Can I give milk to my dog?

By TheWholePortion
Page last updated: 08/05/2022 | Next review date: 08/05/2024
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In this article, we will answer the question “Can I give milk to my dog?”, and how to tell If your dog is lactose intolerant?

Can I give milk to my dog?

Yes, you can occasionally give milk to your dog If It is not lactose intolerant. You need to keep the potion of milk treat in check because the high sugar and high-fat content of milk may lead to pancreatitis and obesity in dogs.

Lactose intolerance in dogs 

Lactose intolerance is very common in canines. Some dogs are allergic to all kinds of dairy while others can tolerate cheese and plain yogurt in small amounts. 

How to tell If your dog has lactose intolerance?

Every dog has a different tolerance to dairy so the symptoms of lactose intolerance might be severe in some and mild and other dogs. These symptoms include loose stools, vomiting, abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea, etc. 

It is hard to tell If your dog has lactose intolerance If It consumes milk in large quantities. It is because overindulgence of milk may also trigger the same symptoms as lactose intolerance. If your dog shows any of the above-mentioned symptoms of lactose intolerance, contact your vet. 

When can dogs drink milk?

You might be wondering how can puppies drink their mother’s milk If the problem of lactose intolerance is so prevalent in dogs. It is because puppies make lactase during the nursing period. Lactase is an enzyme that helps break down the lactose sugar into simple monosaccharides. 

But the production of lactase diminishes significantly as the dogs mature. That is why feeding goat or cow milk to dogs in large amounts might prompt an allergic response in some dogs while others only tolerate it in small amounts.

Is milk healthy for my dog?

Milk is a good source of nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins A, D, and B12 but it is not the best. Whole milk has the perfect ratio for a dog’s diet i.e 30% fat, 30% protein, and 45% sugar. 

But milk has no fiber and the majority of the carbs in milk come from lactose. This is where nutrients lose their balance rendering milk an unsuitable source of nutrients for dogs. Because most dogs cannot tolerate such high levels of lactose. 

Reduced-fat and skim milk have a higher percentage of lactose than whole milk because of the low-fat content. Your best bet is to feed low-sugar dairy products like cheese and yogurt to your dog. These products undergo fermentation which breaks down the lactose into simpler sugars.

How much milk can my dog have?

Only 10% of the daily calorie intake of your dog should come from treats. Generally, your dog can have 1-2 spoonfuls of plain yogurt at a time. Cheese can be safely fed to your dog in small amounts.

How to Make a No-Bake Strawberry yogurt dog treat?

Ingredients 

  • 1 1/2 cup oat flour (pulverize rolled oats in the food processor to make your own)
  • 1 cup coconut flour
  • 1 cup plain nonfat yogurt
  • 1/3 cup strawberries (about 4 large)
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 Tbsp dried pomegranate seeds (you can skip this ingredient if you can’t find them in your store)
  • 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut flakes

Your dog can drink coconut water too.

Instructions 

  1. Blend all the ingredients in your food processor until homogenous. 
  2. Pack the homogenous mixture into small balls of different sizes. You could also squeeze them into shapes other than a ball.
  3. Chill before serving for the best consistency.

Other FAQs about Milk which you may be interested in.

Can a newborn kitten drink regular milk?

How long can newborn kittens go without milk?

Can I microwave breast milk?

5 foods and drinks that are toxic for dogs 

Chocolate 

Chocolate is not meant for dogs. The caffeine and theobromine present in chocolate vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, an abnormal heartbeat, and seizures. Dark chocolate has a higher theobromine content. Thus It is more toxic.

Sugar-free products 

Xylitol is a widely used substitute sweetener for sugar. It is present in gums, candies, and peanut butter. So, read the label before feeding such processed no-sugar sweet products. Xylitol is toxic for dogs and can even be fatal. Some of the symptoms of xylitol toxicity include liver failure, seizures, and sometimes death.

Grapes 

Grapes and raisins lead to vomiting, lethargy, and even sudden kidney failure in dogs. The reason behind this response is still unknown but it is best to be on the safe side.

Onions and garlic 

Both of these kitchen staples damage the red blood cells of your dog. Symptoms include lethargy and weakness. They also lead to bad breath.

Alcohol 

Alcohol is dangerous for your furry friend. It negatively impacts the brain and liver of your pet dog.  Symptoms include vomiting, depression, incoordination, difficulty breathing, and even death.

Conclusion

In this article, we answered the question “Can I give milk to my dog?”, and how to tell If your dog is lactose intolerant?

References

Can Dogs Drink Milk?

https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-drink-milk

https://www.rover.com/blog/can-dogs-drink-milk/

https://www.bhg.com/pets/dogs/dog-food/things-you-should-never-feed-your-dog/

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