Can dogs drink milk?
The answer to this question is “it depends.” Some dogs can have a small amount of pasteurised cow’s milk and be fine. Some dogs will get an upset stomach after having a small amount of milk because they are lactose intolerant. The reality is that most dogs have mild lactose intolerance, so giving them larger amounts of milk isn’t recommended.
Raw cow’s milk and raw goat’s milk (milk that isn’t pasteurised) is better tolerated by dogs as it still contains natural enzymes that aid digestion. Raw milk isn’t available in supermarkets or high-street stores and can only be bought from registered milk production farms.
Is milk bad for dogs?
Cows milk does contain nutritional benefits like calcium and proteins, but it’s not recommended for all dogs. Cows milk isn’t toxic to dogs, but many are intolerant to it. An intolerance means the body can’t digest something properly, or the substance irritates the digestive system.
Another reason milk should only be given in moderation is because of its high fat and sugar content. If given frequently, particularly to senior dogs who are less active, it can lead to weight gain, and even pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, and the symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, and a painful stomach [1].
Feeding a raw diet is the best way to ensure your best friend gets all the nutrients they need.
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Get Your Personalised PlanLactose intolerance in dogs
Milk and related products like cheese and yogurt are a leading source of food intolerance in puppies and dogs. Many dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they have difficulty digesting the lactose sugar in milk because they lack the enzyme lactase.
Intolerance isn’t the same as an allergy. A food allergy is when the body’s immune system reacts to something it’s eaten that it sees it as being harmful.
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How to tell if your dog has lactose intolerance?
It probably won’t be obvious that your dog is lactose intolerant until you give them milk, and then how one dog reacts might not be the same as how another dog reacts. However, the most common symptoms of lactose intolerance include:
- Bloating
- Gas (pumping)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Runny/loose stools
- Stomach pains
The symptoms of lactose intolerance can make your dog uncomfortable, so you may notice they become lethargic, shift around to find a comfortable position, appear weak, and may be irritable.
What is the treatment for lactose intolerance?
There is no known treatment for lactose intolerance. The best way to prevent the onset of symptoms is to avoid giving your dog dairy products.
How much milk can you give your dog?
If your dog is lactose intolerant, it’s recommended not to give your dog milk. If your dog has had milk before and has not shown any signs of intolerance, you can give a small amount as an occasional treat. For medium to large dog breeds (e.g. Border Collie or German Shepherd) a tablespoon is advised. A teaspoon is advisable for smaller dogs (e.g. Pug, Chihuahua).
Giving a bowl of milk isn’t recommended, even for dogs who don’t show signs of lactose intolerance.
Can dogs drink milk alternatives?
Raw goat’s milk, if you can buy it, is a healthy alternative to cow’s milk. Goat’s milk still contains lactose but at a slightly lower level than cow’s milk. 4.2% compared to 5% for cow’s milk [5]. So, it may be easier for some dogs to digest without issues. Raw goat’s milk contains probiotics, which can be depleted during the pasteurising process.
Natural yoghurt and kefir, a fermented milk drink made from kefir grains, are better tolerated by dogs, as the bacteria used in the fermentation process feed on the lactose. So, by the time the product is ready for consumption, not much lactose is present.
Raw goat’s milk, natural yogurt, and kefir can be given as an occasional treat or as a natural probiotic source. Probiotics are healthy, live bacteria and yeasts that, among other things, help digestion, support the immune system, and can help prevent urinary tract infections [7].
Can puppies drink milk?
In the early weeks, puppies need to be with their mother and will solely feed off her milk, until they are around 3 weeks when they can start to be weaned onto solid food. Puppies produce higher levels of an enzyme called lactase, which helps to break down the lactose sugars in their mother’s milk [6]. Because of this, puppies should be able to tolerate a small amount of milk. Be on the lookout for signs of lactose intolerance. If your puppy is displaying signs, refrain from giving milk in the future.
A nursing mother’s milk contains lactose but at a lower rate (approximately 3%) than compared to cow’s milk which is around 5%.
What can dogs drink besides water?
Water is the healthiest choice of drink for your dog. Water does more than keep your best friend hydrated. Water is needed to transport vital nutrients around the body, aid the absorption of nutrients, and support normal digestion. Water also helps to lubricate joints, improve cognitive function, and cushion the brain and spinal cord [2].
Bone broth can be added to your puppy’s or dog’s water. The aroma is irresistible to dogs, and it’s an easy way to get dogs who aren’t keen on water to stay hydrated during the warmer months. Bone broth can also be added to your dog’s raw food and made into tasty frozen lollies or gummies.
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What should dogs not drink?
Dogs aren’t able to digest many drinks that we enjoy on a daily basis, and some can be harmful to dogs.
Many juices, soft drinks, and sports drinks contain xylitol (also known as birch sugar), which is toxic to dogs. Xylitol is a manufactured sweetener, and a small amount can increase your dog’s insulin levels, resulting in a drop in their blood sugar. If consumed in large amounts, liver damage may occur.
