Can Vanilla Yogurt Bring a Smile to Your Dog’s Face?

Yes, dogs can indeed eat in vanilla yogurt, but it’s crucial to offer it in moderation and to carefully check the ingredients list for any harmful additives like xylitol. I like to opt for plain, organic yogurt for my furry friend, as it usually lacks artificial flavors and preservatives, it is an easy and better choice for us. This choice not only ensures that my dogs appreciate a tasty treat but also supports their overall health and well-being. By selecting high-quality yogurt, I can feel good about providing a nutritious snack that complements my dog’s diet.

Given in small quantities, Yogurt makes an excellent treat for dogs, providing a delicious and nutritious option that they often love. It is rich in beneficial probiotics, protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and various other essential nutrients that support overall health. While certain brands and types of yogurt are healthier than others, all varieties are created through the process of bacterial fermentation of milk, which transforms it into a creamy and tangy delight. The best choices for your four-legged friend are those made with live and active cultures—these are the good bacteria that can help promote a healthy balance in your dog’s gut microbiome, supporting digestive health and overall wellness.

But what if we told you that most dogs can eat yogurt when served in moderation? As long as it’s free from added sugar, artificial sweeteners, and additives, yogurt is on the “occasional treat” list. ¹

Can dogs have a delicious homemade vanilla yogurt treat?

Yes, small amounts of homemade yogurt is okay. You can use a regular yogurt recipe that your dog will enjoy. Or visit my other blog to learn how easy it is to make natural yogurt in an instant pot!  Treat your canine companion to the goodness of homemade yogurt— they’ll love the texture, and you’ll love the health benefits! Explore the recipe today and keep their tails wagging! I don’t think there is an advantage of the vanilla taste for the dogs so If you are making your own yogurt, make it non-fat plain yogurt.

Health benefits of a yogurt safe treat for dogs

Rich in probiotics, yogurt treats support a healthy digestive system, help boost the immune response, and contribute to overall vitality. Whether your pup needs a tasty snack after a long walk or a training reward, a yogurt sweet treat is a wholesome option that’s easy on their stomach. Because the last thing we want is a stomach upset!

What type of yogurt is the best one?

Probiotic yogurt, greek-style yogurt, strawberry yogurt, the list is long. Unless your dog has a lactose intolerance, which is pretty rare, plain yogurt with only milk and active culture is better and safer for dogs than other types of yogurt.

Creative Ways to Include Yogurt in Your Dog’s Health

There are a lot of good from-scratch dog treat recipes that use yogurt. I will share the first one I learned when Happy was a puppy. A trainer gave us the recipe to fill a kong and give it to her to relieve boredom.

Kong “sweet treat” recipe

What you’ll need:

• A Kong or a Kong tire (you can fill more than one at a time and freeze them!)
• A butter knife to stuff the mixture in
• A masher
• A Wooden spoon for mixing
• Mixing bowl
• Plain greek yogurt
• peanut butter or plain pumpkin puree

How to do it:

• Stuff some Kongs with three parts plain Greek yogurt (it must be Greek yogurt because of the texture and consistency) with 1 part plain pumpkin or peanut butter and freeze them.
• Try using these at times when your puppy is bored, if you need to leave her alone for an extended period, or if she is exhibiting or could exhibit unwanted behaviors, and you wish to keep her occupied so you can get some work done.

Notes:

If you don’t have a Kong or are not a rubber fan, you can use empty marrow bones. It works great, too!

Frozen Kong healthy treat recipes for dogs (from Bluecross.org.uk)

• Peanut, yo!: Plain yogurt mixed with peanut butter (half and half)
• Banana split: 120g plain yogurt, one mashed banana and one tbsp peanut butter
• Greek tasty treat: 50g blueberries and 120g plain Greek yogurt 
• Strawbe-licious: 50g strawberries, 90g rolled oats and 120g plain yogurt. ²

Dairy allergies and intolerance in dogs

There are so many warnings that people can stress out about dog food allergies. I was curious about the percentage of occurrence of dairy allergies in dogs. I found out in this study that only 1 or 2 percent of dogs have dairy allergies.  I would not sweat this too much if you have a healthy pup!

Here is the research! ‘One 2017 research review published in BMC Veterinary Research examined just that. The findings suggest that, of dogs seeing vets for any diagnosis, 1 to 2 percent have food intolerances or allergies; among dogs with skin diseases, the number jumps up a bit, to about 6 percent. For dogs with itching and allergies, even more—about one in five—show signs of adverse food reactions.’ ³

Is giving any human foods to your animal a good idea?

Vanilla yogurt isn’t toxic in itself. But, human foods can have a variety of ingredients that aren’t great for dogs in the long run. Some toxic ingredients can sneak in there. The most poisonous is an artificial sweetener called Xylitol, which can be found in a lot of desserts, particularly low-fat ones, and is highly toxic to cats and dogs. So be very careful before giving your pets any sweet treats.

• If you decide to give your dog yogurt, start with a small amount to monitor for any adverse reactions. If your dog shows signs of gastrointestinal distress, stop feeding yogurt and consult your veterinarian.
• Yogurt should be given as an occasional treat, not a regular part of the diet. Dogs should get most of their nutrition from their regular dog food.

What should I do if my dog eats something containing xylitol?

If you suspect your dog has eaten a product containing xylitol, immediately contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center, at 1-800-213-6680. Avoid any yogurt that contains xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. Xylitol can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels and potentially lead to liver failure.

On a final note…

Yogurt can be a delightful and nutritious treat for dogs when offered in moderation and chosen wisely. Plain, organic yogurt serves as an excellent source of probiotics, protein, and essential nutrients that can enhance your dog’s overall health and digestion. By being cautious about ingredients, particularly additives like xylitol, you can ensure that this tasty snack remains a safe option for your furry friend. Whether you’re making homemade yogurt treats or incorporating yogurt into fun Kong recipes, your dog is sure to enjoy the flavors and benefits. Always remember to monitor your pet for any adverse reactions and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns. With careful planning, yogurt can be a wonderful addition to your dog’s treat repertoire, bringing joy to their day while promoting their well-being.

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1. https://www.pumpkin.care/blog/can-dogs-eat-yogurt/ ↩︎
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