It’s a common practice among pet owners to share their meals with their dogs. However, dogs don’t understand whether the food they’re being offered is beneficial or harmful to their health. As their caretaker, it’s your responsibility to thoroughly research the food you give them, as some can be toxic to their health.
Sour cream is often used as a topping, garnish, or dip for various foods, including vegetables and fruits. It’s packed with beneficial nutrients when consumed in moderation. Similarly, sour cream isn’t harmful or toxic to dogs and can even be beneficial to their health. So, how much sour cream should you feed your dog, and when and how should you serve it? Let’s delve deeper into the topic of incorporating sour cream into your dog’s diet.
Health Impact of Sour Cream on Dogs
Sour cream contains a fat content of around 20 percent and each serving provides approximately 13 mg of calcium. Calcium is essential for building and maintaining strong bones in dogs while also supporting their bodily functions. While sour cream is not the best source of calcium, it’s better than nothing. It also contains small amounts of vitamin A, iron, sodium, and phosphorus. Some types of sour cream contain probiotics, which can help soothe an upset stomach.
However, sour cream also has its downsides. It’s high in calories and fat, which can contribute to obesity in dogs. If your dog is already overweight, sour cream can exacerbate the problem. It’s high in saturated fats, which can lead to various health issues if consumed in excess. Therefore, it should be given in moderate amounts. If you want to be on the safe side, consider alternatives like lite sour cream, yogurt, or peanut butter.
When to Avoid Feeding Sour Cream to Dogs
Although sour cream is generally safe for dogs, it shouldn’t be given to dogs that are lactose intolerant. Being a dairy product, sour cream may be difficult for such dogs to digest, and it could cause them to fall ill. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include stomach discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea. Lactose intolerance is a common issue in dogs as they transition from puppyhood to adulthood. Compared to milk, sour cream contains less lactose, so if your dog can tolerate milk, they should also be able to digest sour cream.
How Much Sour Cream to Give to Your Dog
Sour cream doesn’t provide any significant health benefits, so feeding it in small, moderate amounts should not negatively affect your dog’s health. Because sour cream is high in calories and fat, it should make up around 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. For small breeds, one spoonful of sour cream is enough, while three spoonfuls can be given to large breeds.
What to Do If Your Dog Overeats Sour Cream
If your dog consumes a large amount of sour cream, stay calm and observe them closely for several hours. Even though sour cream is not toxic, there’s no need to panic as it shouldn’t harm their health. If your dog is lactose intolerant, however, they might experience mild diarrhea, dehydration, and vomiting. Refrain from giving them treats and withhold food for about 12 hours. You can then provide them with a healthy diet of boiled meat or chicken with rice. If necessary, take your dog to the vet for a thorough check-up.
Conclusion
This article has covered the benefits, effects, and other considerations regarding feeding sour cream to dogs. While a small amount of sour cream can be added to their diet, it should be avoided altogether for dogs that are lactose intolerant. If you’re considering incorporating sour cream into your dog’s diet, consult with a vet first, as each dog is unique.
