Can dogs eat yogurt?

Updated 12/04/2024

Yogurt is a popular breakfast, snack and even dessert food for us humans, so it naturally gets pet parents thinking - can dogs eat yogurt, or is yogurt for dogs bad news, like many other ingredients that are good for us humans? Well luckily for your canine companion, dogs can eat yogurt, provided it's plain and unsweetened. Explore below for more on the best types of yogurt for your pup, what to avoid, and some of the health benefits. 

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Is yogurt poisonous to dogs?

So, is yogurt poisonous to dogs, or can dogs eat yogurt despite its lactose content and flavorings? Well as you'll know, not all yogurts are made equal, meaning that some are harmful for dogs, whereas others actually have a variety of health benefits. But the overarching answer to is yogurt poisonous to dogs - is no. Read on to find out about the suitable yogurts for dogs, and which to steer completely clear of.  

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Is yogurt good for dogs?

Can dogs eat yogurt and get any of the health benefits us humans can? Well luckily for your furry friend, the answer is yes - yogurt can be good for dogs, but it isn't always. Avoid any sweetened or flavored yogurts and certainly avoid any containing xylitol (but more on that later), and your pup can enjoy the tart freshness of yogurt that we all know and love. 

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Is Greek yogurt good for dogs?

Can dogs eat Greek yogurt or just plain? Luckily for your snack-mad pooch, Greek yogurt for dogs is completely safe, so long as it isn't sweetened or flavored. And what about other types of yogurt? Can dogs eat plain yogurt? Yup, plain yogurt is also a really safe bet, as well as low fat and natural, just so long as there are no sweeteners or flavourings laced throughout the pot.  

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Why can yogurt be bad for dogs?

First things first - let's talk about sweeteners in yogurt. Be clear on which yogurts contain xylitol (a super common artificial sweetener) - it's toxic to dogs and should never enter your dog's system. It can cause liver failure, so if you suspect ingestion of a yogurt containing xylitol, get to your vet immediately. And while we're talking sweeteners, many yogurts contain high levels of sugar and fruits that might not always be safe for dogs, so opt for plain to be on the safe side. Plus, if your pup experiences diarrhea or vomiting and doesn't have any other health issues, there may be a chance that they're reacting to the lactose in the yogurt. In which case, you're due a trip to the vet and need to stop feeding your dog yogurt immediately. 

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Health benefits of eating yogurt for dogs

There are a few health benefits that your pup can reap if eating yogurt (see the list below), but you'll need to know how much yogurt to give a dog in the first place for any of these to take effect. The amount of yogurt to feed your dog really depends on their size, age, breed and sex, so be sure to consult your vet for a specific recommendation.

Some of the nutrients in yogurt include:

• Calcium - essential for healthy bones and teeth
• Protein - maintains bodily functions (e.g. building, maintaining and repairing muscle, organs and hormones)
• Probiotics - great for gut health

Other yogurt products

There are a few products out there of a yogurt-like substance, but always consult your vet before adding anything new into your pup's diet.  As always, avoid anything that is flavored, contains xylitol, or is high in preservatives or seasonings! Yogurt-containing products include: 

• Kefir
• Yogurt drinks
• Fermented milks
• Sauces containing yogurt
• Flatbreads

Other foods that are safe for dogs

No we've cleared up the question - can dogs have yogurt - what about other foods dogs can eat? Can our canine companions enjoy those, too? Take a look below for a few foods safe to feed your pup (within reason, of course).

• Corn on the cob
• Bananas
• Potatoes

Meet our veterinary expert, Jnanee

This article has been checked by veterinarian Jnanee Krishnasamy, BVSc (Massey). Dr Jnanee is a small animal veterinarian. She was born in sunny Singapore and spent her formative years there, before studying veterinary medicine at

Massey University. Since graduating from vet school, Dr Jnanee has worked in a variety of settings that include private practice, shelter medicine, and veterinary telemedicine. Due to her varied experiences, she is well-informed on many aspects of the veterinary industry!