If you’re a dog parent, then chances are you’ve heard that milk is bad for your pup. Theories range from cows being unclean to the quality of milk itself being harmful. So should your furry friend be drinking milk? The answer isn’t as obvious as you might assume. If it were that simple, we wouldn’t have so many opinions on the matter. In fact, there is a strong debate on this topic among dog experts and dog parents alike. Here we will discuss the pros and cons of giving dogs milk along with tips on how to do it successfully.
Can Dogs Eat Milk?
Yes, dogs can eat milk. But there are some precautions you should keep in mind to ensure the best results.
First, make sure your dog is a good candidate for drinking milk and not just because they’re curious. Dogs with stomach lining problems or poor immune systems should not be consuming milk.
Second, feed your dog in small amounts as most dogs cannot digest cow's milk efficiently. This is because cow's milk has a higher fat content and fewer carbohydrates than goat or sheep milk which is better suited for dogs.
Third, don't give your dog whole milk because it contains casein which can cause diarrhea and vomiting if ingested too much by an animal with a sensitive stomach lining. Opt instead for low-fat or skimmed milk which has less casein in it but more protein and calories than whole milk would have.
Fourth, give your dog plenty of water after drinking milk to prevent dehydration by replacing the liquid portion of their diet with water since cows' milk doesn't contain enough to hydrate an animal adequately.
Fifth, if you do decide to give your dog cow's milk on a regular basis, make sure you're giving them a high quality product that hasn't been pasteurized. This ensures that you're giving your dog the nutrients they need from the dairy without any contaminants such as mold or bacterial contamination getting into their body.
The Debate: Is Cow’s Milk Bad for Dogs?
The majority of online articles and the opinions of dog experts seem to say “no.” The simple answer is that it’s unlikely that cow’s milk is bad for dogs. But the debates are not always so cut and dry. There are some points to consider before reaching a conclusion, including different breeds of dogs, how much milk your dog needs, and how often they should be drinking milk.
For example, some experts argue that if your dog has a sensitive stomach or something like diabetes, then cow’s milk may be bad for them. If you have a pup with a sensitive stomach or high blood sugar levels, try giving them a well-cooked beef liver instead of cow’s milk. Other experts argue that dairy can cause fever in dogs who drink too much of it too often. If you have a pup with chronic illness or something like this happening to them, talk to their doctor about whether or not it is safe for them to consume cow's milk regularly.
The Pros of Drinking Milk
There is a definite benefit to giving your dog milk. Dairy products are high in calcium, which is important for the development and maintenance of strong teeth and bones. Milk also has a nutritional profile that includes proteins, vitamins and minerals. Finally, dairy consumption may decrease the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
The Cons of Drinking Milk
Milk is full of carbs, which can cause a sluggish reaction in your dog. The protein found in milk can also break down a dog’s red blood cells. The result: Your dog will lose their appetite and could even become anemic.
Final Words
If you’re wondering why your dog doesn’t like milk, be sure to ask the vet first. If they tell you it’s safe for your pup and it’s not an allergic reaction, then it might be a taste issue.
There are many benefits to giving your pet a good quality food diet including prevention of certain diseases and nutrition for healthy growth and development. If you decide that giving your dog milk is something that works for you, try these tips to get them started:
Offer fresh or boiled water first before offering milk Milk should be offered at least once every day The volume of milk should be very small initially until they get used to it Wait 2 hours before offering another serving If you're not sure whether or not your dog will like the taste of milk or if they won't drink any, try mixing a small amount with their regular food (if they like that kind).