Regular yogurt has a smooth consistency and is runnier than Greek-style yogurt because it’s strained twice, leaving some whey in the end product. It’s packed with more calcium and fewer calories.
Greek yogurt is made by extracting all the liquid and whey in regular yogurt. Thus, it’s filled with more milk to compensate for the straining process making it creamier, thicker, and tangier. It contains more proteins, fats, and fewer sugars and carbs than regular types. The thick consistency and high protein content leave you feeling full longer and help weight loss—thus gaining mainstream popularity among health enthusiasts.
Kefir is more potent, smooth and drinkable compared to the above types. It contains the same nutritional benefits but is packed with more probiotics than regular yogurt.
What you should know about dogs and dairy
Most dogs are lactose intolerant, while others are allergic to dairy.
Dogs lack the digestive enzyme lactase to break down the sugar in milk (lactose) for easy digestion.
Puppies produce enough lactase during breastfeeding, but the production decreases as they wean off and transition to solid food.
Other dogs have an allergy to dairy products.
Although strawberry yogurt has nutritional benefits for your canine friend, if they’re allergic or are lactose intolerant, it may be discomforting to them.
Your vet can differentiate the symptoms and advice accordingly.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs include:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Gas or bloating
Abdominal discomfort
Symptoms of dairy allergies in dogs include:
Nausea and lack of appetite
Excessive itchiness and skin rashes
Swelling on the face
Diarrhea and vomiting
Excessive paw licking
Health benefits of strawberry yogurt for your dog
Processed food pause a significant threat to your dog’s immune system located in the gut. This leaves your furry friend susceptible to diseases, cell oxidation, environmental stress and a weakened immune system. Luckily, yogurt contains the following items essential for your dogs:
Probiotics
These are good bacteria in the body consumed in foods like yogurt and supplements. They strengthen a weak immune system and feed the good bacteria in your digs gut, helping in the following:
Dogs suffering from ear infections, hot spots, frequent itchiness and yeast infections can benefit significantly from consuming strawberry yogurt. The live cultures in yogurt fight yeast, reducing the symptoms and frequency of infections.
Dietary protein
High-quality proteins in yogurt are essential for cell growth and development, which helps in metabolism. It contains amino acids that boost bone muscle, enhance body mass and improve brain functioning.
Prevents tooth decay
Yogurt contains casein peptides which remove tartar and plaques on your dog’s teeth neutralizing the bacteria that causes tooth decay. So, don’t refrain from feeding your furry friend a few spoons of yogurt.
Risks of feeding your dog strawberry yogurt
Sugar – Strawberry flavored yogurt contains added sugars for palatability. These sugars are complex for your dog’s digestive system to process, risking obesity, diabetes and dental problems.
Artificial sweeteners – Most sugar-free yogurt contains xylitol as a sweetener, which is highly toxic to dogs and is better avoided. Xylitol consumed even in small amounts is fatal—it can cause low blood sugar and kidney and liver damage. Always check the label to confirm when buying strawberry yogurt for your pup.
High fats – It’s OK to feed your puppies low-fat and free-fat yogurts. However, yogurts with high fat will inflame the pancreas causing pancreatitis, which could be fatal.
Added fruits – Most fruits in flavored yogurts contain sugars and syrup not necessary for your dog. The best approach is to buy plain Greek yogurt and add fresh fruits like berries for a healthy dog treat.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can diabetic dogs eat strawberry yogurt?
Any type of food with high sugars is not advisable for diabetic dogs.
Preferably try plain Greek yogurt with no sugars and additives.
However, if you decide to give your diabetic dog strawberry flavor, a small amount once or twice a week as a treat is not harmful.
Consult your vet for the exact portions depending on your dog’s size and age.
How often can I feed my dog strawberry yogurt?
Yogurt has nutritional value to your furry friend. You can add it to their daily diet, provided it’s low-fat, lactose-free, and sugar-free. If possible, choose strawberry yogurt with live cultures that don’t cause distress to your dog’s digestive tract. Start with small amounts but check with your vet to be sure of the quantity and the calorie intake requirements.
Bottom line
Dogs can undoubtedly eat strawberry yogurt.
But anything in excess is harmful.
It’s better to balance it out along with other foods your canine friend consumes in a day.
The best alternative is to get plain yogurt and add fresh strawberries.
Otherwise, strawberry yogurt is an occasional excellent treat for your furry friend.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
