Can Dogs Eat Yogurt?
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Every dog deserves a special treat, and if you tend to dig into a container of Greek yogurt every so often, you might wonder if your dog can have a taste too.
So, can dogs eat yogurt? Fortunately, yes. It’s a healthy and tasty treat for our canines—if you choose the right kind.
NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.
Key Takeaways
- Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt is usually the best choice for dogs.
- Avoid yogurts with sweeteners or xylitol, which can cause liver damage and death.
- Dog-safe yogurt can have health benefits, like promoting muscle development and a healthy immune system.
- Treats, including yogurt, should never make up more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories.
- Dog-safe yogurt can be mixed into your pet’s food, frozen into a treat, or stuffed into a toy.
Can Dogs Have Yogurt?
Yes. Dogs can have yogurt, but not all yogurts are created equal. Here are a few guidelines to follow when choosing a yogurt for your dog:
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Always choose a plain, unsweetened yogurt.
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Check the ingredients list and avoid artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, which can cause severe liver damage, dangerously low blood sugar, and death.
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Avoid sweetened yogurt, which contains high levels of sugar; this can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weight gain in dogs.
Never give your dog a yogurt containing xylitol, which can be fatal. If your dog ingests xylitol, go to an emergency veterinarian. You can contact Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 (a fee applies) on the way.
Most plain Greek yogurts are generally a better choice than regular yogurt. They contain far more protein and less sugar compared with regular yogurt, and they also have less lactose, which many dogs have trouble digesting.
Is Yogurt Good for Dogs?
Yes, dogs can benefit from yogurt in moderation as long as it doesn’t have xylitol or sweeteners.
Potential health benefits include:
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Promoting muscle development
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Supporting gut health
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Building strong bones and teeth
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Encouraging optimal nutrient absorption
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Supporting the immune system
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Reducing inflammation in the body
Is Yogurt Bad for Dogs?
Yogurt can be bad for dogs if they eat yogurt with xylitol or sweeteners or if they eat any yogurt in excess.
Health concerns include:
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Vomiting and diarrhea (due to too much lactose)
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Diabetes or weight gain (due to high sugar content)
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Liver damage and low blood sugar (due to xylitol, which should be avoided)
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Pancreatitis (due to high fat content)
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Itchy, inflamed skin (due to a potential food allergy)
How Much Yogurt Can Dogs Eat?
Human foods are considered treats, and all treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
Always watch for new symptoms that could indicate your dog may not be tolerating the yogurt well, such as excessive gas or frequent itching. If these occur, stop feeding any yogurt to your dog and contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Here’s how much yogurt your dog can eat in a day.
| Dog Size | Maximum Serving Size | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Extra-small dogs (2–10 pounds) | ½ teaspoon | Up to once daily |
| Small dogs (11–20 pounds) | 1 teaspoon | Up to once daily |
| Medium dogs (21–50 pounds) | 1 tablespoon | Up to once daily |
| Large dogs (51–90 pounds) | 2 tablespoons | Up to once daily |
| Extra-large dogs (91+ pounds) | 3 tablespoons | Up to once daily |
How To Safely Feed Yogurt to Dogs
Start with a very small portion size and gradually increase to the maximum serving size. This allows your dog time to adjust to the new treat and for you to watch for any concerning symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea.
You can give your pet dog-safe yogurt:
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On its own
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Mixed into their food
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Baked into a treat, like these Strawberry Ghosts or Low-Fat Green Machine Treats
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Stuffed into a toy
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Frozen as a pupsicle
You can also buy treats with yogurt made specially for dogs, like Hill’s Natural Soft Savories with Chicken & Yogurt Dog Treats, Himalayan Pet Supply Yogurt Sticks Yogurt Flavor Dog Treats, or Bocce’s Bakery Berry Yogurt Smoothie Wellness Dog Treats.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Too Much Yogurt
If your dog has eaten too much plain, unsweetened yogurt, monitor them for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive gas, and a bloated abdomen. Most dogs recover at home after their body digests the yogurt.
A bland diet, such as boiled chicken and white rice, can help settle their stomach. However, if vomiting and diarrhea persist, call your veterinarian. They may ask you to bring your dog in for supportive care to prevent dehydration.
If your dog has eaten yogurt that contains xylitol, go to an emergency veterinarian. You can contact Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 (a fee applies) on the way.
Xylitol can be fatal quickly, so it should be treated as a medical emergency, not as a wait-and-see situation.
Can Dogs Eat Yogurt FAQs
Can puppies eat yogurt?
Yes. Puppies can eat dog-safe yogurt (no sweeteners or xylitol), but only in moderation.
What’s the best yogurt for dogs?
Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt is the best option for dogs. Avoid yogurt with sweeteners or xylitol.
Can dogs eat Greek yogurt?
Yes, unsweetened Greek yogurt is usually good for dogs in small amounts.
Is Greek yogurt good for dogs?
Yes, Greek yogurt is high in protein and low in sugar compared with regular yogurt.
