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- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Dogs shouldn’t drink real eggnog because of the sugar content—but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on this holiday favorite. We tested this dog-friendly eggnog recipe here at our Rover kitchens, and it couldn’t be easier. Plus, we got a paws-up from our taste testers. Watch as Prim, our resident Yorkie mix, whips up a batch. Then find the full recipe below.
Can Dogs Have Eggnog?
Dogs can’t have typical human eggnog for a lot of reasons. As Dr. Jo Myers, DVM, a veterinarian at Vetster, points out, “Traditional recipes often contain alcohol, which can be toxic even in small amounts, especially for smaller dogs.”
Even if you skip the alcohol, though, it’s not a good idea to share. “The high fat and dairy content can upset the stomach or trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially serious condition that becomes more likely with larger servings or in dogs already prone to it,” Dr. Myers explains. And there’s the risk of raw eggs and lots of sugar.
What happens if your dog gets into eggnog made for humans? It depends on what it contains. Concerning signs like the following merit a call to a vet:
- A lack of coordination
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Shaking and tremors
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
Dr. Myers suggests exercising extra caution around small and toy breeds, dogs with a history of pancreatitis, and pups prone to it, like Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels.
A Homemade Dog-Safe Eggnog Recipe
Prep time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients
- 7 oz. plain Greek yogurt
- 2 oz. organic baby food, such as sweet potato & chicken
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 doggy biscuit (or make your own dog-safe gingerbread cookie!)
Directions
- Put all ingredients in blender.
- Blend until well-combined and frothy.
- Serve up with a doggy biscuit on top.
Happy holidays from all of us at Rover, dogs and humans alike!
Image courtesy of Kiki Kane
H/t: Lola the Pitty for the recipe.
