Food

Can Dogs Drink Milk? You’re Not Going To Believe What The Experts Say!

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Dog drinking milk from a glass.

As a pet parent, you’re constantly navigating the fine line between giving your pup the best life possible and ensuring their health and safety. You want every treat, meal, and indulgence to not only bring them joy but also support their well-being. From scanning ingredient labels to double-checking which human foods are safe to share, the question of “What’s okay for my dog to eat?” is always top of mind.

One food that often sparks debate is milk. Whether it’s a splash from your cereal bowl, a frozen treat on a hot day, or even a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, the idea of sharing milk with your dog is bound to raise a few questions. Can dogs handle milk the way we do? Are there types that are safer than others? And most importantly, could it potentially harm your beloved furry friend?

The History Of Dogs Drinking Milk: From Necessity To Pop Culture

Pouring milk into a dog's mouth.

The relationship between dogs and milk has evolved over thousands of years, shaped by necessity, tradition, and human ingenuity. In ancient times, dogs often lived in close proximity to humans, relying on scraps and leftovers for sustenance. Milk, a staple in human diets for millennia, became one of the many food items shared with dogs—not necessarily for its nutritional value but as an accessible source of calories and hydration.

Milk As A Survival Food

In early agricultural societies, milk was considered a precious commodity, and its byproducts—such as whey or buttermilk—were often given to working dogs or strays. These dogs, relied upon for herding, guarding, and hunting, consumed milk not as a treat but as a practical source of sustenance during lean times. The easily digestible fats and proteins in milk provided a quick energy boost, especially in regions where meat was scarce or reserved for human consumption.

For example, in rural Europe during the Middle Ages, shepherds frequently shared leftover whey from cheese-making with their herding dogs. This practice was particularly common in regions like the Alps, where dairy farming was integral to survival. Similarly, in parts of Asia and the Middle East, nomadic tribes might offer camel or goat’s milk to their dogs, ensuring their working companions stayed nourished on long journeys.

Cultural Traditions & Milk Consumption

Milk’s role in dogs’ diets wasn’t limited to survival—it also became intertwined with cultural practices. In many parts of the world, milk has long been viewed as a symbol of abundance and nurturing. This belief extended to dogs, particularly in households that valued their pets as family members. In some Indian households, for example, it’s still common to offer dogs a mix of milk and rice as part of their meals, especially during festivals or special occasions.

Regional Variations

In contrast, indigenous communities in the Americas relied less on milk as a dietary staple for both humans and dogs, as many Native American tribes did not domesticate dairy animals. Instead, their dogs were fed scraps of meat or fish, highlighting the regional differences in how milk entered canine diets. These variations reflect the diverse ways humans have adapted their care for dogs based on cultural practices and available resources.

Milk & The Rise Of Modern Pet Care

As societies industrialized and moved away from agrarian lifestyles, the way humans fed their dogs began to shift. The 19th and early 20th centuries saw a growing awareness of canine health and nutrition, leading to the development of commercial dog foods. During this era, milk was still occasionally used to supplement diets, particularly for puppies or dogs recovering from illness.

In the early days of pet ownership, milk was often viewed as a convenient and wholesome addition to a dog’s diet. Many pet care manuals from the 19th century recommended adding milk to homemade dog meals, especially for growing puppies. However, this advice didn’t account for lactose intolerance, which was poorly understood at the time.

Advancements In Veterinary Science

By the mid-20th century, as veterinary science advanced, experts began to question the practice of regularly feeding milk to dogs. Research highlighted that adult dogs lack the enzyme lactase, necessary for breaking down lactose, making milk less suitable for long-term use. This period marked a shift toward understanding that dogs’ nutritional needs are distinct from humans, leading to a decline in milk’s role in everyday canine diets.

Milk In Modern Canine Diets

Today, milk’s place in a dog’s diet is highly debated and far more nuanced. While it is no longer a dietary staple for most dogs, milk has transitioned into a treat—one that pet parents occasionally offer for indulgence rather than necessity. Whether it’s a splash of milk in their water bowl or a frozen yogurt dog treat, milk is now more about pleasure than sustenance.

