A lot of discussion has come up lately in the pet community about the health benefits of yogurt for dogs. Research supports that much like humans, a healthy gut at least benefits overall health and at most, can help suppress disease. Cooking Light Magazine even referenced Colorado Holistic Vet Angie Krause in their “Well-Balanced Pet Column. “‘Just like with people, pets’ gut health is the cornerstone of their overall health,’” said Kraus.
While probiotic supplements are available for dogs, some pet owners looking for a probiotic addition to their pet’s diet have decided on yogurt for dogs. In tandem with the movement away from dry kibble as a dog’s only food source, many pet owners choose to incorporate some fresh foods into their dog’s food regiment, yogurt among them. Most vets agree yogurt is safe and can be beneficial for dogs. PetMD suggests adding a dollop on top of kibble is a good way to include rich nutrients in a pup’s diet. The key is to watch sugar and flavor content. Find plain yogurt without additives like processed sugars or artificial flavorings. Watch out for yogurt that contains xylitol, an artificial sugar toxic to dogs. It’s a good idea to consult your vet to figure out the best serving size and watch your dog as you add yogurt into their diet. If any signs of lactose intolerance such as gas, diarrhea or vomiting occur, discontinue and discuss with your vet.
While yogurt is a great source of calcium and probiotic microbes, if you’re looking to give your dog a healthy gut, a probiotic supplement is the most effective method. Probiotic supplements are available with strains specifically tailored to a dog’s digestive tract.
Probiotics can also prove effective to combatting the symptoms of certain health conditions. Anecdotal evidence has shown dogs that suffer from Cushing’s disease can benefit from a natural supplement containing probiotics along with other naturally occurring elements like melatonin. One such supplement is CushAway, a revolutionary supplement to combat the symptoms and root causes of this debilitating disease. The creators of CushAway researched formulas for months before adding probiotics to help dogs ingest the crucial ingredients and to boost overall gut function for optimal health.
If you’re looking to supercharge your pet’s diet, a healthy choice is yogurt for dogs. Consider moving directly to probiotics for the most benefit. Consult your vet first to make sure you have a plan and monitor your pooch as you introduce a new food or supplement. Adding yogurt to kibble or as part a whole food diet can benefit your dog in a myriad of ways. Yogurt is a food humans and dogs alike can enjoy.
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