Can Dogs Drink Milk? Everything Pet Owners Should Know

Many furry friends lack the enzyme to digest dairy, so gentle snacks ease their stomachs.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 8, 2025

Many furry friends lack the enzyme to digest dairy, so gentle snacks ease their stomachs.

Can Dogs Drink Milk?

Itâs a familiar scene: youâre at the table, a glass of milk in hand, and your dog eyes you with pleading curiosity. But should dogs drink milk? The answer is more nuanced than a simple âyesâ or âno.â Dogs can technically drink milk, but for many, it poses risksâprimarily because of lactose intolerance and the potential for digestive upset. Letâs examine what every pet parent needs to know before offering milk as a treat or dietary supplement.

Are Dogs Lactose Intolerant?

The majority of adult dogs are lactose intolerant to some degree. This means their bodies produce lower amounts of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. As puppies, dogs naturally produce lactase while nursing, but this diminishes as they grow older and are weaned from their motherâs milk. Consequently, many adult dogs have trouble digesting milk and other dairy products.

Lactose intolerance symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting, gas, bloating, abdominal pain, lethargy, and sometimes itchy or inflamed skin.
Symptoms can appear within a few hours of consuming dairy.
The severity of intolerance varies from dog to dog.

If your dog displays any of these symptoms after consuming milk or dairy products, itâs best to avoid giving it to them and consult your veterinarian.

Is Milk Safe for Dogs?

While milk is not toxic to dogs, it can be irritating to their digestive tracts, especially for those with lactose intolerance. A few small sips are usually safe for dogs who are not sensitive, but larger amounts or regular consumption increase the risk of digestive problems and long-term health issues such as obesity and pancreatitis. In most cases, water should always remain your dogâs primary source of hydration.

Potential Benefits of Milk for Dogs

Milk does contain nutrients that are beneficial to canines:

Calcium: Important for bone health and muscle function.
Protein: Supports muscle repair and overall health.
Vitamins A and D: Essential for growth, vision, and immune function.

However, these nutrients are already present in quality commercial dog foods. There is no strong nutritional reason to routinely add milk to a dogâs diet.

When Milk Might Be Helpful

Milk may sometimes be used as a tasty treat or to coax a sick or recovering dog to eat. For such occasional use, offer only a few tablespoons and observe your dog for any signs of intolerance. Always introduce new foods gradually and with veterinary guidance.

Risks of Giving Milk to Dogs

Despite its potential benefits, milk has several risks:

Lactose intolerance: Many adult dogs cannot digest lactose, leading to stomach upset.
Milk allergy: Some dogs have true dairy allergies, manifesting as gastrointestinal issues or itchy skin.
High fat and calorie content: Whole milk is high in fat and sugar, which can contribute to obesity and pancreatitis, particularly in inactive or overweight dogs.
No replacement for water: Milk should never replace water as a source of hydration.

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance or Milk Allergy

Diarrhea
Vomiting
Abdominal cramping or pain
Gas and bloating
Flatulence
Itchy skin or ears (skin allergy response)
Swelling or tenderness in the abdomen
Dehydration or sudden weight loss (in severe reactions)

If you notice any of these reactions after your dog drinks milk, discontinue immediately. If symptoms persist, seek veterinary care.

How Much Milk Can Dogs Have?

If your dog is not lactose intolerant, a few tablespoons of milk as an occasional treat is generally safe. Larger portions increase the risk of digestive upset, and milk should never be given as a daily staple. Experts recommend following the â90/10 Ruleâ for treats: treats (including milk) should make up no more than 10% of your dogâs daily caloric intake.

Start with a small amount and monitor closely.
Never allow milk to replace water as your dogâs main source of hydration.

Which Types of Milk and Dairy Are Safe?

