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Let’s talk about dairy and dogs. Despite the popularity of cheese treats, probiotic yoghurts, and kefir, dairy is not species-appropriate for our canine companions.
Dogs are mammals, so yes, they start life drinking their mother’s milk. But here’s the key: after weaning, dogs naturally lose the enzyme (lactase) that breaks down lactose, the sugar found in milk. This is completely normal because in nature, dogs wouldn’t continue drinking milk once weaned. And they certainly wouldn’t drink the milk of another species like cows or goats.
Feeding your dog cheese, yoghurt, or kefir might seem harmless (or even beneficial), but here’s the truth:
- Dogs are not designed to digest dairy. It often leads to bloating, gas, loose stools, or silent inflammation that shows up later as itchy skin, ear infections, or yeasty paws.
- Kefir and yoghurt do not feed your dog’s gut health. The idea that these foods provide “good bacteria” is a human concept rooted in probiotic marketing. Your dog’s gut doesn’t need these foreign bacteria, especially from fermented cow’s milk.
- Dairy is mucous-forming. In both dogs and humans, dairy promotes excess mucous production. This can congest the system and create the perfect environment for inflammation, ‘allergies’, and chronic conditions to thrive.
- Dairy feeds imbalance, not health. Many of the chronic symptoms people see in their dogs—itchy skin, gunky ears, paw licking, anal gland issues are made worse by foods that don’t belong in a species-appropriate diet.
It’s so important to remove these foods entirely; even a small treat with dairy will not benefit your dog. It can quietly hinder healing or contribute to long-term disease.
“Just a little” still matters. If your dog is dealing with inflammation or detoxing, every bite counts. Even the occasional bit of cheese can throw off progress. Healing requires clarity and consistency.
Dogs are not mini humans. Just because kefir or yoghurt is seen as “healthy” for us doesn’t mean it’s suitable for dogs. Their digestive systems are completely different. Feeding human food trends to dogs can do more harm than good.
And remember this: No other animal drinks milk after weaning, especially not from another species. That fact alone tells us how unnatural it is. We’ve normalised dairy for convenience and tradition, not because it supports true health.
That’s why my consultations offer a one-to-one approach, where I look deeply at your dog’s current diet and help you remove the foods—like dairy—that simply don’t belong.
Feeling like your dog’s diet might need a little refresh?
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an existing client noticing a few niggles, itchy paws, gunky ears, or just that feeling something’s not quite right it could all be linked to diet.
My one-to-one consultations are designed to uncover what’s going on and help your dog get back to thriving. If you’re ready for a reset or need to revisit your dog’s current plan, I’m here to support you.
With love and truth,
Teresa 
Canine Wellness Specialist 