---
title: "Can dogs and cats eat yoghurt?"
description: "Yoghurt and pets: fine in small amounts. What it does, whether the dose matters, and how dogs, cats, rabbits and birds differ."
url: https://atoneplace.net/can-pets-eat/yoghurt/
site: "At One Place"
---

# Can pets eat yoghurt?

**Yoghurt: Fine in small amounts**

Dogs: In moderation · Cats: In moderation

## By animal

| Animal | Verdict | Why |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dogs | In moderation | Plain live yoghurt is usually tolerated better than milk. Check for xylitol in low-sugar versions. |
| Cats | In moderation | Same. |

## What it actually does

Fermentation converts much of the lactose, so plain yoghurt is generally better tolerated than milk by animals that are lactose intolerant. Flavoured and "low sugar" yoghurts are where the risk enters: several are sweetened with xylitol, and fruit varieties can contain grape or raisin pieces. Plain, unsweetened, full-fat yoghurt in a spoonful is the version that is fine.

No reliable dose threshold has been published for this. Anything presenting a specific safe amount is extrapolating.

> Body weight decides almost everything here, so what is trivial for a 40 kg dog can matter for a 4 kg one, and a bird is smaller again. Where a real published threshold exists this page gives it; where none does, it says so rather than inventing one.

## Dairy

| Food | Worst verdict | Dogs | Cats |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Milk and cream | In moderation | In moderation | In moderation |
| Cheese | In moderation | In moderation | In moderation |

## Common questions

### Can dogs eat yoghurt?

Fine in small amounts. Plain live yoghurt is usually tolerated better than milk. Check for xylitol in low-sugar versions.

### Can cats eat yoghurt?

Fine in small amounts. Same.

### What does yoghurt actually do?

Fermentation converts much of the lactose, so plain yoghurt is generally better tolerated than milk by animals that are lactose intolerant. Flavoured and "low sugar" yoghurts are where the risk enters: several are sweetened with xylitol, and fruit varieties can contain grape or raisin pieces. Plain, unsweetened, full-fat yoghurt in a spoonful is the version that is fine.

## Related pages

- [Can pets eat milk and cream?](https://atoneplace.net/can-pets-eat/milk/)
- [Can pets eat cheese?](https://atoneplace.net/can-pets-eat/cheese/)
- [Can pets eat chocolate?](https://atoneplace.net/can-pets-eat/chocolate/)
- [Can pets eat grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants?](https://atoneplace.net/can-pets-eat/grapes/)
- [Can pets eat onion, garlic, leek and chives?](https://atoneplace.net/can-pets-eat/onion-garlic/)
- [Can pets eat xylitol and birch sugar?](https://atoneplace.net/can-pets-eat/xylitol/)
- [Everything, for dogs](https://atoneplace.net/can-pets-eat/dog/)
- [Everything, for cats](https://atoneplace.net/can-pets-eat/cat/)

## Sources

- Animal Poison Control Center — toxic and non-toxic lists — ASPCA (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control)