When you ask a question like can my dog have this or that, the answer usually falls to “yes”. But what is the catch? You can give it in moderation. You have to pay attention to your dog and see if he develops any symptoms of food allergy or intolerance.
The reality is that dogs do not need milk after weaning. But some dogs still enjoy the taste of milk. What can you do? Well, making homemade milk treats is always a good option.
To avoid sensitivity and intolerance to dairy, you should look for alternatives. Almost all dogs have lactose intolerance. They cannot break down lactose as easily as humans. Remember, one-third of humans have lactose sensitivity. Today, we will talk about how you can make oat milk treats for your dog.
Do you want to know can dogs have oat milk? Read on.
Milk and Dogs
For most people, the term milk refers to cow’s milk. But the reality is that there are many other dairy and non-dairy kinds of milk out there. While cow’s milk is common, we have other milk options. And if you ask can dogs have milk, the answer usually falls to no.
But that is because dogs cannot digest lactose as we do. And lactose is a natural sugar found in dairy products.
Same as people, dogs can develop an intolerance, sensitivity, or allergy to certain ingredients. Lactose sensitivity is among the most common allergies in dogs.
So, is milk bad for dogs? Well, the main issue is that giving milk to your dog may cause problems. It presents a risk for intolerance and allergy response. Even if your dog doesn’t show symptoms of any adverse reaction, do not let him drink milk too much.
What happens when dogs do not show signs or symptoms of lactose intolerance? Can you give them milk then? How much? And how often?
We have to remember that milk has a decent amount of healthy nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and protein. But do not worry, dogs get these from their regular food anyway.
Veterinarians advise that moderation plays a key role in feeding your dog milk. Remember, milk also has a high amount of fat and sugar. And large amounts of fat and sugar in the diet can lead to obesity and other health issues.
Different Milk Options
Let’s take a look at some of the dairy and non-dairy milk options. Cow’s milk remains the most common type of milk people drink. And as such, usually, it is the first one we give to our pets as well. We talked mostly about cow’s milk before. Now, we can take a look at other options.
For example, almond milk. It presents a great non-dairy alternative. One of the most popular plant-based kinds of milk, we do not advise giving almond milk to dogs. Why? Because some nuts might present toxic risk for your dog. Almonds do not fall into that category, but they high in fat. And that can lead to pancreatitis and obesity. If you must, only give your dog a tablespoon of almond milk as a treat.
Now, what about soy milk? It is another non-dairy and plant-based alternative. The problem with soy milk is the protein isoflavones. Some of these proteins, found in plants, are actually estrogen. While some believe isoflavones can have health benefits for dogs, we wouldn’t risk it. Dogs generally digest soy products well but use them only for treats.
Now, what about oat milk? We will discuss this option deeply later on. But as with most non-dairy alternatives, only in moderate amounts and once in a while.
Coconut milk is a popular option for lactose-intolerant humans. And with dogs, the general understanding is that coconut milk will not harm your dog. But ASPCA has included coconut milk in the list of human foods you should not give to your pet. It is because coconuts contain oils that may cause stomach upset and diarrhea in your dog.
Finally, let’s talk about raw goats’ milk. In the past few years, this option has increased its popularity as an alternative to cows’ milk. Goats’ milk contains more calcium and potassium and has a slightly lower amount of lactose. This makes the milk easier to digest. Only give it if your dog tolerates it.
Can you give milk to puppies?
We mentioned before that dogs generally do not need milk after weaning. But what if you have a small puppy? Can puppies drink milk? Their mother’s milk remains the best source of nutrition for puppies.
The milk from their mother contains more protein and calories. And puppies can digest it easily, unlike cows’ milk.
After weaning, puppies start eating solid foods. That is when you should stop giving them milk. If you have a baby puppy, you should use milk formula for puppies. It is the best alternative to mother’s milk.
Oats milk
Well, we finally get to the part of oat milk for dogs. Can you give it? Well, oat milk is a popular dairy-free milk substitute. Made from oats and water, the milk makes a special treat for most dogs. They enjoy the taste. You can use it as an occasional drink to add some extra nutrition to the diet of your dog.
Remember, dogs do not milk after weaning. But oat milk is a great treat. Only give it to your dog in moderation. It is not toxic, but your dog might have trouble digesting it in large amounts. Here is a quick breakdown of the benefits of oats milk:
- Low in allergens and irritants
- Good source of fiber
- Enriched with nutrients that include calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin D
- Great for dog’s bone health
- Safe for dogs with gluten allergies
- Prevents anemia
- Boosts the immune system of your dog
But before you run and give oats milk to your dog, let’s talk about some considerations. Make sure your dog doesn’t have allergies to any of the ingredients in the milk. Control the amount of milk your dog drinks. Consult a veterinarian for a better idea.
Always opt for unsweetened oat milk. Read the label, and do not buy milk high in added sugars. Also, speaking about the ingredients, check for Xylitol as a sugar substitute. This ingredient can cause life-threatening issues in dogs.
How to make oat milk treats for your dog?
The good news is that you can easily make oat milk at home. And you can then give it as treats to your puppy. This way, you know exactly what you put in.
How to make it? Start by putting 1 cup of rolled oats and 4 cups of water into a blender. Blend on a high setting for about a minute. Now, pour the contents through a fine towel into a jug or other container. You can also use coffee filters to strain the milk.
And that is it. You can add some other ingredients safe for your dog for added nutrition. We recommend pouring the milk into small muffin tin treats. Freeze, and unfreeze when you want to give your dog a treat.
Now, some people ask why you would ever want to give your dog oat milk. After all, dogs do not need any beverage except for water.
Remember, water will slake his thirst. But oat milk makes a great treat. And it contains some healthy nutrients your dog needs.