Can Dogs Drink Milk?

A small amount of milk is fine for most dogs, but it isn’t a great treat. The free Dog Toxic-Foods Checker lists milk, cheese and dairy as Caution: “Most adult dogs are lactose-intolerant (gas, loose stool), cheese is high in fat and salt, and ice cream adds sugar.” Its advice: “Small plain amounts are usually fine; skip it if it upsets their stomach.”

This page covers how much milk is reasonable, how to spot lactose intolerance, and the dairy that’s easier on a dog’s stomach.

Why milk upsets so many dogs

Milk contains lactose, a sugar that needs an enzyme called lactase to digest. The AKC notes that a lot of dogs are lactose intolerant, so milk can cause intestinal upset. The ASPCA puts it the same way: pets don’t have much lactase, so milk and dairy can cause diarrhea and other digestive upset.

Milk is also high in fat and natural sugars. The AKC warns that too much of these can lead to obesity and pancreatitis, which are serious conditions.

How much milk is okay?

The AKC’s guidance: a few tablespoons of cow’s or goat’s milk on an occasional basis can be a nice reward for a dog that tolerates it. Not a full bowl, which can bring on diarrhea, vomiting and loose stools even in dogs that aren’t lactose intolerant.

• Start with a tablespoon and watch your dog for a day.
• Keep it occasional, inside the roughly 10% of daily calories for treats, the guideline AAHA uses.
• Skip it for dogs with a history of pancreatitis, a sensitive stomach or a vet-prescribed diet.

Signs milk doesn’t agree with your dog

• Gas or a bloated belly
• Loose stools or diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Discomfort or restlessness after drinking

If you see these after a small amount, the AKC’s advice is simple: find a different treat.

Easier dairy options

The AKC notes that some lactose-intolerant dogs who can’t handle milk do fine with cheese and plain yogurt, which are typically easier to digest.

• Plain yogurt: a teaspoon to a tablespoon, unsweetened and xylitol-free (yogurt).
• Plain cheese: a single small cube of low-fat cheese as a high-value treat (cheese).

The milk drinks to skip

• Chocolate milk and mocha: theobromine and caffeine are toxic to dogs (chocolate, coffee).
• Ice cream and milkshakes: sugar and fat, and some flavors contain chocolate, raisins, macadamias or xylitol.
• Sweetened, condensed or flavored milks: a lot of sugar.
• Cow’s milk for puppies: not a substitute for their mother’s milk or puppy food. An orphaned puppy needs a commercial puppy milk replacer and a plan from your vet.

Water is the only drink your dog needs. The free food safety chart puts the whole Safe / Caution / Never list on the fridge.