If you would like to help support your dog’s gut health, one of the best ways to do so is using fermented products like yogurt.
Unfortunately, many dogs are lactose intolerant, and thus giving them dairy products could end up causing worse issues for their gut health than what they are meant to help prevent. That is why giving your dog plant-based alternatives like coconut yogurt is your safest bet.
Dogs can consume coconut yogurt safely and only in moderate amounts. Besides being an excellent alternative to dairy products, coconut yogurt brings numerous benefits to the dog’s health including improved digestive functions.
Let’s take a deep dive into all that you need to know about feeding your dog coconut yogurt from the perks to the risks. That way, you will know what to expect with this healthy, tasty dog treat.
Can Dogs Eat Coconut Yogurt?
Dogs can absolutely take coconut yogurt as long as it is all-natural. This means that it must be free from additives like artificial colors and flavors. Artificial sweeteners in coconut yogurt are particularly harmful to dogs and should be avoided at all costs.
All-natural coconut yogurt has a lot to offer your doggy. Here are some of the health benefits and other general perks that you have to look forward to with this treat.
It Is A Great Source Of Probiotics
Coconut yogurt is made using kefir which is a rich source of probiotics and is fantastic for dogs that often suffer from digestive issues. Probiotics support digestive health in multiple ways.
One way is by producing enzymes that help in the actual breakdown of food. These good bacteria also help by promoting gut motility. They will come in handy if your dog suffers from constipation or bloating.
It Is Rich In Nutrients
Coconut milk is rich in both macronutrients and micronutrients making it a healthy and nutritionally wholesome treat for your dog.
Its main macronutrients are fatty acids and carbohydrates which are both great energy sources for the dog. Furthermore, healthy fats will help not only promote the dog’s digestion but also their coat health.
Coconut yogurt is also rich in micronutrients like vitamins. The most commonly found vitamins in this creamy treat that your dog can look forward to include vitamins C and E, as well as a few from the B-complex vitamins.
Finally, your dog will have plenty of minerals to benefit from including iron, sodium, selenium, and calcium.
It Is Dairy-Free
If your dog is lactose intolerant but you would still like for them to enjoy dairy products like yogurt, coconut is a fantastic plant-based alternative. Dogs are not allergic to coconut in any of its forms including yogurt, especially if you get something all-natural.
It Is Tasty
The final and probably the best benefit of coconut yogurt in your dog’s opinion is the fact that it is quite tasty. Your dog will enjoy the creamy texture and the fact that it is flavorful without being overpowering.
Is Coconut Yogurt OK For Dogs?
Coconut yogurt made for humans is not okay for dogs. More often than not, it includes artificial sweeteners as well as other additives that may cause digestive tract disturbances for the dog.
Here are some of the signs and symptoms your dog may have if they have a poor reaction to coconut yogurt.
Diarrhea
This is usually the first sign that your dog is having trouble digesting the coconut yogurt is persistent diarrhea. The diarrhea varies in appearance and consistency based on how irritated your dog’s gut is and how much of the yogurt they consumed.
Whatever the appearance, it is important that you take your pooch to the vet as soon as possible to avoid the complications of diarrhea in your dog. These include dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, as well as kidney failure in very serious cases.
Vomiting
Dogs that have an adverse reaction very rarely experience vomiting as a side effect. However, it may occur if the pooch has consumed too much coconut yogurt, or if they are experiencing gastric dilatation volvulus from the bloating.
Reduced Appetite
You may also notice that your dog’s appetite is significantly reduced. They won’t even try their favorite snacks. This happens due to the irritation in their stomach and bloating.
Reduced appetite is a symptom that could very easily cause an escalation of the issue by making the pooch weaker and making their recovery longer.
Reduced Activity Levels
All the vomiting, diarrhea, and the fact that your pooch isn’t eating, means that your dog will be losing plenty of energy. It is important that you don’t let the dog get to this point if you notice that they are having a negative reaction to coconut yogurt so take your pooch to the vet as soon as possible.
