Yes, dogs can eat sour cream; their bodies can handle the lactose. Sour cream is nontoxic for dogs, but at the same time, they don’t have many health benefits.
Table of Contents
What is Sour Cream?
Sour cream is a dairy product that is fermented form of the cream skimmed off the milk. Bacteria such as B. Bifidus and L.lactis ferment the cream from the milk by producing lactic acid and making the cream thick and sour.
Is Sour Cream Safe For Dogs?
Yes, sour cream is safe when fed in moderation for lactose tolerant dogs.
Is Sour Cream Good For Dogs?
Yes, sour cream is good for dogs as it is rich in calcium, Iron, Sodium and Phosphorus, and Vitamin A.
The nutritional value of sour cream varies based on the fat content and product. A tablespoon of sour cream contains
Fat – 2.4g
Cholesterol – 6mg
Saturated Fat – 1.4g
Protein – Less than 1g
Carbohydrate – Less than 1g
Is Sour Cream Bad For Dogs?
Sour cream can be bad for lactose intolerant dogs and result in
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Gas
Bloating
Abdominal pain
Dehydration
Skin Allergy
For a dog that could tolerate lactose, sour cream could be bad in the following ways
Excess Fat: Excess fat can lead to weight gain, pancreatitis, heart diseases in dogs. Sour cream is high in fat, and even fat-free sour cream has 0.5g of fats for every 50g. Tyramine and the artificial gums used in fat-free sour creams to improve the flavors can cause irritable bowel syndrome and digestive issues in dogs.
Calories: To maintain a healthy weight, dogs should only have 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight. Extra calories will cause cardiovascular diseases, and in one tablespoon of sour cream, there are 23 calories.
Saturated Fats: This is responsible for the increase of calories in blood. These are bad fats, and 60% of fats in sour cream are made of saturated fats.
Store-bought sour creams can contain ingredients like onions and chives, which are harmful to dogs. Some brands of sour cream have probiotics that can upset the dog’s stomach.
How To Feed Sour Cream To Your Dog?
Any new food should be given in a small quantity to check for any allergic reactions. Similarly, feed a little bit of sour cream and check whether your dog is tolerant to lactose. Gradually introduce sour cream to dogs in moderate quantities.
How Much Sour Cream Should You Serve Your Dog?
Sour cream should not make up for more than 10% of the dog’s daily caloric level intake. Never feed more than one tablespoon for small dogs and more than three tablespoons for big dogs in a single day. Avoid adding sour cream to your dog’s regular diet.
What If My Dog Overconsumed Sour Cream?
If your dog has eaten too much sour cream, check for symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. It is advisable to fast the dog for up to 12 hours. Avoid treats and give water if your dog can drink. After 12 hours, serve a bland diet and continue it for 2-3 days until the stool is normal. Consult a veterinarian if the symptoms persist for more than two days.
Final Words
Sour cream is safe for dogs and can be served once in a while. Never feed sour cream to your dog if he or she is obese or lactose intolerant. There are alternatives such as lite sour cream, organic sour cream, which can also be given to the dogs.
