Can Dogs Eat Cherry Yogurt? – (Why Not)

Fruit yogurts are amazing – they are tasty, sweet, and refreshing. If you often enjoy cherry yogurt, chances are you have considered sharing some with your dog. But you were not sure whether dogs are allowed to eat cherry yogurt. 

So, can dogs eat cherry yogurt? No, dogs cannot eat cherry yogurt. Depending on the exact recipe, some cherry yogurt may contain toxic ingredients. Even if there are no such ingredients in the specific recipe, there are still lactose issues and high sugar content. 

In this article, we will talk about dogs and cherry yogurt. We will cover the different reasons why cherry yogurt is not a dog-friendly food and give tips on what to do in case your dog decides to treat itself and steal some. 

Can Dogs Eat Cherry Yogurt

Why Is Cherry Yogurt Bad for Dogs?

There are several reasons why cherry yogurt and dogs are not a good combination. Some of them are related to the ingredients and others to the fact that yogurt is processed food. Here is a short overview of the different reasons cherry yogurt is bad for dogs. 

Issue number 1: Gastrointestinal upset 

All human foods have the potential to trigger gastrointestinal upset in dogs. Despite popular belief, dogs have sensitive tummies, and cherry yogurt can easily wreak havoc (vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite). The good news is that these upsets are self-limiting. 

Issue number 2: Lactose intolerance 

Adult dogs lack the enzyme lactase, which means they are lactose intolerant and cannot process milk and dairy products. When a lactose-intolerant dog eats cherry yogurt, it ends up with diarrhea, bloating, and gassiness. 

Issue number 3: Weight gain and obesity 

Overeating cherry yogurt (large amounts or too often) can lead to weight gain and obesity. Obesity is not an ailment on its own. However, it increases the risk of other severe health issues. 

Issue number 4: Too much sugar  

Cherry yogurts are rich in sugar. Sugar makes dogs hyperactive. Plus, it has a negative impact on the dog’s teeth in the long run. In dogs with diabetes, cherry yogurt will trigger blood sugar spikes. 

Issue number 4: High in fats 

All dairy products are high in fats, and overeating may lead to an episode of acute pancreatitis. In addition, being extremely painful, pancreatic inflammation is a severe condition which if left untreated, can be life-threatening. 

Issue number 5: Xylitol poisoning 

Cherry yogurts labeled as sugar-free are usually enriched with xylitol – an artificial sweetener. Sadly, xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. Xylitol triggers a sudden blood sugar drop, which can be fatal in more severe cases. Xylitol poisoning is a medical emergency. 

Issue number 6: Artificial Additives 

Like all processed foods, store-bought cherry yogurts contain artificial additives such as colors, flavors, emulsifiers, and preservatives. Long-term exposure to some of these additives is associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer. 

What Happens if My Dog Eats Cherry Yogurt?

What happens after your dog eat cherry yogurt depends on several variable factors, including:

  • The cherry yogurt recipe (which ingredients are included in the cherry yogurt and in which amounts)
  • The dog’s size (larger dogs need to consume more significant amounts before they develop issues, while in smaller dogs, just a few licks can be enough)
  • The dog’s overall health (dogs with certain co-existing conditions like diabetes and pancreatitis are more prone to complications than healthy dogs). 

What Should I Do if My Dog Eats Cherry Yogurt?

If your dog managed to steal some cherry yogurt, you must stay calm and assess the situation. In moments of panic, this is easier said than done. To make things easy, just follow these steps:

  • Step number 1: Separate the dog from the remaining cherry yogurt 
  • Step number 2: Evaluate the problem (how much the dog ate, what the cherry yogurt contains, how is your dog acting)
  • Step number 3: Call your trusted veterinarian and explain the situation. 

Based on the information you provide, the vet will give instructions on what to do next – monitor the dog at home or go to the clinic for an in-person examination. 

Always stick to the vet’s guidelines and do as instructed. It is critical not to self-treat your dog at home. Some human medications are toxic to dogs and can make things worse. 

How Can I Prevent My Dog from Eating Cherry Yogurt?

Dogs can get their mouths on cherry yogurt in several situations. Here are some tips on how to prevent cherry yogurt-related incidents. 

Tip number 1: Never give cherry yogurt on purpose

Now that you are familiar with the potential risks arising from cherry yogurt, you will know not to use this dairy product as a dog treat. 

Tip number 2: Keep the cherry yogurt out of reach

Dogs can get really creative when it comes to jumping on counters or even opening the refrigerator. Therefore, you need to make sure all dangerous foods are properly stored. 

Tip number 3: No cherry yogurt in the open

Never leave cherry yogurt or any other human food in the open without supervision. If you need to leave the room, either put the cherry yogurt aside or get the dog with you. 

Tip number 4: Dispose of the cherry yogurt package

Sometimes, dogs can get attracted by the cherry yogurt smell, raid the garbage, and end up licking the leftovers or even munching on the package itself. To prevent this scenario, get a dog-proofed can. 

Summing Up: Can Dogs Eat Cherry Yogurt

All in all, dogs cannot eat cherry yogurt. While a lick or two is not likely to cause issues and will not result in hefty veterinary bills, feeding cherry yogurt to your dog on purpose is a big no-no. 

There are way too many issues with cherry yogurt for dogs – from xylitol to lactose to sugar. On the other hand, cherry yogurt does not offer any unique nutrients, and it is safe to conclude that its risks outweigh the benefits. 

The good news is you can make safe fruit yogurts for your dog at home using dog-friendly ingredients. Or you can use other treats with better nutritional profiles and more health-boosting effects. 

Author

  • Brad

    Hi I'm Brad, the founder of bulldogpapa.com. Having been a vet of 6 years I work alongside our team to provide valuable insight into your dog's health. I have a frenchie myself named Senzu who is my pride and joy!

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