The history of dogs drinking milk is a testament to the evolving relationship between humans and their pets. What began as a practical food source for working dogs has become a carefully considered indulgence, reflecting our growing understanding of canine health and nutrition. As with many aspects of pet care, milk’s place in a dog’s diet is best approached with caution and respect for their unique needs.

Milk In Pop Culture

The idea of dogs drinking milk has also found its way into movies, advertisements, and viral content. For example, in the animated movie All Dogs Go to Heaven, dogs are often depicted eating and drinking human foods, including milk, showcasing how human-like traits are projected onto pets in popular media. Similarly, the lovable dog Gromit from Wallace & Gromit is occasionally shown enjoying tea and treats with his owner—a nod to the humanization of pets and the notion that a little indulgence, like milk, is harmless in moderation.

Social media is also rife with videos of dogs being offered a bowl of milk as a treat, often paired with reactions that highlight their enjoyment or surprise. For instance, a TikTok trend once featured owners recording their dogs tasting a small spoonful of milk or whipped cream for the first time, showcasing their delighted or confused reactions. These videos often spark debates in the comment sections about the safety of feeding milk to dogs, reflecting how milk remains a hot topic among pet parents.

A Balanced Perspective On Milk

While pop culture and modern trends make milk seem like an irresistible indulgence for dogs, it’s essential to remember that moderation is key. Many of these treats are specifically designed to be safe for dogs, using lactose-free or low-fat alternatives. However, offering milk at home should always be approached with care, especially for dogs with lactose intolerance or sensitive stomachs.

Whether it’s a TikTok challenge, a Puppuccino run, or a heartwarming scene in a movie, milk’s enduring place in dog culture reflects our deep bond with our pets. It also serves as a reminder of how much we enjoy sharing the things we love with our furry friends—even if we need to do so responsibly. The next time you see a dog lapping up a bit of milk, you’re not just witnessing a treat but partaking in a tradition that spans centuries and continues to evolve in our modern world.

Is Animal Milk Safe For Dogs?

When it comes to treating your furry friend, it’s natural to wonder whether sharing a splash of milk is safe. After all, milk is a staple in many human diets, and those puppy-dog eyes make it tempting to offer a taste. But before you pour a bowl or let them lap up what’s left in your glass, it’s important to consider a few key factors about how milk affects dogs.

Dogs process dairy very differently than humans. While some pups can handle it without any noticeable issues, others might experience discomfort or even adverse reactions. One of the main concerns is lactose, a sugar found in animal milk. Many dogs, particularly as they age, lose the ability to properly digest lactose, leading to unpleasant symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, or gas. Even if your dog seems fine after one small sip, larger quantities or regular servings can spell trouble for their tummy.

Another critical consideration is the type of milk you’re offering. Flavored milks or those with added sweeteners, colorings, or other ingredients can pose serious risks. For example, chocolate milk is toxic to dogs due to the presence of theobromine, while sugar-free milks may contain xylitol, a dangerous artificial sweetener. Even seemingly harmless ingredients can be challenging for your dog’s digestive system, making it essential to know exactly what’s in the milk before sharing.

So, can dogs safely drink milk? The answer is yes, but with conditions. A small amount of plain, unflavored animal milk is likely okay as an occasional treat for most dogs. However, it’s best to approach milk with caution, always monitor your pup for any adverse reactions, and ensure it’s free of harmful additives. And if your dog has any underlying health issues, such as lactose intolerance or pancreatitis, milk may be better left out of their diet entirely. Keep reading for a closer look at when milk is safe—and when it’s not—for your four-legged friend.

What About Plant-Based Milk?

A glass with almond milk and the bowl with almonds
In general, the advice for plant-based milk (soy, almond, oat, etc.) is the same as cow’s milk.

Many people are moving to plant-based products, and the question often comes up, “is it safe for my dog, too?”.  Plant-based milk must be naturally produced without added sugars or flavorings if given to your dog. If you are uncertain how your plant-based milk is made or what additives it contains, it is best not to give it to your pup. Again, it should only be given in small amounts as an occasional treat and not made into a regular feature in your dog’s daily diet. 

Is Breast Milk Safe For Dogs?

