As dog parents, we love feeding our pooches yummy meals and treats. While there is nothing wrong with pampering your dog from time to time, it is important to know whether a food is safe for them to consume.
Have you ever wondered if your dog can drink some evaporated milk? Let’s find out!
Can Dogs Drink Milk?
Dogs love dairy! However, is it okay for them to drink milk and consume related products?
Most human foods are okay to be given to your canine companions in moderation. It is also important to look out for signs of lactose intolerance. Some pups cannot tolerate the lactose in the milk, and it will result in an intestinal upset.
While most dogs can digest small quantities of goat’s milk or cow’s milk, some dogs have an allergic reaction.
Pooches that are not lactose intolerant can drink milk in small quantities. Keep the quantity to a few tablespoons once in a while. The milk will be a nice treat for them. However, it will be enjoyable only if done without overindulging.
If you try to offer them a bowl full of milk in one instance, it will likely lead to adverse reactions like diarrhea and vomiting.
Milk is rich in natural sugars and fat. Overindulgence in this beverage can cause your dog to gain weight and become obese. Obesity will invite other serious health problems.
Overconsumption of dairy products can also result in pancreatitis in dogs. This serious issue is usually a result of dietary indiscretion and obesity.
Puppies and Milk
Puppies usually have an enzyme named lactase in abundance. This enzyme is what helps them break down the lactose sugar in milk. This keeps them from experiencing any side effects during their nursing years.
However, as they are weaned off the milk and start consuming an adult diet, their system reduces the production of lactase. This is how most dogs show lactose intolerance.
Also Read: Can Dogs Drink Oat Milk?
Is Evaporated Milk Safe for Dogs to Drink?
Evaporated milk is a shelf-stable canned liquid that is typically used instead of cream or regular milk. You get evaporated milk when ordinary milk loses 60 percent of its water content.
It is a thickened, tasty alternative to regular milk. Most dogs enjoy drinking evaporated milk.
However, it is not safe to consume in large quantities. Indulge your dog with a few teaspoons of evaporated milk on odd occasions.
Since canned milk is a concentrated form of ordinary milk, it is rich in fat. Adding too much of it to your dog’s diet can lead to problems down the road.
Though dairy is not toxic for canines, it can cause several health issues, especially if the dog has lactose intolerance.
Before you add evaporated milk to your dog’s diet, make sure to get your vet’s opinion. Introduce very small quantities and monitor your pet’s reaction to the canned liquid.
Overall, make sure to treat your dog with just a little bit of the tasty milk and that too, on rare occasions.
Can Puppies Drink Evaporated Milk?
Have you ever wondered what type of milk to give puppies if, for some reason, they are not able to nurse and get their mother’s milk?
Mothers of every species produce milk that has been uniquely tailored to meet the needs of their young. In case a puppy is not able to get dog milk, it is not ideal to feed them cow’s milk.
There are several alternative sources of nourishment for the young pups. The replacement milk formulas are designed to meet every need of the growing puppy.
Evaporated milk is one such acceptable treat for puppies. It can be used in an emergency when you have nothing to quieten down a hungry puppy. However, it must be given in moderation and not as a whole meal.
You will need to dilute the milk with some plain yogurt, corn syrup, and egg yolks in the right quantities. This will help make digestion easier.
Avoid giving the puppy evaporated milk if they are lactose intolerant or show similar signs.
Also Read: Can Dogs Drink Kombucha?
Evaporated Milk vs Condensed Milk
Some people mix up evaporated milk and condensed milk. Evaporated milk has no added sugar, whereas condensed milk has been sweetened with high amounts of sugar.
While the latter is not toxic, it is not considered a healthy meal or treat for canines due to its sugar content. It can result in diarrhea and stomach discomfort.
Make sure you do not confuse the cans. Evaporated milk is okay in small portions. On the other hand, condensed milk should be avoided.
However, if your furry friend does end up consuming a little bit of condensed milk, there is no reason to panic. The small amount is not likely to cause harm.
In case of diarrhea or discomfort that does not subside in a day’s time, reach out to a vet for help.
Signs of Lactose Intolerance in Dogs
A deficiency of the enzyme lactase results in intolerance toward milk and its products. Dogs are commonly intolerant of dairy products. It means they struggle with its digestion.
While some dogs may have issues drinking milk, they are able to handle other dairy products like plain yogurt and cheese. These products are generally easier on the digestive system than ordinary milk.
Other dogs react adversely to all dairy products. They have varying degrees of intolerance. While some may show mild symptoms, others experience very severe consequences.
Most pet parents are unaware of their dog’s allergies or lactose intolerance until their first feeding attempt.
Dogs will show common physiological responses such as diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, bloating, and flatulence to dairy if they are lactose intolerant.
One way to confirm an intolerance is to eliminate the disruptive food from the diet and monitor the pooch. If symptoms reduce after elimination, then it is highly likely your dog has an intolerance to it.
Also Read: Can Dogs Drink Yakult?
The Takeaway
Most dogs enjoy an occasional treat featuring evaporated milk. If they are not lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, they can enjoy small portions of the canned liquid once in a while.
It is important to monitor your pup when introducing new food to their diet. In case something seems amiss, reach out to a vet for proper guidance.