Perhaps you’ve pumped extra breast milk and you’re wondering if your dog can drink it?
Obviously nurturing in this way is highly beneficial for babies, but for pet dogs?
Here’s the deal:
It doesn’t make much sense to provide a pooch with breast milk. In fact, the lactose could cause digestive issues.
Your dog’s mother’s milk was super essential early on — in the puppy months. But, once fully grown, it’s no longer needed despite the nutrients.
Do Not Give Your Dog Breast Milk
The thing you should assume that your canine is lactose intolerant.
Besides, breast milk cannot provide dogs with the benefits that human newborns receive.
It would be best to preserve a leftover supply for your precious baby assuming you are currently lactating.
Of course, we do hear of exceptions to our recommendation…
There are cases whereby people have nursed a pet dog back to health with human breast milk. But it is highly out of the ordinary and there are usually better options.
Dogs And Milk Consumption
Dogs would not normally drink another species’ milk.
And all the nutrients needed to thrive are in quality dog food. Why not leave well enough alone and not introduce dairy at all?
Just because your dog may enjoy drinking milk doesn’t mean they should be consuming it.
In regards to sick dogs, they should get the proper nourishment in the form of a specialized treatment that is designed specifically for such a purpose. Even something like Pedialyte would be better than human breast milk.
Probably Not Dangerous
Don’t worry if your dog drank some of your special milk. They are unlikely to fall ill, but they may have a case of diarrhea or a stomach ache afterwards.
It’s not a good idea, and not something you want to get into the habit of doing.
While our two species have learned to coexist quite nicely, sharing milk just isn’t part of that equation.
If you have successfully given your dog some breast milk please share your experience in the comment section. Strange but fascinating!
Daily Diet Instead
The best way to feed your dog what they need is to set up a regular feeding schedule with the same brand of dog food. That way their digestion will improve because and their digestive juices will start up at the same time each day.
Changing your dog’s feeding habits too often can cause them undue digestive stress, not to mention make them incredibly antsy for their next meal. When they have the regularity of a daily feeding time or times, they can get into a routine and know what to expect.
If you suspect a nutritional deficit, rather than using breast milk, upgrade to a premium dog food or consult with a vet. This will ensure that they’re getting more of what they need in the form of high-quality proteins. Maybe your dog should have less grain fillers.
The Bottom Line
Dogs are easy to take care of once you’ve got the right system in place. Too often we wonder about all of the things you can or cannot give them to supplement their daily intake of dog food.
There’s not much they need other than clean water and healthy protein packed meals. Stick to that plan and not something as ridiculous as giving them breast milk.
I had more than 100 ounces of extra breast milk that had been frozen but was within 1 month of expiring. Instead of having to dump it down the sink, I decided to offer it to the dog and cats. Neither had any interest. However, they love cows’ milk and goats’ milk. I found it interesting that they actually had a preference.
Of course not. Human milk is not for puppies or grown dogs as cows milk is not for humans also.
Humans drink cows milk daily, it is a different species! We would give them breast-milk from us if a dog is very malnourished because the mother rejected them. Human breast milk can be very beneficial.
I’ve been given my dog the extra pumped pumped breast milk that my baby doesn’t finish. She has not gotten sick and doesn’t refuse to drink it. I’d rather have my dog drink the extra milk than throw it down the sink.