Generally, dogs can eat small amounts of sour cream – however we recommend that you avoid giving it to them altogether.
If you’re wondering if you can give your dog sour cream, or if your dog has accidentally eaten sour cream, then you have come to the right place.
What is sour cream?
To figure out if sour cream is safe for your canine friend, we must first understand what sour cream is. Sour cream is dairy cream that has been fermented with certain types of bacteria. The special bacteria, over time, converts the lactose in the cream into lactic acid – giving sour cream its signature ‘sour’ taste. The lactose in the dairy cream will be mostly converted, however small amounts will still remain.
Is sour cream safe for dogs?
Sour cream isn’t toxic to your dog, however the lactose in sour cream may give your dog some tummy troubles. Many dogs are lactose intolerant, which means they cannot digest lactose properly. Lactose intolerance can lead to:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Gas (or farting)
- No appetite
The other thing to keep in mind is the nutritional content of sour cream. For every 100g of sour cream, there is approximately 20g of fat and 200 calories. As such, eating too much sour cream can make your dog gain weight, and all the problems that come with being overweight. Overweight dogs will have increased chances of developing heart problems or diabetes.
My dog ate sour cream, what now?
If your dog has accidentally eaten some sour cream, don’t worry – your dog is probably fine. Your dog may experience some minor discomfort, however, if it is lactose intolerant. If your dog gets worse or if you are concerned, you can take your pet to the veterinary surgeon for a check-up.
Can dogs eat chives?
Sour cream and chives is a popular (and tasty) dip, and you’re probably wondering if your dog can eat chives as well. Unfortunately, the answer is no – chives, along with onions, garlic, and leeks, are toxic to dogs. Chives can lead to anemia (low blood cells) in dogs. If you suspect your dog has eaten chives, then we recommend you consult a veterinary surgeon.
Conclusion
Sour cream, by itself and in small amounts, is generally fine for your dog. However, due to the high fat and calorie content in sour cream, as well as the possibility of lactose intolerance, we recommend you avoid it altogether. There are many other healthy alternatives you can feed your dog instead – that will keep your hound happy – and you worry free. An alternative to sour cream which has the benefits of probiotics is Greek yogurt.
