Yogurt is a staple for many people who want a boost of probiotics, protein and calcium, but can it also be beneficial to dogs?

The short answer: Yes! Yogurt can be a great option for dogs, and there are many advantages associated with it.

In this article, we’ll discuss the nutritional benefits of yogurt for dogs, the types of yogurt that are healthy for your furry friend and how you can safely add it into your dog's diet.

While yogurt is often safe for dogs, it’s important to ensure that the type and amount of yogurt you’re feeding your pup is appropriate.

First things first, it’s important to know that not all yogurt is safe or beneficial for pups. You want to look for plain, simple yogurts with minimal added ingredients. Here are some guidelines to consider:

• Avoid added sugars: Flavored yogurt is a popular snack for humans, but these options often include additives and sugar. High sugar intake in dogs can lead to obesity, dental issues and other health concerns, so opt for unsweetened plain yogurt when shopping for your dog.

• Steer clear of artificial sweeteners: Some fake sweeteners that are safe for humans are highly toxic to dogs, including xylitol, which can cause life-threatening conditions like hypoglycemia or liver failure.

• Choose low-fat or fat-free yogurt: Though full-fat yogurt can be healthy for humans, it’s not suitable for all dogs, particularly dog breeds prone to pancreatitis. Look for low-fat or fat-free options to avoid excessive fat intake.

Even though yogurt is generally safe for dogs, there are situations where it may not be the best choice. For example, dogs who are allergic to dairy or lactose intolerant should avoid dairy yogurt.

While yogurt can be less allergenic than other dairy products due to its fermented nature, it’s important to introduce it gradually and keep an eye on your pup for any adverse reactions. If you think your dog might be sensitive to dairy, talk to your veterinarian before trying yogurt.

There are numerous benefits to adding yogurt to your dog’s diet, including a boost of probiotics, calcium, protein and more. Let’s take a closer look at each of these below.

Yogurt is a natural source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth in dogs. Calcium also plays a crucial role in muscle function, nerve signaling and blood clotting, making it an important player in a dog’s overall health.

Many yogurts are fortified with extra calcium, and some brands can have up to 450 mg of calcium per cup. Depending on the size of your dog, it may only take one or two spoonfuls to reach their required daily amount of calcium. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that adult dogs get 1.25 grams of calcium for every 1,000 calories they consume.

Another benefit of yogurt is its probiotic content, which supports good digestive health. Probiotics are active cultures that support gut health by promoting an ideal balance of gut flora, which can help reduce digestive issues like diarrhea, gas and bloating in dogs. These probiotics are also good for protecting against yeast infections that contribute to ear and skin problems.

In fact, many dog food brands now include probiotics in food and other products, particularly lactobacillus, lactobacillus KC, bifidobacterium species, enterococcus faecium, saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii and bacillus subtilis. The Honest Kitchen includes probiotics in a variety of their recipes and even offers Instant Goat’s Milk With Probiotics for an extra boost.

Yogurt is also high in protein, which is very important for a dog’s diet. Protein supports muscle development, tissue repair and a healthy coat and skin. Typically, dogs require about one gram of protein per pound of their ideal body weight per day, and protein should make up 18–25% of their daily caloric intake.

So yogurt can be a great way to supplement added protein — especially if your pup is very active. When it comes to giving your dog the protein they need, Greek yogurt is a better choice than regular yogurt, as it has a higher protein content.

Another reason you should consider adding yogurt to your dog’s diet is that it can help to increase the nutrition value your dog gets with every meal. Adding some yogurt will provide the protein and calcium they need, as well as probiotics to aid the digestive system. Essentially, you’re making sure your dog gets plenty of the good stuff every time they eat!

Now that you know the benefits of feeding your dog yogurt, let’s take a look at some of the best ways to do so. As most dogs love yogurt, you likely won’t need to dress it up for them to enjoy. All you need to do is plop a bit of yogurt into a bowl or mix it into their food, and your dog will lap it up!

