Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Yogurt?

While dogs have an array of their own snacks, it is no secret that they enjoy human food. You might have noticed your dog drooling at what you’re eating. You sit your strawberry yogurt on the counter or on the table really quick to go handle something. When you arrive back, you notice your dog licking his lips, and your strawberry yogurt is empty. What do you do? Can dogs eat strawberry yogurt? Is it safe?

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Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Yogurt? An Overview

More often than not, you are looking for information because your dog has already got into something. Things that you think may be potentially hazardous to them. Yogurt may actually have some nutritional benefits to your dog’s health. In addition to a great taste, strawberry yogurt can provide calcium and protein to your dog. Yogurt also offers a variety of minerals and vitamins.

Vitamins such as C and E. Strawberry yogurt and yogurt, in general, contain probiotics. Probiotics are live bacteria, and they are good for you. They are good for animals as well. They promote a healthy gut, and a strong digestive system. Which in turn, will help regulate it. Although yogurt is a delicious snack for your dog, and a healthy choice, it should be served in moderation.

Yogurt should not be given to your dog in excess, it should be considered a snack. Nonfat or low-fat yogurt would be the best choice to choose. If your dog is overweight you should check the labels and make the best decision for them. Outside of a yogurt choice, there are other ways to help combat obesity in your pet.

You can also give your dog yogurt a couple of times a week, like a switch-up snack. Meaning, it would be a different snack than their usual favorites. 

Lactose Intolerance 

Because low fat, nonfat, and regular yogurt are dairy products, it is important to keep in mind your dog’s milk intake. It is crucial to keep in mind if your dog has a problem with lactose products or not.

If your dog is lactose intolerant or has other lactose issues, it may be best to not feed them strawberry yogurt. It would be wise to consult with your vet beforehand if you can.

Lactose products can lead to diarrhea, flatulence, and overall discomfort in their stomachs. Greek-style yogurt can provide a higher concentration of probiotics.  Greek-style yogurt may be a better choice if you suspect your dog has a lactose issue, but you can also find a better snack for them altogether. 

While lactose intolerance is prevalent in cats, it can also affect dogs. Just as well as it affects people. Lactose intolerance is when the body cannot break down the natural sugar called lactose.

Lactose is most commonly found in dairy products.

When the enzyme lactase is no longer made in bulk by the small intestine, your body is no longer able to break down lactose. That is when an animal or person becomes lactose intolerant.

Xylitol 

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is naturally occurring. It is mostly found in vegetables and fruits, as well as many other planting materials. Corn, berries, and trees to name a few.  It can also be used as a medicine, commonly fighting ear infections. Many people also use it to help fight diabetes.

While it can be used for good and is a naturally occurring substance, xylitol can be extremely fatal and dangerous for dogs. Commonly causing Hypoglycemia, which is a decrease in blood sugar. It is important to read the labels to avoid strawberry yogurt with sugar substitutes such as Xylitol.

Xylitol can cause low blood sugar, seizures, and sometimes can be fatal. Common signs of xylitol poisoning are:

• Seizures
• Tremors
• Lack of Coordination 
• Vomiting 
• Weakness
• Lethargy 
• Coma

If you suspect your dog has experienced xylitol poisoning than you should contact poison control right away. Animal Poison Control Center phone number. (888) 426-4435. 

Healthy Alternatives

If you are not sure, and still are asking yourself “can dogs eat strawberry yogurt?”, or cannot determine the presence of xylitol in your yogurt at home, you can blend strawberries with greek style yogurt. This will also be a great choice.

Strawberries are full of antioxidants and can provide great health benefits for your dog. Also, it tastes really great when blended and contains vitamin C as well.

Greek yogurt can also help fight yeast infections. You can also serve yogurt, or greek yogurt atop of your dog’s food. Always be mindful, and be sure to check of added sugars in any yogurt you purchase if you plan to feed it to your dog. 

In Short

If you would like to give your dog yogurt it is completely fine, as long as you check the labels. The yogurt should be free of any artificial sweeteners, as well as natural sweeteners. Most pet parents opt to give their dogs around 1 to 3 tablespoons for a snack.

You should also consult with your veterinarian to make sure that giving your dog yogurt will not cause any issues. It is always better to be safe than sorry.  Yogurt should not be given to your dog all the time. You can use it as a great snack every once in a while.

Yogurt is high in protein and calcium. If you are serving your dog yogurt just for the probiotic use alone, there are a multitude of probiotics you can serve your dog. Especially if lactose intolerance is a problem.