Humans have eaten yogurt for hundreds of years. It is a natural source of calcium and probiotic cultures, which help keep the digestive tract healthy and functioning properly. These cultures add good bacteria to the intestines and kill off bad bacteria, aiding in the absorption of nutrients. Dogs can reap the nutritional benefits of yogurt as well, so feeding your dog yogurt can improve his overall health and well-being.
Things You'll Need
- Dog bowl
- Dog food
- Plain yogurt
- Spoon
- Syringe
Instructions
Schedule an exam for your dog at your veterinarian's office. The vet will determine if there are any illnesses plaguing the dog. Take this opportunity to ask the vet about feeding your dog yogurt.
Fill your dog's food bowl with her normal ration of dog food. Add 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt to the food and mix with a spoon. Plain, unsweetened yogurt is best; it does not contain excess sugars that are not good for your pet. If your dog is overweight, use a reduced-fat yogurt.
Place the food bowl in front of your dog and let him eat at his own pace. Most dogs enjoy the taste of yogurt and will eagerly consume the mixture. It may take your dog a few minutes to discover that his normal food is under the yogurt coating but he will quickly become acclimated to it.
Offer your dog yogurt directly from the spoon is she refuses to eat it on her food. Sit close to your dog and hold the spoon near her muzzle, letting her lick it from the spoon. You may have to gently force the first bite into her mouth if she has never been fed from a spoon.
Draw the yogurt into a large syringe and force-feed it to your dog if he refuses the spoon. Hold your dog's head gently and open his mouth, placing the syringe against the back of his tongue. Slowly depress the plunger until you've dispensed the entire batch of yogurt into his mouth.