Can Dogs Eat Go-Gurt? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ
Updated on
We love to give people food to our dogs as treats occasionally. However, not all foods are created equal. Take Go-Gurt, for example. Go-Gurt is a yogurt snack packaged in a plastic tube, letting people slurp out the yogurt instead of eating it with a spoon from a cup.
To cut straight to the chase, you should not be giving Go-Gurt to your dog. Go-Gurt contains dairy and sugar, which, while tasty, can be hard for our canine companions to digest and aren’t good for their overall health.
Â
Understanding Go-Gurt: What’s Inside This Yummy Treat?
Go-Gurt comes in a variety of flavors, but let’s look at one of the popular flavor choices: Strawberry & Vanilla. Here are the main ingredients:
- Cultured Grade A Nonfat Milk
- Sugar
- Modified Food Starch
Go-Gurt has protein and calcium, which can be beneficial for dogs. But here’s the thing: Go-Gurt is far from the ideal choice as a canine probiotic due to its high sugar content. The dairy in this food does not help either.
Can Dogs Eat Go-Gurt?
It is not recommended. Feeding your pooch sugary treats can affect their system. While Go-Gurt isn’t toxic to dogs, it’s not recommended due to the potential digestive issues it can cause. Dogs can be lactose intolerant, and consumption of dairy products can lead to various signs such as gas, diarrhea, vomiting, upset stomach, and in rare cases, pancreatitis or other severe illnesses.
What Should I Do If My Dog Has Eaten Go-Gurt?
If your dog has consumed Go-Gurt or another yogurt with artificial sweeteners and is showing signs of distress, consult your vet immediately. Be vigilant about the fat content of any dairy products you offer your dog. Our canine buddies struggle to digest the ingredients in these foods, and overconsumption can lead to health issues.
The good news is that Go-Gurt is normally not made with artificial sweeteners, like xylitol.
What Yogurt Is Okay for Dogs?
When it comes to choosing a yogurt that’s fit for your furry friend, go for plain, unsweetened options. Greek yogurt is an excellent choice, as it contains live cultures beneficial for gut health and has much less lactose than regular yogurt, making it easier for dogs to digest. Still, you should only be offering it in small quantities according to your dog’s size. One tablespoon is usually enough for a medium-sized dog.
Optimal Dog Diet: Feeding Your Furry Friend Right
Understanding your dog’s nutritional needs is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Although it’s tempting to share human food like Go-Gurt with your pet, remember that a dog’s dietary requirements differ from ours.
- Focus on High-Quality Dog Food: High-quality commercially prepared dog food should be the cornerstone of your dog’s diet. These foods are formulated to provide a balanced diet, covering all the nutritional needs of dogs. Look for brands that list a source of animal protein, such as chicken or beef, as the first ingredient.
- Analyze Human Food: While it’s okay to occasionally give your dog human food as a treat or to top up their nutrition, it’s essential to analyze these instances and ensure that the food is safe for them to eat. Foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic and foods containing xylitol are toxic to dogs. Also, avoid feeding your dog sugary foods like Go-Gurt. Choose foods that provide extra protein, such as plain boiled chicken, or antioxidants, such as blueberries.
- Keep It Lean: Lean meats, like chicken, turkey, and fish, can be an excellent source of protein for your dog. However, they should be cooked plainly without any seasoning, oil, or butter.
- Keep an Eye on Portions: Even with healthy food, portion control is critical. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which brings a host of health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Dogs need constant access to fresh water, particularly if they eat dry kibble, which does not provide any moisture. Dehydration in dogs can lead to serious health issues.
Conclusion
While it won’t kill your dog if it is accidentally consumed in small quantities, Go-Gurt is not the best option to offer them due to itshigh sugar content and potential for causing digestive issues. If your dog is lactose intolerant, it’s best to avoid dairy products entirely.
Instead, consider quality probiotic supplements specifically designed for dogs, and always consult your vet before introducing new foods into your pet’s diet. After all, a happy dog is a healthy dog, and their diet plays a significant role in their overall well-being.
Featured Image Credit: SpongeBob the Movie, Mike Mozart, Flickr, CC BY 2.0
