It is best not to feed dogs milk

We often say not to feed dogs the milk that we drink because it may cause diarrhea in dogs. This is actually because dogs do not often drink milk. If we suddenly try drinking milk after a long time without it, it may also cause diarrhea. This is due to the lack of corresponding enzymes in the body to break down lactose, leading to discomfort, which we call "lactose intolerance." Therefore, we say not to feed dogs milk.

Besides this reason, milk contains low protein, low fat, and high lactose, while dog milk is high protein, high fat, and low lactose. Therefore, if puppies are fed only milk, their nutrition will lag behind significantly. So, it is still best not to feed dogs milk. Many people say it is safe for dogs to drink yogurt. This is absolutely correct. Because under the action of lactic acid bacteria, yogurt completely breaks down lactose, similar to the principle of lactose-free milk, but the taste changes. Thus, even dogs with insufficient digestive enzymes can safely drink yogurt, which also contains more calcium. However, it is still best not to use yogurt as the main milk source for feeding.

You can feed some yogurt

How to determine if a dog has lactose intolerance

Try feeding some pure milk to the dog. If the dog experiences diarrhea or vomiting, then pure milk should not be given directly; yogurt or nutritional lactose-free milk should be fed instead. If vomiting or drooling occurs even after drinking yogurt or lactose-free milk, it means your dog is among the rare types allergic to milk. Humans can also have milk allergies. These cases are actually rare.

Which dogs should not be fed milk

Not all dogs are unsuitable for milk, but whether from a nutritional or safety perspective, milk is not the best choice for dogs. Certain special cases of dogs must not be fed milk.

1. Dogs with lactose intolerance:Dogs severely lack lactase, making it impossible for the lactose in milk to be converted into galactose and glucose for absorption in the small intestine. Instead, it enters the large intestine, increasing osmotic pressure, causing the colon to absorb a large amount of water. Additionally, lactose is fermented by bacteria in the intestine to produce lactic acid, lowering the intestinal PH below 6, irritating the colon, causing symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, flatulence, and diarrhea.

2. Dogs allergic to milk:This is usually rare, but in some cases, milk allergy can threaten a dog's life. For such dogs, never feed them milk.

3. Dogs after abdominal and stomach surgery:After surgery, the dog's lactase decreases due to the impact of the operation. When drinking milk, lactose cannot be broken down and ferments inside, producing water, lactic acid, and a large amount of carbon dioxide, causing bloating. During abdominal surgery, the intestines are exposed to air for a long time, and the mesentery is stretched, delaying postoperative intestinal motility recovery. Gas produced in the intestinal lumen due to swallowing or fermentation cannot be expelled timely, worsening bloating, leading to abdominal pain, increased intra-abdominal pressure, or even rupture at suture sites and incision dehiscence.

It is still best to feed with professional dog milk powder

In summary, whether for healthy dogs or dogs that are unsuitable for drinking milk, it is best not to feed dogs milk regularly. Nutritionally, milk cannot meet the dog's needs well, and suddenly feeding milk to dogs who are unaccustomed can cause physical discomfort. Therefore, it is better to feed specialized dog milk powder whenever possible.