Can Dogs Eat Kefir?

Kefir

Kefir is one of the most fashionable foods lately, but… what if I told you that they have been consuming it in the East for at least a thousand years? It is likely that it will soon cease to be a fad to be part of healthy diets or even natural medicine. And it is that it is a good ally of human health.

It is not surprising that those who live with dogs want them to also be able to take advantage of its benefits, but ... Can dogs eat kefir? 

What is kefir?

Dog licking itself

First of all, let's see what kefir is. East is a natural probiotic food obtained from the fermentation of small nodules that contain a microflora (bacteria, fungi and yeasts) charity. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that intervene in digestion, metabolism and the immune system, since they guarantee the assimilation of essential nutrients, as well as vitamins and minerals.

Among the bacteria that compose them we find:

  • Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus
  • Lactobacillus helveticus
  • Lactobaillus casei subsp. pseudoplantarum
  • lactobacillus brevis
  • Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis
  • Streptococcus thermophilus

There are two types: water kefir and milk kefir. Both have the same microflora, but the environments in which they develop are different. In addition, you have to know that milk has a texture similar to that of yogurt, but water is ideal for those who have a food intolerance.

What are its benefits?

Kefir has numerous benefits for the digestive system, but also for the immune system. And if it was not enough, helps prevent various diseases such as:

  • Cancer
  • Arthritis
  • Malnutrition
  • Inflammatory and infectious processes
  • Gastritis
  • gastroenteritis
  • Asthma
  • Respiratory and skin allergies

Can I give it to my dog?

Yes of course. But it is important that before making any changes to the dog's diet you consult a veterinarian. He will be able to tell you what the appropriate dose is based on your weight, age and health. Also, you should keep in mind that if he is lactose intolerant, it is best to give him water kefir, since otherwise it could make him feel bad and even hurt his gut. For this reason also, in case you have doubts, it will always be better to give water kefir, which by the way is easier to care for and preserve.

Where to get it?

Kefir nodules You can get them through kefir donation networks. It is important that you know that, although it is very possible that you will find them for sale, one of the traditions that we want to maintain is that of donating kefir with the aim of removing the economic purposes of its cultivation, as well as generating a learning circle.

How to make water kefir for my dog?

If you want your furry to enjoy the wonderful benefits of water kefir, then Here is a very easy recipe to prepare:

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons of water kefir nodules
  • 1l of clean water at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons pure honey
  • 1 dehydrated fruit (figs, plums, dates ... any but without seeds)
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Wide Mouth Glass Jar
  • Plastic drainer
  • Wooden or silicone spoon

Step by step

  1. First, we take the glass jar and add 1 liter of water without chlorine.
  2. Second, we add the other ingredients and mix them until they are diluted with the water.
  3. Third, we close the glass jar.
  4. Fourth and last, we let it rest for 2-3 days at a temperature between 15 and 30ºC.

Now it will only be necessary to remove the kefir nodules that we can use on another occasion, and give them to the dog 🙂.

What is the recommended dose for dogs?

Although it may vary depending on what the veterinarian tells us, the recommended dose is that of 1 tablespoon for every 15 or 20kg of weight.

Dog licking

Image - Frenchiemania.com

I hope it has been useful to you 🙂.


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