Not many owners knows about the benefits that Greek Yogurt can bring to their dogs. In fact, I do know of some owners that swears by the benefits that Greek Yogurt can bring to their dogs. Hence, this article will be dedicated to discussing about Greek Yogurt for dogs.
Greek Yogurt For Dogs
There isn’t any Greek Yogurt that is specially made for dogs. Dogs can consume Greek Yogurt that are meant for humans. But now the question is, is Greek Yogurt good for dogs?
Essentially, Greek Yogurt isn’t a necessity for dogs. It is not an essential food for them. However, Greek Yogurt does have a lot of nutritional benefits that can add value to the dog’s overall health.
Yogurt, in its purest form, is a natural source of various nutrients like calcium and protein. It contains bacteria that are present in the digestive tract. One such bacteria is the probiotic L.Acidophilus (click here to read more about probiotics for dogs), which promotes digestion in the system. Yogurt helps to contain several conditions such as diarrhea and irritable bowel movement. Yogurt helps to boost the immune system and reduce cholesterol level.
Do note that only plain yogurt is the best for your pooch. There are many Greek Yogurt that is available in stores. Having said that, not all Greek Yogurt are good. You would need to check the ingredients and ensure that the yogurt contains active L.Acidophilus. Flavored yogurt are usually not recommended because of the high sugar content. Dogs are not naturally equipped to deal with added sugar in the system. Bacteria multiplies well in the presence of sugar, and this is why Greek Yogurt that contains artificial sweeteners should be avoided. A point to note: Do not overfeed your dog with Greek Yogurt too, as they contain a good amount of calcium, and too high a calcium content can cause many problems in your dog when they gets old. Read here for more information pertaining to this.
Why Is Greek Yogurt Good For Dogs
Greek yogurt is a good option for dogs because it is a source of high-quality protein and healthy fats. Greek yogurt is made by straining regular yogurt to remove the whey, which results in a thicker, creamier, and higher-protein product.
Greek yogurt contains healthy probiotics, which can support a healthy gut and boost the immune system. These probiotics can help to balance the bacteria in a dog’s gut, promoting digestion and preventing diarrhea. Greek yogurt is also a good source of calcium and other essential minerals, which can help to maintain strong bones and teeth in dogs.
It also can be a good source of hydration for dogs, especially on hot days, as it’s a low-calorie, low-fat, and a good source of electrolytes, like potassium and sodium, which can help to keep your dog hydrated.
It is important to note that not all dogs can tolerate dairy products well, so it’s best to introduce Greek yogurt in small amounts and observe for any digestive issues before including it as part of their regular diet. Also, make sure to choose plain Greek yogurt without added sweeteners or artificial ingredients.
It is also important to note that Greek yogurt should not be a replacement for a well-balanced dog food, and it should be given in moderation as a treat or supplement.
Where do I buy plain Greek Yogurt For Dogs?
You can either buy off the shelf from the nearby supermarket, or you can make them yourself! A few of the more popular model for making Greek Yogurt are Dash Greek Yogurt Maker , Euro Cuisine GY50 Greek Yogurt Maker or Cuisinart CYM-100 Electronic Yogurt Maker with Automatic Cooling. You will need a culture for those Yogurt Maker, and a quick search on Amazon will provide you with some good choices like Euro Cuisine RI52 All Natural Yogurt Culture.