best yogurt for dogs uk

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

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About natural yogurt

Natural or plain yogurt is one of the worlds most popular fermented dairy products. Created by adding live bacteria to milk, its rich in protein, calcium and potassium. Historically, it has been instrumental in enhancing good health for thousands of years. But what about natural yogurt for dogs?

Natural yogurt is good for people, and, on so many levels, its good for dogs too!

Benefits of natural yogurt

In addition to providing a valuable source of calcium and protein, natural yogurt is rich in friendly bacteria. This makes it useful in balancing the digestive system after any kind of digestive problem.

Natural yogurt is also recommended by many holistic vets as a treatment for any dog suffering from a yeast infection. Symptoms can include itching, scratching, hair loss and chewing paws. In addition of course to that unmistakable yeasty smell.

Because of its all-round health benefits, I give my dogs a few spoonfuls of natural yogurt several times a week. As anyone who has met them can attest, they thrive on it.

It should be your first line of defence if your dog suffers any kind of digestive disruption or tummy trouble. Natural yogurt is most definitely something deserving of a permanent place in your dogs homemade dog food pantry.

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE, AND FINDING NEW FOODS FOR YOUR DOG TO TUCK INTO IS A LOT OF FUN. BUT IT CAN BE CONFUSING TO KNOW WHICH FOODS ARE SAFE FOR YOUR DOG AND HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH.

Dogs can eat yoghurt, but it's really important to consider which type of yoghurt you give to your dog. Hidden ingredients can make a delicious treat dangerous, so we want to help you with some simple tips to choose a yoghurt that is safe for your dog.

WHAT KIND OF YOGHURT IS BEST FOR DOGS?

A natural yoghurt free from additives is the best choice for your dog. Yoghurts are frequently marketed as a healthy food but check the labels of some of the most popular brands, and you may be surprised.

If you want to make healthy choices for your dog to delight in, then it's well worth spending a bit of time checking the labels of products beforehand.

As with all things natural for both humans and dogs alike, the healthiest choices are usually those with minimal ingredients in them. You certainly want to be able to recognise the items on the ingredients list.

Ultimately, the healthiest yoghurts are those which simply contain milk, the live cultures used to turn the milk into yoghurt and not a lot else.

WHICH YOGHURT INGREDIENTS TO AVOID FOR DOGS

Xylitol is the biggie here. A lot of sugar-free products use artificial sweeteners to keep them tasty. Xylitol is toxic for dogs, so please ensure that any human treats you share with your dog are xylitol free.

Sugar is the other big offender. There will be naturally occurring sugars in yoghurt containing lactose but what we're concerned about here is added sugars. Many yoghurts are ladened with it, so make sure to choose a yoghurt free from added sugar.

A marketing tactic often used to get around this is using alternative names for sugar. Steer clear of any of the following costumes which sugar is often dressed up: sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, fruit juice, cane sugar, and agave nectar.

If you're opting for dairy-free alternatives for your dog, then please pay special attention to the labels. They may contain almonds, avocado, or macadamias.

GREEK, PLAIN OR DAIRY FREE YOGHURT FOR DOGS?

Greek yoghurt, plain yoghurt, dairy-free, and even frozen yoghurt are all dog friendly so long as they're free from xylitol and added sugars.

Greek yoghurt is thicker in texture than other yoghurts. It is strained more than traditional yoghurts, resulting in less lactose, which means less sugar and higher protein. Greek yoghurt contains less calcium than regular yoghurts but is generally lower in carbs.

Plain yoghurt is usually lower in calories and higher in protein than Greek yoghurt, and is smoother in texture.

They both can have a bit of a tangy flavour without all the added sugars and artificial flavourings, but add some fruit or honey, and they're a healthy dose of yum! Skip to the bottom of this piece for some deliciously simple yet yummy recipes for your dog.

Dairy-free yoghurts such as coconut or oat yoghurts are lactose-free, which could be a good choice for dogs showing signs of lactose intolerance.

We opt for full-fat Greek yoghurt for the girls as they typically contain less sugar and go down a storm!

YOGHURT FOR DOGS WITH LACTOSE INTOLERANCE

Many dogs can have an intolerance to lactose, hence why there is all the hoo-ha surrounding the types of yoghurt which are suitable for dogs. Although not typically an allergy per se, some dogs struggle to digest lactose, which can lead to stomach upsets, whiffy gas, or vomiting.

