Yellow: with caution
Yes, but only plain yoghurt and only a little. Yoghurt is not toxic to dogs. However, the ASPCA, the American animal welfare organisation with its own poison control service, lists dairy products among the foods that can cause diarrhoea and digestive problems in pets.
Why yoghurt gets a yellow rating
According to the ASPCA, dogs produce very little lactase, the enzyme that breaks down milk sugar. The American Kennel Club (AKC) adds that dogs have difficulty digesting lactose after puppyhood. Gas, diarrhoea or vomiting may result. According to the AKC, yoghurt with plenty of live cultures, such as plain Greek yoghurt, contains less lactose. The bigger risk, though, is in flavoured yoghurt.
What to keep in mind
- Read the ingredients: Xylitol is toxic to dogs. According to the ASPCA, the sweetener can sharply reduce blood sugar and damage the liver.
- No sugar: Ordinary sugar has no place in your dog’s bowl either.
- Watch the fat content: According to the AKC, very fatty yoghurt can upset the stomach and contribute to pancreatitis.
- Start small: Try a spoonful, then see how your dog responds.
- Frozen: Plain yoghurt frozen in a chew toy can keep your dog occupied for a while.
What if your dog has eaten the wrong yoghurt?
If your dog has licked out a tub of plain yoghurt, an unsettled stomach is the most you are likely to see. Monitor your dog and offer water. If it was sweetened yoghurt, check the ingredients immediately. If xylitol or birch sugar is listed, call your vet or an emergency veterinary service straight away and take the packaging with you.
If you suspect poisoning, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Our free feeding calculator shows you how much food your dog needs each day and how to account for snacks. You can find more on meal plans and treats in our book “Dog Nutrition and Meal Plans” (book in German), and our free Puppy Starter Pack helps you get ready for a puppy. To give your dog a place on your wall, explore our dog portraits from your own photo or choose an individual portrait.
Further reading
- How to calculate how much food your dog really needs
- Is my dog overweight? How to assess body condition and ideal weight
- Puppy checklist: essentials and the first 3 days
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (Milk/Dairy, Xylitol); American Kennel Club, Can Dogs Eat Yogurt?
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