Yogurt and coconut are both healthy human foods that dogs can eat.
However, ensure all the ingredients in these two foods are pet-friendly.
Is yogurt healthy for dogs?
Dogs can eat yogurt if it is plain without any artificial additives.
Yogurt packs plenty of proteins, calcium, and probiotics (healthy gut bacteria) that your dog can benefit from.
But some dogs can react negatively to yogurt (plain or flavored).
If your dog is lactose intolerant, then yogurt is not ideal for them.
Also, only provide yogurt as a treat and not the main food.
Too much yogurt can result in mild symptoms like;
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal gas
- Poor weight gain
- Excessive itching
- Weight loss
Dogs should not be fed yogurt laced with artificial sweeteners and additives.
Even natural yogurt with a spoon or two of white or brown sugar is a no-go-zone for your canine.
Other ingredients to watch out for include;
- Xylitol (sweetener used in processed ketchup as well)
- Chocolate
- Artificial flavoring
- Fatty yogurt
When giving your dog yogurt, stick to the natural kind that is low on fats.
Plain Greek yogurt is considered the best type of yogurt for dogs.
It is lean and has loads of probiotics that promote a healthy gut in your dog.
Is coconut yogurt healthy for dogs?
Homemade coconut yogurt is the only safe option for dogs.
Commercial yogurt may contain artificial coconut flavoring which has no nutritional value for your dog.
Yogurt with real coconut bits may also have artificial preservatives that are harmful to your dog.
It is easy to make a coconut yogurt recipe for your dog at home.
You only need plain lean yogurt (Greek or natural) and raw coconut bits.
Alternatively, coconut oil can work in place of coconut chunks.
Dogs will absorb the nutrients of coconut oil faster.
Either way, coconut, either bits or the oil, we have the following benefits for your dog;
- Promotes healthy skin and coat
- Speeds up the healing process for wounds and cuts
- Helps eliminate dog odor
- Improves brain function in aging dogs
- Boost the immune system
- Promotes weight loss in dogs
- Improves digestion
- Helps treat diabetes in dogs
Learn More:
How to serve coconut yogurt to dogs
Yogurt is best served as a frozen treat for dogs.
To make this treat, you will need plain low-fat yogurt and freshly made coconut milk.
Store-bought organic coconut milk will work as well.
For the treat, mix one cup of coconut milk with one part of plain yogurt.
Mix the two ingredients and pour into ice trays.
Freeze the mixture into tiny pupsicles your pooch can gobble up.
Alternatively, mix one cup of plain yogurt with two tablespoons of coconut oil.
Mix the two and freeze as before.
This variation has more healthy bacteria and is ideal for dogs with digestive issues.
Another option is serving your dog plain yogurt with bits of healthy coconut cookies.
Still nutritious and yummy!
Treats should only make 10% of your dog’s diet.
These coconut-yogurt pupsicles are healthy because they pack less than 15 calories an ounce.
Homemade coconut yogurt is safe for dogs to eat.
Give your dog coconut yogurt moderately to avoid nasty symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
Coconut-yogurt pupsicles are healthy treats for your dog to enjoy without any side effects.
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