With the rise in people looking for dairy alternatives, the options are pretty huge. Just make sure to avoid the no-no ingredients list and let your dog do the taste testing. Oatly has a good range of lactose and soy-free yoghurts, which may be worth a whirl!

Goats yoghurt is also lower in lactose than traditional yoghurts, so it's worth adding some to your shopping list for your dog's taste test extravaganza!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF YOGHURT FOR DOGS?

Calcium - great for your dogs teeth and bones
Protein - brilliant for your dog's coat, skin and muscles
Probiotic good for your dog's gut health
Great filler for enrichment toys
Healthy and tasty treat
Variety to your dog's diet

Yoghurts containing live bacteria are a healthy choice for dogs. Natural yoghurt is packed with calcium, protein, and probiotics, which can help strengthen your dog's immune system, gut health, and their bones to boot! It can also aid digestion and is a common recommendation for dog's suffering from a bout of diarrhea.

Freezing the yoghurt makes the live bacteria sleepy and so lessens the probiotic effects, but in the summer months, the wonderfully cooling effect of some frozen yoghurt treats make the trade-off totally worth it!

HOW TO INCLUDE YOGHURT IN YOUR DOG'S DIET

While yoghurt is a delicious treat for our dogs, it is best given in moderation. A good spoonful is plenty; use it as a topper, or mix it with fruits or peanut butter for a tasty snack.

You can pop yoghurt into your dog's enrichment toys or slow feeders, for example, or even just make up some little bite-size treats in an ice cube tray.

Yoghurt works well as a filler for Kongs, K9 Connectables, Toppls, Lickimats, and in slow feeders.

EASY HOMEMADE YOGHURT RECIPE FOR DOGS

VERY BERRY DELIGHT: STRAWBERRIES, BLUEBERRIES AND YOGHURT FROZEN DOG TREATS

This recipe can easily be adapted with other fillings. A banana, peanut butter, and yoghurt combo is a super mix often received with very waggy tails! Raspberries, blackberries, grated coconut, apple, or pear are all dog-friendly fruits that you can try to.

For a more savoury treat, try carrot, sweet potato, or pumpkins for a healthy natural homemade treat sure to be wolfed down with enthusiasm! These all go really well with apple. Just make sure to remove the apple core as the seeds can be toxic to dogs.

So there you have it, everything you ever wanted to know about yoghurt for dogs! Will your pup be giving yoghurt the taste test? We'd love to hear what they make of it.

Can Dogs Eat Yogurt?

Yogurt is a widely appreciated food in the UK. There are numerous ways to enjoy this creamy dairy product, including mixing it with fresh fruit for breakfast or simply enjoying after dinner as a light dessert. Its wonderfully versatile and can be eaten at just about any time of the day, so its no wonder we Brits love it so much!

Its also commonplace to offer the lid to our four-legged friends when we crack open a fresh pot. But, can dogs eat yogurt? Should we be letting them lick the lid or offering them the spoon of yogurt to sample?

Can dogs eat yogurt?

While yogurt isnt actually toxic for dogs, we would advise against offering it to your pooch, as many dogs are actually lactose intolerant! Lactose intolerance is when a dog (or human) has a deficiency in the enzymes they require to break down and digest milk and dairy products including yogurt.

While most puppies will have these enzymes in order to break down their mothers milk, many adult dogs dont produce enough of these enzymes as they become older, which means they will develop digestive signs when they consume dairy products. These can include a sore, uncomfortable tummy as well as vomiting and diarrhoea. In addition to this there are some varieties of yogurt that contain additives which are unsafe for your dog and best avoided at all times. So, as a general rule, its best to avoid feeding yogurt to your dogs, as there are much safer tasty snacks to be had!

To learn more about giving your dogs dairy products, our guide on 'Can dogs eat cheese' will ensure you are making the right decision to maintain your dog's healthy diet.

Is yogurt good for dogs?

Yogurt does contain calcium and protein, and some varieties also have probiotics which are good for the digestive system. However, many yogurts also contain lots of added sugars, flavourings and sweeteners including xylitol which is highly toxic to dogs and can cause liver failure.

If you are wondering whether your dogs health would benefit from yogurt, you can rest assured that you can give your pup all the nutrients they need by simply feeding them a high-quality diet. If you want to give yogurt to your dog because of its probiotic content, its safer to go for a clinically proven probiotic that is aimed specifically at dogs. For example, our PRO PLAN FortiFlora Probiotic Dog Supplement has been scientifically developed with your four-legged friend in mind and is proven to support a healthy immune system. However, before giving your dog any form of supplement its a good idea to check in with your vet so they can recommend the right amount to offer your pup and advise on whether its right for them to begin with.

