One of the ingredients you should avoid and absolutely never allow your dog to eat is xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener companies use instead of sugar. It is commonly found in sugar-free gum, peanut butter, toothpaste, and even yogurt. Just a tiny bit of Xylitol can be very toxic to dogs and cause liver failure and seizures. You should avoid it at all costs.

How to safely give Greek yogurt to dogs?

If you are absolutely adamant about giving your dog Greek yogurt, there are ways you could do that without endangering them or causing them gastrointestinal distress. First, try giving your dog only a tiny bit of Greek yogurt and see how they react. If your dog is still fine after a couple of hours, you can try giving them a bit more. If your dog has a reaction like vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive flatulence, stop giving them yogurt immediately.

While yogurt might be beneficial for us, dogs don’t seem to get all the benefits we do. If you want to give your dog Greek yogurt, make sure you give it only occasionally. Think of it as a rare dog treat your dog doesn’t get every day.

If you want to include more probiotics in your dog’s diet, there is a better and safer way to do that. Check out this article - Will FortiFlora help my dog?

Serving ideas

Greek yogurt can be a great summer treat. Pour it in an ice cube tray and freeze it for 8 hours. Your dog will get a healthy frozen treat that will undoubtedly cool them down during hot summer days. You can prepare a smoothie with apples, bananas, and Greek yogurt. Put the ingredients in a blender and serve directly in the dog’s bowl. You can also freeze the mixture or pour it over your dog’s usual meal.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Before you decide to introduce new ingredients to your dog’s diet, it would be best to talk to your vet. They know your dog’s medical history, and they can give you the best possible advice regarding your dog’s diet.

World Dog Finder team