Dogs can occasionally drink unsweetened, unflavored almond milk, which is lactose-free and therefore, less likely to cause an allergic reaction than dairy milk.
Depending on the almond-to-water ratio, almond milk can be a higher-fat treat for dogs. Avoid letting your dog drink almond milk regularly. Instead, think of it as a treat, and treats should not take up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories, says Diana. © Allison Michael Orenstein/ Getty Images
Last Updated on January 24, 2024 by Dogster Team
This article has expert comment from vegan canine nutritionist Diana Laverdure-Dunetz, M.S.
Dogs can have an occasional taste of your morning almond milk, as almonds are not toxic to dogs and can reduce inflammation. Look for unsweetened and unflavored varieties — a good choice lists just water and almonds as ingredients.
In stores, avoid almond milk with the artificial sweetener xylitol, artificial flavorings, thickeners and oils, which aren’t safe for dogs to eat, says vegan canine nutritionist Diana Laverdure-Dunetz, M.S. and author of The Plant-Powered Dog.
“To ensure their dogs’ almond milk is safe, I highly recommend that people make it themselves at home,” says Diana.
Can dogs drink almond milk? Yes, and here are the benefits
A fortified almond milk variety usually includes added vitamins and minerals, including:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin D
- calcium
“Almonds are especially high in vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help decrease oxidative damage to cells,” says Diana. Oxidative damage creates inflammation that can lead to a host of chronic inflammatory diseases, including cancer, she explains.
Vitamins A and E also help your dog’s skin and coat stay healthy and shiny.
Another benefit of almond milk is that it’s lactose-free and less likely to cause allergic reactions, or digestive issues, in dogs than cow’s milk or goat’s milk.