Can German Shepherds Drink Milk?

Usually, drinking milk is safe for your German Shepherds, just like it is meant for human consumption as long as you provide it in a limited quantity. However, you need to ensure that your pup is not lactose intolerant before feeding it milk because most dogs inherit this health problem. 

Can German Shepherds Drink Milk?

Yes, your German Shepherd dog can drink milk as long as it is in limited quantities. But you have to ensure that your dog doesn’t have a lactose problem by taking him to the veterinarian. You should know that most puppies are born with plenty of lactase supply, an enzyme that helps digest mother’s milk. 

When they grow, their body is likely to produce less lactase. Eventually, most of them become lactose intolerant. In addition, processed milk for human consumption is vastly different from the ones produced for nurturing dogs. You should know that cow’s milk has a higher percentage of lactose content, making it hard for dogs to digest. Similarly, goat’s milk contains less lactose content, but still, it is enough for making your dog uncomfortable. 

Is Milk Good For German Shepherds?

As mentioned above, milk is suitable for your German Shepherd dog but only in a limited amount. You already know that puppies have an enzyme called lactase, essential for digesting mother’s milk. According to research, when your puppy grows, it releases fewer lactase enzymes which eventually make them lactose intolerant. 

However, some puppies still might be able to digest milk as long as they drink it in small quantities. You can occasionally feed your dog with a few tablespoons of goat’s milk or cow’s milk as a reward for doing something good without triggering the side effects of intolerance.

You must know that adding too much fat to the dog’s diet can cause health issues like pancreatitis and obesity. Even though your German Shepherd dog is highly active and energetic, you still need to feed him a small quantity. 

Are German Shepherds Lactose Intolerant?

Usually, all dogs are lactose intolerant, including German shepherds, and they won’t digest dairy products. You should know that the degree of lactose intolerance varies from dog to dog, as some dogs might be limited to eating a particular type of dairy product. However, others might experience adverse reactions after consuming any dairy product. 

But first, you should know that lactose is a form of sugar found in milk and other dairy products. That means if your German shepherd cannot digest lactose, it indicates that your dog is lactose intolerant. You should know that this condition is harmful to your dog as he might suffer from excess gas, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

What Happens If You Give Your German Shepherd Milk?

Whenever you feed your German shepherd with dairy products like milk, it might feel uncomfortable digesting the lactose content because to do that. This is because they need lactase enzymes to digest food and drink made from dairy products. But when they grow older and have been weaned, they tend to reduce lactase enzymes, making them sensitive to dairy products. 

That’s why your dog experiences heaviness around the stomach area, and it might vomit in some cases. So, it would be better to consult with your dog’s vet before feeding your dog with any dairy products like yogurt, cheese, ice cream, etc. Also, you should know that every dairy product contains a different percentage of lactose content. That means you can feed your dog with dairy products occasionally to keep them from suffering tummy troubles. 

Can German Shepherd Puppies Drink Milk?

Yes, German shepherd puppies can drink milk as they have plenty of lactase enzymes to break down milk molecules and absorb essential nutrients. However, once they are accustomed to other food items instead of mother milk, their body tends to produce less lactase enzyme. 

Eventually, your dog enters the stage where he might develop lactose intolerance issues. You should know that every German Shepherd has a different level of lactose intolerance. For instance, enjoying a small bowl of milk on various occasions is equivalent to some tablespoons. However, even a tiny lick of whipping cream can cause a lot of trouble after a few hours.

Also Read: Do German Shepherds Have Curly Tails?

Are Other Types Of Milk Safe For GSDs?

As mentioned above, almost every dairy product is harmful to your German shepherd. Whether you are feeding the GSDs cow’s milk or goat’s milk, every type of milk contains a different percentage of lactose. That means milk contains low or no fat, and buttermilk might not trigger the side effects of lactose intolerance. 

You should know that cow’s milk contains a higher percentage of lactose. In contrast, goat’s milk has some content of lactose, which is sufficient for triggering the side effects. Your dog might experience excess gas, vomiting, or diarrhea. 

However, it is also worth noting that different brands of dairy products may elevate the level of side effects. You can feed your dog with yogurt, which may not cause any problem as it already contains lactase enzymes, making it easier for the body to digest.

How Much Milk Should You Give Your German Shepherd?

Most of you already know that feeding you only a spoonful of dairy products is sufficient to meet your appetite. However, you should know that feeding them anything excess will lead to some problems. So, it is always recommended to give your German Shepherd only a few tablespoons of milk.

If you are not sure how much you need to give, you can consult with a veterinarian and learn when and how much to feed your dog with milk and other dairy products. However, if you accidentally provide them with excess milk, ensure that your dog has access to sufficient water supplies. So, it can drink water to get rehydrated. In addition, it will help in reducing the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Final Words

Now you know that not all German Shepherds are suffering from lactose intolerance. Therefore, even though German Shepherd does not include dairy products in their diet, you should try them one by one if you want to add them.