Dogs Can Be Lactose Intolerant They can't produce their own lactase. Without this critical enzyme, dogs cannot digest dairy products. It's this inability to produce lactase that causes the infamous digestive condition known as lactose intolerance.
Is dairy products bad for dogs?
Milk and Other Dairy Products Milk and milk-based products can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems for your pup. They can also trigger food allergies, which can cause them to itch.
What dairy products are good for dogs?
Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and plain yogurt, are safe for dogs to have in very small quantities. Eating too much dairy can cause digestive problems. This is because dogs have low levels of lactase, a digestive enzyme that breaks down the sugars in milk.
Is milk and cheese bad for dogs?
According to the ASPCA, "because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other dairy-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset." The takeaway: Don't give your dog cheese as part of their regular meal plan or as a frequent treat.
Should dogs eat cheese or dairy products?
Try to avoid feeding dairy products to your dog if they are lactose intolerant. Cheese is often used as a training treat but it is also very calorific. It's best to only allow your dog to eat cheese in very small amounts every now and again, and only if it doesn't lead to stomach upset.
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