Pet Information > ASK Experts > Dogs > Dog Breeds > Poodles > POODLE

POODLE

20 10:22:13

Question
can she drink milk ?

Answer
You can give a dog cows' milk, but it is better if you don't.  It contains lactose which dogs can't digest very well.  It can cause digestive upsets.  It is also high in calcium, and excess calcium isn't good for growing puppies' joints.  Modern dog foods are formulated to be the complete and balanced diet dogs need.  Adding milk or anything else only upsets the careful balance.  The less else a dog gets, the better.  Many dogs go their entire life eating nothing but one dog food.  We have an 8 year old Lab that has eaten almost nothing but adult Pro Plan since he was 5 months old.  He is doing quite well.  the only change we may make is switching to a senior version.  Our last Lab lived to be 15 on nothing but Pro plan.  You can expect similar results with most other brands.  A smaller Poodle should live even longer with good care.  

If you have an unweaned puppy, the pet stores have special milk replacer for puppies without the lactose.