In small quantities, breast milk is unlikely to be harmful to dogs. Like other types of milk, human breast milk contains lactose, a sugar that many adult dogs struggle to digest. Puppies, like human infants, are equipped with higher levels of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose) during their nursing phase, which helps them digest milk. However, as dogs mature, their production of lactase decreases, making it harder for them to process lactose and increasing the risk of digestive upset.

There are rare scenarios where someone might consider offering breast milk to a dog. For instance:

  1. Emergency Feeding: In very rare cases, if a newborn puppy is orphaned or rejected by its mother and no suitable canine milk replacer is immediately available, human breast milk might be used as a temporary measure to provide hydration and calories. However, it is not a sustainable solution and should only be used until proper puppy formula can be obtained.
  2. Curiosity or Accidental Exposure: Dogs are naturally curious and may try to drink breast milk if it’s within reach, such as spilled milk or milk expressed and left unattended.
  3. Misguided Belief in Nutritional Benefits: Some people may mistakenly believe that the nutrients in human breast milk would be beneficial for dogs. However, the nutritional profiles of dogs and humans differ significantly, and what’s perfect for a human infant might not be suitable for a dog.

Even if your dog can tolerate lactose, human breast milk isn’t designed to meet a dog’s specific nutritional needs. While it’s packed with nutrients perfect for human babies, it lacks key nutrients dogs require for healthy growth and maintenance, such as certain proteins, fats, and vitamins found in a species-appropriate diet.

When Is Milk Not Safe For Dogs?

There are certain medical conditions when giving milk, either plant-based or cow’s milk may be harmful to your pup. 

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose is a type of sugar found in dairy products. Lactose intolerance is when the body cannot digest the sugar lactose, leading to signs of digestive upset. Puppies and kittens can digest milk as they have an enzyme called “lactase,” which does this job. After weaning, the activity of this digestive enzyme reduces. As a result, many dogs, unfortunately, suffer from lactose intolerance.

Signs of lactose intolerance include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Bloating
  • Flatulence
  • Abdominal discomfort

If you are uncertain if your dog has lactose intolerance, it is best not to feed her any dairy products and speak to your veterinarian for further advice. The majority of plant-based kinds of milk are lactose-free or contain a low lactose content. However, they can still cause tummy upsets, especially if given in larger volumes. 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is an umbrella term that covers several different disorders. One disorder is termed “food responsive enteropathy” (F.R.E.). The exact mechanism of disease development is incompletely understood. Even the specialists in the human field have yet to reach a consensus! As a simple overview, it is thought that complex negative interactions between your pup’s immune system, the bacteria in the gut, and specific molecules in food are to blame.

Typically, F.R.E. is associated with sensitivities to certain dietary proteins. Signs of the condition include vomiting, diarrhea, changes in appetite, weight loss, bloating, or flatulence. If your dog has long-standing or recurrent gastrointestinal problems, you should discuss these with your veterinarian. It is likely some diagnostic investigations, such as blood testing, an ultrasound scan of your dog’s tummy, and even sometimes a camera study of the intestines for biopsies may be advised. Your veterinarian will then recommend treatment based on your pup’s case assessment and test results.

For F.R.E., this often starts as a strict exclusion dietary trial for many weeks. You must stick to this without feeding treats or foods that may derail the investigation. Depending on your pup’s age and the severity of their signs, the dietary trial may be advised before invasive investigations. If your dog is suspected of having or has been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, you should not feed them milk. 

Pancreatitis

The pancreas is an organ that has essential roles in digestion and sugar utilization in dogs. Pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. How this comes about in dogs is complex, likely multifactorial and incompletely understood. However, high levels of dietary fat are considered a potential risk factor for the disease, and this is even more so if your dog has had pancreatitis in the past.

Any dog that’s had a bout of pancreatitis will be advised to maintain a low-fat diet, sometimes for life. Animal milk has a high-fat content and should not be fed to a dog with a history of pancreatitis. While plant milk, in general, has a lower fat profile, it still would not be recommended for dogs with pancreatitis. 

