Kefir for dogs

Can I Give My Dog Kefir

Most dog owners share with their dog every food that they eat. Most of them have no knowledge as to what people foods should and should not be given to their dogs. Since human and dog’s digestive system are not the same, dogs will find it difficult to digest most people foods. So before you share any food with your dog, it is advisable to consult the vet.

I have heard many dog owners say that their dogs love cheese and they would like to know if they can give their dog kefir. If you are also eager to know if you can give your dog kefir, the answer is given below.

The answer is yes, but in moderation

Kefir is a cultured milk product prepared by fermenting cow, goat or sheep’s milk and is a rich source of probiotics, with amazing health benefits for dogs. Unlike regular milk which can cause lactose intolerance in dogs that cannot digest the sugar lactose in milk, kefir, though made by fermenting milk is actually lactose free. This is because kefir contains lots of bacteria that breaks down the lactose and aids in the digestion of lactose and hence it is safe and healthy for all dogs.

The benefits of kefir for dogs

Probiotics in kefir provides several health benefits for your dog. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Probiotics helps in restoring and balancing the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria in the gut thus improving the function of the digestive system and ensuring optimal digestive health in dogs. Kefir is the best probiotics for dogs with diarrhea. When your dog suffers from gastrointestinal distress, kefir helps to treat diarrhea quickly and safely.

Probiotics is the best remedy for treating yeast infection in dogs. Consumption of sugar and carbohydrates which is converted to sugar can cause yeast infection in your dog. Kefir contains a variety of bacteria that can destroy yeast and eliminate yeast infection.

Apart from anti-fungal properties, kefir also has anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties. Anti-cancer properties of kefir prevent cancer by stopping the increase of cancer cells in the body.

Kefir enhances immunity.

Kefir has anti-allergenic properties and prevents allergies and skin psoriasis in dogs.

Kefir alleviates gas, heartburn and bloating.

Anti-inflammatory properties of kefir help in treating gastrointestinal disorders.

Kefir is a good source of Vitamins A, D and K.

The rich source of B complex vitamins in kefir improves the function of the kidney, prevents bladder stone, increases the production of energy cells; improve the function of the nervous system and the functions of the heart.

Kefir helps to treat bad breath, weight problem, excessive shedding and irritable bowel syndrome.

Kefir is also rich in calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.

Kefir helps to treat weakening of bones, joint diseases and pain.

Does kefir probiotics cause side effects in dogs?

Excessive dose of kefir or giving kefir for the first time might cause diarrhea in dogs. Start with a small dose and increase slowly. Giving the recommended dosage does not cause any side effects.

Dosage of kefir

1 tsp to 1 tbsp for small dogs

1 tbsp to 2 tbsp for medium size dogs

2 tbsp – 3 tbsp for large size dogs

To conclude, if you are thinking of giving kefir to your dog, go ahead and give him without any worry of indigestion or toxic poisoning, because kefir is definitely a healthy probiotics for your dog!!!

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