Can I give yogurt to a dog? The benefits and harms of kefir for dogs

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Is it possible to give kefir to a dog and in what doses, not many breeders know. Meanwhile, this fermented milk products are very useful for the delicate body of the pet. Of course, as with any food, there are a number of situations where kefir not only does not bring benefits, but can cause some harm to the dog. But first things first.

What is kefir

A fermented milk drink with a very pleasant taste is called kefir. As a result of the addition of special kefir microorganisms - fungi, whole milk is fermented. Thus, a very he althy drink is obtained.

Kefir is composed of calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. All these elements make the drink vital for both children and adults. It is also very useful for pets - dogs and cats.

Benefits of dairy products

Is it possible for a dog to have kefir, cottage cheese and other dairy products - the answer is obvious. Many veterinarianstend to believe that such food has a positive effect on the animal's body:

1. First of all, sour milk is a high-quality source of protein and calcium, which are necessary for the full functioning of the cardiovascular, bone and nervous systems.
2. Such products are absorbed by the body much better than milk. In addition, whole milk is undesirable for adult dogs.



3. Food of sour-milk origin contains lacto- and bifidobacteria, which have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the animal's gastrointestinal tract.
4. Kefir, yogurt and fermented baked milk normalize intestinal motor function, which is the prevention of gas formation.
5. Due to the presence of vitamins B, E, D, A, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and essential amino acids in fermented milk products, metabolism in the body improves.

What is useful kefir

This product is useful for a four-legged pet as well as for a person. This should be remembered when wondering whether it is possible to give kefir to a dog. From such food, the pet improves digestion, increases immunity, and harmonizes metabolism.

Kefir is extremely useful for obese dogs. Only the product of the lowest fat content should be introduced into the diet.

Also, kefir can be given to pets that do not eat prepared food well. The sour taste stimulates the appetite, and after taking 2-3 tablespoons of the product, the dog is more likely to take the main food.

Can the product cause harm

The benefits of kefir for dogs and puppies are undeniable. However, the use of such sour milk must be approached with caution. Abuse of kefir can cause an upset gastrointestinal tract in a pet. It must be remembered that a fresh product can cause loose stools, and standing in the refrigerator for several days contributes to constipation. This should be taken into account, first of all, by owners of elderly dogs, who, due to advanced age, have digestive problems.

Also, the product can cause an allergic reaction, which is expressed in copious tearing, skin irritations, sneezing or even coughing. In this case, you should cancel the supply of kefir and replace it with low-fat cottage cheese.

The right portion of sour milk

Is it possible for a dog to give yogurt, and most importantly - in what quantities to give it? It all depends on the size and age of the pet. Dogs of small sizes (lapdogs, Yorkshire terriers, Spitz and others) need 1 teaspoon of the product. Dogs of large dimensions are recommended to be treated with 5-6 tablespoons of sour milk.

How often can you give yogurt to dogs? Babies no more than twice a week, giants - two or three times. Older dogs can be introduced to the diet of kefir every day, as aging pets are prone to constipation. It must be remembered that the product must be fresh.

Can puppies eat kefir

The nutrition of a small puppy in the first days of life consists of mother's milk. After some time, when the baby grows up a little, asthe first complementary foods usually use fresh cottage cheese and kefir. Many dogs lose the enzymes that break down lactose as they get older. As a result, regular milk is poorly digested by animals. Therefore, it is advisable to treat young dogs with kefir.

Can I feed a dog a product at a young age? The answer is obvious. Already after the pet reaches three or four months of age, the product becomes complete in the diet of young animals along with meat. It can be given in a 50/50% meat ratio. It is at this age that kefir has the most beneficial effect on the young growing body of the dog. When feeding a puppy with this product, it should be noted that the protein and calcium contained in it are best absorbed in the morning, while meat and vegetables are absorbed in the afternoon.

Kefir is necessary for a dog in puppyhood, when the bone foundation of the animal is laid. in addition, the product has a beneficial effect on the condition of the teeth, coat and sensory organs - vision and hearing.

When introducing kefir to your pet's menu, you should take a non-fat product - no more than 1-2%. However, zero fat content can harm the animal. With growing up, the fat content of kefir can be increased, while monitoring the general condition and reaction of the pet's body.

Cottage cheese, yogurt, fermented baked milk and other fermented milk products

Having figured out whether a dog can have kefir, the question arises regarding other fermented milk products. Which of them are recommended to be introduced into the pet's diet and in what quantity? The answer will please, first of all, the owners whoprefer to keep the pupil on natural food. Dogs can be given absolutely all fermented milk products that do not contain sugar. Ryazhenka, curdled milk, drinks "Bifidok", "Acidophilus", homemade or purchased yogurt without sugar and additives, whey - everything can be included in the menu of a four-legged pet.

However, there are some nuances to keep in mind. For example, fermented baked milk can cause fermentation and flatulence. Therefore, it is not worth getting involved in it. Store-bought yogurt containing sugar is also highly undesirable, since, in addition to the sweetener, it contains preservatives and other additives that may not be tolerated by the dog's body.

Also, be careful when serving your pet with cheese, milk and sour cream. This is especially true for animals that suffer from a weak pancreas. Such fatty foods can cause diseases such as pancreatitis. This is especially true for small dogs, in which a weak pancreas is a frequent occurrence.

Combination of kefir with other products

Sour-milk products can be given to dogs of all breeds. Sheepdogs and St. Bernards, lapdogs and Shitzu, Yorkshire Terrier poodles are happy to absorb a sour drink. There are breeds that need to be fed with extreme caution. Such a breed is, in particular, the burrowing dachshund dog. Is it possible to drink her kefir? Definitely yes! But due to the tendency to be overweight of this breed, the product must be chosen with the lowest fat content.

Kefir goes well with other products. Such a mixture willto be eaten by dogs with special pleasure. For example, an interesting combination may be a kind of salad of shabby vegetables and fruits allowed for a pet, and seasoned with a fermented milk product. Also, if the dog does not have allergies, kefir can be mixed with one teaspoon of honey.

A couple of raw quail eggs, crushed together with the shell, will enrich kefir with additional calcium and vitamins. Such a mixture is especially useful for the younger generation.

Of course, kefir has many useful vitamins and minerals. But veterinarians recommend adding precursors - additional vitamins or probiotics. This will improve the metabolic process.

Kefir is more expedient to give in the morning feeding, when the body after a night's rest is still unable to absorb heavy food. In the afternoon, it is recommended to introduce meat products, cereals and vegetables. It is important that meat and dairy products are not mixed in the same feeding!

By following these simple rules for caring for a dog, you can ensure that your pet will always be he althy and cheerful.