Greek Yogurt For Pets: Is It Really the Best Choice?

You know how some pet parents beam with pride when they mention they’re feeding their furry friends Greek yogurt? They’re convinced that it’s not only the gold standard of yogurt, but it’s amazing for health. I laugh at myself as I type this because used to think the same way!

But, let’s dig a little deeper into why Greek yogurt might not be the superfood it’s cracked up to be.

First, people rave about Greek yogurt because of the live bacteria that ferment the milk. Greek yogurt is indeed thicker and creamier, but does that really make it a better option for our pets?

Maybe not.  Let’s address the elephant in the room: that infamous list of foods that are considered toxic or problematic for dogs and cats: Among the usual suspects, you’ll find milk.

Why?

Most of the time, milk on the list is there because we’re referring to pasteurized cow’s milk. Pasteurized cow’s milk is an issue because pasteurization kills off the enzymes that help us digest milk, leading to a lot of pets (and people) being lactose intolerant. When lactose—the naturally occurring sugar in milk—remains undigested, it can cause painful gastrointestinal issues like gas, bloating, and, yes, screaming diarrhea.

Unfortunately, greek yogurt is ALSO made from pasteurized cow’s milk; so the same issues apply. The pasteurization process eliminates not just harmful bacteria but also many beneficial nutrients and enzymes.

Milk is essentially breast milk, designed to nourish young animals as they grow. There’s a reason why it’s so vital for baby mammals—breast milk is packed with the nutrients they need. But when humans began milking cows without proper hygiene, bacteria became a concern, leading to the pasteurization mandate. What we’re left with is “dead” milk, which isn’t the nutrient powerhouse it once was.

So, feel free to KEEP bragging about the Greek yogurt you’re feeding your pets, but know this: While yogurt IS a better option than dry kibble,  whether it’s Greek, regular, or low-fat yogurt, it’s all derived from pasteurized cow’s milk that can be difficult for many pets to digest.

But if you want REAL bragging rights for what you feed your pet, I can’t help but recommend something I truly believe in—raw goat milk. It provides a host of nutritional benefits without the digestive issues associated with pasteurized products. If you’re looking to boost your pet’s health, raw goat milk is where it’s at!