Can dogs and cats have milk?

Most dogs are actually lactose intolerant!

Dogs are born with enzymes needed to digest their mothers milk, a nutrient dense liquid containing small amounts of lactose. As they age, they lose these enzymes over time.

This means that a dog's gastrointestinal system reacts poorly to milk, especially large amounts. Vomiting, diarrhoea, gas, bloating and abdominal pain are common signs with large amounts of milk consumption.

Can dogs drink oat milk?

Yes, dogs can drink oat milk which is a plant based lactose-free drink.

Many supermarket oat milks contain sugar and carbohydrates which can lead to weight gain or gastrointestinal upset. Some products are sweetened with artificial sweeteners such as xylitol which is toxic to dogs, so make sure you check the label and only feed small amounts as a treat.

Can dogs drink almond milk?

Yes, dogs can drink small amounts of unsweetened almond milk. Almond milk is higher in fat than other milk alternatives so should be avoided if your dog has a condition such as pancreatitis or IBD, whereby high fat foods lead to illness.

If feeding almond milk, use an unsweetened product as many sweetened almond milks contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol which is toxic to dogs.

Can dogs drink goat's milk?

Yes, dogs can drink goat's milk occasionally. Goat milk is lower in lactose compared to cows milk so it is easier to digest. However for some dogs it still may cause upset stomach, diarrhoea and bloating. If offering your dog goat's milk for the first time, give only a small amount and monitor for signs of lactose intolerance.

Can dogs drink soy milk?

Yes, dogs can drink plain unsweetened soy milk; it does not contain any lactose. Soy milk is quite high in calories and should only be given as the occasional treat in moderation. Soy allergies are relatively common in dogs so if you are going to feed it to your dog make sure you start with offering a small amount and monitor for signs of allergic reaction such as upset stomach, vomiting or skin irritation.

As with other plant base milk alternatives make sure you use an unsweetened product to reduce the risk of artificial sweetener toxicity.

Can dogs have lactose-free milk?

Yes, dogs can drink lactose-free milk in moderation (often pet milks will be marketed as lactose-free). Make sure you check the label to see if the milk is free from artificial sweeteners. Lactose-free milk still has a high fat and sugar content, so feed occasionally and monitor for weight gain.

Can dogs have raw milk?

Feeding raw milk is risky as it's unpasteurised. This increases the risk for the presence of harmful bacteria such as E.coli, Salmonella and Listeria. These bacteria can make your dog very unwell, and require extensive veterinary care to recover. Do not feed raw milk to your dog.