Can Dogs Eat Sour Cream? Risks of Sour Cream for Dogs

Dogs can safely eat small amounts of sour cream, provided that they are not lactose intolerant. Sour cream is a fermented dairy product; bacteria and enzymes convert the sugar (lactose) found in regular cream into a new substance that gives sour cream its distinctive tangy taste. Due to this process, most sour cream contains less lactose than many other dairy products like ice cream. However, if you have a lactose-intolerant dog, even a small amount of lactose can cause an upset stomach, bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Despite this, most healthy dogs can enjoy small amounts of sour cream without adverse effects. A tablespoon of sour cream has a high fat content (2.3 grams per serving) and over 7 milligrams of cholesterol, so look for low-fat options if possible. For a similar option with lower fat, choose plain yogurt instead. If your dog is severely lactose intolerant (many are), forego dairy products altogether and offer a spoonful of peanut butter as a dog treat.

Certain health concerns and digestive issues can make sour cream bad for dogs.

• Lactose intolerance: Large amounts of lactose, the sugar found in dairy products, can wreak havoc on some dogs’ digestive systems. While sour cream contains less lactose than ice cream or most yogurt, it can still give your furry friend abdominal pain and diarrhea.
• Obesity: The high calorie count in sour cream can lead to weight gain. In all cases, limit how much sour cream your dog eats. For dogs that are already overweight, cut out sour cream altogether. Over time, a lot of sour cream (along with other fatty foods) can contribute to health problems like heart disease and pancreatitis.
• Presence of artificial sweeteners: Sour cream rarely contains artificial sweeteners like xylitol. If you come across a product that does (like a sour cream dip for onion chips, for example), keep it far away from your pooch. Xylitol and related sweeteners are very bad for your dog’s health and can have dangerous side effects.

Sour cream is not dog food, and it offers scant nutritional benefits to your furry friend. Sour cream does contain trace amounts of vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. These nutrients are outweighed by the significant calories and fat found in sour cream. You can leave sour cream out of your dog’s diet entirely, and your dog’s health will not suffer in the slightest.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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