Can dogs eat Lactaid? In moderation, yes. But there are some caveats you need to be aware of before you feed your dog dairy products, especially if your pet has lactose intolerance or other stomach sensitivities to dairy products. Here’s what you need to know about whether or not dogs can eat Lactaid and how much they should consume at one time to avoid adverse side effects.
Can Dogs Eat Lactaid? Everything You Need to Know
Lactose intolerant people can use Lactaid to tolerate dairy products, but can dogs eat Lactaid? While Lactaid does not contain ingredients that could harm or kill your dog, it does have dairy. If you want to know more about whether dogs can eat Lactaid, keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about this topic!
How do I know if my dog can have lactose-free milk?
If your dog is lactose intolerant, you may be wondering if lactose-free milk is safe for dogs. The short answer is yes! According to PetMD, most pet owners don’t need to worry about giving their dog some TLC in a special treat. If your pup can have lactose-free milk, you can give her a small amount once or twice a day, just like she would any other kind of treat. Most dogs will also down it because it’s delicious, which means less mess! Can dogs eat cheese too?: Cheese isn’t toxic to dogs, but there are reasons why it’s best not given as a regular treat.
How much lactose-free milk should I give my dog?
Determining how much lactose-free milk is safe for your dog depends on his size and weight. If he’s smaller, give him less, and if he’s larger or weighs more, you can feed him more without worrying about any harmful side effects. Even if your pet doesn’t have lactose intolerance, it may still be good to introduce dairy into his diet in small doses. Although dogs can eat lactose-free milk safely with no issues, too much too soon could upset their stomachs and cause diarrhea. Constantly monitor your dog after you introduce a new food into his diet! Remember: start slow! Slow down that tight little puppy tummy!
What are the side effects of feeding my dog lactose-free milk?
A small number of dogs, who are lactose intolerant, might experience loose stools and gas after drinking lactose-free milk. A few might get diarrhea or an upset stomach from consuming even a tiny amount of lactose-free milk. If your dog experiences any of these side effects, feed her regular cow’s milk instead and try giving her a smaller amount of lactose-free milk. If you’re still worried about giving your dog lactose-free dairy, talk to your vet first to recommend a brand that might work best for your dog.
What happens if my dog eats regular dairy products (e.g., ice cream)?
For most dogs, eating a small number of regular dairy products won’t have a negative effect. However, dogs have very different digestive systems than humans, and their bodies break down food differently, too. As a result, some dogs react negatively to certain foods safe for humans. Since dairy products like ice cream often contain fat or even high sugar levels, your dog may be able to eat them without adverse side effects, but sometimes they can cause diarrhea or vomiting. Luckily, these symptoms should clear up within a few hours of consuming dairy products. Contact your veterinarian if your pet seems lethargic or develops any other symptoms.
Are there alternatives to lactose-free milk that may be better for my dog?
There are some alternatives for lactose-free milk that can better your dog. Coconut milk, rice milk, and almond milk are great alternatives that do not contain dairy products. These alternatives will give your dog as many nutrients as cow’s milk, including calcium and protein, but they won’t cause stomach upset or allergic reactions. These alternative options are also significantly cheaper than most lactose-free dairy products. It costs $2 more per gallon to buy lactose-free cows’ milk. That is a significant price difference, especially if you have multiple dogs that drink a lot of liquid!
Is it true that dogs cannot digest lactose?
Put, yes. All mammals produce an enzyme called lactase to digest milk sugar. However, when weaning off of their mother’s milk and onto solid food around four to six months of age, most mammals stop producing lactase because they no longer need it—the whole reason humans and other adult mammals develop a decreased sensitivity to lactose as they age. The good news is that your dog can still consume small amounts of dairy products without any major issues; however, you’ll want to pay close attention to some guidelines…
What do you do if your dog has accidentally ingested some lactose or Lactaid pills?
