Similar to humans, dogs and cats can suffer from lactose intolerance and unfortunately for our companions it is a very common problem. Lactose intolerance is essentially the absence of the beta lactamase enzyme which assists in the breakdown of sugar found in milk. Without this enzyme, the undigested sugar builds up in their intestinal tract, leading to diarrhoea and vomiting.
On the other hand, some pets are lactose tolerant and love a treat of milk and other dairy products. So the answer to the question is:- Yes you can give your pet milk but only in small portions. However, if your pet shows any signs of illness such as diarrhoea or vomiting stop providing milk and dairy treats, and ask your pet healthcare team for advice. We also recommend checking with your veterinarian first to ensure it will not interfere with their existing diet or any medication being given.
A high quality premium diet will give your pet enough calcium and nutrients to keep their bones healthy and strong, so feeding milk is not necessary after weaning.
