October 23, 2026, 3:04 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Yogurt is considered one of the healthiest foods and is found in almost every refrigerator. And you’ve probably given your dog a spoonful or let them lick the cup clean! But should yogurt even be part of a dog’s diet? PETBOOK author and dog nutritionist Philine Ebert explains the benefits and risks of yogurt for dogs.
Is Yogurt a Suitable Food for Dogs?
Yes, in principle, yogurt is as healthy for dogs as it is for humans. However, it largely depends on the amount and type of yogurt. Dogs lack the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the milk sugar (lactose) in yogurt. Therefore, almost all dogs are lactose intolerant. This intolerance almost always leads to gastrointestinal problems, similar to humans.
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These Types of Yogurt Are Suitable for Dogs
Generally suitable types of yogurt for dogs are:
- low-fat plain yogurt without additives and sugar
- lactose-free plain yogurt
- Greek yogurt without additives or sugar (it naturally has less lactose but a higher protein and fat content)
An exception is dogs with kidney disease. The high phosphorus and protein content in yogurt is too burdensome for dogs with advanced kidney disease. In this case, yogurt should generally be avoided.
Why Is Yogurt So Healthy?
The lactic acid bacteria (probiotics) in yogurt support gut health, strengthen the intestines, counteract harmful bacteria, and also improve stool quality. This benefits the immune system, as it is largely located in the gut. The high calcium content strengthens bones and promotes dental health.
Yogurt contains a lot of protein, which supports muscle building, provides essential amino acids, and keeps you full for a long time.
This healthy food contains iodine, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, as well as important vitamins like A and B vitamins.
In particular, the vitamin B12 it contains is important for blood and nerve functions.
In the right amount, probiotic yogurt also naturally stabilizes the gut flora in sensitive dogs (e.g., after antibiotic treatments).
Which Yogurt Is Suitable for Dogs?
Dogs should only eat plain yogurt, i.e., without additional ingredients like nuts, chocolate, sweeteners, fruit additives, flavorings, artificial additives, or preservatives.
Note: Many of these additives are generally toxic to dogs!
A self-made combination with fiber such as oatmeal, berries, or other fruits is a welcome snack variation for dogs.
As a supplement to regular food, yogurt with suitable additions like honey, fruits, or seeds makes a refreshing summer snack, and yogurt is often the base for making dog ice cream.
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What Happens When Cats Eat Yogurt
Can Dogs Actually Eat Ice Cream?
What Amount of Yogurt Is Suitable for Dogs?
Yogurt is generally only suitable as a snack or food topping for dogs (about one to three times a week).
Since even lactose-free yogurt still contains four grams of sugar per 100 grams of yogurt, it should remain an occasional supplement.
To prevent gastrointestinal problems (stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea), it is advisable to start with small amounts and gradually increase them to see how the dog tolerates the dairy product.
The guideline is:
- Small dogs: one teaspoon to one tablespoon of yogurt per day
- Medium-sized dogs: one to two tablespoons of yogurt per day
- Large dogs: a maximum of three tablespoons of yogurt per day
Are There Alternatives to Yogurt?
If the dog does not tolerate yogurt well or an alternative is needed, consider:
- cottage cheese
- low-fat quark
- buttermilk
- kefir
- plain skyr (preferably lactose-free)
- vegan alternatives without additives like soy yogurt, coconut yogurt (higher in fat)
- certain types of cheese like Gouda or Emmental (watch the fat content)
My Tip as a Dog Nutritionist
Dogs love yogurt, quark, or other dairy products in all forms. Yogurt is an ideal base for homemade ice cream. I generally recommend choosing lactose-free products to avoid intolerances.
Enhanced according to the preferences of your four-legged friend, e.g., with apple, banana, berries, liver sausage, or a few drops of honey, it becomes the perfect dog ice cream, smoothie, or topping. It can then be portioned individually and fed as desired. On a lick mat, yogurt provides a particularly long licking pleasure and is thus a great change from regular snacks. Your dog will love it!