25 May Can Dogs Eat Yogurt and Cheese? Their Advantages and Disadvantages

Yogurt and cheese are delicious and healthy dairy products that have many benefits. Maybe we think giving our dog one or two spoons a day isn’t harmful. But is yogurt good for dogs too? Many people say that probiotic yogurt helps treat dog diarrhea; Is that so? So why do some dogs get diarrhea from eating yogurt? What harms and dangers can yogurt pose to dogs? On the Other hand, In addition to breakfast, cheese in pizza, sandwiches, and other meals has made it always present in homes. It may have occurred to you that when you eat cheese, your dog stares and asks you to give him this white, soft and delicious food! At that point, the question probably arises as to whether dogs can eat cheese. Is it helpful cheese or harmful for them? In this article, we decided to talk about giving yogurt and cheese to dogs and look at this issue from different angles. So stay tuned.

Is yogurt good for dogs?

In general, yogurt isn’t harmful to dogs and can even be helpful. It’s rich in calcium and protein and helps keep dogs healthy. Natural and straightforward yogurt contains beneficial probiotic bacteria that help strengthen and healthy the digestive system of humans and dogs. Therefore, except for probiotic ones, all others contain these beneficial bacteria. Veterinarians don’t recommend giving probiotic yogurt to dogs or cats at all. The probiotics in yogurt are regulated for human intestinal health, aren’t beneficial to dogs, and can sometimes be harmful. You should use simple yogurt, and you should add special probiotics. So you can give your dog a small amount of 1-2 tablespoons every once in a while. Of course, the yogurt you give your dog should be plain and natural, non-fat, non-creamy, and tasteless. Sweet fruit yogurts usually contain artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, forbidden for dogs.

How much yogurt are dogs allowed to eat?

The amount of yogurt allowed for a dog depends on many factors, such as the type of yogurt and the dog’s characteristics, such as body size, weight, daily calorie intake, health status, and sterility. its consumption shouldn’t be more than 2-3 tablespoons per day. However, as a general rule, always remember the 10% treat rule: a dog treat (which includes yogurt) shouldn’t exceed 10% of the dog’s daily caloric needs.

The best diet for dogs

In addition to the 10% treat, we said that 90% of the dog’s energy needs should come from the food he eats. In addition, his food at various ages should be different from being able to meet his nutritional needs. So a healthy and quality diet can play an essential role in a dog’s health and longevity. Dry food can be a good food source for dogs if it’s prepared from reputable and quality brands. But do you know better than that? Homemade food is designed according to the recipe approved by the veterinarian! It can be the best diet for a dog and even better than dry food if its ingredients are balanced and adjusted to the dog’s nutritional needs. But keep in mind that only a veterinarian, a veterinarian familiar with the science of dog nutrition, can balance food composition.

Properties of yogurt for dogs

If you give your dogs enough yogurt and a delicious taste, it can also help improve the dogs’ health. The essential benefits of yogurt for dogs are:

Strengthen the dog’s immune system

Yogurt contains antioxidants and beneficial vitamins that strengthen and keep the dog’s immune system healthy. Simple yogurt promotes health, strengthens the immune system, and protects it against many diseases. Yogurt also contains two types of probiotics called Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which help enhance puppies and heal infections. Probiotic yogurt for dogs can help dogs with diseases.

Strengthen and health of the gastrointestinal tract

The probiotics in yogurt also help strengthen the dog’s digestive tract. Veterinarians usually recommend giving your dog some yogurt when he has diarrhea. Mainly yogurt containing probiotics specific to the dog to speed up the healing process.

Control dog cholesterol

We aren’t the only ones who have to watch our cholesterol levels; Natural cholesterol levels are also significant for dogs. High cholesterol or blood fats in dogs can lead to serious health problems such as heart attack, circulatory issues, etc. Yogurt can help lower a dog’s cholesterol level; Of course, be careful not to give too much yogurt to your dog because yogurt contains fat.

Side effects and dangers of it for dogs

Again, yogurt is generally not toxic to dogs; But in some cases, it can cause problems and even digestive diseases in dogs. Dogs lose their lactose tolerance and ability to digest milk and dairy products after infancy and lactation. They may experience bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting if they eat milk, yogurt, and other lactose-containing dairy products. If your dog has any of these problems after eating yogurt, it’s better to consult a veterinarian to help guide your dog’s digestive upset.

