Can dogs eat yogurt?

The best choice is plain, unsweetened yogurt with live cultures. Greek or strained yogurt has had much of the whey removed, taking some lactose with it, so it may suit dogs that are sensitive to milk. Full-fat Greek yogurt is rich, around 95 calories per 100 g, while low-fat versions are lighter.

Read the ingredient list, not just the front label.

Some light, diet, and low-sugar yogurts use xylitol, sometimes called birch sugar, as a sweetener. Even small amounts can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver damage in dogs. If your dog has eaten a yogurt containing xylitol, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately.

Fruit yogurts may also contain grape or raisin pieces, which are unsafe for dogs.

A teaspoon is plenty for a toy breed, and one or two tablespoons suit a medium to large dog. Stir it into food, or spread it inside a rubber toy with a little kibble and freeze it for a long-lasting treat. Frozen yogurt cubes are popular in hot weather.

Start small and watch for loose stools the first time.

Yogurt is often described as good for digestion because of its live cultures. The strains in human yogurt are not specifically designed for dogs, so if your dog has ongoing digestive problems, ask your vet about a probiotic formulated for dogs rather than relying on yogurt. A few days of consistent loose stools, or any blood, is a reason to call your vet rather than keep experimenting.