Can Dogs Eat Yogurt?

Yes, dogs can eat yogurt in small amounts as a treat. It is a good source of calcium and protein, but it should be given in moderation as it also contains lactose which can cause stomach upset in some dogs.

Yogurt is a healthful food that can be given to dogs as a treat, just like any other kind of table scraps. It’s not the only type of yogurt that can be fed to dogs, either. There are a few others.

Rest assured, your yogurt isn’t going to make your dog sick – unless he has a dairy allergy. Yogurt is actually very nutrient dense and, if fed to your dog in the proper portions, can be very helpful for his health.

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Jump to:

Different Types of Yogurt
Can Dogs Eat Greek Yogurt?
Dairy Free Yogurt
How Much Yogurt Can I Give My Dog?
Does Yogurt Help Diarrhea in Dogs?
Dog Treat Recipes with Yogurt

Different Types of Yogurt

There are many types of yogurt that can be given to dogs:

Traditional yogurt - made from whole, skim, or reduced-fat milk, and contains live cultures
Greek yogurt - thicker and creamier than traditional yogurt, with a higher protein content. This is our preferred yogurt for dogs as it's lower in lactose.
Kefir - a fermented milk drink that's similar to yogurt, but made with a different type of culture and has healthy probiotics that are safe for dogs.
Coconut yogurt - Unsweetened natural probiotic coconut yogurt can be great for dogs with lactose allergies and good for digestion.

It's important to check the ingredients list and nutrition facts before giving your dog yogurt as some may contain artificial sweeteners or xylitol which is highly toxic for dogs.

Remember to go slowly when introducing new foods. And we recommend checking with your veterinarian first if your dog has any digestive issues or other health concerns.

Can Dogs Eat Greek Yogurt?

Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than traditional yogurt and has a higher protein content and contains probiotics. It also has a lower lactose content but if your dog is lactose intolerant then skip the yogurt.

It is important to make sure that the Greek yogurt you give to your dog is plain and unsweetened, as some varieties can be high in added sugars, which are not good for dogs.

Dairy Free Yogurt

Coconut yogurt is a good replacement for cow's yogurt and is lactose free. Just as some humans are lactose intolerant, so are some dogs. Lactose intolerance means that there are difficulties with digesting lactose, which is the natural sugar found in milk. If your dog is lactose intolerant, they may experience stomach upset or diarrhea after eating yogurt.

How Much Yogurt Can I Give My Dog?

It's important to give your dog yogurt in moderation, as too much can cause stomach upset or diarrhea. A good rule of thumb is to start with a small amount, such as a teaspoon or two, and see how your dog reacts. If they tolerate it well, you can gradually increase the amount.

Does Yogurt Help Diarrhea in Dogs?

Yogurt can potentially help with diarrhea in dogs, but it depends on the specific circumstances and the type of yogurt being used. Here are some important points to consider:

Probiotics: Some types of yogurt contain live probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help restore the balance of gut flora in dogs. These probiotics may aid in reducing diarrhea and improving digestion.
Plain Yogurt: If you are considering giving yogurt to a dog with diarrhea, it is crucial to offer plain, unsweetened yogurt without any artificial flavors or added sugars. Sugary or flavored yogurts can exacerbate diarrhea in dogs.
Lactose Intolerance: Many dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme necessary to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. Feeding yogurt to lactose-intolerant dogs can worsen diarrhea and cause additional gastrointestinal upset.
Veterinary Guidance: Before introducing yogurt or any other food as a remedy for your dog's diarrhea, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian. Diarrhea in dogs can have various underlying causes, and it's important to address the root issue rather than just focusing on symptomatic relief.
Other Treatment: While yogurt with probiotics might be helpful in mild cases of diarrhea, it should not be considered a standalone treatment. Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration, and follow any recommendations from your veterinarian regarding treatment or potential dietary changes.