As many fur parents know…
Most dogs are lactose intolerant.
That makes dairy products a no-no for Fido.
So why do some people say:
“Try yogurt if your dog has diarrhea. It works!”
But how’s that possible if it’s a dairy product?
I get why you’re confused.
So let me answer all your concerns.
Continue reading to learn:
- 5 risks of yogurt for dogs with diarrhea.
- How much yogurt is safe for your pooch.
- 3 amazing benefits of plain yogurt for dogs with diarrhea.
- And a lot more…
Table of contents
Is yogurt good for dogs with diarrhea?
Yogurt is good for some dogs with diarrhea. This dairy product has probiotics that help digestion. However, it must be plain without any added sugar. If possible, find yogurt with lower lactose levels. That would make this dairy product much safer. Especially for dogs with diarrhea.
Why is yogurt good for dogs with diarrhea?
Plain yogurt is good for dogs with diarrhea, but only for a few reasons.
First, it has probiotics that can boost digestion.
Also, the protein from yogurt could make Fido feel full. And that means your pooch won’t get hungry in the next few hours.
This small effect can give your dog enough energy to fight off diarrhea.
Moreover, you can also try Greek yogurts for Fido.
This product has lower lactose levels. And that makes it much safer for your furry pal to eat.
However…
This doesn’t mean that yogurt is the best answer for Fido’s diarrhea.
After all, if there are safer options…
Why stick to feeding yogurt to your dog?
Though it may not be toxic for your pooch…
Yogurt is still hard for most dogs to digest. Especially if they’re a breed that’s prone to sensitive stomachs.
Not to mention…
Yogurt offers more risks than benefits to Fido.
How so?
You’ll find out below.
Risks when feeding yogurt to a dog with diarrhea
#1: Causes pancreatitis
The pancreas is an important organ for your pooch.
But what is its role?
The pancreas helps Fido process the food they eat.
However…
Here comes yogurt.
The moment it passes through the pancreas…
Fido’s organs can’t digest yogurt the same as other food.
And as experts say, it’s because dogs are lactose intolerant. So this could irritate your furry pal’s organ.
But that aside…
What else does yogurt have? Apparently, it also contains:
- 3.8 g (0.13 oz) of fat.
- 17.25 g (0.61 oz) sugar.
- 12 g (0.4 oz) carbohydrates.
So, what could these 3 things do to Fido’s pancreas?
Research found:
A high-fat diet could damage your dog’s pancreas.
And since some yogurt has that, it puts your Fido’s organ at risk.
As a result…
The damage leads to a condition called pancreatitis.
“Well, what happens to my dog then?”
Since your dog already has diarrhea…
Pancreatitis can only make things worse.
By that, it means their diarrhea would last longer.
But aside from this…
Vets say that pancreatitis could lead to issues such as:
- Vomiting.
- Inactivity.
- Weakness.
- Depression.
- Appetite loss.
- Pain in the belly.
Warning: Pancreatitis can be fatal in dogs. So if you notice these signs, contact a vet right away.
#2: Leads to bloat
If your pooch is lactose intolerant like most dogs are…
Then, VCA Hospital says:
Feeding yogurt to your dog could lead to bloat. That’s when Fido’s belly looks swollen.
“Is it something serious?”
That’s right. And let me explain why.
First of all, bloat is also known as GDV.
It’s short for gastric dilatation and volvulus.
Now, how does GDV occur in the first place?
Research says:
Bloat happens when Fido’s food isn’t digested properly.
And since most dogs are lactose intolerant…
Your pooch can’t digest yogurt. Thus, it traps gas inside Fido’s tummy.
As a result, their belly looks bigger, as if it’s full of air.
That’s how you know your dog’s bloated.
With this, your furry pal’s diarrhea could become worse.
“How will I know if my dog has bloat?”
The AKC shares a few signs to watch out for:
- Panting.
- Hard tummy.
- Restlessness.
- Hypersalivation.
- Swollen stomach.
- Arching their back due to belly pain.
Warning: Bloat could be fatal to any kind of dog. But big and anxious dogs like Great Danes are more prone to GDV. So once you notice these signs, seek an expert ASAP.
Oh, the clinic’s not answering? Learn how to treat bloat at home from this vet:
Read also: Top 9 Foods That Give Dogs Gas (Avoid #3 At All Times)
#3: Yogurt can cause food poisoning
Some yogurt can also poison your pooch…
That’s if they contain xylitol.
