Can pets drink lactose-free milk for humans?

1. 87

   Victoria Lynnposted 11 years ago

   Can pets drink lactose-free milk for humans?
   
   Since regular milk is supposedly not good for pets, I buy pet milk from PetSmart as a treat for my cats and dog. Is the problem with pets' digestion the lactose? If so, is humans lactose-free milk safe for them? It would be so much cheaper!

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2. 0

   Sarra Garrettposted 11 years ago

   Milk or milk products really aren't good for cats and dogs as it can give them diareah.  Home made treats for your pets are so much cheaper, last longer and are healthier. 

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   1. 87

      Victoria Lynnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I know that about regular milk. That's not what I'm asking, though. I'm asking about the lactose free milk for humans, since pet milk specially made for pets is fine.

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3. 60

   Dr. Haddoxposted 11 years ago

   Whatever you put in front of your hungry pet, he or she will drink. However, it is very easy to get some good advise from a pet store operator, or a Vet, if you do have one. A simple call to any Vet's operation will get you a professional answer to this question without charge (because Vets are business people and you are a potential customer). I suppose, since I am a physician who have had an extremely successful life with helping people, many times with answers to simple questions that they did not have to pay me to get, I expect Vets to provide the same level of care that I provided.
   The above having been said, I wish you the best with your pets.
   Regards,
   Dr. Haddox

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4. 77

   neoyyfposted 11 years ago

   I feed my dogs Lactofree milk (a cows lactose free milk made for humans) all the time.  I also feed them goats milk, cheese, yogurt and never had a problem.  Fresh pasteursised cows milk on the other hand gave them the runs.  Is there a reason why you want to feed milk to your pet? If it is for the extra calcium (as in my case) then once a week should suffice.  I also feed raw chicken wings to add more calcium to their diet.  If you are doing it for weaning purposes, then the fat content in Lactofree cows milk will not be enough.  If for weaning, then you should follow receipes for goats milk that you can find online and consists of adding raw eggs and full fat yogurt.
   
   Please be advised that i am not a vet or expert but I just feed my pets things that I believe will benefit and not harm them.

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   1. 100

      DrMark1961posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Your answer is really good, whether or not you consider yourself an expert.

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   2. 87

      Victoria Lynnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      the reason is that they love it! I started giving the pet milk as a treat, but I have a few cats who wait around for it and love it! It's expensive for tiny cartons, so that's why I asked the question. So you're saying lactose free milk is ok ?

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5. 61

   francisassissiposted 11 years ago

   I believe living organisms adapt. Animals get adapted to what you are feeding them. From the very beginning, I fed my piglet cow's milk, since it was the only smallest of the rest when it was born days ago that time.
   
   I have also tried many times to my goats some years ago. Mother goat has only two nipples but it bore three goat kids. I was feeding the other one manually for months with powdered milk. It grew but not as big  and  strong as its siblings.

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6. 59

   ryan-cdposted 7 years ago

   Yes, I feed my cats Lactose free milk all the time, I'm pretty sure its the same stuff as cats milk, but I'm not a vet, Just a pet owner that tries things.
   
   If it gives you cats diarrhoea stop immediately and consult a vet however.

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