Sour cream is not toxic to dogs, and a little now and then should not cause any harm. However, it’s a dairy product made from regular cream fermented by acetic acid bacteria. Can dogs eat sour cream as a treat? As with all dairy, dog owners should be cautious when introducing this product to their pet’s diet.
Key Takeaways
- Small amounts of sour cream is not dangerous for dogs ✔️
- If you have a lactose intolerant dog, don’t give him sour cream ❌
- Fat-free sour cream is better than regular one ✔️
- Sour cream flavored products are not good for pups ❌
Sour Cream as a Dairy Product
Lactose (sugar that is found in milk), when fermented, is converted into lactic acid (this acid gives sour cream and other fermented dairy products their characteristic sour taste). As a result, these products contain little lactose compared to whole milk. There’s 0.4 to 0.6 grams of lactose in one tablespoon of sour cream.
Dogs can consume small amounts of lactose without problems, but large quantities can cause digestive issues like diarrhea or vomiting. Dogs do not have the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose. Just like humans, some suffer from lactose intolerance.
If your dog is lactose intolerant, avoid feeding them sour cream. Many dogs can handle small amounts of lactose without issues. To be safe, start with a teaspoon and see how your dog reacts before offering more.
The Fat Content in Sour Cream
Like many dairy products, sour cream is high in fat. One tablespoon of sour cream contains about four grams of fat.
While a bit of fat won’t hurt your fur beast, too much can lead to weight gain (other health issues). It can even cause pancreatitis, which is a serious life-threatening condition.
What About Fat-Free Sour Cream?
So, can dogs eat sour cream that’s fat-free? Fat-free sour cream is a better option for dogs, as it contains less than one gram of fat per tablespoon. Be sure to read the label before feeding your dog some, as some brands of fat-free sour cream have added sugar (look for one that has no more than 2–3 grams of sugar per serving).
How Can Sour Cream Be Good for Dogs?
There are some benefits of sour cream for dogs. The probiotics in sour cream can help settle your dog’s stomach if they’re experiencing indigestion or diarrhea. The live, active cultures in the fermented dairy can help restore the balance of good bacteria in their gut.
You can give your dog a spoonful of sour cream to help soothe their stomach (or add it to their dog food). You can buy special probiotics made for dogs to avoid issues with lactose.
Can Dogs Eat Sour Cream and Onion Chips?
You may be tempted to share your sour cream and onion chips with your dog. But stop right there, it can be dangerous! The onion in the chips can cause anemia in dogs. That’s because onion contains thiosulfate, which can damage red blood cells.
If your dog accidentally eats a few chips, they won’t likely suffer any serious side effects. But it’s best not to give them onion-flavored snacks or foods, as these can be harmful in large quantities. The high salt content can also lead to dehydration.
Can dogs eat sour cream with other chips? Again, it’s best to avoid giving your dog any chips, as they can be high in salt and fat. However, if you must give them a few, sour cream and plain chips are the safest option.
Can Dogs Eat Sour Cream Cake?
Sour cream cake is another treat that’s best avoided. It contains a lot of sugar, which can be harmful to dogs. A slice of sour cream cake can have up to 20 grams of sugar – more than your dog should eat in one day. For a relatively healthy pet treat, stick to plain sour cream served without human food!
Here you can read more about “Can dogs eat cake?”
How Much Sour Cream Can You Feed Your Dog?
Dogs can eat sour cream in moderation. If your pup can handle a bit of lactose without any issues, then feel free to give them a spoonful or two of sour cream as an occasional treat. Just read the label on the sour cream you buy to make sure it doesn’t contain any harmful additives.
Does your dog enjoy a bit of sour cream now and then? Tell us in the comments and say hi to your best furrend!
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