“Can dogs drink milk?” This is a common question many pet owners often have in mind. For many experts, the answer would be ‘yes and no’. Milk is a good source of nutrients; in fact, it is often considered as a complete food. However, most dogs are lactose intolerant. Puppies do not have adverse reactions to their mother’s milk because they produce enough of the enzyme, lactase, which is necessary to break down lactose. But after being weaned from their mother’s milk, puppies become less tolerant to lactose as their bodies produce less of the lactase enzyme. Dogs that are lactose intolerant can experience gastrointestinal upset that can range from mild to severe after consuming milk. Some dogs are also allergic to dairy products.

For some puppies, milk replacers can be a lifesaver. Puppies whose mothers are unable or unavailable to nurse their pups can thrive when given commercial milk replacers. These are basically formulated as puppy formulas that are dense in calories and concentration of nutrients such as protein, fats, calcium, and a whole lot of essential nutrients.

What type of milk can dogs drink?

Dogs love milk but because of lactose intolerance problems, milk should only be given in moderation. Choose goat milk or lactose-free pet milk for your dogs.

What is a substitute for dog milk?

Plant-based almond milk and soy milk are both popular non-dairy milk alternatives. However, dogs do not digest almonds too well, and some other nuts are harmful to them. The high-fat content of nuts can also increase your pet’s risk to obesity and pancreatitis especially when large amounts are consumed. Soy milk is rich in isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens. Since they are not natural components of dog food, experts recommend giving almond milk and soy milk in moderation to avoid adverse reactions in dogs.

Is cheese bad for dogs?

Cheese is a good treat for dogs. In fact, it’s used as a special treat in puppy training. However, some dogs can be cheese-intolerant. Cheese is a rich source of protein, vitamin A and B-complex, calcium, and essential fatty acids. Cheese should be given in moderation as it is high in fat and salt. Indulging your dog could cause a gain in weight and possibly obesity. It could also increase a dog’s risk of pancreatitis, a life-threatening illness in dogs. Also, some types of cheese have been added with herbs, garlic, onions, and other ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Go for low-fat cheeses when you want to share some with your dog. Mozzarella, soft goat cheese, and cottage cheese are preferred.

Why does my dog want milk?

Some pet parents think that since it’s healthy for humans, it could be healthy for dogs, too. Thus, they encourage the behavior. However, dogs on a premium quality diet don’t need additional nutrients from milk. It is not an essential part of the diet of canines. Recent research shows that mammals benefit from milk to help boost their early development. After this period, giving milk is more detrimental than beneficial.

What is the best milk for puppies?

For puppies that have weaned off, any goat milk would be a great treat for them! However, for newborn puppies that do not have a mother, using puppy milk replacer are necessary to provide the correct nutrients.