Can dogs eat natural yoghurt?

The humble yoghurt is one of Britain's favourite foods – for humans. But what about dogs? Are dogs allowed yoghurt? Do they like the taste, and is it safe for them?

The answer is yes! Dogs can eat yoghurt, but you need to make sure it doesn’t contain any nasties.

What yoghurt can dogs eat?

So, what yoghurt is good for dogs?

Live yogurts can be a good choice for dogs. They contain live bacteria called probiotics. Probiotic yogurts are safe for dogs and humans alike and can help with the health of your gut.

Usually, the yoghurt packaging will tell you if it contains live bacteria. Look at the ingredients label for 'cultures' or 'live bacteria'. Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus are other names to look out for.

Just remember that probiotics specifically created for dogs tend to be more effective than live yoghurt, especially if they are suffering from a medical condition. Dog-specific probiotics are formulated to give your dog the correct dose for their weight or size.

However, it’s always nice to know that your live yoghurt treat could be beneficial. The calcium and protein that yoghurt contains make this a healthier option than many other human snacks too.

You can give your dog plain, low fat, full fat, naturally flavoured and frozen yogurts.

But make sure you avoid artificial flavours and sweeteners, particularly Xylitol. Xylitol can be dangerous for dogs, even in small quantities.

Check the ingredients carefully. There may be more sweeteners in yogurts than you'd expect. Other potentially dangerous artificial ingredients include:

• Aspartame - Large doses have been linked to potential health issues in dogs.

• Erythritol - Large quantities may cause gastrointenstinal upset, like bloating, diarrhea, and gas.

• Sucralose - Big doses can cause problems, like gastrointestinal issues.

Don't give your dog yogurt if you know they're lactose intolerant. It will only make them feel unwell.

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Can I give my dog yoghurt every day?

Yogurt can be a daily treat for your dog. But according to Jan Dempsey, senior nutritionist at pet food manufacturer Purina, you should aim for the 10% treat rule. That means that yogurt, along with your dog's other treats, should make up no more than 10% of your dog's calorie intake each day.

Too much yoghurt in your pet’s diet could contribute to weight gain. It can also cause stomach upsets and may lead to nutritional imbalances over time. The trouble is that small amounts of yoghurt probably won’t give your dog enough probiotics to be of significant health benefit.

If you’re keen to provide your dog with probiotics regularly then don’t rely on yogurt alone. Have a chat with your vet, who may suggest dog-specific probiotic supplements or offer other dietary advice.

Is frozen yogurt safe for dogs?

Yes, you can feed your dog frozen yogurt as an occasional treat. Try buying a probiotic yogurt and freezing it at home as shop-bought frozen yogurts can be full of sugar.

Can dogs eat Greek yoghurt?

Yes, they can. Greek yogurt contains probiotics and is healthy and safe for dogs, if fed in moderation.

It’s generally thicker than other yogurts because they remove whey during the production process. So if your dog turns its nose up at it, this may be the reason.

Is coconut yogurt good for dogs to eat?

Opinions are divided on whether coconut products are safe for dogs.

The American Kennel Club states that coconut oil contains anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral components and is good for your dog in small quantities. But too much can cause diarrhoea.

Coconut oil can be found in the milk and flesh of coconuts. These are ingredients that you may find in coconut yogurt.

However, both the American Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the Royal Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in New South Wales, Australia, state that coconut oil can cause diarrhoea and stomach upsets, and that coconut water contains potassium, which can also lead to health problems. But your dog would probably need to eat large amounts to cause a coconut-related issue.

We would recommend speaking to your vet for advice before giving your dog coconut yogurt.

Is kefir good for dogs to eat?

It can have benefits. But like with all new foods, introduce it slowly and observe your dog’s reaction. It can provide essential nutrients like B vitamins and calcium.Your dog can have a balanced, healthy diet without it.

What about plant-based yoghurts, like almond, oat and soy?

It depends on what’s in them. They can eat plain versions of these in moderation if they like it, but you must avoid them if they contain:

• Added sugars

• Artificial sweeteners, like xylitol

• Other harmful additives, like unsafe fruits or chemicals

How to feed your dog yoghurt

Introducing plain yoghurt

We recommend starting slow when introducing a new food. . Only give them a small amount to begin with, and observe for signs of an allergy or gastrointestinal issues.

If your dog likes it and doesn’t show any negative reaction, then you can use plain yoghurt as an occasional healthy treat.

Serving suggestions

You should introduce foods slowly and increase the amount you give your dog over time. For example, you can start with a teaspoon for the first few days, then a little more, and after a few weeks of no negative reactions, you can make it a regular treat..

Creative ways to serve

• Freeze some plain yoghurt and put it in a KONG

• Make dog-friendly pupsicles

• Mix in with kibble

What’s the shelf life and storage guidelines for plain yoghurt for dogs?

It’s the same as for us. Just follow the storage guidelines that are on the label. You can freeze it if you’d like it to last longer, but just treat it like you’re feeding yourself: look for signs of spoilage and follow the manufacturer’s advice.

Using plain yoghurt for medical purposes (like probiotics)

Always have a chat with your vet before using yoghurt for a specific medical issue, like digestive issues. It’s important to get the right diagnosis and treatment plan, and your vet can help with this.

Now, in terms of supplementation, it’s better to have a high-quality, vet-recommended probiotic instead of using yoghurt from home. These are formulated specifically to the gut microbiome of dogs, and will give you accurate dosing guidelines, which can lead to better results.

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