Yes, most dogs can eat a little plain, unsweetened yogurt. Yogurt still contains lactose, so start small, and never give a dog yogurt that contains xylitol.

Can Dogs Eat Yogurt?

Why

Yogurt is not toxic to dogs, and it provides protein and calcium. Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt is usually the best choice: PetMD notes that it has more protein and less sugar and lactose than regular yogurt, and the AKC recommends yogurt with plenty of live cultures.

Yogurt is still a dairy food, and the AKC explains that dogs generally are not built to digest lactose after puppyhood, so too much can cause gas, diarrhea or vomiting. Sweetened and flavored yogurts add sugar, and some contain xylitol, which the ASPCA warns can cause low blood sugar and liver damage. Full-fat yogurt can also contribute to pancreatitis.

Risks to watch for

Xylitol, often in yogurts labeled sugar-free, light or diet
Gas, diarrhea or vomiting in dogs that do not digest lactose well
Added sugar in flavored and fruit yogurts, which adds calories
Full-fat yogurt, which can trigger pancreatitis in susceptible dogs
Chocolate, coffee or grape-flavored yogurts and toppings
Itchy, inflamed skin, which can signal a dairy allergy

How to share safely

Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt, ideally Greek-style with live cultures, and check the label for xylitol.
Start with a small spoonful and watch for stomach upset over the next day.
Freeze plain yogurt in an ice cube tray, or stuff it into a chew toy and freeze it for a longer-lasting treat.
If your dog eats a prescription diet, ask your vet before adding yogurt.

How much?

PetMD suggests a maximum of about 1/2 teaspoon of plain yogurt a day for a dog under 10 pounds (about 4.5 kg), 1 teaspoon for 11 to 20 pounds, 1 tablespoon for 21 to 50 pounds, 2 tablespoons for 51 to 90 pounds, and 3 tablespoons for a larger dog.

Treats, including human foods, should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

Yogurt and xylitol: what to check on the label

Yogurt labeled sugar-free, light or diet is the one to check most carefully. PetMD warns that yogurt containing xylitol can cause severe liver damage, dangerously low blood sugar and death, and should never be given to a dog. If your dog eats any, go to an emergency vet right away. Before sharing, leave a tub on the shelf if it contains:

Xylitol
Other added sweeteners, sugar, honey or syrups
Chocolate, cocoa or coffee
Raisin or grape pieces
Garlic, onion or chives, as in savory yogurt dips

Is Greek yogurt better for dogs?

Plain Greek yogurt is usually the better choice for dogs. The AKC says plain Greek-style yogurt is typically better because it is lower in lactose, and PetMD adds that it has more protein and less sugar than regular yogurt.

Greek yogurt is not lactose-free, though, and full-fat versions are rich. PetMD and the AKC both list high fat as a pancreatitis risk, so dogs that have had pancreatitis, are overweight or have diabetes should get yogurt only with their vet's approval.

Is yogurt a good probiotic for dogs?

Yogurt with live cultures can act as a probiotic. The AKC notes that it may benefit digestion, but that there are better probiotic sources for dogs. If you want to support your dog's gut, your vet can recommend a probiotic made for dogs.

Yogurt is not a cure for diarrhea, and for dogs that struggle with lactose it can make loose stools worse. If vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than a day, or your dog seems unwell, call your vet instead of trying home remedies.

Common questions

Is yogurt good for dogs?

Only in limited ways. Yogurt is not toxic to dogs, and it provides protein and calcium. Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt is usually the best choice: PetMD notes that it has more protein and less sugar and lactose than regular yogurt, and the AKC recommends yogurt with plenty of live cultures.

Is yogurt bad for dogs?

It can be. Risks to watch for: xylitol, often in yogurts labeled sugar-free, light or diet; gas, diarrhea or vomiting in dogs that do not digest lactose well.

Are dogs allowed to have yogurt?

Only in small amounts and the right form. Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt, ideally Greek-style with live cultures, and check the label for xylitol.

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Sources

American Kennel Club (AKC). Can Dogs Eat Yogurt?
PetMD. Can Dogs Eat Yogurt?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.
American Kennel Club (AKC). “Can Dogs Eat…?” article series.

If your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. Do not wait for symptoms. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).