Can Dogs Have Dairy? Milk, Cheese, Yogurt and Kefir
We’ve reviewed 5 dairy so far. 2 are fine in normal treat amounts. 2 are OK only in small amounts. 1 is better skipped.
Reviewed by Dr. Adam Polosetski, DVM · 89 foods, each with its veterinary sources · updated Oct 20, 2026
Quick answers
Can dogs have dairy?
Fine in treat amounts: Greek yogurt and Kefir. OK only in small amounts: Goat milk and Milk and cheese.
Which dairy should dogs avoid?
Better skipped: Ice cream.
Can dogs have dairy?
| Food | Can she eat it? | The short answer |
|---|---|---|
| Goat milk | A little | A little is fine: plain, pasteurized goat milk is OK for most dogs as a small treat, but it isn't lactose-free, raw goat milk carries germ and bird flu risks, and it's not a substitute for puppy formula. |
| Greek yogurt | Yes | Yes, most dogs can have a little plain, unsweetened yogurt, and plain Greek is usually easiest on the stomach, but never give yogurt sweetened with xylitol and go slow if dairy gives her loose stools. |
| Ice cream | Skip it | Better to skip: ice cream is on the vet-written Zoetis list of party foods to keep away from dogs. |
| Kefir | Yes | Yes, plain, unsweetened kefir is fine for most dogs in small amounts, following the same rules as yogurt, though there's no evidence yet that it does anything special for dogs. |
| Milk and cheese | A little | A little plain cheese or a few tablespoons of milk now and then is fine for most dogs, but many dogs don't digest dairy well, and blue cheese and cheese with garlic, onion or chives should be skipped. |
