Dogs and Dairy: The Myth of Lactose Intolerance

If you’ve ever given your dog a lick of ice cream or a bite of cheese, you may have wondered—is this safe? Aren’t dogs lactose intolerant? It’s a common belief, but like many myths, the truth is more nuanced. And it’s especially relevant when we talk about treats like yak cheese chews.

 

What Lactose Intolerance Actually Means

Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk. To digest it, mammals need an enzyme called lactase. Puppies are born with plenty of lactase to handle their mother’s milk, but as dogs grow up, many produce less of it. That’s where trouble can start. Too much lactose in the diet can lead to bloating, gas, or diarrhea—what people describe as “lactose intolerance.”

But here’s the catch: not all dairy is created equal.

 

Why Hard Cheeses Are Different

Most of the lactose in milk is found in the liquid part (the whey). When cheese is made, that liquid is drained off. Then, as cheese is aged and dried, even more lactose disappears. That’s why hard cheeses—like Parmesan, cheddar, and yes, Himalayan yak cheese—contain only trace amounts of lactose.

For most dogs, these trace levels are too small to cause any digestive upset. That’s why yak cheese chews are often perfectly safe, even for pups who don’t tolerate milk well.

 

The Yak Cheese Advantage

• Minimal lactose – The traditional drying process removes nearly all the sugars.
• Rich in protein and calcium – Supports muscle health and strong teeth.
• Easily digestible – Thanks to the natural aging process.
• Long-lasting – More chew time, less worry about tummy issues.

Yak cheese chews are closer to a hardened, nutrient-dense snack than a dairy product in the everyday sense. In other words: they’re not like handing your dog a bowl of milk.

 

The Takeaway

Dogs aren’t universally “lactose intolerant”—it depends on the form of dairy and the amount. While a splash of milk might cause stomach upset, a hardened yak cheese chew is typically well tolerated, safe, and packed with benefits.

That’s why WollyWag Yak Cheese Dog Chews have become a favorite among health-conscious dog parents: they deliver all the goodness of dairy, without the lactose worries.

 

Curious to see the difference for yourself? Explore our collection of yak cheese chews and give your dog a safe, natural treat that feels indulgent.