Milk is an essential beverage human can benefit a lot of things from. Extracted from different sources such as animals, soy, nuts, and even our very own mothers, milk has a lot of nutrients and minerals that can keep anyone's body strong and healthier.
According to Health Line, this drink has a high-level of phosphorus and calcium (two of the most important foundation for healthy teeth and bones) and B vitamins (used by the body for the cells to function at its best). Furthermore, milk is also rich in vitamin D (helps the body absorb calcium for bone growth), and potassium (aids in balancing body fluids, controlling nerve signals, and muscle contractions).
But as it is important for humans, is milk good for the dogs too? Can we feed them all the kinds of milk we humans consume?
Puppies are very cute but fragile little creatures. The moment they are born, puppies can't eat on their own like that of us humans. They are dependent on their mother for food, giving them milk in return.
The milk their mother has for them contains all the nutrients they need for their tiny little bodies to survive. It is power-packed with protein, carbohydrates, and fats, which acts as an immunizer that shields them from different viruses, bacteria, and any other factors that could threaten their lives.
But what if their mother's milk isn't available? What if their mothers aren't able to supply the milk they need due to factors like health problems or death? What kind of milk should we give them?
A pup, unfortunately, can't drink just any milk available in your kitchen. Most dogs tend to be lactose intolerant, making their body difficult to digest dairy goods. Dogs and puppies that suffer lactose intolerance can experience abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, loose stools, and gas once they consumed milk or dairy products.
Experts say there is no way you will know whether your dogs or puppies are lactose intolerant or not. So to keep your pooch's safe from experiencing such digestive problems, better give them not just any milk as a substitute for their mom's milk.
For emergencies, there is some puppy formula you can purchase from your vet, which can be a good supplement for their mom's milk. It has been artificially created to cater to the nutrients your puppy needs to avoid nutritional deficiency, as advised by the American Kennel Club.