Strawberry yogurt is sweet, delicious, and chock full of nutrients and healthy probiotics – the perfect snack or quick breakfast for busy days!
But every time you enjoy a scrumptious cup of strawberry yogurt, you may notice your dog drooling over and asking for that tasty treat. He may even have helped himself to some yogurt and licked it off the floor or your cup!
If you’re worried about any potential adverse effects it may have on him, the good news is that strawberry yogurt is safe for dogs as long as there are no harmful ingredients in it, especially xylitol. However, you may need to watch out for his reactions to certain ingredients once he’s ingested the yogurt.
Learn more about which ingredients in strawberry yogurt can be dangerous for your dog, what possible reactions he may have after eating it, and how to safely feed him strawberry yogurt by reading the rest of this guide!
Harmful Ingredients In Strawberry Yogurt
While strawberry yogurt is a healthy snack for humans, certain brands may have ingredients that can be detrimental to your dog’s health – and, downright dangerous. Take a look at this list of ingredients in strawberry yogurt that can upset your pup’s stomach:
1. Xylitol
Opting for sugar-free strawberry yogurt allows us to enjoy this sweet dessert minus the guilt, but it does contain sugar substitutes – most commonly xylitol. This is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in some plants, including fruits and vegetables.
While xylitol is completely safe for humans, it can be toxic and even lethal for dogs. Xylitol poisoning in dogs results in a sudden and alarming drop in blood sugar (also known as hypoglycemia), as well as seizures, vomiting, fatigue, lack of coordination, and even death.
A dog that ingests as little as less than 0.1g of xylitol is at high risk of xylitol poisoning. He can also be at risk for acute liver failure if he ingests around 0.5g. If your dog has consumed strawberry yogurt with xylitol, call the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680 right away. You can also take him to the nearest animal hospital in your area to have him treated immediately.
2. Lactose
Lactose intolerance in canines is caused by the dog’s inability to produce lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down the lactose found in dairy products. As a result, the lactose builds up in their digestive system and causes them to vomit or experience diarrhea.
Contrary to popular belief, though, not all dogs are lactose intolerant. Some dogs may be able to tolerate small amounts of lactose safely.
However, it can still be worrisome when your pup consumes dairy products that contain lactose, especially if you’re not sure whether your dog is lactose-intolerant or not.
All types of strawberry yogurt contain lactose. This may be difficult to break down for a lactose-intolerant pup and can lead to an upset stomach.
3. Sugar
Strawberry yogurt that isn’t sugar-free usually has high amounts of sugar, which can be detrimental to the health of your dog.
While the result of high sugar consumption in dogs isn’t instantaneous, it’s not any less concerning. Giving your dog treats with sugar – such as strawberry yogurt – too often can lead to obesity, diabetes, and dental disease.
4. Other sweeteners
If your store-bought strawberry yogurt doesn’t contain sugar or xylitol, it may still have alternative artificial sweeteners such as stevia, sucralose, or saccharin. These sugar substitutes may not be as toxic as xylitol, but can still be quite harmful to your pooch when consumed in large quantities. It can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and even diarrhea.
Adverse Reactions To Watch Out For
If your dog has gotten to your strawberry yogurt stash and licked the cups clean, it’s absolutely crucial to keep a close eye on him for the next few hours. Once he starts exhibiting any unusual behaviors, make sure to take him to your vet or the nearest animal hospital right away.
Here are the most common adverse reactions to strawberry yogurt in dogs that will require immediate medical attention:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Seizures
- Collapse
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or decreased activity
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Cramping or visible signs of pain
- Gas
- Bloating
- Excessive scratching
- Excessive paw licking
- Hives
- Facial swelling
How To Safely Feed Your Dog Strawberry Yogurt
Now that you know the risks of feeding your dog store-bought strawberry yogurt, it’s important to note that yogurt and strawberries aren’t inherently bad for your dog. In fact, they come with plenty of nutrients that can boost your pup’s health!
