Can Dogs Have Almond Milk? Find The Answer Here

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As a dog owner, you might have already asked yourself “can dogs have almond milk”? Given that we’ve heard so many times that cow’s milk and other dairy products might upset their tummies, this is a legitimate question.

As they age, the amount of lactase enzyme reduces and this enzyme is crucial in order to break down the milk lactose. That’s why the majority of dog owners turn to ask if almond milk is, in fact, safe for their dogs.

Almond milk is considered to be a non-dairy milk so it would be logical to say it’s okay. But not so fast! Before jumping to conclusions, give this article a chance and you’ll see whether you should give almond milk to your dog or not.

The Answer to Your Question

Yes, technically, your dog can drink almond milk. Be careful, though. Giving your dog excessive amounts of almond milk might have serious consequences. That’s why we’d recommend practicing moderation. Remember that less is more.

You may or may not know this but some nuts, such as macadamia nuts, aren’t safe for dogs. And, almond milk is a product of large amounts of processed almonds. Unlike other nuts, almonds aren’t a hazard for dogs. However, they contain extreme amounts of calories. So, in this case, a little goes a long way.

Pay attention to the two major rules and:

  • ​Don't ever feed puppies with almond milk
  • ​Don't ever feed a dog, no matter the age, with sweetened milk, chocolate or raisins

And, no, we’re not being overly dramatic on this one. Sweetened milk is a no-go because certain sweeteners, such as xylitol, act as poison to dogs. In addition to that, chocolate and raisins are just as dangerous.

Therefore, if you wish to give almond milk to your dog, make sure it’s unflavored and plain.

Puppies and almond milk

Don’t even think about weaning the pup on almond milk. Puppies must be raised on the milk from their mother and then you can wean them on softer foods for puppies. In case the puppy’s mother isn’t producing a sufficient amount of milk, we recommend giving them a special puppy formula and going to the vet. But remember to stay away from almond milk!

Experts in dog nutrition tend to recommend giving them milk replacements that are rich in amino acids, fatty acids and calcium. So you’ll definitely want to stick to that.

Why Almond Milk Isn’t Exactly The Best Dog Food

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Giving almond milk to your dog every now and then wouldn’t be such a big deal. But you need to make sure not to do that on a regular basis. As we’ve mentioned earlier, almond milk is absolutely packed with calories! One of the most frequent issues with pets is obesity. That’s why adding extra, unnecessary calories might not be such a good idea. If you do that, you’ll risk contributing to your dog’s obesity and that’s something you don’t want to do.

In fact, since dogs don’t require milk as part of their nutrition, you would be feeding them on empty calories that have none of the nutrients your dog needs.

In addition, although dogs can eat almonds, raw almonds can cause distress in the dog’s digestive system and irritate their tummies. The bottom line is their stomach just isn’t destined to break down nuts, which includes almonds as well.

It’s not that almonds are poisonous but they are extremely difficult to digest. What’s more, there are cases where dogs would suffer from vomiting and diarrhea after having almonds. So, keep that in mind before handing them a couple.

There’s a major difference between almond and almond milk

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While almonds may cause trouble and harm to your dog’s digestion, almond milk works differently. Almond milk is a diluted form of almonds. With only a handful of almonds, you can make almond milk that will fill a whole bottle. Hence, a little almond milk once in a while isn’t going to be such a bad idea.

Still, we recommend you to be careful with starting to give your dog almond milk. Start by giving your dog just a tablespoon of it in order to see how their body reacts. In case there are no strange reactions to the milk, you can give it to them as an occasional treat. However, if you notice that almond milk gives them gas or upsets their stomach in any way, just give it up.

Finally, you must check the label on the milk. Always make sure there’s no chocolate or xylitol or any other harmful ingredients in there. In addition to that, be sure to check the number of calories per serving. If you notice a weight gain, take that as a sign to back off.

Final Thoughts and Conclusions

Alright, guys, you were wondering if dogs can have almond milk. Finally, you’ve got your answer. Just to make sure we’re on the same page here:

  • Almond milk is not poisonous and you can feed your dog with it BUT in moderation.
  • Test out the dog’s reaction by giving them a tablespoon of almond milk
  • There’s a huge difference between almonds and almond milk
  • Stay away from giving your dog raw almonds, as it might lead to the distress of their stomach
  • Almond milk doesn’t contain nutrients that are necessary for dog’s diet
  • Almond milk has enormous amounts of calories and can lead to obesity

So, we’ve come to the very end of this article and you now know all there is to know about almond milk and what effects it might have on dogs. You can go ahead and try it out. Make sure to gauge your dog’s reaction. If it seems to you that your dog can handle it, stick to tablespoons and stay away from bowls. With that piece of advice, we’re leaving you to make a decision whether you’re going to try this out.

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