Can Dogs Drink Milk?
It is important to know what is the ideal diet for your dog, which foods you should and which should not be given, as too many foods can do you no good and end up making the animal sick. Before giving your dog any food, you should think about the animal’s health and consult your veterinarian. We usually assume that many human products are suitable for pets, but do you know if dogs can drink milk?
Some dogs are lactose intolerant, but others can safely drink milk as they assimilate it without any problems. Learn more about this topic in the following lines.
Some dogs can drink milk, some can’t.
If a dog hasn’t had any dairy or milk since he was weaned by his mother, his body produces less lactase, a digestive enzyme that breaks down milk sugar (lactose) and therefore makes it tolerable, according to studies. If your dog is older or you have health concerns, giving milk is not a good idea.
Cow’s milk is not a toxic food for dogs, according to experts. However, lactose intolerant dogs can suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, loose stools and digestive problems that make them seriously ill. If your dog has this problem, it’s best to remove milk from his diet immediately. You can try offering more digestive options, such as the following:
- Lactose-free milk.
- Milk with plenty of water.
- Yogurt.
- Goat milk.
Dogs don’t depend on dairy products for good nutrition, so don’t worry if your pet won’t accept them. Foods such as ricotta or whey are also suitable as a source of calcium, as long as the dog can tolerate them.
Dairy products are one of the least tolerated foods by dogs, which means they are not easily digested. Therefore, despite these other options, there are specimens that cannot consume dairy products in general and it is not advisable to insist.
Dairy products not recommended
Some dog breeds are more sensitive to the dangers of milk. For smaller dogs, you might not have to worry too much about this, but larger dogs can get very sick from eating this type of food.
There are also dairy products that are not recommended in any case, due to their high fat and sugar content. Some of them are as follows:
- Sour cream or sour cream.
- Cheese.
- Crème fraîche .
If my dog can drink milk, what is the recommended amount?
Many dogs love dairy. However, as with many other foods, if you want to offer milk to your dog, you should do so in moderation. If your pet is not intolerant, but you give him too much milk, it can also cause vomiting and diarrhea. On the other hand, if your dog reacts badly to milk in small amounts, it’s better to use other types of food rewards.
If your dog is not lactose intolerant, milk will be safe in small amounts. A few tablespoons of cow’s or goat’s milk every now and then can serve as a reward without causing side effects for the animal.
However, never offer your dog a bowl full of milk. Too high a quantity of lactose can cause unpleasant intestinal reactions such as diarrhea, vomiting and loose stools.
Finally, it should be noted that milk has a high content of natural fats and sugars. That’s another reason to offer this drink to your dog in small amounts, as excess fat in your diet can lead to obesity and pancreatitis, according to the American Kennel Club .
Dogs can drink milk made especially for them.
When puppies are separated from their mothers, it is common to believe that giving cow’s milk is a good substitute for breast milk, but according to experts, this is not the case. Drinking milk can cause gas and serious illness in puppies. Therefore, it is better to offer them special milk for dogs or puppies.
When it comes to choosing the type of milk dogs can drink, it’s not just health that needs to be considered. Your nutrition and diet are also very important to keep your pet healthy for life.
There is no doubt that milk made exclusively for dogs can be a healthy drink for them, but there are many types of milk to choose from besides this one and cow’s milk. For example, you can also opt for rice or almond milk, always after consulting each option with a dog nutritionist or veterinarian.
However, dog milk is always the best alternative, says My Dog Health . That’s because it helps them to better digest food, making digestion easier and allowing animals to eat more often, have more energy, and get the proper nutrients they need for good health and vitality.
Dog milk can be found in both liquid and powdered form and is a great way to ensure your partner gets the best diet possible for their size and age. In almost all cases, this will be a much healthier alternative to cow’s milk.
