Yogurt is a healthy snack that is not only good for humans but is also great for our four-legged best friends.
So, if you ever find yourself eating some yogurt and your pup starts to give you those cute stares, you can be confident to share some with them.
Healthy snacks are highly encouraged for dogs – as long as your vet gives you the green light.
We will share with you the best benefits your pup can get from snacking on yogurt, and what brand of yogurt is good for dogs. Read on to find out more.
The Benefits of Yogurt for Dogs
We have previously discussed in detail how probiotics can be beneficial to your pup’s health. One of the best foods that contain plenty of probiotics is yogurt.
It is also high in calcium and provides a good amount of protein. Here are some more benefits of giving yogurt to your dog:
- healthier immune system
- balanced digestion
- controlled cholesterol
Healthier Immune System
Live yogurt is filled with antioxidants and healthy vitamins for your pup’s immune system. A healthy dose of yogurt every now and then can help improve and enhance their immune system.
Additionally, live yogurt contains two probiotics, which can be beneficial for your pup. These probiotics are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which can help enhance your pup’s resistance and recovery from infection.
We have already discussed the many benefits of probiotics and prebiotics for dogs. It just so happens that yogurt is one of the best sources of probiotics.
Balanced Control and Digestion
Probiotics from yogurt can help improve your dog’s digestion. Veterinarians often recommend yogurt for dogs who have diarrhea along with some antibiotics to help speed up their recovery faster.
If your dog gets an upset stomach on a regular basis incorporating some yogurt in their daily diet can help. Later in this article, we will discuss more on the different ways you can feed yogurt to your pup.
Controlled Cholesterol
Humans are not the only ones who need to watch their cholesterol. We also need to be wary of our dog’s cholesterol levels.
High cholesterol levels or hyperlipidemia in dogs can lead to several serious health issues such as heart attacks, circulatory problems, and hemorrhages. Yogurt helps control and reduce high levels of total cholesterol in dogs.
What Type Of Yogurt Is Good For Dogs?
Not every yogurt you see in the dairy section of your local grocery is good for your pup. There are also different types of yogurt, and some of them are not recommended for our furry little friends.
For instance, yogurt with added sweeteners (yes, even natural sweeteners) are not good for dogs.
High levels of sugar can lead to a variety of health problems for your pup, such as obesity, diabetes, and more. More importantly, artificial sweeteners such as Xylitol are highly toxic to dogs.
When you are looking for the best yogurt to give your dogs, you should look for yogurt that contains plenty of live cultures.
We highly recommend the fat-free plain Greek-style yogurt. This is the best option because it has lower levels of lactose than regular yogurt.
On the off chance that your pup is intolerant to lactose, fat-free Greek-style yogurt is not as harmful as other types of yogurt. There are also different pet companies
What Brand of Yogurt Is Good for Dogs?
Finding the right brand of yogurt for your pup can be tricky. Especially since most yogurts are made for humans. There are, however, dog treat companies who have incorporated yogurt into their bite-sized treats for dog consumption.
But if you are looking for real yogurt that you can feed your dogs, we have come up with a list of the best brands of yogurt for dogs. Check them out below.
365 Everyday Value Plain Yogurt
If you want to guarantee the yogurt’s wholeness, we recommend 365 Everyday Value’s Plain Yogurt. This unsweetened treat contains six types of live and active cultures that will help cleanse your dog’s gut!
The reputable store promises the freshness of this yogurt since it is made with milk from cows not treated with rGBH. It’s also a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein for your dog.
Fage Total Greek Yogurt
This Greek yogurt from Fage is made from skimmed cow’s milk, so you know it’s absolutely healthy.
There are no fruits, no added sweeteners, no extra shenanigans, just plain healthy non-fat yogurt.
People love this yogurt, and we are pretty sure your pups will love these delightful treats, too!
Stonyfield Organic Plain Greek Yogurt
You can also opt for the Stonyfield Organic Plain Greek Yogurt. It is certified gluten-free, non-GMO, USDA Organic, and Kosher Certified.
It’s everything your pup needs in yogurt and more!
How to Give Your Dog Yogurt
Naturally, our little doggos cannot indulge in yogurt as much as we humans can. They can’t eat a whole cup in one serving as it just won’t be good for them.
The general recommendation is only 2-3 teaspoons of Greek yogurt a day. Do not give them any more than that.
Just like with all foods, overfeeding your dog yogurt can lead to a few side effects such as diarrhea and an upset stomach.
Two to three teaspoons a day should work. You can either feed them to your dog straight from the spoon or put them on top of their meals during mealtime.
Yogurt is a Healthy Dog Treat!
Yogurt is a great treat for your pups every now and then. They will enjoy the delectable treat and get a lot of incredible health benefits, such as an improved immune system and balanced digestion.
The next time you buy some yogurt for yourself, consider getting a non-fat plain Greek yogurt so you can share it with your dog, too!
You can both bond over your love of yogurt and have better health for it.
