Can Dogs Have Soy Milk or Almond Milk?
Soy milk and almond milk are some of the most enjoyed beverages that can be found anywhere from your local market to your coffee shop. More and more people are stocking their refrigerators with them. As a result, many people who have pets are wondering if it is safe to give either one of these tasty drinks to their pets.
About Plant-Based Milk
Plant-based milk includes almond, soy, coconut, and oat milk. They contain a lower nutritional content than cow’s milk, such as less protein, vitamins, and minerals. Sugar and calcium are also left out of most plant-based milk products. Their lower lactose content makes plant-based milk safer to give to dogs that are lactose intolerant.
Before You Switch
Though plant-based milk may be a safer alternative to traditional milk, it is best to talk to your vet before making any changes in your dog’s diet. This is because each type of plant-based milk contains some health risks that every pet owner needs to know about.
Soy Milk for Dogs
The most popular plant-milk alternative available, soy milk is derived from soybeans. It is a good alternative protein source for humans and animals alike. Soy protein is a commonly-found ingredient in dog food.
With that being said, soy is not right for every animal. The most common issue that dogs have with soy is an allergic reaction. In most cases, dogs are allergic to the type of protein that is found in their diet. The same goes for soymilk. Soymilk has a high amount of protein in it; therefore, it presents a high risk of triggering an allergic reaction in dogs.
Sugar is also added to most soymilk, which is not healthy to give to dogs on a regular basis. Doing so can increase the risk of them developing diabetes. If you choose to give your dog soymilk, unsweetened soymilk is the way to go.
Almond Milk for Dogs
Almonds are in no way toxic to dogs, and therefore milk derived from almonds is also safe. Almond milk is safe to give to dogs in small amounts as a treat or for supplementation purposes. It is low in calories and protein and higher in fat. Because of this, watch your dog’s digestion to make sure it isn’t causing diarrhea. A diet high in fat can also cause pancreatitis in dogs, so make sure to only give your dog almond milk in small amounts.
Oat Milk for Dogs
Oat milk can also be given safely to dogs, in small amounts. It is high in nutrition, as it contains B-vitamins, vitamin D, and calcium.
The only risk in giving oat milk to your dog is that it contains a high amount of fiber in it. Giving too much fiber to your dog can cause diarrhea or constipation. For this reason, be sure to give oat milk in moderation.
Cow’s Milk for Dogs
Many dogs cannot be given cow’s milk because they are lactose intolerant. This means their digestive tract becomes upset when you feed it to them. If you still prefer to treat your pets with cow’s milk, lactose-free milk can be given in moderation.
Final Thought
Keep in mind that your biggest concern with giving your pets any type of milk should be the extra calories that it provides them. Foods that you are giving them outside of their commercial diet are providing them with unnecessary calories. Avoid making your pet overweight by giving them extras like plant-based milk in small quantities.