Written in collaboration with vets
You may be wondering if it’s safe to give your dog a little drink of milk, but too much dairy can lead to digestive problems in pups. While a small sip of milk likely won't seriously harm your dog, it isn't great for their regular diet. Canine bodies lack the enzyme lactase, which is needed to properly digest lactose sugars found in milk. Ingesting too much dairy can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhoea or vomiting.
We'll look closely at this milk and dog dilemma in this article, and cover why it's generally best to avoid giving your dog dairy drinks. We'll also look at the best alternatives to milk for your dog.
Dogs don't need any milk or dairy. While a small splash of milk likely won't harm your dog, it shouldn't be a part of their diet. Dogs may suffer with digestive health problems after drinking too much dairy. This is because dogs’ systems don't make enough of a key enzyme that helps them break down dairy. Without it, all that lactose can stir up trouble - such as nausea, vomiting, gas, abdominal discomfort or diarrhoea in dogs. On top of that, milk contains a high fat and sugar content, which can potentially lead to weight issues over time.
We know pet parents only want what's best for their dog. As a loving owner, giving them some milk from the fridge seems like a nice way to treat them. But hold that cold glass; cow's milk doesn't actually agree with most adult dogs' - or even young puppys’ - tummies. Vets recommend plain water to quench your dog’s thirst, combined with a complete dog food packed with the proper nutrients they need.
Only a puppy’s mother’s milk is safe for them to drink, not cow’s milk. Those developing tummies thrive on their mama's specially-made milk for a few weeks, fueling their growth and protecting them from illness. The milk naturally produced by the canine mum for feeding her pups, or the milk powders specially made for supplementary puppy feeding, are different to cow's milk. But around eight weeks, when it's weaning time, most puppies' ability to digest milk decreases even more.
Giving your dog shop-bought dairy products often brings about tummy troubles, which isn’t nice for you or your pet! Like adult dogs, commercially made puppy foods provide properly balanced nutrition for growing dogs. So, while the urge to share your milk may come from the right place, water is always best for your four-legged friend.
Yes - it’s common for dogs to be lactose intolerant, and dairy products are not recommended for giving to dogs. Lactose intolerance means the body lacks enough lactase, the enzyme needed to break lactose down properly. Puppies initially produce lactase to process their mother's milk, but after weaning, most dogs generate substantially less over time. So, cow's milk often causes gassy discomfort, diarrhoea, vomiting or other tummy upsets.
The severity of lactose intolerance depends on each individual dog. One dog might only experience mild issues after a bit of milk, while another could become very sick. Unfortunately, there's no definitive test to check for canine lactose intolerance. The safest approach involves simply avoiding cow's milk altogether, particularly if you suspect your dog struggles to digest dairy.
If your dog accidentally ingests milk and seems distressed, consult your vet for advice immediately. Providing fresh water and high-quality commercial dog food remains the best way to supply complete daily nutrition without dairy-related distress.
Fresh water should be the only drink offered to most dogs. Milk alternatives may upset their tummies or lead to illness, just like cow’s milk can. Although oat, soy and almond milk may have lower lactose levels, vets generally don't recommend plant-based milk substitutes as regular dog drinks for a variety of reasons.
Unwanted ingredients: For starters, many contain sneaky additions like sugar or sweeteners, which can prompt weight gain, and even some additives which can be toxic to dogs. Potential thickeners and flavourings are designed to cater to humans’ far more than dogs’ digestive systems.
Potential allergic reactions: Ingredients like soy proteins can cause allergies in pups, even unexpectedly after an initial tolerance test. Every dog differs, so it is possible that reactions could develop over time.
Nutritional imbalance: These dairy alternatives aim to meet human nutritional requirements exclusively. Dogs who are fed a complete, well-balanced pet food need no additional dairy supplements.
While a lick of lactose-free milk or a splash of diluted nut milk may not immediately distress most dogs, these drinks offer no real benefits, so it’s not really worth taking the risk. Ultimately, nothing satisfies a dog’s thirst quite like a fresh bowl of cool water.
It’s not uncommon for pet parents to worry about the hydration. At some point, you might have asked yourself, why is my dog not drinking, or maybe what fruits can my dog eat to help keep them hydrated? We know you only want the best for your pup, so here are some suggestions of things to offer in small amounts alongside fresh water - which must be available at all times for your dog:
Unflavored pedialyte: Has your dog been suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea? Pedialyte offers an electrolyte-balanced way to replenish the nutrients and fluids missing from their system. Ensure you choose an unflavored clear formula - fruit-infused variants pack unnecessary sugars. Consult your vet for the appropriate Pedialyte dosage based on your dog's weight. Initially, mix a small portion with water to introduce the mild savoury taste. Offer more if your dog seems to enjoy the flavour. The oral hydration support can quickly help to get their digestion back on track.
Homemade fruit juices: Dogs are unlikely to drink water flavoured with fruit juices, but they may enjoy natural hydration from an apple slice for example. You can also prepare small nutritious vegetable juices in your blender, using dog-friendly veggies like carrots, shelled peas, cucumbers, or broccoli. These low-calorie, antioxidant-rich drinks provide great hydration and added vitamins that support overall health, but are best in small doses.
While the above beverages can supplement water intake, always avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, fizzy drinks and other human-designed drinks. Substances like caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners threaten overdose toxicity. So, keep these hazardous temptations sealed away and out of sight of curious canines.
A small treat tit-bit of milk, such as a teaspoon-full, is unlikely to prompt immediate health problems. However, regular or large amounts of dairy consumption can cause serious digestive complications for dogs. If your dog drinks a large amount of milk, seek help from your vet. Good old-fashioned water is always the best bet for their bowl, for long-term hydration and health.
Milk's sweet creaminess reminds dogs of the earliest nursing comforts from their mums when they were puppies. Those fond memories of nurturing tastes and textures get imprinted early. The natural lactose sugars and fats signal a cherished treat to your dog, but as they grow their limited enzymes make processing dairy difficult. So, while the taste remains pleasurable, their bodies can no longer properly utilise milk components.
No - milk should not become a routine part of your adult dog's diet. Commercially available complete dog food already provides balanced nutrition catered to canine health requirements. Milk offers no unique nutritional benefit. Excess components like fats and sugars present more harm than good over time. Stick with premium complete and balanced dog food and water, instead of pushing daily dairy to keep your pup properly fueled, to avoid weight or digestive issues.
While letting your dog sample some milk may seem harmless, regular servings of dairy can cause digestive problems. Most dogs lack the enzymes needed to properly process components like lactose sugars, and can quickly lead to an upset stomach. The best way to hydrate your dog is to always provide fresh, clean water. If you wish to safely supplement their diet, choose dog multivitamins. Tailored to your dog's health requirements, these vitamins provide additional support without the risk of tummy troubles, helping to keep your pet in tip top condition.
