Can My Dog Have Milk?
Being a canine owner is challenging! You have to spend money on toys and treats, find time for walks, and figure out your furry friend’s diet needs. Many canine owners are unsure whether they can give their dogs dairy! Can dogs have milk?
Milk is nutritious for humans since it is rich in calcium and vitamin D, which play a vital part in strengthening and developing our bones. But, the same doesn’t necessarily apply to our furry friends. Dogs can actually experience health issues from ingesting milk.
Can Dogs Drink Milk?
Dogs can drink goat and cow milk. But, canine owners must give it to them in moderation. Reduced fat and chocolate milk is not recommended. Furthermore, if the dog is lactose intolerant or allergic to milk, all dairy products will upset their stomach. Hence, canine owners must seek a veterinarians' professional advice before giving their dog milk to ensure their companion’s safety.
How Much Milk Can Dogs Drink?
Dogs can drink milk in small quantities. An ideal serving is a few tablespoons since milk is naturally high in sugar and fat. Again, we do not recommend giving your dog milk regularly. Too much milk too often can lead to health complications such as pancreatitis, diarrhea, obesity, vomiting, and loose stools.
Is Milk Safe For Dogs?
Generally, yes. But canine owners must first determine if their dogs are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk. The best way to do this is to consult a veterinarian who can test them for allergies and intolerance. If your dog is lactose intolerant or allergic to milk, then don’t give them any milk! But if they get the A-okay from the vet, then go ahead and let your dog lap up some milk (on occasion)
Can Dogs Safely Drink Milk?
Dogs can safely drink milk, specifically goat's milk or cow's milk. But once again, if your dog is lactose intolerant or allergic, milk is not safe for them. Adult dogs are more prone to having issues with milk because their bodies produce less lactase, an enzyme essential for digesting milk. Young puppies have more lactase because they thrive off their mother’s milk.
When Can Dogs Drink Milk?
Well, puppies drink their mother's milk. Young puppies have more of an enzyme called lactase, which is essential for digesting milk. Adult dogs don’t produce as much lactase because they don’t rely on milk as their primary energy source. Since they don’t have as much lactase, grown dogs may have more issues digesting milk than younger dogs.
If a puppy is still drinking their mother's milk, it is not recommended that they drink goat's milk or cow's milk since they are not used to it. But, if they are not drinking their mother's milk anymore, canine owners can seek a veterinarian's help to determine the appropriate milk for their dogs.
Can Dogs Become Lactose Intolerant?
Dogs become lactose-intolerant if they produce less lactase than normal. This may happen if they consume cow or goat milk often. There are degrees of lactose intolerance, so the side effects can vary from mild indigestion to severe distress.
Lactose products like milk or ice cream can also trigger allergies in dogs that result in skin irritation, itching, redness, and tummy troubles such as vomiting and diarrhea.
What Can Happen if Your Dog Drinks Milk?
If your dog drinks goat or cow’s milk too often, they can develop lactose intolerance. The fat content in whole fat milk can also lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis.
What to Do if Your Dog Drinks Milk
Whatever you do, avoid giving your dog a large amount of milk in one sitting. This can lead to gastrointestinal distress (normally within twelve hours). It is crucial to watch your dog for signs of indigestion, like diarrhea and vomiting.
Related Article: The Best Home Remedies for Dog Diarrhea
The Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Milk
According to Cali Raw, goat's milk is better for your dog because it contains more vitamins and nutrients than cow’s milk. Dog owners can also choose raw milk, which benefits the overall natural diet of dogs. Here are some of the benefits of feeding goat's milk to dogs:
- Goat's milk is unpasteurized, which makes it easier for lactose-intolerant dogs to digest
- Goat's milk is easier on your dog’s stomach since it contains enzymes and probiotics that aid digestion.
- There is a lower risk of allergic response due to minimized presence of Alpha-S1 Casein.
- Like CBD oil for dogs, goat's milk contains high levels of fatty acids that supply energy and promote heart health.
- Goat's milk may reduce diseases affecting the kidney, urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, and liver.
- Goat's milk can help reduce inflammation.
- Goat's milk helps dogs gain weight due to its high protein content.
- Goat's milk contains essential nutrients such as zinc, selenium, phosphorus, iron, calcium, vitamin B12, riboflavin, magnesium, and potassium.
- Goat's milk is an excellent antacid for dogs, improving their digestive system.
Is Milk Healthy for My Dog?
Yes, but you must remember that moderation is key!. Despite containing essential vitamins and nutrients, milk is still high in sugar and fat. sugar level
Your dog's diet should ideally comprise of 30% protein, 30% fats, and 40% carbohydrates (including sugar). Milk contains 45% sugar, creating an imbalance. Milk is healthy for dogs if it is given in moderation. It is also essential to balance your furry friend’s diet with other low-sugar foods.
Serving Ideas
Your dog is sure to love raw goat’s milk or plain, unflavored cow’s milk. You can give it to them straight in a dish or pour on top of their food, though some pups may not enjoy munching on wet chow, You can also resort to other dairy products such as cheese and yogurt. Just remember to give these foods like you would milk — only on occasion and in small amounts.
Make sure the cheese or yogurt does not contain any other harmful ingredients before feeding it to your dog.
Can Milk Be Dangerous for My Dog?
Milk can be dangerous for dogs who are lactose intolerant or allergic. You must determine if your dog has one of these conditions before giving them any dairy product.