When feeding your dog yogurt, keep serving size and frequency in mind to make sure you’re not overloading them with unnecessary calories or fat. Here are some guidelines that may be helpful:

• Portion sizes: Offer small portions based on your dog’s size. For large dogs, one tablespoon is a good place to start. Medium-sized breeds can have a teaspoon, while toy breeds should only receive a quarter of a teaspoon. Consult your vet for more customized portion sizes.

• Balance in their diet: Treats and supplemental foods, including yogurt, shouldn’t comprise more than 10% of your pup’s overall calories per day. The remaining 90% should be made up of a complete and balanced dog food that meets all their nutritional needs.

• Moderation is key: While yogurt can provide valuable nutrients, feeding too much of it can lead to weight gain and digestive upset. Stick to small amounts occasionally as a treat or dietary supplement rather than using it as a regular meal ingredient.

When you give your dog fresh yogurt, it probably won’t take them more than a few seconds to devour their serving. To make it last a little longer and deliver some extra nutrition, whip up some of these Blueberry Pupsicles — an especially refreshing treat during those warmer days.

You can also use yogurt as a training treat on its own or mixed with other healthy dog treats like The Honest Kitchen’s Purely One White Fish Filets. Break these dried fish treats down into smaller pieces and use them as a training reward that your pup just can’t resist.

As noted, even though yogurt can be a healthy additive to a dog’s meals, it’s important to balance it with a nutritious diet. Make sure 90% of your dog’s diet comes from food that is full of essential nutrients.

The Honest Kitchen uses human grade whole food ingredients in all of their recipes for optimal nutrition. Whether your pup prefers dry food, wet food, grain free or whole grain, The Honest Kitchen has something for every palate.

We recommend the Dehydrated Grain Free Chicken recipe with ingredients like slowly dehydrated chicken, flaxseed, sweet potatoes, apples, celery, pumpkin and more.

If your pup can’t tolerate dairy, there are plenty of yogurt alternatives that can provide similar health benefits, including:

• Non-dairy probiotic supplements: There are many probiotic supplements on the market, but we recommend The Honest Kitchen's Goat’s Milk Probiotic powder that you can mix with water or broth for an added boost.

• Pumpkin puree: Plain, unsweetened pumpkin puree can be a great source of fiber and aid in digestion. It’s a safe and natural alternative to yogurt that your pup will love.

• Bone broth: Bone broth is rich in nutrients that can help support joint and gut health. It’s also a perfect way to give your dog added hydration. Check out The Honest Kitchen’s bone broth recipes, which are chock-full of highly nutritious superfoods.

• Coconut yogurt: Unsweetened, non-dairy coconut yogurt is another probiotic option for dogs who can’t have dairy. Just make sure there aren’t any harmful ingredients like sugars, xylitol or artificial flavors and additives.

Want to get creative and give your dog a yogurt-filled homemade treat? Check out the delicious, healthy and dog-approved recipes.

• Abba Zaba Cheesecake: Yes, dogs love cheesecake too! Who doesn’t, right? This special dog-friendly cheesecake is enriched with lots of anti-inflammatory extras, making it ideal if your dog is in their senior years.

• Frosty Pate Bites: A frozen yogurt treat is perfect for the summer weather. If you want to switch things up a bit and create something different, your dog is sure to love this recipe that uses The Honest Kitchen’s Butcher Block Pates.

• Pumpkin Peanut Butter Frozen Treats: With ingredients like Instant Goat’s Milk from The Honest Kitchen, yogurt, and pumpkin puree, this recipe is packed with lots of healthy treats.

Yogurt can be a healthy and tasty treat for many dogs, offering benefits like added calcium, probiotics and protein to support your dog’s bones, digestive health and overall wellness. But it’s important to choose the right kind of yogurt for your dog and offer it in moderation alongside a complete and balanced diet.

Whether you prefer premade yogurt treats or recipes to make your own, The Honest Kitchen has you covered. Plus, The Honest Kitchen offers a wide range of human grade dog foods, treats and toppers that are full of natural probiotics and fiber to keep your pup’s digestive system happy and healthy.

Support your furry friend’s health, longevity and taste buds with The Honest Kitchen.