Can Dogs Eat Yogurt?

Yes, dogs can eat a little plain yogurt. It is not toxic, but many dogs can’t digest the milk sugar in it well, so it can upset their stomachs. Choose plain yogurt with no sweetener, and give only a small spoonful. Yogurt with the sweetener xylitol can be life-threatening.

Why plain yogurt is usually okay

The AKC says yogurt isn’t toxic to dogs. It has calcium and protein, and it can act as a probiotic. Probiotics are helpful germs for the gut. The AKC adds that there are better sources of probiotics than yogurt, so don’t count on it as a health fix.

The main problem is lactose, the sugar in milk. The ASPCA says pets don’t have much lactase, the enzyme that breaks lactose down. That can cause diarrhea or other stomach upset. The AKC lists gas, diarrhea, and vomiting as possible signs.

What kind of yogurt is best for dogs?

The AKC says to pick yogurt that is plain and has no added sweeteners. It recommends plain, Greek-style yogurt because it has less lactose.

Before you share, read the label:

• Look for “plain” or “unsweetened.”
• Check for xylitol. It can hide in “sugar-free” or “light” foods.
• Skip added flavors and sugar.

Why is xylitol so dangerous?

Xylitol makes a dog’s body release a lot of insulin. Cornell’s Riney Canine Health Center says this can drop blood sugar within 30 to 60 minutes. Even a small amount can cause very low blood sugar, seizures, or liver injury.

The ASPCA says signs include vomiting, tiredness, weakness, and sometimes seizures. Treatment often means IV sugar (dextrose) and 12 to 24 hours or more of watching in a clinic. Cornell says dogs treated quickly for low blood sugar generally do well. Liver injury can be more serious.

How much yogurt can a dog eat?

None of the sources we read gives an exact amount. The AKC says to start small and watch how your dog reacts. A small spoonful is a reasonable start for a first try. If your dog gets gas, loose stools, or throws up, stop.

The AKC also warns that a lot of fat can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes deadly inflammation of the pancreas. Ask your vet first if your dog is overweight, has had pancreatitis, or has a sensitive stomach.

Other kinds of yogurt

Can dogs eat flavored yogurt?

Not a good idea. The AKC says yogurt for dogs should be plain with no added sweeteners. Flavored yogurt usually has sweeteners or sugar, and some sweeteners, like xylitol, are toxic. A lick of fruit yogurt that has real sugar is unlikely to be a poison problem, but it is still a poor treat. Read the ingredients every time.

Can dogs eat pomegranate yogurt?

Plain yogurt is the part that is okay. The pomegranate part is the worry. The AKC says pomegranates aren’t toxic, but the seeds can cause vomiting or diarrhea because they don’t break down easily, and they can block the gut. The AKC also says to avoid pomegranate for dogs. Pomegranate yogurt is also a flavored yogurt, so it may have sweeteners as well. Choose plain yogurt instead.

If your dog eats seeds or other pieces of pomegranate and seems unwell, the AKC says to contact your vet or an emergency clinic.

Can dogs eat yogurt melts?

Yogurt melts are small, freeze-dried yogurt snacks made for babies. We didn’t find a veterinary source that covers them, so we can’t say how they affect dogs. They are a flavored yogurt product, so the same advice applies: they aren’t plain, and you would need to check the label for sweeteners like xylitol. A better choice is a spoonful of plain yogurt.

What to do if your dog ate yogurt

For plain yogurt, a little usually means nothing worse than gas or loose stools. Call your vet if your dog ate a lot, or if the yogurt was flavored or sugar-free. Have the label ready. If it lists xylitol, treat it as an emergency and use the hotlines above.

Other ways to serve yogurt

The AKC suggests freezing plain yogurt in ice cube trays, popsicle molds, or stuffable toys. Keep portions small.

Treats, yogurt included, should be no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For foods to keep away from your dog completely, see our guide to foods that are toxic to dogs. If your dog likes dairy, you might also read about cheese for dogs.