Skip to main content

Can dogs drink milk? What you need to know

If you’ve ever shared an ice cream cone or yogurt cup with your favorite canine, you’re not alone. Our dogs love us unconditionally, but the act of sharing food between a human and a canine companion adds a lot to the bonding process.

Of course, just because your dog likes eating the same thing you do doesn’t mean he should. Obesity, a common problem among domesticated dogs, can lead to serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and orthopedic issues. And some food is downright toxic. Chocolate, avocado, and grapes are on a list of foods that can cause everything from gastrointestinal problems to death.

Recommended Videos

So, what about milk and dairy products, like yogurt and ice cream? Are they safe for dogs to eat? That depends.

terrier licking ice cream cone
Christian Bowen/Splash

Dogs and dairy

Puppies produce a special enzyme called lactase when they are nursing, which is necessary for them to digest the lactose sugar they receive from their mother’s milk. They stop producing as much of this enzyme once they are weaned, making it more difficult for them to digest lactose in the cow or goat milk that we buy at the grocery store.

Plus, milk has high concentrations of fat, as well as carbohydrates that break down into sugar. In addition to obesity, consuming too much of these components can lead to pancreatitis — swelling and inflammation of the pancreas — which interferes with your dog’s ability to digest food and regulate blood sugar. Although milk is also full of protein, calcium, and vitamins A, D, and B12, it’s much healthier for your dog to get these nutrients from nondairy sources.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Is it harmful for my dog to drink milk?

Possibly. Once your puppy is weaned and is no longer producing as much lactase, he may actually become lactose intolerant, meaning his body can’t digest the sugar in lactose. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Gas

Another common problem with dogs is dairy allergies. Dogs with this condition are sensitive to the proteins found in dairy. Symptoms include those experienced by lactose-intolerant dogs as well as potentially more serious issues like itchiness, redness of the skin, hives, swelling of the face, and difficulty breathing.

In either case, the best way to tell if your dog has these sensitivities is to introduce dairy to him in small quantities first and watch him carefully. If he exhibits any symptoms of lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy, find an alternate snack for him to enjoy.

How much milk is appropriate?

Does all this mean you can’t treat your dog to milk or other dairy products from time to time? Not at all. As long as your dog isn’t lactose intolerant or doesn’t have a dairy allergy, allowing him to lick the remaining contents of your yogurt container once you’ve finished or take the last bite of your ice cream cone isn’t completely out of the question.

Of course, moderation is key. Snacks should only compose no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily caloric intake, so be mindful of the calories. A ½-cup serving of vanilla ice cream can contain 137 calories, and one slice of cheddar cheese is 113 calories. Check with your veterinarian to see how many calories are appropriate for your dog’s size, age, and weight before you allow him to indulge.

chocolate lab licking lips
James Barker / Unsplash

Healthy snack alternatives

If your goal is to feed your dog nutritious snacks, consider these healthy alternatives to dairy:

  • Peanut butter is high in protein, healthy fats, niacin, and vitamins B and E. When possible, choose unsalted varieties without added sugar. Also, make sure the brand doesn’t use xylitol.
  • Carrots are a sweet treat with a tasty crunch. They are also packed with vitamins and minerals, such as beta-carotene, vitamin K, and potassium.
  • Apple slices are a good source of fiber along with vitamins A and C. As an added bonus, they make your dog’s breath smell better. Remember to remove the seeds and core before sharing.

As a reminder, always check with your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet. Her advice will be based on your dog’s age, weight, and size, along with any health concerns related to your dog’s breed and the climate you live in. Together, the two of you can determine which food is the healthiest for your pet, regardless of whether it contains dairy.

Debbie Clason
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Debbie Clason's work has appeared in Family Life Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Lutheran Witness, Massage Magazine…
This is where dogs like to be pet: The spots they can’t resist
These are the top places to pet your dog (and the ones to avoid)
A woman pets her dog in a field

One of the best parts of owning a dog is providing pats, scritches, and belly rubs. Our buds seem to love this as much as we do, and research says that petting a pooch gives a mood boost to both humans and animals. Even though we know that pups love pats, we should still respect their boundaries and only touch them in the areas they like. While every fur baby has personal preferences, we'll cover the common areas where dogs like to be pet.
Why dogs like to be pet

About 20,000 years ago, dogs decided they preferred hanging out with humans for nourishment rather than hunting their own food. Along the way, we became more than just a meal ticket to them, and now most dogs are solely companions (of course, many still work demanding jobs as service animals or alongside police officers).

Read more
Adopting a dog? 6 things no one tells you
How to help your newly adopted dog adjust smoothly
A woman in a brown sweater holding a sleeping black and white French bulldog puppy

It's no secret that adopting a dog can change your life for the better. You'll spend more time outdoors taking your dog for walks, so you'll get plenty of exercise. Having a constant companion helps combat feelings of isolation and sadness, and taking on the responsibility of caring for another living being builds character.

More importantly, adopting a new dog from a shelter saves a sweet, innocent animal from euthanasia and helps fight puppy mills. But having a dog isn't always a walk in the park. From unexpected expenses to puppy proofing your home, here are some things to know before adopting a dog. 
1. You're going to spend a lot of time outside — no matter the weather

Read more
Can dogs eat pasta? Here are some facts to know before giving your pet this type of treat
What type of pasta is safe for dogs? Here are the facts
Woman giving her large dog a treat

The Lady and the Tramp movie photo has icon status. Pampered and temporarily displaced pooch Lady and free-wheeling terrier mix Tramp — the epitome of opposites — share a noodle and meet in the middle. Pasta must be a safe (even beloved) food for dogs, right?

Maybe. As you likely know, Disney isn't always the best representation of reality. However, it would be nice to get invited to join a kingdom because you have the correct shoe size (Cinderella) or shoot icicles and learn you're the fifth spirit (Frozen's Elsa). Can dogs eat pasta safely in real life? As you're likely also aware, some foods like chocolate are toxic for dogs. Others, like blueberries, serve as safe, low-calorie treats. Pasta is somewhere in the middle (right where Lady and Tramp met on their date). Here's what to know about pasta safety for dogs.
Can dogs eat pasta? What pasta is safe for dogs?

Read more