Not all milk is created equal, and some alternatives might be safer for your dogâs occasional indulgence. Hereâs a breakdown:

Milk Type	Is it Safe?	Notes
Cow’s Milk	Small amounts (occasionally)	Most dogs struggle with lactose. High fat and sugar content.
Goat’s Milk	Small amounts (occasionally)	Slightly easier to digest for some dogs but still contains lactose.
Lactose-Free Milk	Small amounts (occasionally)	No lactose, so less risk of digestive upset. Still high in fat and calories.
Plant-Based Milks (e.g., Almond, Soy, Coconut)	Very limited amounts (occasionally)	May contain added sugars, artificial flavors, or ingredients toxic to dogs (like xylitol). Always check ingredient labels carefully.
Mother’s Milk Formula (for puppies)	Yesâfor puppies only	Puppy milk replacers are formulated to match motherâs milk and safe for orphaned or nursing puppies. Never give cowâs milk to puppies.

What About Other Dairy Products?

Cheese and yogurt are often better tolerated by dogs since the fermentation process reduces their lactose content. However, they are still high in fat and should only be given occasionally and in very small quantities. Avoid blue cheese, moldy cheeses, and any dairy product with added onions, garlic, or artificial sweeteners like xylitol (which is toxic to dogs).

Choose plain, unsweetened, and unflavored varieties.
Check for lactose-free or specially formulated dog cheeses in pet stores.

Best Practice: Consult Your Vet

Before introducing any new human food or treat, including milk, consult your veterinarian. Your vet can determine your dogâs individual risk for lactose intolerance and advise safe serving sizes.

Some breeds may be more likely to develop lactose intolerance or allergies.
Underlying conditions (such as pancreatitis, obesity, or food allergies) may make milk an unsafe choice.

Puppies and Milk: Special Precautions

Puppies have very specific dietary needs. While they are able to digest lactose at birth through specialized enzymes, cowâs milk should never be used as a replacement for motherâs milk. Cowâs milk is too high in fat and sugar for puppies and lacks important antibodies vital for their health.

In the absence of motherâs milk, use commercial puppy milk replacers specifically formulated for canine infants.
Cowâs milk can cause diarrhea, dehydration, and nutritional deficiencies in puppies.

Alternatives to Milk for Dogs

If you want to offer your dog a treat thatâs safer than milk, consider these options:

Fresh water: Always the best choice for hydration.
Frozen dog-safe fruits: Blueberries, apple slices (core removed), and watermelon bits.
Commercial dog treats: Specially designed for canine nutrition and safety.
Plain, unsweetened yogurt: In moderation, and only if your dog tolerates it well.
Lactose-free dog treats: Check pet store selections for dairy-free snacks.

FAQs: Milk and Dogs

Q: Is milk bad for dogs?

Milk is not toxic, but many dogs are lactose intolerant. It can cause digestive upset, so itâs best given only in moderation and to dogs without dairy sensitivities.

Q: Can I give my dog milk if they are not lactose intolerant?

If your dog tolerates milk well, you may give a few tablespoons as an occasional treat. Watch for any signs of stomach upset each time.

Q: What should I do if my dog drinks a lot of milk and gets sick?

Withhold milk and provide plenty of fresh water. If symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting persist for more than 24 hours, contact your veterinarian.

Q: Are plant-based milks safe for dogs?

Only offer very small amounts and avoid plant-based milks with added sugars or xylitol (which is toxic to dogs). Always check the ingredients and consult your veterinarian.

Q: Should puppies drink cowâs milk?

No, puppies should never be given cowâs milk. Only use commercial puppy milk replacers if the mother is unavailable.

Key Takeaways for Dog Lovers

Moderation is key: If your dog can tolerate milk, only give it occasionally and in very small amounts.
Monitor for intolerance: Watch for signs of gastrointestinal upset after any dairy product.
Never use milk as a substitute for water or balanced dog food.
Consult your vet: Always check before introducing new foods to your dogâs diet.
Puppies need a species-appropriate milk replacer, not cowâs milk.

References & Further Reading

See your veterinarian for individual dietary advice.
Check reputable pet health resources for updates on canine nutrition guidelines.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete