Greek Yoghurt.- a cupboard staple for dogs
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I find that the majority of recipes I find for dogs contain Greek Yoghurt. I will never forget the first birthday cake I ever made my dog where the recipe was mainly just Greek Yoghurt and peanut butter. Surely, the combination was just a little "too" unhealthy. But alas, it was my dogs’ birthday and I was new to making dog treats for them. Now, I do use Greek Yoghurt very regularly for my dogs. After all, it is still great to give them a varied and healthy diet full of different fats and nutrients. But I also try to add in other nutritious options such as Kefir milk. Plus, when I find I am using more Greek Yoghurt in a recipe than I am comfortable with, I start to water it down to reduce the fat content.
The benefits of Greek Yoghurt for dogs
Greek yoghurt can be a beneficial addition to a dog's diet in moderation. When feeding Greek yoghurt to your dog, make sure to choose plain, unsweetened yoghurt without any artificial sweeteners or added ingredients. Additionally, it's best to introduce it gradually to ensure that your dog tolerates it well. Greek yoghurt can have several potential benefits for dogs, similar to the benefits it has for humans:
Probiotics
Greek yoghurt contains beneficial bacteria that can help support your dog's digestive health by promoting the growth of good gut flora. This can help maintain a healthy digestive system and can assist with digestive problems.
Protein
Greek yoghurt is a good source of protein, which is important for muscle growth and overall health in dogs. Greek yoghurt usually contains more protein than regular yoghurt, making it ideal for dogs as they require more protein in their diet.
Calcium and Phosphorous
It is high in calcium and phosphorous, both are essential for a dog's bone health.
Vitamins
Greek yoghurt also contains vitamins B12 and D, which contribute to a dog's overall health.
However, not all dogs can tolerate dairy products. It's also important to remember that while Greek yoghurt can have some health benefits, it should be fed in moderation since it's high in fat and calories. Plus, you should always ensure the Greek yoghurt is plain and not filled with artificial sweeteners or flavourings, particularly xylitol which is poisonous to dogs.
Recipes using Greek Yoghurt: