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Lactose intolerance is common in adult dogs, and it’s not recommended for them to consume dairy milk. Fortunately, your dog can enjoy many different dairy milk alternatives, including almond milk, in moderation. In general, almond milk is safe for dogs to drink, but you have to be careful and vigilant with the type of almond milk you give to your dog. Some can contain artificial ingredients or ingredients that can be toxic to dogs.
Both almond milk and almonds aren’t a necessary part of your dog’s diet, so it’s best to give them as an occasional treat. Here’s what you need to know before feeding your dog almond milk.
Why Can Dogs Drink Almond Milk?
Nut allergies are rare in dogs, and most dogs can safely have almond milk without experiencing any health issues. Almond milk is a much safer alternative to dairy milk as it doesn’t contain any lactose.
Dogs don’t need almond milk, but it can be used when baking homemade dog treats. Otherwise, almond milk should only be seen as a very occasional treat that your dog doesn’t really need. While it’s safe for dogs to have almond milk in moderation, it’s not a necessary part of a dog’s diet. So, if your dog doesn’t enjoy the taste, you can skip this food and give your dog other treats that they prefer instead.
Benefits of Feeding Almond Milk to Dogs
Plain almond milk is a low-calorie beverage and can be a viable dairy-free option for dogs that can’t digest dairy products very well. It’s also a good source of magnesium and vitamin E. You can help dogs stay cool and hydrated on hot summer days by freezing almond milk in ice cube trays and giving them to your dog as a frozen treat as well.
Dangers of Feeding Almond Milk to Dogs
Almond milk itself isn’t dangerous for dogs, but it can contain additional ingredients that are either unhealthy or harmful to them. When feeding your dog almond milk, it’s important to look through the ingredient list beforehand because it’s extremely rare to find store-bought almond milk that only contains almonds. Many contain additional flavors and preservatives, and they also usually have emulsifiers and stabilizers to prevent the milk solids and liquids from slipping.
Sometimes, almond milk can contain ingredients that are safe for humans but toxic to dogs. One particular ingredient to watch out for is xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that’s commonly included in low-calorie foods and drinks. It’s harmful to dogs, and even a small amount can lead to hypoglycemia, seizures, or liver failure.
Choosing Almond Milk for Dogs
The best kind of almond milk you can give your dog is homemade almond milk because you know exactly what’s inside it. Almond milk can be made with just almonds and water and requires very little equipment. However, homemade almond milk is much more expensive than store-bought almond milk.
When shopping for almond milk, stick to plain almond milk. Check the ingredient list and be on the lookout for artificial ingredients and preservatives. Choose unsweetened almond milk over sweetened versions and ones with added flavors.
Again, your dog doesn’t need almond milk, but you may choose to use it in homemade treats or the occasional snack.
Conclusion
Overall, almond milk is safe for most dogs to drink. Just be careful with what kind of almond milk you give your dog. If you have the time, you can try making your own homemade almond milk. Your dog will appreciate this tasty drink and having it as an occasional snack.
See Also:
- Can Dogs Have Olive Oil? Vet-Approved Health Facts & FAQ
- Can Dogs Have Peppermint? Vet-Approved Feeding Facts & FAQ
Featured Image Credit: Wichy, Shutterstock