Can German Shepherds Drink Milk?

Can German Shepherds drink milk? When it comes to giving your canine a treat, more and more pet owners are opting for human foods as dog food for German Shepherds. In most cases, this is fine. But there are a few things that should be avoided, as they can cause distress and harm to your pet.

So, can German Shepherds drink milk? No. German Shepherds, like almost all other dogs, are lactose intolerant. Ingesting cow’s milk can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and loose stools. It’s okay to offer milk alternatives as a small treat such as almond milk, cashew milk, soy milk, or lactose-free milk. Other dairy products like cheese and yogurt should also be very limited, if offered at all.

As a pet owner, your dog’s safety and happiness is a top priority. Knowing why you should refrain from giving your canine milk, even as a treat, is important. You should also be aware of better alternatives you can give your pet so that he can feel special.

Are German Shepherds Lactose Intolerant?

We have all heard of humans being lactose intolerant. Did you know that the majority of dogs are, too? 

As a puppy becomes more mature and leaves his mother, he loses a crucial enzyme known as lactase. Lactase is responsible for breaking down the sugary substance ‘lactose’ found in milk products.

That being said, the majority of German Shepherds are lactose intolerant. Giving your pet a bowl full of cow’s milk or giving him too much cheese or yogurt than his diet can handle can bring about a multitude of distressing side effects. 

What Happens if I Give My German Shepherd Milk?

Without lactase, it’s fairly impossible to breakdown cow milk. Ingesting milk can cause a slew of problems for your dogs that will typically show up within the first 12 hours.

If your German Shepherd is lactose intolerant, you will likely see the following happen:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea and loose stools
• Rashes on certain areas of the body
• A sudden decrease in appetite
• Slower growth than before
• Stomach pain
• Weakness and lethargy
• Excessive thirst

As you can see, giving your dog a bowl of milk or letting him consume too much dairy can have quite an impact on his health and happiness. Therefore:

Milk should not be a part of your German Shepherd’s diet, not even as a treat. 

Another problem with cow’s milk and dairy products is the high-fat content.

When a dog consumes too much milk or dairy, the fat present in these products can cause vomiting and diarrhea to worsen, leaving your pet in more pain than he was in before.

If you continue to serve your dog milk and other dairy products on a regular basis, the high-fat content will begin to cause stress on the pancreas.

Consistent consumption of dairy and milk can lead to pancreatitis in a fairly short period of time. This is just another reason why dairy should be avoided at all costs.

For some dogs, the high-fat content of milk and dairy products can lead to obesity.

The best way to ensure your German Shepherd stays strong and healthy is to simply avoid giving them any milk or dairy products whatsoever. There are far better options for treats and meals that won’t leave their stomachs in distress or cause major issues like obesity and pancreatitis.

Can German Shepherd Puppies Drink Milk?

Like most other animals, a German Shepherd will rely on his mother for the few weeks to months of his life. She will provide him with milk that is necessary for his proper growth, leading him to successful adult life.

It’s true that German Shepherd puppies, like other dogs, have the enzyme lactase in their system as puppies. This is due to the fact that they will need to breakdown the enzymes found in mother’s milk at the beginning of their lifetimes. However, as the puppy begins to reach maturity, he will stop producing lactase altogether. 

So does that mean that you are able to give a German Shepherd puppy a bowl full of cow’s milk? No. German Shepherd Puppies should only consume their mother’s milk until they reach maturity. At that point, milk should be avoided altogether, as a mature German Shepherd does not have the proper enzyme needed to breakdown milk.

Are Other Types of Milk Safe for GSDs?

There are a lot of milk alternatives on the market. Many humans have already given up cow’s milk themselves due to digestive issues, and have replaced it with some type of milk alternative.

If you have a favorite alternative, you’re likely wondering whether or not you can serve it to your dog.

Some of the best options for milk alternatives include the following:

• Almond Milk. Almond milk is a great choice to serve to your dog. It’s silky and smooth and comes in a variety of different flavors like vanilla and coconut. However, some dogs may have an intolerance to nuts, so it’s important to start off with a small amount to see how he reacts.
• Cashew Milk. Another great choice, cashew milk is a sweet option that many people (and dogs) find enjoyable. However, just like the almond milk, you need to make sure your dog does not have an intolerance to nuts.
• Coconut Milk or Water. Coconut milk is likely going to be enjoyed by your German Shepherd because of it’s delicious, succulent flavor. Coconut water, on the other hand, is a great alternative, but it’s hit or miss in terms of flavor. Some dogs love it, while others will turn their heads away.
• Oat Milk. Another simple solution is oat milk. Oat milk is really just oats and a few other ingredients, making it a healthy alternative that won’t harm your dog. In fact, oats are a big part of your dog’s diet as it is, so you can rest assured that this will be a great treat.

Even with milk alternatives, the amount consumed should be limited. Use a small bowl of these goodies as a reward for your German Shepherd.

Is Any Amount of Dairy OK?

It really depends on your dog. Some German Shepherds can have a piece of cheddar cheese and be perfectly fine, while others will end up with an immediate stomach ache.

If you’re going to give your dog dairy products, make sure it is not milk and should be a very small treat.

The best practice is to avoid milk and dairy altogether. The risk outweighs the reward.

If you don’t want to put your pet in peril, simply give him another treat like a piece of steak, a sip of oat milk, or a couple of raspberries.

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