Can dogs give milk and other dairy products?

We all know about the undoubted benefits of milk and dairy products. However, does this immutable truth apply to our smaller brothers? What can be given to puppies and adult dogs? In fact, animals that eat natural food need dairy products, as they are sources of beneficial elements, including protein and calcium. But there are some nuances that require attention, and that the pet does not harm, you should take into account the characteristics of the product and the body of the dog.

Milk

Milk is required by the growing body, it is saturated with necessary microelements (including calcium), which are important for the formation of the musculoskeletal skeleton of puppies. But why not give it to adult pets?

The fact is that cow's milk contains lactose (milk sugar), for which processing requires the presence of a special enzyme in the intestine - lactase. In the puppy body of this enzyme is contained in excess, so the kids perfectly assimilate this product. But with age, its quantity significantly decreases and almost completely disappears. Moreover, the level of the enzyme begins to decline from 3-4 months.

Therefore, adult dogs can not digest the milk, which also often causes loose stools . Moreover, the drink can cause an allergic reaction .

Usually, dogs grow up and stop drinking milk themselves. But there are exceptional cases when pets do not lose their love for milk. And what to do, do not give it to your pet? Experts recommend to do the following:

If diarrhea is not observed after milk, you can continue to give it to your dog, after having previously diluted with water, but not daily. This will reduce the fat content of the product and possible subsequent trouble.
You can replace cow's milk with goat milk, which contains less lactose, therefore it is more hypoallergenic. And in its composition more useful components, in comparison with the cow.
Today in the pet store you can buy special lactose-free milk. Such a delicacy can sometimes pamper your pet.
And the most severe option for lovers of milk is to refuse the pet completely.

See also: how many times a day to feed the dog .

Kefir

This fermented milk product to give your pet is not just desirable, but extremely necessary. It can be added to the diet of puppies, and after the abolition of ordinary milk and adult pets. This fermented milk drink is perfectly digested and fruitfully affects the digestive processes. Minus one - not all four-legged pets like its taste.

And another feature - a fatty product can relax the intestines of the dog and cause diarrhea. Therefore, it is better to treat your pet with fat-free kefir or containing the minimum amount of fat.

Cottage cheese

This dairy product should be present in the puppy diet every day, they can completely replace one feeding. It is also advised to give adult dogs, at least a couple of times a week. Cottage cheese has high digestibility and contributes to the normal activity of the digestive tract.

For puppies, a special calcined curd is prepared using cottage cheese and calcium (calcium chloride, produced in a dropper solution, injection vials, or calcium lactate, which is in powder form).

Be sure to read:

Cheese

It is successfully used as a pet encouragement during dog training . Cheese without aromatic, coloring and other food-grade artificial ingredients, as well as with low fat content can be used for daily workouts.

The main thing here is not to overdo it, the daily rate of the product for a small dog is 100 g, average - 150 g, large - 200 g. It is not recommended to treat your pet with smoked cheese, as well as its exotic varieties with mold - “Brie”, “Cambee”, “ Monty and others.

In addition, cheese may cause an allergic reaction or impaired bowel movement. In this case, give the dog this delicacy should not be.

Yogurt

It is rich in calcium, protein, phosphorus, magnesium and bacteria that are good for the intestines. For example, acidophilus is a bacterium related to microorganisms inhabiting the digestive organs of an animal. She is involved in the production of folic acid and niacin - components that contribute to the normal digestion of a pet.

The use of yogurt helps reduce gas formation, normalize intestinal disorders, helps to remove toxins from the body. The beneficial microorganisms that make up the yogurt, penetrating the digestive tract, colonize its flora and affect the reproduction of beneficial microorganisms. To improve dog digestion, you can give 2 spoons of the product with each feeding.

But experts still recommend consulting a veterinarian before treating a pet with this fermented milk product.

Sour cream

Its fat content does not allow the product to be given to an animal every day. If the dog's body calmly perceives sour cream, then it can be slightly flavored cottage cheese.

Babies can be included in the diet low-fat sour cream, but not as a separate dish, but as an additive to food. A few tsp a week is enough. She can be treated to a pregnant bitch, since during this period a similar source of nutrients will be good for the dog. Bacteria contained in the product can also improve the performance of the digestive system.

Dairy and dairy products are very useful for the dog's body, but only if it comes to high-quality, natural products. And you should pay attention to their fat content. Fat sour cream, yoghurts with additives, cream - are not good food for the four-legged friend.