As humans, we often take for granted that many of the foods and drinks we enjoy regularly might not be so healthy when it comes to being consumed by our pets: namely, the practice of letting your dog drink milk.
The fact of the matter is that while humans continue to drink milk, this is largely a choice we make. Just like dogs, we drink milk immediately after birth to ensure we get the nourishment needed to develop, but while dogs stop this process as we grow, many of us continue to seek it out later in life (among other dairy products).
So is it safe or healthy to let your dog have milk?
The short answer is that, yes, dogs can have milk. However, there are many important limitations and precautions that you need to take before introducing milk products into your dogs diet. So if you’re considering giving milk or other dairy products to your dog, here’s everything you need to know as a responsible dog owner.
Can Dogs Have Milk?
While dogs can have milk, there’s more to it that you as the owner need to consider. As puppies, milk is an absolutely essential part of any dog’s development. Much like infant humans, puppies drink as much as they can whenever they are hungry. But puppies stop drinking milk as they grow up, and once they are independent and in the care of their owners they are introduced to traditional solid dog foods.
Because genetically and situationally dogs are weaned off of milk and gain the bulk of their nutrition through solid foods, they undergo essential biological changes, and many breeds become lactose intolerant due to the absence of milk in their diet.
So while milk isn’t toxic for dogs, drinking milk may still cause some digestive concerns, similar to how lactose-intolerant people react when they consume dairy. However, not all dogs are the same, so it’s always important to start slowly and pay careful attention to your dog’s comfort/behaviour after consuming any dairy products.
This is why it’s important to consult with your vet before you feed them any kind of milk. Aside from lactose intolerance, some dogs can be allergic to certain types of milk. A visit to your vet is really the only true way to get piece of mind when it comes to altering your dog’s diet.
What Kinds of Milk are Safe for Dogs?
Milk is generally safe in moderation and in small quantities. The best kind would be organic goat’s milk. It’s good as a treat or a reward, but never as a substitute for a full meal.
Milk isn’t considered a toxic food but you’ll be able to tell if your dog is lactose intolerant if they manifest the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Passing gas
- Loose stool
- Decreased appetite
- Low energy
These are all signs of lactose intolerance, meaning that it would be better to stay away from dairy products when it comes to your dog. It might be tempting to give them a lick of that ice cream you’re having but both your and your dog might not like the results!
For lactose-intolerant people, dairy alternatives are plant-based milk products. And because dogs are mostly lactose intolerant, you might think that these products are safe for them as well. But don’t head to the nearest grocery just yet!
Many dogs are allergic to nuts. So before you feed milk products like soymilk, almond milk, and others, you have to check with your vet that your dog isn’t not allergic. Unlike milk, where allergies manifest generally in discomfort, when it comes to nut allergies, it might be fatal for them.
You have to be careful and know what your dog can eat and cannot eat. Once you determine that it’s safe, you can feed them plant-based milk in small quantities as well. But there’s still a downside to giving plant-based milk. You see, these types of milk weren’t made for a dog’s consumption. Their digestive system isn’t made to process that kind of food. Plus, many off-the-shelf versions contain lots of sugar, which isn’t good for dogs either.
So what kind of milk can dogs drink?
The safest kind is organic, unpasteurized, and unhomogenized goat’s milk. It’s lactose-free, doesn’t contain sugar, and will surely sit well with their tummies. It’s also known for it’s high fat content, which is irresistible to dogs!
Unfortunately, this kind of milk isn’t easy to come by. Most of the available milk products in grocery stores are pasteurized and homogenized. Goat’s milk is largely available at specialty grocery stores, and as a rule generally does not come cheap. But if you can find a fresh source of organic, unpasteurized, and unhomogenized goat’s milk, that’s what you want to be providing for your dog.
Benefits of Goat’s Milk
Lactose-Free
As I said, organic, unpasteurized, and unhomogenized goat’s milk is the best option if you’re going to give milk to a full-grown adult dog. Because it’s lactose-free, they can enjoy it without having to worry about an upset stomach.
Source of Vitamins and Minerals
Milk is rich in vitamins and minerals. It’s good for you and for dogs too. Here are some of the vitamins and minerals found in milk:
- Calcium. This helps build strong bones for running and jumping all day.
- Zinc. This boosts the immune system to minimize the chances of getting sick.
- Iron. This aids in the production of red blood cells, which gives the energy to be active and healthy.
- Phosphorus. It’s another mineral for healthy and strong bones. It also helps make teeth stronger so they can chew on their toys as much as they want!
- Vitamin B2. It helps metabolize carbohydrates and fats for a healthy digestive system. It can prevent obesity in dogs too.
- Protein. This is the most important nutrient in a dog’s diet. They need a high-protein diet and giving a little milk can add to the amount of protein they need to be healthy and nourished.
Helps Aid in Weight Gain
As pups, milk consumption is one of the factors that make us grow big and strong. For rescue dogs, milk plays a different role. Rescue dogs that are malnourished and underfed can recover with the help of milk. Giving milk will provide the needed nutrients to recover lost weight and mass, and get their health back on track.
Alternatives to Milk
If your vet doesn’t recommend dairy products, the good news is that there are alternatives to milk that you can feed your dog. Though make sure to keep the servings small, as they should be considered as treats or rewards and not as meal replacements.
Cheese
While cheese is a dairy product, it’s very low on lactose thus safe for most dogs. Cheddar cheese is a good option since it’s actually lactose-free. Cheese is easy to give as treats because you can slice into small pieces. But be warned! Cheese contains a lot of fat that can lead to being overweight or obese, especially if they don’t get a lot of exercise. So keep the cheese snacks to a minimum even if your dog loves them!
Yogurt
Yogurt is high in protein and calcium, and among all the different kinds, Greek yogurt is the best option. It doesn’t have the sugar content of the regular supermarket yogurt, which contains artificial sweeteners and sugars that aren’t good for your dog. It’s also up to 3 times higher in protein than ‘regular’ yogurt.
Milk Flavored Treats
This is the safest alternative to milk. It doesn’t contain any dairy and is lactose-free but has the same milky taste that we enjoy. Just remember, don’t give too much or it might spoil their dinner!
Dairy Products in Moderation
Can dogs have milk? Yes, they can but always check with your vet before giving any type of dairy products. Should your vet allow it, the best option is organic, unpasteurized, and unhomogenized goat’s milk. And remember, moderation and quantity is key.
While dairy products like milk are no longer part of an adult dog’s diet, it doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the benefits of milk and its alternatives.