Why
Dogs have little lactase, so milk can cause diarrhea and stomach upset. Water is the better drink.
How to serve milk
- If you try it, a tablespoon or two and watch for upset.
Watch out for
- Diarrhea or gas means stop.
How much milk can a dog eat?
Treats of every kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories, says the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Here is that daily treat budget by size, and how much milk it buys if milk is the only treat that day. Milk has about 42 kcal per 100 g; 1 cup (244 g) is about 102 kcal.
| Dog size | Daily treat budget | Max milk a day |
|---|---|---|
| Small (10 lb) | 26 kcal | 62 g (a quarter of cup) |
| Medium (30 lb) | 59 kcal | 141 g (half of cup) |
| Large (60 lb) | 100 kcal | 239 g (one cup) |
| Giant (90 lb) | 136 kcal | 324 g (about one and a half cup) |
Less is better for small, overweight or diabetic dogs. Work out your own dog's numbers with the dog food calculator. Calories: USDA FoodData Central, Milk, lowfat, fluid, 1% milkfat, with added vitamin A and vitamin D.
Other dairy: quick answers
| Food | Verdict | Short answer |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese | Small amounts | Yes, in small amounts, if your dog handles dairy well. Lower-fat cheeses are better. |
| Yogurt | Small amounts | Yes, plain yogurt with no sugar or sweeteners, if your dog handles dairy. |
Rules for any new food
- Plain is the rule: no salt, butter, oil, onion, garlic, sugar or sweeteners. Most of the danger in human food comes from what is added to it.
- Keep all treats under 10% of your dog's daily calories (WSAVA). The rest should come from a complete dog food.
- Check labels for xylitol, raisins, chocolate and macadamia nuts, which turn up in baked goods, snacks and spreads.
- If your dog has a health condition, such as diabetes, pancreatitis or kidney disease, ask your vet before adding any new food.
Frequently asked questions
Is milk safe for dogs?
A little is OK for some dogs, but many are lactose intolerant.
How much milk can a dog eat?
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories (WSAVA). For a 30 lb dog that is about 59 kcal a day, or roughly 141 g of milk if it is the only treat that day.
Sources
- American Kennel Club, "Human Foods Dogs Can and Can't Eat" (updated Aug 17, 2026)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control, "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets"
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee, "Feeding treats to your dog"
- USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy (April 2018 release)
Checked October 17, 2026. We are a reference, not a vet: if in doubt, call yours. How we check.