Another problem with yogurt and dairy products, especially high-fat yogurts, is that these products usually contain fat. If dogs overeat fat, they can get stomach problems and even pancreatitis, which is a severe and dangerous problem. The next thing we mentioned above is that many fruit and flavored yogurts use artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, which are toxic and harmful to dogs. Even tiny amounts of xylitol can dangerously lower a dog’s blood sugar and endanger his life.

Under no circumstances should you give unsweetened flavored yogurts like shallot yogurt to dogs; Because garlic, shallots, and salt in these yogurts are prohibited and toxic to dogs. Don’t forget that everything good for us isn’t necessarily good for our dog and can even be harmful to him! Therefore, we recommend giving him a minimal amount of yogurt the first time. If your dog doesn’t react badly, you can provide him with yogurt every once as a treat.

What kind of yogurt is better for my dog?

Simple and natural yogurt is the best yogurt for dogs; because it doesn’t contain harmful substances such as xylitol and flavorings. Greek yogurt is also lovely to dogs because of its naturalness and high protein content. You can also make homemade yogurt and give it to your dog. Otherwise, prepare a simple and natural yogurt, preferably low-fat, and give him in small quantities.

Is fruit yogurt harmful to dogs?

Fruit yogurts in stores usually contain artificial sweeteners such as sugar and xylitol, which are highly toxic and dangerous to dogs. But you can mix beneficial fruits for dogs with simple yogurt and make a healthy and delicious fruit yogurt. Some dogs love icy, cool treats, and they enjoy eating cold, frozen yogurt, especially in the summer. So you can put some of it in the freezer and serve it to your dog in the form of frozen yogurt.

Can dogs eat it?

Dogs can eat cheese. But like any other food, you have to be careful not to overeat. So in answer to the question “Is cheese harmful to dogs?” we should say that it’s better to discuss this issue with the veterinarian! The answer may vary depending on the dog’s size, breed, immunity, and general health.

Is it beneficial for dogs?

Cheese is full of nutrients such as vitamins A, B-12, k-2, and omega-3 fatty acids. Therefore, it’s one of the best options for providing daily calcium, protein, and fat to the dog’s body. Usually, a small amount of it is suitable for dogs, but because of possible discomfort in the future, it’s better to avoid giving it to dogs! Most pets, like humans, are unable to produce lactase (an enzyme that helps digest dairy products). So, foods containing lactose, such as cheese, can cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and anorexia. Also, due to the high amount of fat in this food, eating cheese can lead to diseases like pancreatitis, obesity, and gastrointestinal disorders in dogs.

What cheese is suitable for dogs?

It might be interesting to know that there are hundreds of types of cheese in different shapes, textures, and colors. These differences in appearance indicate that the ingredients of each of these cheeses vary. So which one is best for dogs? In general, cheeses low in fat and lactose are more suitable for feeding dogs. Here are some types of cheese ideal for dogs:

Low-fat white cheese

Low-fat cheese is a good choice as home dog food. These cheeses are low in lactose and are also an excellent source of protein and calcium.

Mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella cheese is a good choice for your puppy because it has less fat and sodium than regular cheeses.

Probiotic cheese

Probiotic cheese is suitable for dogs! The characteristic feature of this type of cheese is the lack of lactose. So it’s a delicious snack with your dog’s food.

Cheddar cheese

Cheddar cheese is the same yellow cheese that is used in sandwiches. Its structure is slightly different from other cheeses, but we can say that eating it is almost harmless for your dog.

How much cheese are dogs allowed to eat?

Your dog shouldn’t eat more than a few small cheeses bites a day! But this amount depends on your dog’s body tolerance to lactose. Some dogs can’t tolerate cheese, and some can easily digest a few bites of it.

An excellent treat for dogs

Does your dog refuse to take medicine or do things you want to do? You can solve this issue with a piece of cheese! Cheese can act like a dog treat and make your job easier. For example, you can put the pill next to the cheese and give it to your dog without conflict!

To wrap up

Yogurt isn’t harmful to dogs and can even have many benefits. Of course, yogurt should be simple, low-fat, and without artificial or natural sweetener and flavoring. It also should be given in a small amount of 1-2 tablespoons per day. Some dogs may be allergic to the lactose in yogurt and may have digestive problems such as diarrhea and vomiting. Dogs can also eat cheese, but not much! Cheese bread is a delicious and lovable snack for dogs, but you should be careful not to feed them a lot. To have a healthy and lively dog, you need to pay attention to nutrition, activity, health, grooming, etc. You can prevent the disease and have a healthy dog in this case. In all these steps, you can count on the specialized team of MishkaGrooming. Our experienced and precise groomers have groomed your dogs carefully and accurately so that they count the moments for the next session.