Yogurt for Dogs: A Healthy Treat for Your Furry Friend
People around the world love snacking on different types of yogurt. But is it worth allowing your dog to have a lick in the pot after you’re done? Or give them a yogurt serving of their own?
Yogurt makes a delicious yet healthy treat for dogs that keeps them away from the rich and high-calorie treat alternatives. We are going into depth to determine whether it’s worth a shot. Let’s begin without any further ado.
Health Benefits of Feeding Yogurt to Dogs
Don’t panic or book a vet appointment if your dog is caught eating some yogurt off the shelf. While losing a treat for bad manners, your beloved fur baby might gain the following nutritional perks:
Probiotics
Probiotics help maintain healthy stomach activity. They help digest food and also regulate bowel movement and gas in dogs. Probiotics also absorb minerals better from their diet. If your dog has a flatulence problem, probiotics from yogurt might help cure them.
Protein
Dogs thrive on protein. Yogurt is a source of healthy proteins that completes their daily nutritional requirements, allowing them to get stronger. Proteins are also essential for building immunity. This way, your pet won’t get sick due to external factors.
Vitamins
Vitamins and minerals are essential components to help pets grow. They are suitable for developing more potent bones, clear vision, better fur, and productivity. Dogs receive vitamins and minerals from yogurt, fulfilling their nutritional needs.
Calcium
Calcium is crucial for a dog’s bones and teeth. Apart from this, it also improves their nervous system function. Feed them with some yogurt to boost that calcium.
Yogurt for Dogs
Not every yogurt is suitable for dogs. You need to pick a product that is natural and does not contain a lot of preservatives.
Plain natural yogurt
The best yogurt is in its natural form. It is loaded with probiotics and contains no artificial preservatives, flavorings and extra calories. Plain yogurt is created to improve muscles and support bones.
It does not taste the best but provides unmatchable nutritional content.
Greek yogurt
A low-carb alternative to plain yogurt, greek yogurt contains fewer sugars and high protein content. It is also loaded with vitamins and minerals. Greek yogurt is thicker and tangier than the normal one, so you may need to test it first. It is suitable for dogs on keto as well.
Adequate Yogurt Consumption in Dogs
You must decide and confirm a couple of factors before offering a cup loaded with yogurt to your favorite boy or girl.
Size
Small dogs should be given no more than two tablespoons of yogurt, but you can provide up to three to four spoons without any risk.
Calories
Healthy dogs need between 300 to 400 calories daily and an adequate activity level to maintain weight. Make sure that the yogurt serving does not overpower their meals.
Can All Dogs Consume Yogurt?
Unfortunately, the answer to this is no. Regarding food, you need to confirm that the dog is not lactose intolerant. A lactose intolerant dog has diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, and flatulence. It isn’t dangerous, but you may need to provide them with a bit of assistance to recover. Do not feed a lactose intolerant dog anything dairy — unless you have the time and energy to clean after them and bear the farts.
Conclusion
Yogurt is a healthy snack option for dogs. You can offer it in small quantities. Greek and plain yogurt are the most popular and beneficial options for dogs. Pet owners need to consider the size of their dogs and the required calories before feeding them. Lactose intolerant dogs should be kept away from yogurt.