Many foods that humans safely enjoy can be harmful to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes and onions. Dairy products fall into a grey area where they aren't always poisonous but may cause digestive discomfort or other issues depending on the dog.
In this article, we'll explore whether dogs are lactose intolerant, the risks and symptoms linked to feeding dairy, and how to safely approach dairy products with your dog while promoting responsible pet ownership.
Dogs vary in their ability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Pups produce lactase enzyme to digest their mother’s milk, but as dogs mature, many produce less lactase or none at all since dairy isn't a natural part of their diet.
Because dogs evolved without consuming dairy, they lack the digestive adaptations humans developed for milk digestion. This means many adult dogs are lactose intolerant, experiencing difficulty digesting lactose.
However, some dogs tolerate small amounts of dairy, while others show digestive upset or even allergic reactions in rare cases.
Lactose is a naturally occurring sugar found primarily in cow’s milk and dairy products. To digest lactose, an animal needs to produce lactase, an enzyme that breaks lactose into absorbable sugars.
Many adult dogs have insufficient lactase production, meaning lactose remains undigested in their gut, leading to fermentation and digestive symptoms such as diarrhoea and bloating.
If a dog that produces little or no lactase consumes dairy, symptoms often appear within 30 minutes to 12 hours, including:
These symptoms are generally milder than a dairy allergy, which involves the immune system and can cause skin issues and more severe reactions.
Yes, some dogs have allergies to dairy proteins, with symptoms including itchy skin, redness, recurrent ear infections, vomiting and diarrhoea. This immune response differs from lactose intolerance and requires veterinary diagnosis and management.
Confirming a dairy allergy involves an elimination diet trial supervised by a vet, feeding a hypoallergenic diet for 8-12 weeks and reintroducing dairy cautiously to observe reactions.
If your dog tolerates dairy without any digestive upset, occasional small amounts such as a cube of cheese or probiotic yoghurt can be given as treats. However, regularly feeding dairy is not necessary for dogs, and their complete diets provide balanced nutrition without the risks.
For dogs with lactose intolerance or suspected sensitivity, it is best to avoid dairy or offer lactose-free alternatives to prevent discomfort.
To feed dairy safely to your dog in the UK, follow these recommendations:
Several alternatives can offer occasional treats without lactose-related problems:
Remember, treats should not replace a balanced dog diet, and always consult your vet before introducing new food products.
If your dog experiences persistent digestive upset after consuming dairy, or displays skin or breathing problems, consult your veterinarian promptly for diagnosis and guidance. Avoid self-diagnosing lactose intolerance or allergy, as symptoms can overlap with other conditions.
Veterinary advice often involves elimination diet trials and, in the case of allergies, nutritional management with hypoallergenic diets.
Most adult dogs are lactose intolerant to some degree due to reduced lactase enzyme production, making dairy digestion difficult. While some tolerate small amounts without issue, others may suffer from diarrhoea, bloating, or vomiting. Rarely, dogs can have a dairy allergy needing specific veterinary management.
Responsible pet owners should observe their dog's reaction to dairy, limit or avoid dairy products as needed, and consider suitable lactose-free alternatives. Above all, prioritise balanced nutrition and hydration with complete dog food and fresh water.
Understanding your dog's dietary needs and sensitivities, supported by current veterinary consensus, helps maintain their comfort and health.