It's also worth noting that yogurt generally has a high fat content which could cause a stomach upset, and some dogs who eat a high-fat diet can develop pancreatitis, a life-threatening condition.

Now you know the answer to can dogs eat yogurt! Want to find out more about what your dog can eat?

Whilst your dog may seem to be interested in many different foods, it is important to make sure you are making the right decisions when you are treating your dog with options they may not usually eat. This is why we have useful guides on giving your dog mushrooms, and eggs and even learn if they can have ice cream, next.

Is Natural Yoghurt Good for Dogs?

Yes, plain, unsweetened natural yogurt can be a healthy treat for dogs in moderation. Yogurt is a good source of calcium and protein, and can also help settle a dogs upset stomach.

However, its important to choose a yogurt that doesnt contain any artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Its also best to avoid yogurts that contain added sugar or flavorings, as these can be harmful to dogs. As with all treats, its important to give yogurt in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How Much Natural Yogurt Should I Give My Dog?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it will depend on various factors such as your dogs age, weight, health and activity level. However, a good rule of thumb is to start with around 1/4 cup of natural yogurt per day for small dogs, or 1/2 cup per day for large dogs.

You can then adjust the amount accordingly based on how your dog reacts. Some benefits of feeding natural yogurt to your dog include helping to boost their immune system, aiding in digestion and providing a source of healthy probiotics.

Is It Ok to Give Your Dog Yogurt Every Day?

Yes, you can give your dog yogurt every day. However, not all yogurts are created equal and some may be better for your pup than others. When choosing a yogurt for your dog, always opt for plain, unsweetened varieties. Sweetened yogurts can contain harmful sugars that are bad for your dogs health, while plain yogurts offer the beneficial probiotics dogs need without any added sweeteners. Most dogs love the taste of yogurt and will happily eat it as a treat or mixed into their regular food.

If youre unsure whether your dog will like yogurt, start by offering them a small amount to see how they react. Some dogs may experience digestive upset from eating too much yogurt, so its important to start slowly and increase the amount gradually over time.

What Kind of Yogurt is Safe for Dogs?

When it comes to yogurt, there are three main types that are safe for dogs:

Plain,
Unsweetened Greek yogurt,
Cottage cheese, and kefir.

Each of these yogurts offer different health benefits for your pup. Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt is a good source of protein and calcium for your dog. It also contains live and active cultures, which can help improve digestion. Be sure to choose aGreek yogurt that does not contain xylitol, as this sugar substitute can be toxic to dogs. Cottage cheese is another safe option for dogs. It contains high levels of phosphorus and selenium, which are great for bone and joint health. Cottage cheese also has probiotics that can help with gut health. Just like with Greek yogurt, make sure the cottage cheese you feed your dog does not contain xylitol.

Is Natural Greek Yoghurt Good for Dogs?

There are conflicting opinions on whether or not natural Greek yoghurt is good for dogs. Some dog owners say that their dogs love the taste of Greek yoghurt and it doesnt seem to bother their stomachs.

Others have said that their dogs get an upset stomach after eating Greek yoghurt, so its best to avoid giving it to them. If youre considering giving your dog some Greek yoghurt, its probably best to talk to your vet first.

Credit: www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com

What Brand of Yogurt is Good for Dogs?

We recommend looking for a yogurt that is low in sugar and fat and contains live and active cultures. These live cultures can help support your dogs digestive system. Additionally, make sure to choose a yogurt that does not contain any artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. Some brands of yogurt that meet these criteria include Plain Yogurt from Yoplait, Oikos Greek Yogurt from Dannon, and Siggis Icelandic-Style Skyr Yogurt. All three of these brands offer plain yogurts with live and active cultures that are low in sugar and fat.

Of course, you should always check the label to make sure the specific flavor you choose meets these criteria as well. So there you have it! When choosing a brand of yogurt for your dog, look for one that is low in sugar and fat and contains live and active cultures.

Benefits of Yogurt for Dogs

Yogurt is a great source of protein and calcium for dogs, and it can also help settle their stomachs. Some commercially-available yogurts even contain probiotics, which can promote a healthy digestive system.