Wonderfur Company - September 10, 2024

Wondering If Yogurt Is Good for Your Dog? Find Out Here

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” Quite well, Roger Caras equated the relationship we have with our pets with a quote he is well known for. We as pet keepers want nothing less than the happiness and wellness of our pets and once in a while, we try changing their diet for their better health.

One particular dietary supplement that is at the centre of many people’s attention is yogurt. If you would praise this item as a healthy food for humans, then think of how good it would be for a dog. 

Yogurt for dogs available in the market may contain high levels of probiotics and other beneficial nutrients and therefore it contributes to your dog’s health in many ways.

Before you fill up a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt, you need to understand the considerations and the advantages of yogurt for dogs. We will see in this blog whether yogurt is a healthy option for the dog and how best to add it to its diet. 

So let’s begin!

What Are the Benefits of Yogurt for Dogs?

Probiotics for Digestive Health

Probiotics are the good bacteria found in yogurt. They are also very good for the dog‘s digestive system. Such ‘friendly’ bacteria may contribute to maintaining and improving the gut environment. This internal balance contributes in normalising bowel movement and alleviating occasional gut discomfort associated with digestion.

Probiotics when taken regularly may contribute to maintaining gut health and good nutrient absorption. If you’re considering the best dog supplements in Australia, look for options that include probiotics to complement yogurt’s benefits.

Calcium and Protein

It is not only a treat for your dog but yogurt also satisfies important health requirements. It is an excellent source of calcium which contributes to bone and tooth growth. This is necessary for active dogs and development of puppies.

Yogurt also contributes to muscular activity and in the process of blood clot formation. Yogurt from healthy dog treats for dogs help provide essential nutrients to your dog but you have to be careful not to serve it too often or follow label’s advice.

Immune System Support

The yogurt that your dog eats will not only assist in digestion but may also play a role in your dog’s immune health because of the probiotics in it. Healthy gut bacteria enhances the immune system, and helps the body fight infections and diseases.

Lactose Intolerance Management

Many dogs that are considered lactose intolerant can tolerate yogurt better than other dairy products. The fermentation process in yogurt reduces lactose levels, making it easier for lactose-sensitive dogs to digest compared to other dairy options. This can be especially beneficial if your dog loves dairy but struggles with milk. It's important to note that not just regular Greek yogurt, but kefir, with its even lower lactose content and higher probiotic count, is an even better option for managing lactose intolerance in dogs.

What to Consider When Feeding Yogurt for Dogs?

Choose Plain, Unsweetened Yogurt

Choose only plain unsweetened yogurt for your dog, especially older ones. You can also give older dogs senior dog treats made from yogurt.

Flavoured or sweetened yogurts could be harmful as they may contain artificial sweeteners or extra sugars— which are bad for your dog. The safest and the best option is plain yogurt.

Check for Lactose Intolerance

Even though yogurt contains less lactose than milk, it can still cause issues for some dogs. If your dog experiences gastrointestinal problems, it's best to avoid yogurt and consult your vet. Instead, consider choosing Wonderfur’s lactose-free kefir bites, specially formulated to be gentle on sensitive stomachs while providing all the benefits of probiotics.

Consult Your Veterinarian

It's sensible to speak with your veterinarian before adding yogurt to your dog's diet. They can offer advice depending on the particular nutritional demands and health requirements of your dog.

Types of Yogurt and Their Suitability for Dogs

Greek Yogurt

It is thicker than regular yogurt, has more protein, and generally tends to have less lactose because of the straining process. This would be fine if your dog does well with dairy products. It would also be a good choice for making frozen yogurt doggy treats.

Regular Yogurt

It’s runnier and has more lactose compared to Greek yogurt. It still offers calcium and protein but probiotic content is not so concentrated. Regular yogurt in moderation can be used but monitor if it suits your dog.

Kefir for Dogs

Kefir is a drinkable yogurt that hosts a variety of beneficial bacteria and yeast. If your dog loves liquid treats and can take dairy, then it may be a proper choice. 

If your dog does not like liquid food, then Wonderfur’s treats will be the best choice. It has kefir for dogs and other natural ingredients that would bring more additional probiotics and health benefits than regular yogurt.

How Much Yogurt Can Your Dog Eat?

Many dogs are lactose intolerant, making regular yogurt a less ideal treat. A general guideline is:

  • Small Dogs: 1 teaspoon per day
  • Medium Dogs: 2 teaspoons per day
  • Large Dogs: 3 teaspoons per day

Remember these are not to be treated as replacements for balanced dog food. Professional-grade, nutritious dog treats or the best dog supplements Australia that are tailored to your dog's dietary requirements might provide particular health advantages.Instead of taking the risk, you can safely offer Wonderfur Bites, which are specially formulated with lactose-free kefir. This ensures your dog enjoys all the benefits of probiotics without the worry of digestive issues. Give your dog a treat that's both delicious and gentle on their stomach.

Creative Ways to Serve Yogurt

Mix with Kibble

Mix a bit of yogurt into your dog’s regular food for flavour and nutrition. Or you can directly buy our freeze-dried functional yogurt bites!

Frozen Treats

Freeze yogurt in ice cube trays. You can also stuff a treat toy with yogurt before freezing it, which may be a refreshing snack—ideal for a hot day.

Smoothies

Blend it with fresh dog-safe fruits or vegetables for a delicious, nutritious smoothie!

Complement Your Dog’s Diet with Freeze-Dried Yogurt Bites from Wonderfur!

Another very convenient and nutritious way to get yogurt into your dog’s diet is with Wonderfur’s freeze-dried functional yogurt bites. These treats have been specifically created to contribute to enhancing all the benefits of yogurt in a highly palatable manner.

They are rich sources of important probiotics, calcium, and protein - all of which may contribute to your dog’s digestive health, immune system, and general well-being, with no harmful additives.

Wonderfur's freeze-dried yogurt bites are a convenient, no-mess version of yogurt and do not require any preparation while contributing to your dog’s overall health. These are the best dog treats for dogs and an excellent addition to your dog’s diet to help manage their health and happiness.