It’s natural sugar alcohol from plants. And many yogurt brands use xylitol to add a sweet flavor.
Moreover…
Vets say that even a small amount of xylitol can cause issues in dogs, such as:
- Seizures.
- Diabetes.
- Liver failure.
- Sudden death.
With this, a sick Fido should avoid yogurt as much as possible.
But in case this occurs…
You must prepare to take your pooch to a vet.
For that, here are the signs of xylitol poisoning in dogs:
- Ataxia.
- Barfing.
- Lethargy.
- Tremors.
- Comatose.
- Slowed movement.
Warning: There’s no cure for this condition. So the best thing fur parents can do is call an expert immediately.
#4: Allergic reactions
Aside from poisoning…
Did you know?
7.6% of dogs could have food allergies, based on research.
So, not only are they lactose intolerant…
But your Fido could be allergic to yogurt itself.
Not to mention…
A study lists the common food most dogs are allergic to, and they’re:
And what are yogurts made of?
You guessed it, milk.
So if Fido happens to be allergic to yogurt…
Feeding that to your dog could only worsen their diarrhea.
“What should I do if my pooch has allergies?”
First, you need to know the signs.
So, according to experts…
The symptoms of an allergic reaction in dogs are:
- Vomiting.
- Belly ache.
- Flatulence.
- Hyperactivity.
- Stools with a foul odor.
- Scratching and itching.
Warning: If you notice these signs, call a vet. Especially if your dog has severe swelling. That’s a sign of anaphylaxis. And it can be fatal to Fidos.
You might also like: Help, My Dog Is Constantly Scratching And Biting Himself!
#5: Worsens diarrhea
As you’ve read so far…
Yogurt does one thing to your pooch.
And that’s worsening Fido’s diarrhea.
So even if your dog doesn’t have:
- GDV.
- Allergies.
- Pancreatitis.
Your furry friend could still get sick from yogurt.
And yes, even if you use the plain ones without xylitol.
“Why? So you mean, yogurt will always be harmful to my dog?”
Not exactly.
But there’s a chance plain yogurt might still upset Fido’s tummy.
“How’s that possible?”
Specialists answer:
Your dog’s gut could get shocked when eating new food. That’s because most of them have sensitive bellies.
For better understanding…
Imagine yourself in their paws:
Let’s say you eat sweets most of the time. But suddenly, a friend offered spicy food to you.
You’re hesitant, but you accepted. At first, everything seemed fine.
But then…
Your stomach starts to hurt.
And that’s because your body is unfamiliar with spicy food.
See? This is the same thing for your pooch.
Moreover, dogs prefer routine. So if something new or strange interrupts that…
Fido’s belly could have a shock.
And usually, this leads to diarrhea.
But since your pooch already has that problem…
Yogurt only makes it worse.
With this, Fido could end up with severe diarrhea.
“How will I know if my dog’s runs are serious?”
For that, pay attention to signs of:
- Bloody feces.
- Non-stop vomiting.
- Dark or orange stools.
- Fido’s diarrhea isn’t stopping.
Warning: Severe diarrhea could be fatal in dogs. In case you notice these symptoms, go to the clinic right away.
Find out more: 7 Reasons Why Your Dog’s Poop Is Orange + 5 Tips
How much yogurt can I feed my dog with diarrhea?
The amount of yogurt you can feed to your dog with diarrhea depends on their size.
So for your convenience, refer to the table below:
| Fido’s size | Average weight | Amount of yogurt per day |
| Small | 12 to 24 lbs (5.4 to 10 kg) | ½ to 1 tbsp (7.39 to 14.3 g) |
| Medium | 24 to 59 lbs (10 to 26 kg) | 2 to 3 tbsp (28.3 to 42.52 g) |
| Large | 59 lbs to 100 lbs (26 to 45 kg) | 4 to 5 tbsp or more (56.7 to 75.6 g) |
By using this guide, you can safely feed yogurt to Fido.
What is the best food to give a dog with diarrhea?
Since yogurt is too risky for your pooch…
The AKC says there are other, much safer foods for dogs.
That said, here are the best foods to give Fido with diarrhea:
- Bananas.
- Pumpkins.
- Oatmeals.
- Watermelons.
- Cottage cheese.
- Vet-prescribed probiotics.
- Turkey, beef, and chicken.
Note: Don’t forget that the food should be boneless and skinless. Also, they should be plain without any added flavors.
Still worried about your pooch?
Talk to the vet for further concerns.