People Care Pet Pantry

PLEASE NOTE: THIS MAY NOT ALWAYS BE THE RIGHT WAY TO TREAT YOUR ANIMAL.  YOU MUST ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR VET TO MAKE SURE THESE REMEDIES WILL NOT HURT YOUR PET. 

WE ALWAYS STRESS - DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE ADMINISTERING ANYTHING HOLISTIC OR NATURAL.  

Benefits of Yogurt for Puppies and Dogs

Everyone is looking to make sure their dog has the best advantage possible when it comes to their health. We will give our dogs supplements, dental care, and even puppy massage, but some of the best things you can do for your dog happen right at home. While many of our foods are toxic for dogs, yogurt can be a great food to share.

What Kind of Yogurt Can I Give My Dog?

First thing, let's define what we mean when we say yogurt. What we’re talking about is the good kind. It’s plain, has no sugar, and it’s loaded up with probiotics. Not all yogurt has probiotics or is good for you. Read labels!

Anything but plain yogurt has additives that, while perfectly fine for humans, are not so great for your dog. Regular yogurt is the best way to ensure that your dog reaps the full benefits to be had. Greek Yogurt is also good.

You’ll also need to avoid things that are yogurt “coated” or “flavored”

What Can Yogurt Do?

It is a great source of calcium and zinc and probiotics.

It can help alleviate such problems as gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, infections, inflamed bowels, bacterial overgrowth or other absorption issues.

It’s relatively inexpensive and readily available in almost every supermarket.

It’s also a great source of protein which can aid in weight-loss by creating a longer lasting “full” feeling in your dog’s stomach.

Can I Give My Dog Yogurt for Probiotics?

Good, plain yogurt gives your dog probiotics. (Most dogs will only eat Vanilla flavored) Probiotics help with digestion. They get rid of unhealthy bacteria in your pet’s tummy, replacing it with good bacteria. This is especially helpful if you have a dog that is fond of getting into the rash and eating anything it gets its nose on.

Some medications can cause constipation or diarrhea, but the probiotics can help restore the balance in your dog’s digestive system. Ask your vet about giving it to your dog post-surgery as something easy on the tummy with lots of nutritional punch. The added benefit in these situations is the immunity boost that it can give your dog, possibly preventing infections like staphylococcus and typhimurium.

Yogurt is easy enough to introduce into your dog’s diet. Some dogs are picky, and not all dogs react well to being given a new food on its own. Try mixing a few tablespoons into your dog’s food each day. They will see it as a treat and gobble it up.

Upset Tummy Dog Food

2 Boneless skinless chicken breasts
4-5 cups cooked brown rice
about 1 cup of good, plain yogurt
2 low sodium beef bouillon cubes

Boil boneless skinless breasts till done and dice them finely. Crush bouillon cubes and whip them into the yogurt. Mix everything together. Portion it out to your dog as you would their normal dog food. Store excess in the fridge up to 4 days. Continue use until their tummy is better.

Hot Day Yogurt Treat

4 cups yogurt (flavored or plain, non-fat if needed)
½ cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons honey
1 ripe banana, mashed

Melt butter in microwave for 30 seconds. Pour all the ingredients (including melted butter) into a blender or food processor and mix until smooth. Pour into Popsicle molds or ice cube trays. Freeze until firm and then pop out using a butter knife. Let your pooch enjoy!

Blueberries and your Dog

The berries should be considered an occasional treat, not a daily supplement. The amount depends on the body weight of your pet. However, ten blueberries or less should be fine for all but the smallest dog. Too many blueberries may result in gastric upset and diarrhea. Be watchful for a reaction the first time you give them to Spot. If your pet has any history of stomach or digestive problems, you should not give your dog blueberries without talking with your veterinarian first. If you are confused about how much to give your dog, check with your vet for guidance.

Ways to Give Blueberries

Offering washed, raw berries is the best way to give your dog this fruit. Many owners give their pets frozen blueberries as a crunchy treat. Spot, of course, may have a mind of his own and eat a few off a bush. That's acceptable, although Spot shouldn’t eat things unless you have given them to him.

All the antioxidants, fiber and phytochemicals blueberries boast provide the same benefits for your dog's body that they give yours. Try frozen blueberries make for a crunchy treat dogs love.  Or mix them in with the yogurt to mix in with their food.  You want to ensure that the berries are clean and fresh

( Blueberries are high in fiber, and too many of them can cause a tummy ache and diarrhea. This is especially concerning if you grow blueberries in your yard where your dog can get them. You should keep an eye on your pup or block off the blueberry garden to make sure they aren’t gorging themselves on these fruits.

Artificially blueberry flavored products are also not good for dogs. They often contain chemicals, preservatives, or other substances that are harmful to dogs. Additionally, products that contain blueberries may also have added sugar and other ingredients that can make dogs sick. Always check labels and ask your vet before sharing human food with your dog.

Blueberries are small and soft, so they don’t present much of a choking hazard, but if they are frozen, they become hard and may cause choking in smaller dogs. While this is unlikely, the risk can be avoided by simply making sure blueberries are defrosted before feeding them to small dogs )