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If the cheese tax is anything to go by, it seems that our doggies can’t get enough of dairy. But can dogs drink milk safely?
While milk may have extensive health benefits for humans, the same cannot necessarily be said for dogs. It seems that each dog will have a different tolerance for milk, some being able to have a little bit with no adverse effects, while others can become very poorly and may even be inherently lactose intolerant.
In general, it is advised that dogs are not given milk, as the cons definitely outweigh the pros. In this blog we are going to take a closer look at how milk can affect our canine companions, how lactose intolerance presents in dogs, and whether there are any types of milk that are safe for dogs to consume.
If a dog doesn’t seem to have any sensitivities to dairy, a very small amount of milk will be unlikely to do any damage. And while milk is an excellent source of calcium and protein, these nutrients can be supplemented into a dog's diet in a pup-friendly way.
Milk has been found to be one of the leading allergens in dogs and can cause a whole range of issues. Abdominal discomfort, flatulence, diarrhea and vomiting can be signs that your dog cannot tolerate dairy products, as well as hair loss, itchiness and skin that is red and irritated.
Even if your dog is not allergic to milk, the substance is very high in fat, calories and natural sugars, which can contribute to more serious issues such as canine obesity and pancreatitis.
Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from lactose intolerance. When puppies are born, their gut naturally contains the digestive enzymes needed to be able to drink dog milk from their mother. As they grow up, these enzymes may be lost, and as a result their ability to digest dairy and lactose is diminished.
Lactose is the name given to the sugars that are found in dairy products, and lactose intolerance is caused by an underproduction of the enzyme called ‘lactase’ within a dog's digestive system. This enzyme is what helps them break down and digest lactose, and if their body cannot do this, then symptoms of intolerance will likely occur.
If a dog is presenting with any sensitivities to dairy, they should not be given any dairy products whatsoever, as this will only exacerbate symptoms and could lead to more serious issues.
Dogs with lactose intolerance will likely present with symptoms even after ingesting a very small amount of dairy. While each dog may present slightly differently, the most common symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs include:
abdominal pain or bloating
excessive gas, and even
vomiting or diarrhea
Symptoms are not just contained to the digestive system either, dogs with dairy sensitivities may also present with dermal issues, suffering from itchy, red skin and even hair loss.
From birth, puppies rely on their mother’s milk to keep them healthy and fed until they are old enough to be weaned and moved onto a diet of solids. They naturally have the right enzymes within them in order to process this milk, however as they get older these enzymes will often diminish, meaning that dairy digestion becomes significantly reduced.
Just like any baby growing into adulthood, the nutritional needs of puppies will change as they grow, and therefore their bodies internal balance will adjust to accommodate this.
It is advised not to give puppies milk, as their systems are new and delicate and are equipped only to consume the milk of their canine mother.
Nowadays there are many different types of milk available, not just cows. Goat milk has become a popular choice amongst humans, but can dogs safely drink goat’s milk?
Goat’s milk contains less lactose than cow's milk, and so it may be the case that lactose intolerant dogs won’t be as affected if they drink the milk of a goat.
However, your vet should always be consulted before your dog is given anything new, and in general it is advised that if your dog has been shown to have dairy sensitivities, then the food group should be avoided altogether.
What if you cut out the cow altogether and go straight to milks made from plants? With so many different types of milk alternatives available, you may be wondering whether plant milks are safe for your dog to consume.
Here is a run down of some of the most popular plant-based milks and how they may affect your dog:
Milk made from almonds is not recommended for dogs due to its high calorie and fat content, which can lead to weight related health issues in canines. One of the most important things to consider is that almond milk tends to be filled with artificial products and sweeteners which can be toxic for dogs.
The ingredients of oat milk are generally safe, as most simply contain oats and rolled water. However, just because they are technically safe does not mean they agree with your pup’s tum. Oats are very high in fiber and so can have adverse effects on your dog’s digestive system.
Of all of the plant-based milks, coconut offers the least in the way of dietary benefits for dogs. Coconut could be an additional allergen for some dogs, as well as not really containing anything nutritionally beneficial. It could also be cause for significant abdominal upset in dogs.
If you are looking for a safe plant-based milk for your dog to try, then soy could be the best option. Of course, as with anything, moderation is key. But introducing a small amount of soy milk into your dog’s diet (under veterinary guidance) could even be beneficial.
A lot of dog foods contain ingredients which are soy-based, and not only that, the proteins found in soy milk, known as ‘isoflavones’, are even thought to be a beneficial supplement in a dog’s diet.
If your dog doesn’t present with any adverse effects or symptoms after consuming dairy, then consuming a very small amount every now and then should not do them any harm.
However, if your dog does have a taste for dairy, it is better to give them something like plain yogurt or cheese as opposed to straight up liquid milk.
These more solid dairy products are often a little bit easier for dogs to digest due to their lower levels of lactose. The prebiotics in yogurt can even sometimes even help to ease symptoms of diarrhea or excessive gas.
So, what are the most important things to consider when it comes to your dog and their dairy habits?
Dairy products contain high levels of fat and natural sugars, and so if your dog can digest dairy these products should be given sparingly as occasional treats only.
Many plant-based milk contain artificial sweeteners that can be toxic to dogs, as well as many of these milks serving as additional allergens for dogs - it is advised that dogs not be given milk alternatives, with the exception of soy milk which can be given in some instances.
Most importantly, always consult your vet if you want to try to give your pet milk of any kind to ensure it is definitely safe to do so. If your dog presents with any adverse symptoms then cease all dairy intake immediately and seek further medical assistance should symptoms worsen or persist.
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