Obesity

Canine obesity is a growing epidemic that is leading to a rise in associated diseases in our furry companions. A chubby pup may be perceived as looking cute but being overweight is associated with many health disorders. This is because fat is not only physically heavy on your pet’s bones and joints, increasing the risk of joint disorders, but it is also ‘metabolically active.’ This means fat releases hormones and molecules that can negatively affect your pet’s overall health.

If you think your pup is overweight, you should speak to your local veterinary clinic. They will be able to advise you on a healthy diet and exercise regime to help your pup drop pounds. It is not advisable to supplement your dog’s diet with treats and titbits. This will just add calories, making their weight loss journey harder. Therefore it is not recommended to give your furry friend cow or plant milk if they are overweight. 

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a disease where the body cannot correctly regulate its blood sugar levels. The disease results from problems with the production or response to a hormone called “insulin.” Most commonly in dogs, it results from a failure to produce insulin, but other mechanisms are also possible. Signs of diabetes mellitus include excessive thirst and urination, weight loss, and increased appetite.

Treatment is usually via regular insulin injections and very careful dietary management. Both plant and animal milk do contain naturally-occurring sugars. Therefore, if your dog has diabetes mellitus, feeding milk can harm their diabetes control. It is advisable never to feed your pup anything new when they have diabetes without double-checking it with the veterinarian that manages their condition first. 

Milk During Pregnancy 

Thirsty 7 weeks old Bernese Mountain dog puppy drinking milk
Feeding non-canine milk to a puppy may give them an upset tummy.

It is a common myth that your dog must be given milk during her pregnancy. Nutritional requirements during pregnancy are very complex, and even though she needs plenty of calcium, too much can also be detrimental. It is advisable to provide your pregnant dog with a complete and balanced growth or lactation diet, avoiding any attempts for at-home supplementation. If you have concerns about your bitch’s nutrition during her pregnancy, discuss these with your veterinarian, who will be able to guide you on any changes or supplementation that should be undertaken. 

My Breeder Says I Need to Give My New Puppy Milk

If you’ve just brought home a new puppy, you will likely have been given a puppy pack from your breeder with lots of advice and care information. Some breeders will include the advice that your puppy should be given milk (be it cow’s or goat’s milk) regularly whilst they are growing.  Providing you are feeding your puppy a complete and balanced puppy food, and most good quality store-bought diets meet this standard, your puppy does not need milk added to their diet.

Instead, provide plenty of fresh water at all times. When they are young, puppies are very vulnerable to dehydration with stomach upsets, so it is best to avoid putting them at risk. If you wish to feed your new puppy a home-prepared diet, we strongly urge you to consult with your local veterinarian. It is extremely challenging to meet your growing puppy’s complex nutritional needs with a home-prepared diet. As such, this should always be carried out under the guidance of a licensed veterinary nutritionist. 

How Do I Tell If I Am Giving My Dog Too Much Milk?

A small tablespoon every so often as a treat is unlikely to be harmful, but you should not give your dog a whole bowl of milk. Too much milk in your pup’s diet is likely to cause signs of gastrointestinal upset, including tummy pain, flatulence, and diarrhea. Therefore, if you choose to give your pup milk, it is best to be limited to special occasions and only give a small amount. If your dog becomes unwell after a small amount of milk, it is best to avoid feeding your pup dairy products in the future. 

Got Milk?

A small amount of milk is unlikely to harm your pup unless they suffer from a medical condition that means they shouldn’t have milk. Too much milk, for any dog, is likely to lead to tummy upsets. If you are unsure if milk is safe for your four-legged companion, then chat with your local veterinarian, who will be able to give you advice tailored to your pup’s needs. 

Dr. Emma Rogers-Smith, DVM

Before qualifying as a Veterinary Surgeon from Cambridge University, Emma worked part-time at a small animal veterinary clinic. After graduation, that role evolved into her first job as a veterinary surgeon. After 18-months, she decided to advance her veterinary training, undertaking rotating internships followed by 2.5 years of residency training as an Internal Medicine Clinician at a large multidisciplinary referral hospital in the UK. She has always had a passion for solving puzzles, and the really tricky Internal Medicine cases are her favorite. Emma has published several first-author research papers and is actively involved in ongoing Internal Medicine and Antibiotic Stewardship research projects.

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