Can Dogs Eat Yogurt? Probiotics, Lactose and Types

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Yogurt looks like the ideal dog treat: creamy, protein-rich and marketed as good for the gut. For many dogs a spoonful is fine. But the label and the dog both matter, because some yogurts are dangerous and some dogs cannot handle dairy.

Nutrition

Plain yogurt provides protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and some B vitamins. It also contains live bacterial cultures from fermentation. It has fewer calories than cheese, but flavored yogurts add sugar quickly. A spoonful of plain yogurt has about ten to twenty calories.

Probiotic claims

Yogurt contains lactic acid bacteria, but not all strains survive stomach acid or are the ones that benefit dogs. Studies suggest yogurt is not a reliable probiotic. If your vet recommends a probiotic, a product designed for dogs is a better option. See probiotics for dogs.

Lactose

Most of the lactose in yogurt is broken down during fermentation, so many lactose-sensitive dogs tolerate it better than milk. Even so, some dogs get gas, bloating or diarrhea. Start with a tiny amount, and stop if you see problems. Compare with cheese for dogs.

Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt is strained, so it has less lactose and more protein than regular yogurt. Many dogs tolerate it well. It is thicker and richer, so use small portions. Choose plain, unsweetened, full-fat or low-fat versions without additives.

What to avoid

• Xylitol and artificial sweeteners. Some low-sugar or diet yogurts contain xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Check the label. See xylitol toxicity.
• Added sugar and flavorings.
• Chocolate or candy pieces. See chocolate toxicity.
• Raisins or grapes in fruit yogurts. See grapes and raisins.
• Frozen yogurt with unknown ingredients.

How much?

Treats should be no more than about ten percent of daily calories. Typical guides suggest one teaspoon for small dogs, a tablespoon for medium dogs and two tablespoons for large dogs, occasionally. Add it to meals or use it to fill a toy.

Ways to serve

• A spoonful on top of kibble
• Frozen in an ice cube tray, perhaps with a little mashed blueberry. See blueberries for dogs
• Smeared on a lick mat
• Mixed with plain pumpkin. See pumpkin for dogs

Dogs that should avoid it

• Dogs with dairy allergies or intolerance
• Dogs with pancreatitis or a history of it, where fat should be limited
• Overweight dogs, unless counted carefully
• Dogs on medications that interact with calcium, so ask your vet

When diarrhea is serious

Do not rely on yogurt for diarrhea. See our guide to diarrhea in dogs, and call your vet if it lasts more than a day or includes blood, vomiting or lethargy.

Dairy alternatives

Oat, almond and other plant yogurts vary in ingredients and may contain sweeteners or additives. Check labels carefully, and avoid anything with xylitol.

Yogurt for puppies and seniors

Puppies on solid food can lick a little plain yogurt, but their digestive systems are sensitive, so keep it to a lick or two. Seniors with reduced appetite sometimes eat better with a spoonful of yogurt on top of food. In both cases, introduce it slowly, use plain products only and talk to your vet if your dog has kidney disease, since calcium and phosphorus intake may need to be managed.

Reading yogurt labels

Look for a short ingredient list that reads simply: milk and cultures. Avoid anything labeled "sugar-free", "light" or "diet" without checking for sweeteners, and watch for vanilla flavoring, honey or fruit preparations. Check again if the brand changes its recipe, because ingredients are altered more often than people expect.

The takeaway

Plain yogurt is a good occasional treat for dogs that handle dairy. Read labels, start small and do not count on it as a gut medicine.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.