First, you will want to calm them down but do not force any water or milk on your dog. Once they have settled, try to observe if they are starting to feel nauseous. Then you would want to go out and get one of those lactose/Lactaid pill testers that tells you exactly how much lactose/Lactaid is in whatever food substance you have put under it. Suppose your dog has ingested a lot of lactose or Lactaid. In that case, you need to visit a veterinarian right away because your dog may have developed something called lactic acidosis, which can be fatal in some cases. If your dog has only ingested a small amount of lactic acid or lactic acid tablets, it should start feeling better after about 12 hours.
What are the side effects of Lactaid in dogs?
Although dogs can safely eat lactose-free foods in moderation without experiencing any side effects, there are some things to watch out for. For example, if your dog has IBS or diarrhea, feeding it a diet deficient in fat may worsen these conditions. Similarly, if your pet has an underlying health condition (such as diabetes), you should seek advice from your vet before beginning a dietary regime with such strict guidelines. Generally speaking, though—if you can consume it yourself—your dog probably can too!
What happens when a dog ingests an entire container of Lactaid pills
The active ingredient in Lactaid pills is lactic acid. The reaction of lactic acid and the dog’s digestive system is an acute form of an upset stomach. Although lactaid should not be dangerous for dogs because it is a lactic acid supplement, it can cause discomfort. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea are common reactions to Lactaid ingestion and are generally short-lived if you take your dog to a veterinarian immediately after ingestion.
After your dog eats some Lactaid pills, how soon should you call your vet?
We always encourage pet owners to seek emergency veterinary care for their pets if something goes wrong—so there’s no set time for when to call your vet after your dog eats Lactaid pills. It’s worth noting that some lactose-intolerant dogs develop diarrhea within hours of eating dairy products; other times, a dog will pass undigested dairy many days later. If you have any reason to suspect that your dog has eaten Lactaid pills but doesn’t show any signs of distress (vomiting, diarrhea), check with your vet to see if they recommend bringing him in. Most lactose-intolerant dogs are susceptible to even small amounts of dairy and likely need immediate veterinary care.
Can Dogs Eat Lactaid? A Vet’s Opinion
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance that you’re worried about your dog and want to know if dogs can eat Lactaid or not. As always, I recommend talking to your local veterinarian, but here are some pointers on whether dogs can eat Lactaid or not.
What are the Ingredients in Lactaid?
The main ingredient in any Lactaid product is lactase. While lactase is a normal part of human digestion, dogs can’t produce it themselves. If they ingest dairy products, lactose will sit in their stomachs and cause symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, and flatulence. Luckily for dogs (and people with lactose intolerance), Lactaid includes live cultures that help digest those harmful sugars by breaking them down before making it to your dog’s intestines. In short: yes, dogs can eat Lactaid! But check with your vet first to ensure it’s safe for your pup.
Are There Other Dairy Foods I Should Be Worried About?
No, not usually. Most other dairy products contain relatively high amounts of calcium and should be fine in moderation. In particular, most cheeses are fine, especially those with harder rinds that don’t break down as quickly or those that have been pasteurized. However, cheese can still be bad for dogs regularly because it has lots of fat (which we’ll get to next). Also, some dogs may be lactose intolerant to such an extent that they may not tolerate any amount of dairy products. If you suspect your dog is one of these pups, check with your vet before giving her any other dairy foods.
How does Lactaid Affect my Dog?
It’s important to note that lactose intolerance doesn’t exist in dogs, per se. There is no enzyme in dogs that break down lactose—lactase—so when you give your dog daily, it can cause discomfort and even some unpleasant symptoms. The most common result of giving your dog dairy is diarrhea, though vomiting can also occur. Other symptoms include gastrointestinal distress and lethargy or weakness. It all depends on how much your dog consumes and how sensitive they are to lactose; if your dog has trouble digesting a small amount of lactose, they will likely be OK with a large amount.
A Final Word on Feeding Dogs Dairy Products
When you feed dogs human food, it’s important to remember that what is healthy for us isn’t always suitable for our four-legged friends. Even if your dog can eat dairy products, adding them too frequently might upset his digestive system. When possible, stick with lactose-free items, and always make sure your pet has access to fresh water so he doesn’t go thirsty. If you have any questions about giving your dog specific foods, it’s best to contact a vet or a pet food expert before changing his diet. Have fun and be safe!