Can dogs drink milk?

Updated 12/04/2024

While milk is in so many of the foods we humans enjoy, and sometimes it even makes for a refreshing drink on a warm day, it can get pet parents wondering - can dogs drink milk? Well technically the answer is yes, some dogs can tolerate a small lap of milk, but dogs shouldn't really be drinking milk. There are a few reasons for this, but the main one is that many dogs are lactose intolerant, so the only milk they should be drinking is their mothers'. So, despite all the health benefits that cow's milk offers us humans, like its calcium, potassium and vitamin D, it's not worth upsetting your pup's stomach for.

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Is milk poisonous to dogs?

If you're here because you're wondering - can dogs drink milk or is milk in some way poisonous to dogs - well you'll be pleased to know that milk certainly isn't in any way toxic to dogs. Unlike ingredients such as garlic, onions and grapes, milk doesn't contain anything that will poison your dog. That doesn't, however, mean that your pooch should be drinking milk regularly, if at all.

Can dogs drink goat's milk?

Some recommend that goat's milk is more digestible than cow's milk for dogs, but it still contains lactose. So what does this mean for your pup? Well if they're lactose intolerant, which many dogs are, then goats milk can irritate your dog's stomach, and could even cause vomiting.

Can dogs have evaporated milk?

Certainly not - not only does lactose often not agree with our canine pals, evaporated milk is seriously high in fat and sugar, making it unfit for canine consumption. 

Can dogs have lactose-free milk?

While it might seem logical to serve up lactose-free milk to your pup if it's lactose their stomach can't tolerate, lactose-free milk isn't necessarily the answer. Other than their mother's milk during those first few weeks, there's no real nutritional reason why dogs should be consuming milk.

Can puppies drink cow's milk?

As you'll know, not all puppies are lucky enough to have their mothers to suckle from, but that doesn't mean they should be drinking cow's milk. We'd advise getting advice from a vet on the best way to feed a young puppy, and to invest in a puppy formula that'll contain all the nutrients they need to survive. 

Can dogs have dairy generally?

So this all begs the questions - is dairy bad for dogs generally or can dogs have dairy products every now and then? Well like with any 'human' food, you should take each dairy item on a case by case basis. Dogs can, for example, have some types of cheeses, but only in moderation due to the high fat content. All being said, dogs don’t require any dairy products for a healthy diet.

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Is milk good for dogs?

So is milk okay for dogs in any form, or should we be steering clear from dairy drinks altogether for our canine companions? Well as we've mentioned, milk does contain a variety of micronutrients that, by themselves, could benefit your dog nutritionally. Unfortunately, this doesn't make milk itself good for dogs due to its high chance of irritating your dog's stomach. 

Is milk bad for dogs?

While a small lap of milk is highly unlikely to do your pooch any harm, you'll probably know that milk is high in fat - a food group which is generally pretty bad for dogs. Plus, many dogs, like us humans, can't digest lactose, so drinking milk can cause a variety of nasty yet avoidable symptoms. The solution? Just let your adult dog stick to water and a dog food that's right for their age and breed, and you should have a happy, healthy pup on your hands.

What to do if your dog drinks milk

So, what happens if a dog drinks milk? Well it really depends on how much milk was consumed and of course whether your pup is lactose intolerant. Generally, we'd advise monitoring your dog's behavior, making sure they're acting as usual and going to the toilet normally. If anything changes, be sure to contact your vet for more specific advice. 

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Symptoms of a milk allergy in dogs

Like with any ingredient, dogs can be allergic to milk - this can be separate from a lactose intolerance, which we'll talk about below. Firstly, here are some of the symptoms dogs experience when they've got a food allergy.

• Agitation
• Red, inflamed skin
• Itchiness
• Licking their paws
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea  

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Are dogs lactose intolerant?

This might seem like a strange question, considering that the milk puppies enjoy in their first few weeks from their mothers contains lactose. But interestingly, dogs tend to produce less lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose) as they get older, which is the reason why many adult dogs have a hard time drinking other types of milk in their later years as they become unable to digest it. If you suspect your pup to be lactose intolerant, of course don't serve up milk or other dairy products and of course, get clued-up on the symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs (which, naturally, are below).

• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite 

Other milk products

And can dogs have milk if it's cooked into something or mixed with other ingredients? Unfortunately it's a definite no on this one. Having milk with other ingredients doesn't make it any easier to digest for dogs. In fact, it increases the risk of toxicity due to ingesting other foods that may not be fit for canine consumption.

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Other foods that are not safe for dogs

So, now we know that dogs and milk don't exactly mix, what are the other foods can't dogs eat? Find out below to get started.

• Grapes
• Foraged mushrooms 
• Cat food

Meet our veterinary expert, Greg

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Greg Steele MA VETMB MRCVS. A mixed vet working in the UK since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2015. Greg enjoys working with all species of animals in all settings, but equally takes pride in communication and education of clients too. He lives with his wife and their cat, and enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and the great outdoors.