Can Dogs Drink Milk? How Much Milk Can Dogs Drink?

Almost all animals, including us humans, have a special bond with milk. It is the first thing we are fed in our life and plays an extremely important role in our growth and development later in life. With many people going vegan, we are questioning whether milk should be a part of our lives in the later years or not. But what about dogs? 

We’ve seen dogs lick a bowl of milk as if it’s an elixir that will make them immortals (or give them the energy to bark all night at strangers). But the relationship between dogs and milk is more complicated than a love triangle in a soap opera. Some dogs can handle milk like a champ, while others... well, let's just say you might want to have some paper towels on hand.

If you’re looking for a short answer then, yes, dogs can drink milk. But it’s important for you to read the long answer before placing a bowl of fresh cow milk in front of your dog. 

Milk is safe for your dog to drink but not necessarily good. It has more risks than benefits for dogs. If you’re thinking about all the nutrients that milk contains, yes it does, but dogs can easily get those from other sources. A good quality, vet-recommended diet can provide all the essential nutrients to your dog. ⁽³⁾

Apart from protein and calcium, milk also contains a large amount of fat, natural sugars and calories. These can lead to health problems like obesity, pancreatitis and gastrointestinal upset for your dog. 

And when we say milk is safe for dogs, it comes with terms and conditions. Just like humans, some dogs can also be lactose intolerant. Dogs are born with enzymes that can help digest their mother’s milk during the infant stage. However, they lose these enzymes and become sensitive to milk. The key difference between mother’s milk and cow’s milk is that the former is filled with nutrients and the latter, lactose. ⁽³⁾

Can Dogs Drink Almond Milk?

If the smart marketers have already convinced you that almond milk (which costs at least 2-3 times cow’s milk) is good for your health, don’t let them convince you it’s good for your dog as well. All types of alternative kinds of milk like almond milk, oat milk, soya milk, etc. are not recommended for dogs. ⁽¹⁾

Despite being plant-based and hence lactose-free, they are usually higher in calories and fats that you don’t want your dog to ingest. And again, whatever good nutrients they come with are all available in their meat-based diets. ⁽³⁾

Milk alternatives like almond milk also tend to have added sugars or sweeteners like xylitol. These can not only be harmful but even toxic to your dog. 

Can Dogs Drink Milk Mixed with Water?

Milk is one of the top two leading food allergens for dogs, so many cannot tolerate it. There is a chance that your dog may not be allergic to it, but do you really want to risk it? And for what? 
There is no good reason for your dog to drink milk. Even when mixed with water, the lactose doesn’t get diluted. The only thing that happens is that you can fill their entire bowl and make it look like milk. 

But you know what is the best option for you to add to your dog’s water bowl? 

Water. 

My Dog Drank Milk, What Do I Do?

Here’s what can happen if your dog drinks a lot of milk. ⁽²⁾

Some of these issues may not be seen if your dog consumes a lot of milk just once. They may be caused only when the intake is regular and prolonged. However, even a single intake of unusual quantities of milk can cause stomach upset for your dog. If your dog has lactose intolerance, you’ll see symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, runny nose, etc. in a few hours of the consumption itself. 

If you notice any of the above, you should straight away run to your vet. Your vet may first scold you for introducing a new food item to your dog’s diet without consulting and then prescribe some medications and further treatment. 

While you’re at it, also remember never to give your dog packaged juices, soft drinks, sports drinks, caffeinated drinks, or alcohol (strictly). You might end up putting your dog’s life in danger.  

More About Spot Pet Insurance

Owning a pet can be tough at times. You need to constantly be aware of what and how much goes into their mouths. Some things you can control and others you may not be able to. Sometimes unwanted foods can cause severe reactions in your dog and even require surgery for treatment. The bills can put a severe dent in your savings at such times. 

Not with pet health insurance though! With pet health insurance, you can save up to 90% of medical costs. With Spot Pet, you can save many more costs. 

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. 

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!