Strawberries are a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and Vitamin C for dogs. They can help strengthen your dog’s immune system and help dogs reach or maintain healthy weights. Even better, they can aid in slowing down your dog’s aging and extend his longevity!
Yogurt, on the other hand, is an excellent source of calcium, protein, probiotics, zinc, and other nutrients for canines. It can help promote their gastrointestinal health and boost their immune system as well.
Together, strawberries and yogurt can make a healthy, delicious snack for your dog! But how do you make sure you feed him strawberry yogurt safely? Here are a few ways to do this:
1. Make homemade strawberry yogurt
Store-bought strawberry yogurt contains preservatives, sugar, and artificial sweeteners that can be toxic and even deadly for dogs. The best way to feed your pooch strawberry yogurt is by making it at home!
All you have to do is buy plain or Greek yogurt, which is recommended for pups because they don’t contain sugar. It’s also best to go for a fat-free or low-fat option.
Mix a half cup of plain yogurt with a handful of sliced organic strawberries into a blender – and there you have it! You can put the mixture in a small cup and feed your dog small amounts at a time or make frozen strawberry yogurt droplets that he can enjoy as a cold treat.
2. Avoid huge servings
Even homemade strawberry yogurt is best consumed in moderation, in large part because strawberries still contain sugar.
The amount of yogurt your dog can eat depends on his age and size, as well as how he reacted to it in the past. Small dogs can have a teaspoon of yogurt once a day, while medium to big dogs can have 2-3 teaspoons a day. Yogurt with fruits or any added ingredients that contain sugar should be consumed less regularly.
Keep in mind that strawberry yogurt should not be part of your dog’s daily diet. It should only be given as a treat once in a while to help avoid issues with your pup’s blood sugar.
It’s also important to test the waters if it’s your first time feeding your dog yogurt. Give him only a spoonful of it and observe him for a short time after to see whether he has any reaction to it.
3. Check with your veterinarian
Before feeding your dog strawberry yogurt, make sure to consult your veterinarian first. This is especially crucial if your dog has an existing health condition, such as gastrointestinal issues or endocrine disease.
Other Types of Yogurt For Dogs
Curious about whether you can feed your dog the other types of yogurt in your fridge? Check out this quick list of commonly asked questions about which types and flavors of this yummy treat are safe for pups to eat.
Can Dogs Eat Cherry Yogurt?
As with strawberry yogurt, store-bought cherry yogurt with artificial sweeteners can be toxic to dogs. Mixing cherries with plain or Greek yogurt and feeding it to your dog in small amounts is a safer alternative. However, be sure to remove the pit, stem, and leaves of the cherry first, as these parts can be deadly to dogs when consumed.
Can Dogs Eat Frozen Yogurt?
Commercial frozen yogurt contains high amounts of sugar, which can negatively affect your dog’s health when frequently given. If you want to give your dog a cold treat, you can freeze your own plain, fat-free yogurt instead. This is also a healthier alternative to ice cream since yogurt contains less lactose!
Can Dogs Eat Soy Yogurt?
Soy yogurt is perfectly safe for dogs unless they’re allergic to it. Food allergies in dogs often manifest in symptoms like itchiness, diarrhea, and excessive licking.
Can Dogs Eat Vanilla Yogurt?
Dogs can safely eat vanilla yogurt, but keep in mind that it does have higher amounts of sugar compared to plain or Greek yogurt. Make sure to check the ingredients for artificial sweeteners as well if you’re planning on giving your dog vanilla yogurt.
In Closing
If you want to give in to your pooch’s puppy eyes and give him the strawberry yogurt he’s been begging for, go ahead and make your own homemade, all-natural version of it to give him a treat that’s both delicious and healthy!
However, if your dog has already consumed large amounts of store-bought strawberry yogurt with sugar substitutes or unknown ingredients, bring him to the vet right away for his safety.