Searching for a new way to spoil Spot? Yogurt can serve as an excellent treat or food-topper for dogs, and it may even provide health benefits in some cases.
We’ll share everything you need to know about yogurt for dogs below along with some of our favorite options available to share with your four-footer.
The Best Yogurts for Dogs: Quick Picks
- #1 Seven Stars Yogurt [Best Regular Yogurt for Dogs] — Certified organic by the USDA and made without GMOs, this is the best all-around yogurt for most dogs.
- #2 365 Organic Greek Yogurt [Best Greek Yogurt for Dogs] — An organic Greek yogurt fortified with five probiotic strains and made by a brand you trust.
- #3 Happy Belly Greek Yogurt [Most Affordable Yogurt for Dogs] — Packed with protein and made with only grade-A skim milk, this is an excellent option for cost-conscious canine owners.
Is Yogurt Safe for Dogs?
In general, plain, unsweetened yogurt is one of the foods that you can share with your dog safely.
That said, not all yogurt is safe for your furry friend. So, here are a couple of key pointers to keep in mind before feeding Fido some of this delightful dairy delicacy:
- Keep it simple. Look for yogurt that is totally plain without added flavoring, sweeteners, or sugar. It’s also a good idea to seek out yogurt that has lots of live cultures (aka beneficial bacteria or probiotics).
- Stay clear of toxins. Remember to steer clear of any ingredients that can be toxic to your dog. This includes but is not limited to grapes, nuts, chocolate, xylitol, and sugar.
- Don’t use “diet” versions. Diet versions of yogurt sometimes contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Instead, focus on limiting your dog’s plain, full yogurt intake according to your veterinarian’s recommendations.
- Monitor calories. Don’t forget that yogurt and any other treats should count towards your canine’s daily caloric intake.
- Keep an eye on fat content. You’ll want to keep an eye on the yogurt’s fat content as well, particularly if your pooch is overweight. Generally speaking, yogurt should be served in small quantities.
- Go for Greek. Greek yogurt has less lactose, so many dogs are able to digest it easier. It’s also more nutritious and has thicker texture that many pooches prefer, so it’s a better buy overall.
Why Give Your Dog Yogurt, Anyway? Is Yogurt Nutritious For Dogs?
When consumed in reasonable amounts, yogurt can be nutritious for your pooch and even help alleviate digestive issues. Some of the health benefits yogurt provides dogs include:
- Supports digestion — The probiotics found in yogurt can help support Spot’s healthy digestion.
- Good source of protein — Yogurt is an excellent source of protein for helping your hound maintain his muscles and stay energized.
- Packed With Calcium — Calcium helps your canine build strong bones and teeth. Thankfully, yogurt has plenty of this essential nutrient so you don’t have to worry about dog calcium supplements.
- Control Cholesterol Levels — Yogurt can help reduce cholesterol levels for dogs struggling with hyperlipidemia.
- Yummy — Don’t forget that yogurt is just a tasty treat! And ensuring that our dogs get the chance to enjoy some safe and nutritious foods from time to time is important.
While yogurt does have its benefits, it may not be the best fit for some dogs due to its dairy content; unfortunately, most dogs are lactose intolerant. That said, the bacteria contained in yogurt can actually allow some dogs to digest it more easily than some other dairy products.
You’ll just have to see how your individual doggo handles it.
Bottom line: Yogurt may be a good occasional treat or meal topper for your pooch, but check with your vet before adding it to your dog’s diet. Also, when you are introducing yogurt into your dog’s diet, be sure to do so slowly and steadily.
The Five Best Yogurts for Dogs
Without further ado, here are five of the best yogurts for dogs.
While these aren’t the only options available, these yogurts are pooch-approved due to their minimal ingredient list, lack of added sweeteners, and abundance of active cultures. Just remember to stick to dog-safe recipes when picking a yogurt for your floof if you stray from our recommendations.
1. Seven Stars Yogurt
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Seven Stars Yogurt
USDA-certified organic, low-fat, plain yogurt that’s packed with plenty of probiotics.
About: If you can’t find a suitable Greek yogurt option for your four-footer, this regular yogurt from Seven Stars Dairy is the next best thing. The organic yogurt is made with just whole milk and probiotics making a pure treat for your pooch.
Features:
- Organic, non-GMO yogurt option
- Yogurt comes in a generous 2-pound container
- Plain yogurt has 8 grams of protein per serving
- Added probiotics and active cultures help support doggie digestion
Pros
- Users were impressed with the consistent quality of this yogurt
- Contains added probiotics
Cons
- This yogurt naturally produces a collection of cream, or a “cream line” towards the top of the product. While this can be mixed in to adjust consistency, some dogs may prefer a different texture.
2. 365 Organic Greek Yogurt
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365 Organic Greek Yogurt
Plain, affordably priced, organic Greek yogurt featuring five live probiotic cultures.
About: This organic Greek yogurt from 365 by Whole Foods is an excellent, plain yogurt option at an affordable price. With 16 grams of protein and no fat, this is a nutritious option that is sure to get your pup’s tail wagging.
