This is a common question that many dog owners have. Milk has long been considered a nutritional staple, especially for young mammals. However, just like humans, not all types of milk are good for dogs. The answer to “can dogs have milk” depends on several factors.
Can Puppies Drink Milk?
Young puppies can safely consume milk since they still produce lactase, the enzyme needed to properly digest lactose – the natural sugar in milk. Mother’s milk is the best source of nutrients for newborn puppies. However, if a puppy is orphaned or rejected by its mother, another lactating female dog’s milk or a puppy milk replacer can be fed. Puppies should be transitioned to solid food around 3-4 weeks old but can continue to nurse until 6-8 weeks of age.
Cow’s milk or goat’s milk is not recommended for puppies. The lactose and protein content is different from dog milk and can lead to indigestion, diarrhea, gas, and upset stomach. If no other options are available, cow’s milk or goat’s milk should be diluted with water or low-sodium chicken broth and only small amounts given at first.
When Can Puppies Start Drinking Regular Milk?
Puppies should be fully weaned off their mother’s milk or puppy formula by about 8 weeks old. At this age, their digestive system is still developing and not yet able to properly digest cow’s milk.
Somewhere between 8-12 weeks old, puppies start to lose their lactase enzymes and become lactose intolerant like adult dogs. It is best to avoid regular cow’s milk at this point and switch to puppy-formulated milk replacers if supplemental milk is still needed.
Most puppies can transition completely to water and solid food by 12 weeks old. Milk is no longer needed at this age. Starting puppies on cow’s milk too early or giving too much can lead to digestive upset and diarrhea.
Can Adult Dogs Drink Milk?
The short answer is no – most adult dogs are lactose intolerant and cannot properly digest milk and milk-based products. Milk and dairy can cause digestive problems, such as:
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Bloating
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
Dogs can develop lactose intolerance as they age, even if they had no issues digesting milk as puppies. Just like people with lactose intolerance, each dog is different in how well they can tolerate lactose. Some dogs may get ill after just a small amount of milk, while others may be able to have a little bit infrequently with no issues.
Why Are Most Dogs Lactose Intolerant?
All mammals produce the lactase enzyme when young to be able to digest their mother’s milk. As they grow up, most mammals naturally begin producing less lactase since milk is no longer part of their diet.
Dogs are no exception. As puppies, they produce ample lactase to digest the lactose in their mother’s milk. But as they mature, dogs begin producing less lactase until almost none is present in the adult dog’s digestive system.
Without lactase, lactose passes through the digestive tract undigested. This causes digestive upset and the symptoms of lactose intolerance as bacteria in the colon ferment the lactose.
Are Some Breeds Lactose Tolerant?
Some dog breeds retain more of their lactase enzymes into adulthood than others. Breeds that are more likely to be lactose tolerant include:
- Labrador Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Corgi
However, there can still be variability between individual dogs. Some lactose intolerant dogs may come from typically lactose tolerant breeds.
Can Lactose Intolerance Develop With Age?
Yes, dogs that had no trouble digesting milk as young adults may develop lactose intolerance as senior dogs. The exact age when this happens depends on the individual dog.
Signs of aging in dogs include needing to urinate more frequently, lower energy levels, cloudy eyes, and graying fur. If your aging dog suddenly develops digestive issues after consuming dairy, lactose intolerance may be the cause.
Are There Any Alternatives to Regular Milk for Dogs?
While regular cow’s milk is not recommended for most adult dogs, there are some milk alternatives that may be better tolerated:
Goat’s Milk
Goat’s milk contains slightly less lactose than cow’s milk, so small amounts may be tolerated by dogs sensitive to lactose. Still introduce it slowly and watch for any digestive upset.
Lactose-Free Milk
Lactose-free cow’s milk has the enzyme lactase added to it to break down lactose. This allows dogs to digest it without issues. Lactose-free milk is the best milk alternative for dogs.
Keifer
Keifer is fermented milk, similar to yogurt, that contains probiotics for gut health. The fermentation process also reduces the lactose content. Keifer can be a nutritious treat for dogs in small amounts.
Frozen Yogurt
In limited amounts, plain frozen yogurt can be a tasty cool treat for dogs during hot weather. Choose yogurt with live active cultures and avoid any yogurt with artificial sweeteners, which can be toxic for dogs.
Cottage Cheese
Small amounts of low-fat or non-fat plain cottage cheese are tolerable for some dogs. Cottage cheese is high in protein and calcium but lower in lactose than milk.
