Can Dogs Eat Yogurt With Fruit? Not Always, Say Vets — Here’s What To Watch Out For
Even one grape can make a dog very, very sick
If you notice your furry friend looking longingly at your yogurt parfait, you might be tempted to give him a bit. But is it safe for dogs to eat yogurt with fruit? That all depends on how much yogurt and what kind of fruit. Here’s what you need to know:
Can dogs eat yogurt?
It’s generally considered safe for dogs to have small amounts of milk, cheese and plain yogurt. But keep in mind: “Some dogs become lactose-intolerant as they get older,” says Carol Osborne, DVM, an integrative veterinarian in Chagrin Falls, Ohio and founder of the Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic. “Although a little milk is okay, a lot will cause diarrhea in a significant number of pets.” Yogurt is generally lower in lactose than is milk, so it’s like you can give your dog a bite or two without creating a problem.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), any yogurt you give your dog should be completely free of added sweeteners, both natural and artificial. It goes without saying that added sugars are no good for anyone — including us humans — but one artificial sweetener called xylitol is particularly toxic for dogs. In fact, VCA Hospitals reports that even small amounts of xylitol can cause low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, or even death in dogs.
What’s the best kind of yogurt for dogs?
If your dog can tolerate the lactose in yogurt (aka he or she doesn’t show symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, or gassiness), then mixtures that are free of added sweeteners are fair game. That said, AKC says that yogurts with lots of live cultures (bacteria) in them are probably your best bet for pups, because these specific yogurts help digest the lactose in the yogurt so there’s not so much for your pup’s system to handle.
What fruits are safe for dogs?
Apples, bananas, peaches, pears, pineapple and chunks of melon (without the rind) are generally safe for pups in moderation; be sure to serve fruit in bite-size pieces. “Always remove any seeds, stems, cores and peels before feeding these to your pet,” advises Cristine Hayes, DVM, medical director of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Related: Can Dogs Have Blueberries? Vets Weigh In On What ‘People Food’ Is Safe For Dogs
Are fruits are unsafe for dogs?
Cherries, grapes and raisins are all toxic to dogs — with grapes being the most dangerous. “While the toxic principle is still not known, we have seen that anywhere from one grape to dozens can cause severe kidney disease in dogs, and there’s a few anecdotal reports of this occurring in cats as well,” says Grant Little DVM is a professional veterinarian at the Arlington Pet Hospital in Arlington, NE, and Vet Expert on JustAnswer. Symptoms of grape toxicity include: not eating, urination problems (too much or too little), vomiting, and diarrhea. He says that, like chocolate, if you see your pet consume any amount of grapes, call your vet right away to determine next steps, since kidney failure could be imminent.
Related: Here’s What to Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate Accidentally
For more on what foods are safe for dogs:
Is Turkey Safe For Dogs? Vets Weigh In On What Feast Foods Are Okay To Share
Can Dogs Eat Raw Carrots? Vets Reveal the Fruits and Veggies That Are Good for Pups
Vets Reveal the Best Foods to Calm Your Dog’s Upset Stomach So They Feel Better Fast