Dogs are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine and if consumed in large quantities, may cause vomiting, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rate, and high blood pressure[3]. Caffeine is commonly found in coffee, tea, and sports drinks.
Alcohol and products that contain it must never be knowingly given to dogs. Alcohol comes in 3 forms; ethanol, methanol, and isopropanol, and are all easily absorbed which can cause damage to the central nervous system, organs, and vision [4].
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Discover Our Raw Dog FoodReferences:
- Pancreatitis in dogs, pdsa: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/pancreatitis-in-dogs?keycode=254478&_$ja=tsid:|cid:1741649739|agid:63611028890|tid:kwd-995814226|crid:339089529978|nw:g|rnd:6212474356530373812|dvc:c|adp:|mt:e|loc:9045968&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiArLyuBhA7EiwA-qo80MeiD2S4IS0Eumu3MgNqr56JCgiJWgjba4b2T58LIaFY_HBek9rSShoC0JwQAvD_BwE
- The importance of water for pets and avoiding pet hydration, True Care Veterinary Hospital: https://www.truecareveterinaryhospital.com/blog/the-importance-of-water-for-pets-and-avoiding-pet-dehydration/#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20water%20for,the%20brain%20and%20spinal%20cord
- Is caffeine poisonous to dogs, Pet Poison Helpline: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-safety-tips/is-caffeine-poisonous-to-dogs/
- Alcohol poisoning in dogs, petMD: https://www.petmd.com/dog/poisoning/alcohol-poisoning-in-dog
- Does goat’s milk contain lactose?, healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/does-goat-milk-have-lactose
- The truth about dairy products and pets, petMD: https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/truth-about-dairy-products-and-pets
- Probiotics for dogs: Do they work?. petMD: https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/probiotics-dogs-what-you-need-know
FAQs
What liquids can dogs drink?
The healthiest drink for dogs is water. Puppies and dogs can also be given bone broth to drink or included as part of their food. Raw cow’s milk and raw goat’s milk can be given in small quantities to dogs who are lactose intolerant.
Is it OK to give milk to dogs?
Milk in small amounts can be OK for dogs who aren’t lactose intolerant but should be avoided in larger amounts as it’s high in fat and sugar, which can cause obesity and pancreatitis.
Can I give my dog milk for constipation?
There is no research to show that milk can help with constipation. Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and drinking milk may cause loose stools or diarrhoea. Maybe that’s why some think milk helps ease constipation.
What kind of milk can dogs drink?
Dogs who have shown no signs of lactose intolerance can have small quantities of milk, occasionally. For dogs who are lactose intolerant, they may tolerate raw cow’s milk and raw goat’s milk better.
Can dogs drink goat's milk?
In small amounts, most dogs can drink raw goat’s milk as an occasional treat or as a natural probiotic source.
Can dogs drink plant-based milks?
If you want to give milk to your dog, we recommend using either raw cow’s milk or raw goat’s milk. If you decide to give your dog plant-based milk occasionally, check for added sweeteners.
Can dogs drink almond milk?
A small amount of almond milk now and then should be OK, as long as you have checked the ingredients first. But, the best form of hydration for dogs is water or bone broth.
Can dogs drink oat milk?
We don’t recommend giving oat milk as most contain the protein avenin, which is an inflammatory and has been linked to skin inflammation.
Can dogs drink coconut milk?
A small amount of coconut milk infrequently, should be OK. Just check the ingredients before giving it to your dog. However, the best form of hydration for dogs is water or bone broth.
Can dogs drink soya milk?
If given in moderation and infrequently soya milk can be OK, but some dogs can be allergic to soya. Before giving soya milk to your dog, check the ingredients as some will have added-sweeteners.
Are dogs lactose intolerant?
Not all dogs are lactose intolerant, but the majority will be mildly intolerant. You may only find out if your dog is lactose intolerant after giving them milk. If your dog experiences bloating, gas, loose stools, vomiting, or diarrhoea after drinking milk, avoid giving it in the future.
What kind of human milk can dogs drink?
Some dogs will be able to drink pasteurised cow’s milk with no effects. Most dogs have mild lactose intolerance, so raw cow’s milk or raw goat’s milk is better tolerated, if you can get it.
What dairy products are safe for dogs to eat?
Dogs can tolerate raw cow’s milk and raw goat’s milk better than pasteurised milk. Raw milk still has natural enzymes present that aid digestion. Raw milk can only be bought from registered milk production farms.
Natural yoghurt and kefir have lower lactose levels and can be given as an occasional treat or to boost your dog’s probiotic levels.
Cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or goat’s cheese can be fed as an occasional treat but should be avoided in larger amounts as they contain high levels of fat. Some cheese, like blue cheese and brie, can be harmful to dogs.
Can dogs have cheese?
Cheddar, cottage cheese, mozzarella, feta cheese made with sheep’s milk, and goat cheese can be fed to dogs in moderation and infrequently as they are high in fat. Blue cheese and brie have to be avoided as they contain substances that can be harmful to dogs.
Can dogs drink milk mixed with water?
There is little nutritional value to giving your dog milk mixed with water. Water is the most appropriate drink for dogs.