Can Puppies or Dogs Drink Non-Dairy Milk?
There are several non-dairy milks made from plants, such as:
- Soy milk
- Almond milk
- Coconut milk
- Rice milk
- Oat milk
These contain no lactose and may be an option for dogs sensitive to dairy. However, some plant-based milks are enriched with extra nutrients that dogs don’t need. Excess vitamins and minerals can actually be dangerous in high amounts.
Also, the high calorie and fat content of some plant milks can lead to weight gain. If you want to try plant-based milk for your dog, look for an unsweetened version and limit to small amounts.
Can Puppies or Dogs Drink Flavored Milk?
Flavored milks like chocolate, strawberry or vanilla milk are not recommended for dogs. The added sugars and ingredients can cause digestive upset and harm your dog:
- Chocolate milk – Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs.
- Sweetened milk – Added sugars like high fructose corn syrup can cause diarrhea, gas, and weight gain.
- Artificial flavors/dyes – Artificial ingredients have no nutritional value and some may be carcinogenic or toxic for dogs.
Best to avoid any flavored milks and stick to plain, unsweetened milk alternatives if you want to occasionally treat your dog.
Can Dogs Drink Milk Bones or Other Milk-Based Dog Treats?
Some commercial dog treats and biscuits contain milk or milk derivatives like whey powder. These are designed to be highly digestible for dogs. However, dogs with severe lactose intolerance may still have issues.
Monitor your dog closely when first introducing any milk-based treats. Stop giving them if you notice any digestive upset. Opt for lactose-free or dairy-free dog treats if your dog reacts poorly.
Can Milk Cause Other Health Issues in Dogs?
Besides digestive problems from the lactose, milk can negatively impact dogs’ health in other ways:
High Fat Content
The high fat content of whole milk can lead to pancreatitis in dogs. Low-fat or non-fat milk is safer if you do want to share a small amount with your dog.
Too Much Calcium
Milk is high in calcium. While puppies need extra calcium for bone growth, too much can be dangerous for adult dogs by forming bladder stones. Excess calcium can also interfere with bone health.
Weight Gain
Depending on the type, milk can contain a lot of calories. Drinking milk regularly can easily lead to obesity in dogs.
Food Allergies
Dogs can develop allergies to dairy just like people. Diarrhea, itchy skin, ear infections, gas, and vomiting can be signs of a milk allergy in dogs.
Bacteria Contamination
Raw, unpasteurized milk carries risks of bacterial contamination like Campylobacter, Brucella, Salmonella, and E. coli. These bacteria can make dogs very sick.
Only give dogs pasteurized milk from reputable retailers. Raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products should be avoided.
How Much Milk Can Dogs Drink Safely?
Most healthy adult dogs should not drink milk at all, even in small amounts. The risks outweigh any minimal nutrition found in milk.
However, if your individual dog seems to tolerate milk with no digestive upset, limit it to no more than 1-2 ounces once per week. This small amount is unlikely to cause harm.
Monitor your dog closely for any signs of stomach distress, diarrhea, vomiting, or other symptoms. Stop giving milk immediately if issues develop.
Can Dogs Drink Milk Summary
Here is a quick summary of milk recommendations for dogs:
| Dog Age | Can They Have Milk? |
|---|---|
| Newborn puppies | Yes, mother’s milk is best or puppy formula |
| 3-8 week old puppies | Yes, still produce lactase to digest lactose in mother’s milk or formula |
| 8-12 week old puppies | Limited amounts, begin transitioning to solid food and water |
| Over 12 weeks | No regular milk, may tolerate small amounts of lactose-free milk |
| Adult dogs | No regular milk, may tolerate other dairy in small amounts like yogurt or keifer |
| Senior dogs | No milk, likely lactose intolerant |
Conclusion
While giving milk to puppies or dogs seems harmless, most adult canines are lactose intolerant. Consuming regular cow’s milk can give them diarrhea, gas, bloating, and other digestive problems.
It’s best to avoid giving your dog any standard milk after puppyhood. If you want to share a dairy treat with your furry friend, try small amounts of milk alternatives like keifer, lactose-free milk, or plain yogurt. Monitor closely for any signs of a reaction.
With some dogs, a little bit of dairy can be ok if they tolerate it well. But avoid all milk products with dogs showing sensitivity. There are plenty of other nutritious snacks and foods that dogs love too!