Can Dogs Have Condensed Milk?

Dogs are great, so sometimes they deserve a treat. But there are lots of things dogs shouldn’t eat. Is condensed milk one of them? Can dogs have condensed milk?

Dogs can have condensed milk, but it’s not recommended they do. The dog might be lactose intolerant and even if they aren’t, they’ll have trouble digesting the milk. If you still want to give it to them as a treat, check with your vet first, keep the amount small, monitor the dog, and buy a brand that has no sugars, sweeteners, or other additives.

Can Dogs Drink Milk?

Dogs struggle with dairy products because of fat content, which can lead to health issues. There’s also the fact that many milk products have added sugars or sweeteners, making them even more unhealthy (not to mention potentially toxic!) for dogs. Dogs also produce the enzymes needed to let them effectively digest milk.

Dogs can drink milk in spite of these things, but it can be very tricky to know just how much or what kind. Puppies drink milk from their mothers, but that’s a different kind of milk than cow’s milk or goat’s milk, for example. So, while small amounts of those kinds of milk may be okay for dogs on occasion, there are some issues to watch out for, and we always recommend checking with your vet before letting your dog ingest any human food. For example, dogs can be lactose intolerant.

Dogs Can Be Lactose Intolerant

Yes, that’s right, dogs can be lactose intolerant. Once dogs are no longer puppies they don’t produce as much of the enzyme they need to digest milk. So, they may end up having some of the same problems as people who are lactose intolerant have. If you’re concerned your dog is lactose intolerant, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your vet.

What if your dog isn’t lactose intolerant though? Can they drink condensed milk then?

Can Dogs Drink Condensed Milk?

Even if a dog isn’t lactose intolerant, condensed milk, like regular cow’s milk, can still cause some gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea or even pain. Condensed milk will also usually have sugars added, which makes it even less healthy (and potentially toxic!) for dogs. Moderation is okay for dogs that aren’t lactose intolerant, but we recommend checking with a veterinarian and only using it as a rare treat given its sugar content and difficult digestion issues.

Can Dogs Drink Evaporated Milk?

Evaporated milk uses the same process as condensed milk to remove a lot of the water from the liquid, making it thicker. However, evaporated milk won’t have added sugars, meaning it may be healthier for your dog overall.

What About Other Kinds Of Milk?

Coconut Milk

Yes, dogs can drink coconut milk, although it’s advised to only give them small amounts. Also, check to make sure the brand you’re giving them doesn’t have lots of added ingredients or sugars.

Soy Milk

Soy milk can be safe for dogs, but there’s also a high chance they’re allergic to it. Plus, there can be lots of added things in soy milk and other kinds of milk too that make them less healthy for a dog.

Oat Milk

Oat milk is pretty safe for dogs, and it has a decent nutrition base too. It is possible for oat milk to cause issues with its higher fiber content though. So, even oat milk should be given to dogs in relatively small amounts.

Almond Milk

Almond milk can be safe for dogs in small amounts, but be careful of the higher fat content in almond milk. This can cause some digestion issues for dogs.

Is Milk Good For Dogs In Any Way?

Depending on what kind of milk and how much of it you give your dog, the milk can have some health benefits such as vitamins and protein. The problem is that none of these benefits are better than just giving them a healthy diet, exercise, love, and regular vet checkups. So, while milk can be good for dogs, it’s not recommended.

What About Puppies?

Puppies are better suited to drinking milk than adult dogs, but that doesn’t mean they should be drinking cow’s milk or any other kind of milk. The best thing to do is to get a puppy milk substitute. As always, talk with your vet if you end up in this situation.

In Conclusion: Can Dogs Have Condensed Milk?

So, can dogs have condensed milk? They can, but it’s not recommended. Dogs and milk just don’t mix well, no matter how healthy the milk is.

So, do any other ideas for treats dogs might love? What have you found to work the best? Let us know in the comments below!