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Can dogs have Kefir?

can dogs have kefirYes

Overview

dog-food-safety-information

Yes. Kefir can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet when given in moderation. It’s packed with probiotics that support digestion and boost the immune system. Some dogs may even experience relief from skin issues like dermatitis and ear infections. Just be sure to choose plain, unsweetened kefir with no added flavors or sweeteners.

Benefits

health-benefits
  • Kefir is a fermented milk drink that contains probiotics that help maintain a healthy digestive system in dogs.
  • The probiotics in kefir can boost a dog's immune system. They are suitable for aging dogs and dogs with weakened immune systems. They also help in alleviating skin problems and ear infections.
  • Kefir is a good source of vitamins A, B-complex D, and K. It contains plenty of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, helps ward off allergies, and improves a dog's kidney and liver functions.
  • Kefir is particularly beneficial to dogs that are on antibiotics, which destroy some of the good bacteria in the gut. Kefir also counteracts the effects of destructive yeasts in the body.
  • For dogs with lactose intolerance, water-based kefir is a safer choice since it is lactose-free.
  • Coconut kefir is coconut water fermented with kefir grains. It has more nutrients than water kefir. It's packed with potassium which promotes healthy bones. Kefir made with coconut milk is well tolerated by lactose-intolerant dogs.
  • Goat milk kefir has lower lactose content than kefir with cow milk or sheep milk. It's much easier for dogs to digest.

Risks

health-risks
  • Milk kefir is low in lactose compared to other dairy products, but some dogs can still experience adverse reactions.
  • Excessive consumption of kefir can cause diarrhea, bloating, runny stools, and other digestive issues.
  • Kefir with fruits usually contains added sugar and artificial flavoring. Some brands have xylitol, a sugar substitute that can cause toxicity in dogs.
  • Some kefir products may not be labeled as fruit kefir and may contain harmful ingredients to dogs. For example, some coconut milk kefir drinks may contain concentrated grape juice, which is toxic to dogs. Always check the ingredient label before sharing any human food with your dog to ensure it is safe for them to consume.
health-risks-dog

Servings

serving-suggestions
  • Regular kefir is made with cow, sheep, or goat milk; all contain lactose. For dogs with lactose intolerance, kefir made with water, coconut milk, or coconut water is a better option as it is lactose-free.
  • Give 1 teaspoon for small dogs, 1-2 teaspoons for medium-sized dogs, and 2-3 teaspoons for large dogs. Introduce kefir slowly into your dog's diet and observe for adverse effects.
  • Kefir can be fed on its own or added to your dog's meal or water bowl.

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