When it comes to dogs and what they should eat and what they should avoid, there are several dos and don’ts. One question that often gets asked is if dogs can eat curd or not.
If you’re a dog owner, you would have this question as well. The simple answer is…
Can Dogs Eat Curd?
YES! Dogs can eat curd. Even the dogs that have shown intolerance for milk because of its lactose content can eat curd. As puppies, they are given milk, and then gradually they lose their tolerance for milk because the large amounts of lactose make it difficult to digest. However, when milk is turned to curd, the fermentation of the milk reduces the lactic acid and makes it more digestible. It is the lactic acid that causes problems, and when that is reduced, as in the case of curd or cheese, it is safe for the dog to ingest.
Is Curd Good for Dogs’ Health?
There are many proven benefits to giving curd to your dog.
Robust digestive system: One of the key elements of curd is the probiotics. Probiotics stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and make the digestion process easier for your dog. Additionally, digesting curd is possible without the body heating up due to the effort. Therefore, curd can be given in the summer, too.
Calcium-rich and phosphorous: Calcium and phosphorus are essential in puppies as well as older dogs. Many dog breeds tend to suffer from bone defects due to a shortfall of calcium and phosphorous. In some cases, it even leads to hip dysplasia. While there are supplements that can be given to your dog, the natural form of calcium and phosphorous are always better. Curd contains both calcium and phosphorous and can be safely added to the balanced dog food formula you give your dog.
Controlled weight: Curd has high levels of protein and is easy to digest. It is also low in calories. Dogs would not become obese or overweight because of curd.
Antifungal and antibacterial properties of curd make it an ideal solution for skin problems. Mange is one particular skin infection that is itchy and applying curd in the affected area is soothing to the dog.
Be Cautious: Don’t Give too Much
Just like with any other food, having too much of curd can be bad for your dog’s health. It is always best to be cautious when feeding your dog anything. The same is true of curd. Just because your dog loves curd and it is easy enough for you to produce it at home, it is not advisable to go overboard when giving curd to the dog.
Too much curd can affect the digestion and cause loose stools in your dog. A little curd mixed with some water would be the ideal. High-fat content in curd can be unhealthy for your dog. It is also good to remember that curd is not a substitute for other food. Curd alone is not enough for your dog to be healthy. It is to be given in addition to their regular nutritious meals.
Giving Curd To Puppies
You can give curd to your puppies. Puppies love curd and will be happy to consume as much as you give them. But, caution is necessary. Curd has proven to be a great transitional food when puppies are being weaned off from their mother’s milk. When the puppies are around forty days’ old, they can be introduced to curd by mixing it with their regular food. Curd makes the food softer, and the puppies will find it easier to transition to food pellets.
You can use curd in different pet recipes. Also, avoid feeding them curd during winter. However, in summer months, curd popsicles are most enjoyable. Mixing a little curd with water and sweet potato and freezing it with small moulds will be a great snack that is healthy and fun to eat. Another recipe is pureed vegetables with a little curd and honey, frozen in small ice cream cups. These recipes are perfect in summer, and dogs enjoy the taste and feel cool from the inside out.
Your dog not feeling well?
Are they feeling low in energy? Think they have eaten something that has made them sick?
Talk to a veterinary expert.
The need to receive medical advice for your pet will never cease; therefore, VOSD has made it easier with digital access through any of your devices. All the information you need can now be available to you from your homes.
VOSD offers free veterinary service for the whole gamut from first aid to long term medical assistance needed in the case of diseases related to liver, cardiac, pancreatic, gallbladder regardless of your current location. As dog parents, you can use telemedicine for dogs service from VOSD, which allows you to seek online treatment for dogs from qualified veterinarians
The information contained in VOSD Vet Advice™ is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical action which is provided by your vet. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. For any emergency related to a dog’s health, please visit the nearest veterinary clinic.
Do you find this information useful? For more advice, visit the VOSD website.
