Yes, dogs can eat strawberry yogurt if you practice moderation.
Plain yogurt is safe for dogs and provides probiotic benefits. Don’t get worked up, the addition of strawberries is not harmful, as they are not dangerous to dogs. However, whenever you’re shopping at the store, go for yogurt without artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol. Also, some dogs may be lactose intolerant, so introduce the treat slowly and watch for any stomach upsets or digestive issues.
Helpful Tips For Feeding Your Dogs Strawberry Yogurt
There are certain things you must consider before giving your dog this treat. They include:
Lactose Intolerance
Many dogs are lactose intolerant, as they lack sufficient lactase enzymes to digest milk. This can lead to digestive upset, including gas, bloating, diarrhea, or vomiting. However, plain yogurt contains less lactose than milk, making it more tolerable for some dogs.
Strawberries and Dogs
Strawberries are not toxic and can be a healthy fantastic treat to your pup. This fruit is packed with vitamins C and B1, along with fiber and other antioxidants. More so, the natural sweetness is safe, but please be careful, too much strawberries can cause stomach upset.
Added Sugar Concerns
Most of the strawberry yogurt you buy in the store contains added sugars. This excess sugar can lead to obesity, dental problems, and diabetes in dogs. That’s not all, the high sugar count can also cause hyperactivity and crashes in your dog’s blood sugar levels.
How Much Strawberry Yogurt Can Dogs Eat?
Here’s a look at the appropriate servings of strawberry yogurt you can give your dogs:
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 teaspoons
- Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 1-2 tablespoons
- Large dogs (over 50 lbs): 2-3 tablespoons
Note: Strawberry yogurt should not become a regular part of your dog’s diet, let it be an occasional treat. However, if you must give them this treat weekly, make it at most two to three times per week and make sure it does not exceed their daily calorie intake. Also when you introduce this treat, start with a small amount and watch out for any reaction.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners, particularly xylitol, can be extremely dangerous for dogs and this xylitol is often found in some yogurts. Just so you know, even a small amount can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and this can lead to weakness, seizures, and in some cases, liver failure.
More so, symptoms can appear within minutes of ingestion and apart from xylitol other artificial sweeteners too can cause indigestion.
To prevent these mishaps, I strongly advise you to check labels carefully the next time you go on a shopping spree. However, in cases where your dog has already ingested it, contact your vet immediately.
I’d also advise you to go for the plain varieties or yogurts that are just sweetened with fruits.
Alternatives to Strawberry Yogurt for Dogs
Want better alternatives? Try plain yogurt with fresh fruits, this is a healthier option for your dog. Mix a small amount of plain, unsweetened yogurt with mashed strawberries, blueberries, or bananas.
That’s not all, try your hands on frozen yogurt treats made with safe ingredients as they can be a refreshing alternative. All you need to do is blend the plain yogurt with fruits and freeze in small portions. Ever heard of Kefir? It is a fermented milk drink that provides similar probiotic benefits with less lactose, so you can go for it. However, if your pet has dairy allergies, go for only fruits like strawberries or banana slices.
Final Words
Strawberry yogurt can be a safe treat for dogs if only you give them in moderation. However, choose plain yogurt with real strawberries, avoid artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol), and limit the portions based on your dog’s size.
Remember, yogurt should only be an occasional treat and a part of your dog’s diet, and never fail
to make a balanced diet your top priority. Furthermore, consult your vet before you introduce any new foods especially if your dog has health issues or diet restrictions.
Read More: Can Dogs Eat Jelly?
