Can Dogs Drink Almond Milk?
As a dog parent, you always search for healthy and new treats and drinks for your Labrador Retriever. You can feed him human foods as a special treat on various occasions, but you must be vigilant. Almond milk is a common substitute for regular milk that humans take.
But, can your dog drink almond milk?
Yes! A small quantity of unsweetened, plain almond milk is safe for your four-legged pal. However, some dogs might not love the taste, while others might be intolerant. Over time, too much consumption of almond milk will lead to health issues such as nutritional imbalance and obesity.
What Makes Almond Milk Bad for My Dog
In its pure form, almond milk causes stomach upset in dogs. If consumed in large quantities, your dog will suffer from diarrhea or vomiting.
Almond milk feeds your pup with almonds in a more diluted form; the drink itself rarely contains more than a handful of almonds per 8 ounces container. So, your dog can consume a small amount of milk, provided it’s not allergic to the seeds.
Related: Can Dogs Drink Milk?
What are the Health Benefits of Almond Milk for Dogs
Almond milk helps strengthen your dog’s immune system as it has vitamin E that gets rid of free radicals. Also, the drink is good for dogs’ eyes and liver.
Moreover, a single serving of almonds offers 3.5gms of fiber, which is ideal for a dog’s digestion.
The milk can also keep your furry friend’s joints and bones healthy and strong since it contains calcium. Additionally, it has other minerals like magnesium and phosphorus, which your dog needs.
Related: Can Dogs Eat Almonds? What Are The Dangers
Are There Side Effects of Almond Milk for Dogs?
Almond is safe for your pup when in pure form. Nevertheless, it can be unhealthy for your dog if it contains extra additives and ingredients. For instance, most commercial products contain artificial sweeteners to make them appealing.
Artificial sweeteners like xylitol can be poisonous to your dog, even in small quantities. Xylitol causes liver failure and hypoglycemia in dogs.
Can Puppies Drink Almond Milk?
Preferably, puppies shouldn’t ingest almond milk.
They need the nutrients from mild puppy formula or their mother’s milk.
Almond milk gives puppies bare calories, so it’s not good to drink. Besides, puppies are super sensitive to new diets and diseases than old dogs. They are still growing, so it’s important to keep them on normal diet plans.
Related: Can Dogs Have Almond Butter?
How Much Almond Milk Should My Dog Drink
The quantity of almond milk your dog can take will depend on its health, age, and size. For example, a mid-sized, healthy dog can take up to a half glass every week.
Almond milk has high-calorie content. Since dogs are smaller than humans, they require fewer calories, and almond milk has 30-60 calories in a single glass. If your dog weighs 10 pounds, he needs 250 calories. So, a glass of almond milk will take a large percentage of their required calorie consumption but will give them fewer nutrients than their typical meals.
Ideally, a small quantity of natural almond milk won’t harm your pup in the long run.
Unsweetened, pure almond milk is a nutritious treat for a healthy dog if given once per week.
Further Reading:
- Can Dogs Drink Oat Milk? Is Oat Milk Safe for Dogs?
- Can Dogs Eat Nuts? Learn Which Kinds are Dangerous
- Can Dogs Eat Pecans?
- Can Dogs Eat Chestnuts?
- Can Dogs Eat Cashews? What You Need to Know