We live in an era where many people are switching over to a plant based diet. That also means saying goodbye to our good old cow milk. If you are one of those people enjoying dairy alternatives you might be wondering if it’s safe to share them with your canine. We already know that straight up dairy isn’t too good for dogs, but what about these alternatives? Today we will be focusing on almond milk and on the question — Can dogs have almond milk? Let’s find out together!
Can dogs have almond milk?
We know that almonds are incredibly healthy and good for humans, but what about dogs? How safe is it to give your dog a sip of almond milk from time to time? Well, the answer to this question will depend on a few different factors. This will mainly depend on the type of almond milk that you are consuming. Most cheap almond milks are full of different fillers, flavors, sugars and also preservatives. Another major question is — will your dog even like almond milk?
Does my dog like almond milk?
While almond milk definitely is rich i vitamins, minerals, not all dogs will like the taste of it. In addition to that, many dogs also have nut allergies. So definitely keep it safe and make sure that your dogs can even have almonds in the first place. Therefore, start with a smaller amount and see what happens. Is your dog completely fine after it? Did he seem to enjoy drinking the almond milk? Did it in any way change his digestion routine?
If your dog had some almonds previously, chances are that he will be enjoying his milk too.
Almond milk is made from soaking almonds with water and milking them to form this dairy-free milk.
So the taste is pretty much straight almonds.
You will be able to tell right away if your dog likes almond milk or not. Signs your dog likes almond milk may include them wagging their tails, pacing around the kitchen waiting for more, or spinning around in circles with excitement. Pretty much the same as with any other tasty food they enjoy.
Is almond milk good for dogs?
Knowing what we know about almond milk, we should come to the conclusion that it’s pretty healthy for dogs, isn’t it? Almonds contain essential vitamins that are necessary for your dog’s health. They are rich in vitamin B3 which helps keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy, strong, and shiny. It also supports the liver and the eye health. Almonds also have high levels of vitamin E and Calcium. These keep your dogs digestive system, bones and joints in good shape.
However, not all almond milk is made equally. Some of them contain a lot of artificial flavors, sugar, or artificial sweeteners like Xylitol. This artificial sweetener is incredibly toxic for dogs and could even kill them.
How to give my dog almond milk?
First of all, make sure you get a good quality almond milk. No artificial sugars, no artificial flavors and no preservatives. In the best case scenario — you could make the almond milk yourself. Trust us — it isn’t nearly as complicated as you may think it is. All you need are plain, raw almonds and water. You soak the almonds, grind them, and let them sit for a while before you strain and drain them through a fine cheesecloth.
However, if you don’t have the time or the will to make the almond milk yourself, you can still find healthy options in the supermarket. Seek brands that contain higher levels of actual almonds without a lot of food fillers. In addition to that, make sure that the almond milk is unflavored and unsweetened.
However, even if you find the most healthy almond milk that is out there, you should still give it to your dog only in moderation. While almond milk is super healthy, it’s also very rich in calories and fat. That can lead to your dog gaining weight. The extra weight could eventually lead to your dog becoming obese — which could drastically lower his quality of life.
Conclusion
In short: Can dogs have almond milk? Yes, they can. Well, unless your dog is allergic to almonds. In that case it definitely shouldn’t be considered. Almonds are healthy and full of nutrients, however, just like with anything else — moderation is key. If you decide to give your dog almond milk, make sure you keep the quantities at a reasonable rate.