Among dog owners, there are two points of view regarding whether giving milk to a four-legged friend is possible. The product is rich in valuable and nutritious substances and elements. In addition, dogs are mammals, which means milk is a natural and necessary food for them. Why do some pets have problems with digestion or well-being after consuming dairy products? Is it possible and necessary to give milk to dogs? Which one is better?
The value and effect of milk on dogs at different ages
At different ages, dairy products are absorbed differently by the body due to the tissues’ needs for protein and carbohydrates and the production of the lactase enzyme, which breaks down the complex carbohydrate compound lactose (milk sugar). This enzyme promotes the breakdown of milk lactose molecules into simple carbohydrates – glucose and galactose. With age, lactase production more or less decreases (sometimes stops), which depends on the individual characteristics of the dog’s body.
Puppy age
For puppies, milk serves as a source of substances necessary for the normal development of all organ systems. Mother’s milk is ideal for this purpose. Additionally, puppies receive vitamins, macro- and microelements, and antibodies to various infectious diseases.
Babies are immediately transferred to artificial nutrition if a mother’s milk is unavailable. Natural dairy products, for example, goat’s, mare’s, and cow’s milk, can only partially replace dog milk since they differ significantly in composition, fat content, and other characteristics. Before a person selects the optimal concentration of the drink, the puppy will suffer from various disorders – constipation or diarrhea, rashes, vomiting, and others.
It is best to use ready-made industrial milk formulas for feeding babies. They can be in every line of well-known dog food manufacturers. The most popular are:
- Bosch Puppy;
- Royal Canin Babydog Milk;
- Lactol Puppy.
The composition of the mixtures is as close as possible to the dog’s mother’s milk. In addition, in the kits of some manufacturers, along with the soluble powder, you can find a measuring spoon, a bottle, and nipples.
Adolescence
At about four months, the lactase synthesized in dogs decreases gradually. Accordingly, the digestibility of milk also deteriorates (maternal milk is an exception). If the puppy has not previously been given dairy products from other animals, it may experience bloating and diarrhea. To eliminate undesirable consequences, starting with small and infrequent portions, for example, once a week, is recommended. Maintaining normal health indicates that the growing dog tolerates the product well, which means you can gradually increase its volume and frequency of feeding. Otherwise, it is better to avoid milk altogether.
Adult pet
It is essential to consider two points here: what constitutes the main diet of an adult dog and how the pet’s body perceives milk. If your four-legged friend is fed industrial compounds, it is better to exclude any natural food. According to experts, mixing industrial and homemade food leads to a high load on the digestive tract and can provoke diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
If the dog eats homemade products and does not react adversely to milk and its derivatives, you don’t have to worry and add dairy products to the diet 2-3 times a week. The volume depends on the size and needs of the animal. A decrease in the amount of the lactase enzyme does not mean its absence. The only thing to note is the fat content. You should not give your pet milk and dairy products with more than 2.5% fat.
Pregnant, lactating, weakened dogs
During pregnancy, lactation, and after an illness, milk is not only possible for a dog but also necessary. If the animal tolerates milk well, it is given more often and in larger quantities than is acceptable for an adult dog. You can find out the optimal volume and composition of milk for a nursing, pregnant, or weakened dog by consulting a veterinarian.
Which animal’s milk is preferable?
As a rule, a dog owner does not have a question about which animal’s milk to give his pet. The most common and affordable option is cow’s milk. But there are other types of milk, each of which has advantages and disadvantages.
Cow. Rich in B vitamins and calcium. It is readily available for purchase at any store. Without with little difficulty at any store. However, it is one of the most allergenic foods. Should not given to a dog if it is overweight, obese, or has heart and vascular problems. In addition, the product contains a large amount of lactose.
Mare. It also contains a lot of lactose and fats but has little protein. Mare’s milk contains vitamins, biologically active substances, and minerals.
Goat. The product is high in calcium, phosphorus, retinol, and vitamin B6. It is not suitable for obese pets, as its fat content is about 6%. Disadvantages include the low prevalence of goat milk in stores.
Vegetable.
It comes in different versions: soy, coconut, oats, rice, and almonds. Great for dogs with lactose intolerance or an allergic reaction to milk protein. On the shelves, plant products are more common than goat products but have a high cost, so they are rarely in demand among dog breeders. In addition, such milk drinks are easy to prepare yourself.
What kind of milk to give: natural, unprocessed, or from the store
The approach here needs to be clarified. If you give your dog fresh (fresh or separated) milk from your animal and are confident in its safety, it will not cause harm. A product purchased second-hand at the market may contain pathogens of infectious diseases, for example, listeriosis and salmonellosis. In addition, it is impossible to say how or what container was poured into it.
A store-bought product that has undergone all the necessary processing stages is safe. Plus, you can choose the fat content according to your dog’s needs and characteristics. The only point you need to pay attention to is the expiration date.
It is better to prefer the second option between fresh and skim (separated) milk. But even here, you need to focus on the individual characteristics of the pet’s body.
Milk allergy in dogs
As a rule, if your pet has an intolerance or allergy to milk, it manifests after the first servings. Symptoms may include:
- Rumbling and bloating;
- Diarrhea with or without mucus, blood;
- Itchy skin;
- Redness of the mucous membranes skin (partially or wholly);
- Clear discharge from the nostrils;
- Lacrimation;
- Cough;
- Hair loss (rarely, in advanced cases).
Milk intolerance can be genetic and occur even if the body has enough lactase enzyme.
If these symptoms appear, you should contact your veterinarian. To confirm suspicions, your doctor may prescribe a diagnostic allergy test. You cannot continue giving milk to your pet if at least some of the listed signs occur. The animal may develop Quincke’s edema, allergic asthma, and anaphylactic shock. For the same reason, introducing milk into a dog’s diet should be done gradually, starting with a small volume.
If the dog by something
It is that drinking milk helps with poisoning. Indeed, the product helps bind, neutralize, and remove certain poisons and heavy metals. But using something other than this method for four-legged pets is better. Firstly, their poisoning is associated with metals very, very rarely. Secondly, for the first 1-2 days, the animal is not given anything except clean water and medications prescribed by the veterinarian. In severe situations, hospitalization and appropriate therapy, so you should not experiment and rely on milk.
Conclusion: Pros and Cons of Milk
Positive aspects of introducing milk into a dog’s diet:
- Strengthening teeth and claws;
- Excellent coat condition;
- Proper development and growth in puppyhood and adolescence;
- Supporting and maintaining typical structures of the musculoskeletal system.
The disadvantages of the product include:
- Possible allergies;
- Excess load on the liver;
- In rare cases, milk can lead to extra calcium in the body;
When the digestive system isn’t working correctly, dysbacteriosis can occur, and if there are already diseases in the digestive organs, milk can worsen them.
Only the owner decides whether or not to give a dog milk based on its individual characteristics, health status, and preferences. If your pet drinks milk with pleasure and feels great, then there is no reason to deny his favorite drink.
