In this short discussion, Dr. Conor Brady and two speakers examine whether small amounts of cheese and yogurt are appropriate for dogs. They explain that while dogs can be lactose intolerant, the fermentation process in cheese and yogurt largely removes lactose, making these foods generally safe. However, they caution against commercial yogurts that contain artificial sweeteners and thickening agents such as guar gum, which can disrupt the gut’s glycocalyx. The panel recommends feeding natural, full‑fat yogurts—especially “cracking” style yogurts—as a good treat for dogs. They also note that dogs may react differently to cheese from different animal sources, so owners should monitor individual tolerance. Finally, they warn that raw milk products can harbor pathogens like Brucella and tuberculosis, so any raw‑milk cheese or yogurt should be verified as pathogen‑free.
