A little vanilla yogurt never hurt anyone, right? Not even a dog? Well, how true is that really? Can dogs eat vanilla yogurt?
Human foods are generally a bit controversial. There are so many foods that are upright toxic for dogs. Then we have all the processed food. Numerous additives and sweeteners can be dangerous for our dogs.
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But what about vanilla yogurt? Both vanilla and yogurt are rather natural, right?
In this article we’re going to answer the question can dogs have vanilla yogurt.
Can dogs have vanilla yogurt?
The short answer is it’s not toxic, but they really shouldn’t. I am going to be completely honest with you.
A spoon or two of vanilla yogurt won’t harm your dog. But there are so many other much healthier options. Like plain yogurt or even greek yogurt.
The issue with vanilla yogurt
Vanilla yogurt contains usually much more than just vanilla and yogurt.
On the ingredient list, you’ll find vanilla flavoring, sugar, sodium, and sometimes even sweeteners.
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The vanilla flavoring itself is quite questionable actually. Vanilla does not equal vanilla. Nowadays we have natural vanilla and the more popular (and cheaper) vanilla extract. And what do you think which is used for making vanilla yogurt?
Big companies will always opt for that cheaper option that basically tastes the same for us humans.
But dogs are a different story. Vanilla extract is not safe for dogs. And it’s not really natural vanilla flavor. Let’s take a look at what is actually in the store-bought vanilla extract:
- Vanilla beans
- Alcohol
- Sugar
- Food coloring
- Sodium benzoate
- Propylene glycol
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It’s also important to add that, if your vanilla yogurt says sugar-free, it means it contains some kind of sweeteners. The sweetener used is most likely xylitol which is extremely toxic for dogs.
No health benefits at all
Why would you want to feed your dog vanilla yogurt? If you just want to share a spoon of good old vanilla yogurt with your dog, then fine. Go ahead.
However, that yogurt has absolutely no health benefits for your pooch. Vanilla yogurt purely consists of sugar, and your dog definitely shouldn’t consume it!
Sugar can lead to serious health problems. Obesity and tooth decay are only some of them.
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It’s proven that dogs which consume sugar regularly are more obese and will develop diabetes in their life.
Besides this, vanilla yogurt contains lactose. Many dogs are actually lactose intolerant! They have serious problems digesting dairy products. If they consume dairy they will suffer from bloating and diarrhea!
Other symptoms lactose intolerant dogs might experience:
Safe yogurts for dogs
The answer to the question can dogs eat vanilla yogurt is obviously a big NO. But what about other kinds of yogurt, particularly plain and greek yogurt?
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Plain yogurt and greek yogurt are actually the best kinds of yogurts to give your canine. That is if they are not lactose intolerant.
Greek yogurts contain more concentrated levels of live-culture probiotics, low in fat, and are low in lactose sugar.
Conclusion
The answer to the question can dogs have vanilla yogurt and can dogs eat vanilla yogurt is NO. Generally speaking there is nothing toxic in vanilla yogurt (unless the yogurt is made with xylitol). However, it’s still not advised that you give your dog vanilla yogurt.
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Besides vanilla yogurt, yogurts that have these on the label are also not safe for your dog:
- With artificial flavors and sweeteners (especially Xylitol)
- With “fruit on the bottom”
- Chocolate flavored
- Full-fat
Finally, it’s not only vanilla yogurt that is not safe for your canine. There are so many other delicious human foods that could actually kill your dog! So please, always do research before you decide to share a snack or meal with your canine.