Can Dogs Have Buttermilk?

You have probably given your dog buttermilk severally as a treat.

Dogs do love the taste of buttermilk.

However, most dog owners who give their dog buttermilk don’t understand the benefits or risks involved.

So, can dogs have buttermilk?

Yes, dogs can often have buttermilk as part of their diet.

Buttermilk can cause adverse effects like diarrhea, indigestion, or stomach upset on a lactose-intolerant dog.

However, buttermilk is generally a healthy inclusion in your pet’s diet if he is not allergic.

This article will look at the benefits of feeding your dog buttermilk, the crucial factors to consider, and the risks involved.

Understanding these factors will help you better care for your dog’s health.

Can dogs have buttermilk

7 benefits of feeding your dog buttermilk

Your dog stays hydrated

Since buttermilk is in fluid form, it helps your dog to stay hydrated.

Although you can hydrate your dog with water, buttermilk has a high nutritional value.

It is a healthier rehydration option for your dog as it contains minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients.

Rehydrating your dog using buttermilk adds protein to its system.

Protein found in buttermilk will significantly improve your dog’s health.

Improves digestion

Buttermilk is loaded with probiotics which will help to resolve most digestive issues that your dog may have.

It helps in the absorption of nutrients into coats and skin cells. 

Buttermilk works to sort out gastrointestinal issues and diarrhea and improve dogs’ immune systems.

Rich in calcium

Buttermilk contains a sufficient daily requirement for calcium in dogs.

Calcium is essential for proper bone development in dogs.

Sufficient calcium supply in the body keeps bones strong and prevents osteoporosis and arthritis.

Calcium regulates blood pressure in dogs and controls blood clotting.

Calcium promotes the production of fat-burning enzymes and hence accelerates weight loss.

When your dog regularly takes buttermilk, it will develop strong teeth because of the high calcium levels.

Promotes healthy coat and skin

Want to make your dog look great?

Include buttermilk in your dog’s diet to give him a shiny coat.

A shiny coat and moist skin will make your dog look youthful. 

Buttermilk is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients like protein.

Omega-3 will help to keep your dog’s fur conditioned and soft.

It will also prevent your dog’s skin from becoming dry and flaky.

Omega-3 fatty acids promote the development of a healthy heart.

Your dog will be active and energetic due to having buttermilk in its diet.

High vitamin levels

Buttermilk provides your dog with essential vitamins, including:

  • Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) accelerates the provision of proteins in the body by regulating amino acids.
  • Thiamine (Vitamin B2) facilitates cellular metabolism and encourages the efficient use of carbohydrates by the body.
  • Vitamin D maintains normal phosphorus and calcium levels in your dog’s body. High vitamin D levels promote healthy bones and general normal development in dogs.

  Fights allergies

Is your dog always suffering from allergies?

Consistently feeding your dog buttermilk will help to fight most allergies.

Buttermilk contains live culture that is an effective antidote against many allergies.

The live culture also promotes the effective digestion of food in dogs.

  Relief from flatulence

Buttermilk is rich in probiotics which help to get rid of flatulence in dogs.

To do away with gas and bloating, include buttermilk in your dog’s diet.

What to keep in mind when feeding your dog buttermilk

Consider whether your dog is lactose intolerant before feeding him buttermilk.

If your dog is lactose intolerant, buttermilk will have adverse side effects, so you should avoid it.

Some dogs may have other allergies associated with daily products.

Existing digestive issues brought about by your dog’s age are also an essential factor to consider.

You must consider the appropriate quantity of buttermilk to feed your dog.

Dog experts agree that a few cups of milk in your dog’s weekly diet are enough.

However, closely observe your dog and take action in case of diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pains, or any other unusual symptoms.

Homemade buttermilk is the best option for your dog.

When you make homemade buttermilk, you have the freedom to control what goes into it.

You can add cinnamon or raw honey to give your buttermilk a great taste.

Side effects of feeding your dog buttermilk

Buttermilk is dangerous to lactose-intolerant dogs.

It can lead to diarrhea, upset stomach, pancreatitis, and flatulence in lactose-intolerant dogs.

Most puppies will develop diarrhea when they feed on buttermilk.

The digestive system of a puppy is usually not well developed.

A puppy’s digestive system is unable to break down buttermilk.

Before feeding buttermilk to puppies below 6 months, consult your vet.

Buttermilk contains high amounts of sodium that can cause adverse effects in dogs.

High sodium typically leads to dehydration.

Do not substitute water with buttermilk in your dog’s diet.

As much as it is used for rehydration, buttermilk is likely to cause problems when taken in large quantities.

What should I do if my puppy drinks buttermilk?

If your puppy consumes buttermilk, no need to worry.

Observe whether the puppy shows any symptoms like diarrhea and an upset stomach.

Most likely, the sickness will resolve itself.

However, if the dog doesn’t get better, take it to a vet clinic if you are worried.

Can you give buttermilk to a pregnant dog?

Yes, you can give buttermilk to a pregnant dog.

If your dog does not have a history of lactose intolerance or other allergies, you can feed it buttermilk.

Buttermilk contains nutrients that will nourish the unborn puppies.

What should I do if my dog drinks too much buttermilk?

If your dog has taken too much buttermilk, do not panic.

Your dog may likely experience diarrhea, flatulence, or stomach upset.

These symptoms are likely to resolve on their own given some time.

However, if the symptoms become severe, take your dog to a vet for medical advice.

The pros to feeding your dog buttermilk supersede the cons.

However, if you decide to include buttermilk in your dog’s diet, do it in moderation.

Any good foods consumed in excessive amounts will eventually affect the body.

Understanding the health benefits of feeding your dog buttermilk will help you be intentional when formulating a diet plan.

When you consistently feed your dog healthy food, you will realize an all-around transformation.

Can you give buttermilk to a pregnant dog?

Yes, you can give buttermilk to a pregnant dog.
If your dog does not have a history of lactose intolerance or other allergies, you can feed it buttermilk.
Buttermilk contains nutrients that will nourish the unborn puppies.

Megan Turner

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