Dogs are one animal species that many of us have grown to be familiar with over the years. We find them all around humans as they are being used for many different purposes. They have been with us through it all some would say, and we sometimes want to ensure they get the best. And in the bid of searching for the best, we might want to feed them with milk. Can dogs drink almond milk? Most of us have a little knowledge about it. Let’s see
Dogs are known to take a lot of milk as this adds nutritional value to them. Almond milk is very rich in nutrients, however, is it good for them? The question has always been, can dogs have almonds? Can dogs drink almond milk? This article is going to answer the above questions to enlighten you more about how to take care of man’s oldest friend.
Almonds are a certain kind of fruit called the drupe which is very luscious and healthy. Almond milk is derived from almonds by processing a lot of it and milking the good stuff for human and animal consumption. But, there are a lot of controversies concerning this question, as a lot of people expect it to be healthy since it is gotten from a fruit.
Are Almonds Harmful to Dogs?
A lot of dogs actually like the eating almonds, because of how tasty they are. However, the critical question here is; should you allow your dog to eat almonds? The answer is No. This is because, as much as almonds are healthy and nourishing, dogs lack the necessary enzymes needed to digest the nutrients properly (although, not because they are actually toxic to dogs). Therefore, almonds pose a threat to the health of your dog.
These nuts cause a variety of health complication, and some of them include:
- Obstruction of their windpipes or Esophagus while swallowing. Unlike humans, dogs are not able to chew and break these nuts efficiently to allow smooth passage down the gut. This is most common among the small breeds of dogs.
- Stomach upset
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting and diarrhea
These complications cause a lot of discomfort to you as the owner and to your dog.
Can Dogs Have Almond Milk?
Actually, yes they can! You might be wondering why it is possible for dogs to make almond milk since almonds can be harmful to their health. This is because dogs can only take pure, unseasoned and unsweetened almond milk and it should be ingested in moderation. However, puppies cannot and should not, on any terms be fed with almond milk.
Puppies can take milk- milk gotten from their mothers and also some other mammals, but should not be, on any terms be fed with almond milk. Puppies needed to be fed and nurtured on their mother’s milk and weaned using soft and natural starter foods.
Sometimes, the mother isn’t always able to provide the right amount of milk that would be enough for the puppy. When you find your dog in this situation, it is advised that you get a specialist puppy formula. It is in some cases possible to feed puppies with cow milk, although this option is not good enough as it has side effects.
Flavored Almond milk can cause unusual complications to both adult dogs and puppies alike. Why? Because the flavorings and seasonings cause irritations to the dogs gut. Almonds that have salt in their seasoning would result in water retention and in some cases, salt toxicity when taken in excess. Also, it is vital to note that in some cases, the dog can be affected with pancreatitis. Here, the dog’s pancreas gets inflamed as a result of ingestion of almonds.
Effects of Almond Milk on Your Dogs Health
Almond milk in small amounts would produce no side effects or complications on the health of the dog. Because almond milk is more likely an adulterated/ diluted form of almonds. It is safe for dogs to take a bit occasionally if they have no allergies for almonds.
Then again, it is really imperative to note that, although almond milk does not harm your dog in small quantity, it isn’t safe for them either. It does not have any positive effect on the health of your dog, as it is high in calories and also fat which may add to the weight of the dog. It can contribute to canine obesity and some other health issues associated with weight. Almond milk would add nothing less than 2% of the necessary nutrients or vitamins needed for the growth of your dog and so, it is unnecessary to the diet.
Aside from not adding to your dog’s health, almond milk is expensive when compared to the standard milk or plain milk. It is has been reported that the cost is quite outrageous for a type of milk that would do your dog little to no good. You will save yourself some money if you avoid it.
Can Dogs Drink Other Types of Milk?
Asides from almond, you might wonder can dogs drink any other types of milk. People would most likely give their dogs anything they can eat. Since we take cow’s milk, we can assume that we can feed our dogs with it too. Some types of milk your dog can possibly drink are;
- Cow milk
- Goat milk
- Soy milk
Cow Milk
Cow milk may not always be the best option for your dog; however, it is a possible option. Cow milk can be taken by dogs on a few occasions and in little amounts. This is as a result of difficulties associated with breaking down lactose which is found in dairy products. If your dog is intolerant to or allergic to dairy products, then you shouldn’t bother trying cow milk.
Goat Milk
There has been increasing popularity and use of goat milk alternatively to cow milk, and a lot of dog owners have been curious. Goat milk, compared to cow milk has a lower quantity of lactose in it. And also contains a few more nutrients too such as calcium and potassium but lower in some like folic acid and vitamin B12.
Even if goat milk is a dairy product, it has been found to be accepted better by the digestive system of dogs. The allergies to dairy products and intolerance are reduced with goat milk. However, even with these findings, moderation still remains vital.
Soy Milk
Soy milk is a non-diary product just like almonds and dogs do not have any issues digesting soy products. Soy milk is said to contain some proteins called isoflavones which are beneficial to your dog’s health. As such, soy milk is absolutely safe for your dog.
Can your dog have some almond milk? Of course. Can your dog eat almonds? We are afraid not. Can your dog have some milk? Well, yes! Although, the best source of milk for your dog is from its mother. You can give your dog pure and unsweetened almond milk as a treat, occasionally but never give it to your puppy. And remember those almonds? Don’t forget to keep them away from your dog.