Features:
- 2 pounds of organic, Greek yogurt derived from nonfat milk
- Features five different active and live cultures
- 16 grams of protein per serving
- Affordable price point for pure, Greek yogurt
Pros
- Customers loved the consistent quality and texture of this yogurt
- Organic yogurt features five active cultures
Cons
- This yogurt had very few critical reviews, though it may have a thinner texture than other Greek yogurt options since it’s derived from non-fat milk, which some pups may not enjoy as much
3. Chobani Non-Fat Greek Yogurt
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Chobani Non-Fat Greek Yogurt
Non-GMO, low-fat Greek yogurt with 19 grams of protein per serving.
About: While it’s important to stay away from “diet” or “light” versions of yogurt since they may contain artificial sweeteners toxic to dogs, a low-fat yogurt can be ideal for pups with weight concerns. This low-fat yogurt from Chobani is perfect for pups looking to pack in some protein without the excess fat.
Features:
- Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 19 grams of protein per serving
- Processed from non-fat milk with added cultures
- Non-GMO yogurt with no added ingredients
- Large 2-pound container of yogurt
Pros
- Thick and creamy texture is great for pups
- Great Greek yogurt option for dogs with weight issues
Cons
- Some users found that this Greek yogurt was thinner than other Greek options, though this is to be somewhat expected, given that it’s a low-fat product.
4. Siggi’s Whole Milk Yogurt
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Siggi’s Whole Milk Yogurt
Plain, whole milk yogurt loaded with 25 grams of protein per serving.
About: This yogurt from Siggi’s is made with whole milk giving it an ultra-thick, creamy texture. The yogurt is packed with 25 grams of protein per serving and five active probiotic cultures.
Features:
- Thick, whole milk yogurt has creamy consistency most pups love
- 25 grams of protein per serving
- Yogurt features five active cultures
- Non-GMO yogurt comes in large 1.5-pound container
Pros
- Whole milk yogurt has notably thicker texture which some dogs may prefer
- Yogurt is protein packed with 25 grams of protein per serving
Cons
- This yogurt comes with the a higher fat content than other yogurt options
5. Happy Belly Greek Yogurt
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Happy Belly Greek Yogurt
Protein-packed and affordable yogurt made from grade-A nonfat milk.
About: This affordable Greek yogurt from Happy Belly is super affordable and perfect for introducing yogurt into your dog’s diet. The 5.3-ounce cups are made solely from grade-A nonfat milk.
Features:
- Small sized 5.3-ounce cups for convenience
- Made from a single ingredient (nonfat milk)
- Protein-packed affordable snack
- Compact container is easier to take on the go
Pros
- Compact container is great for testing whether or not this yogurt is a good fit for your pooch.
- Non-fat yogurt is derived from just milk and includes 15 grams of protein per serving
Cons
- There are no added active cultures to this yogurt.
How Much Yogurt Should I Give My Dog?
The ideal serving size for Spot depends heavily on his size, diet, underlying health issues, and activity level. Therefore, it’s best to consult your veterinarian to obtain a personalized recommendation for your pooch.
But generally speaking, yogurt shouldn’t take up more than 5 to 10 percent of your dog’s daily caloric intake (assuming your doggo doesn’t get other tasty treats — your pooch shouldn’t get more than 10 percent of his daily calories from anything besides good ‘ol dog food).
Because your pooch probably won’t be consuming more than a tablespoon or two on a daily basis, there are a number of ways to incorporate yogurt into his diet. Here are a few ideas:
- Pupsicles — You can freeze yogurt to create a fun frozen treat for your furry friend. You can also use yogurt to make DIY doggie ice cream to cool off your canine.
- Topper — If your pooch isn’t crazy about his dry food, you could add a small spoonful of plain, unsweetened yogurt to the top of his bowl to liven things up.
- In Pupcakes — Yogurt is included in many dog cake pops, homemade dog cupcakes (aka “pupcake”), and other canine-friendly treats as a cake ingredient or a simple frosting for Fido.
- Sweetening The Deal — If your dog doesn’t enjoy taking his daily supplement or medication(s), disguising it within a spoonful of yogurt can entice him to gobble it down without issue.
- As A Treat — You can also serve plain, unsweetened yogurt directly to your four-footer as a treat. You can also use it to fill a KONG, or put it on a lickimat for extra pooch enrichment.
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Yogurt can serve as a delicious, nutritious treat for your furry friend. Just be sure to select a dog-safe formula and adhere to your veterinarian’s recommended feeding instructions.
Does your dog enjoy yogurt? What’s his favorite way to chow down on this tasty treat? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!
FAQs About Dogs Eating Yogurt
Can dogs eat yogurt?
Yes, dogs can eat yogurt. Many dogs have some kind of lactose intolerance though, so while a bit of yogurt can make a great snack for a dog, you won’t want to go overboard and give your dog too much yogurt. When choosing a yogurt for dogs, choose plain yogurt without added flavoring, sweeteners, or sugar.
Can dogs eat greek yogurt?
Yes, dogs can eat greek yogurt. In fact, greek yogurt is the best yogurt for dogs to eat since it contains less lactose than non-greek yogurt.
Can dogs eat plan yogurt?
Yes, plain yogurt is the best option for dogs. You want to avoid any yogurt with added flavoring, sugar, or fake sweeteners. The plainer, the better! Also avoid fat-free or low-fat varieties, as these often have added sweeteners that can be toxic for dogs.
Can puppies have yogurt?
Yes, puppies can have yogurt, but only give them a small amount since most pups have trouble digesting lactose.
1 Comment
October 28, 2022
Thank you I’m always looking for something for my dog to enjoy and keep her healthy.