The Benefits of Kefir for Pugs + How to Make Kefir
Kefir has become one of my favourite extras that I add to the pugs meals every day. It is so easy to make at home yourself and it has so many health benefits for your pug. Some of you may not be sure what kefir is so let me tell you all about it and the benefits of kefir for pugs. I’ll even show you just how easy it is to make kefir at home.
What is kefir?
Kefir is a milk based product. You can pick it up in your local supermarket in the dairy section or you can make it yourself. Now I know you are thinking about the fact that dogs are often lactose intolerant so why would you feed kefir. Well, kefir is different to milk and yoghurt. Kefir is made from kefir grains and milk. Basically, it is fermented milk. Sounds gross right? It actually isn’t. It isn’t as thick as yoghurt but it is thicker than milk. It smells and tastes a little sour but you can change the flavour. And yes, I did try it myself.
What are the benefits of kefir for pugs?
Kefir is a probiotic which means it is jam packed full of good bacteria and yeast. More than 30 different strains to be precise. It is also rich in vitamin B1, B12, A, D, K and biotin. Not only does it have great vitamins, it also contains beneficial minerals like calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. So with all of these vitamins, minerals and good bacteria & yeast, why is kefir goof for pugs?
- Contains antibiotic & antifungal properties
- Helps prevent allergies
- Helps promote healthy skin
- Strengthens the digestive system
- Supports and heals the gut to promote good gut health
- Helps alleviate gas, bloating and heartburn
- Helps fight off yeast
- Finished kefir is 99% lactose-free
- Benefits the immune system
How can you not consider adding kefir to your pug’s diet when there are benefits like that?
How do you make kefir?
INGREDIENTS
- Kefir grains
- Milk
- Plastic spoon
- Plastic strainer
- Glass jar
- Cheese cloth
- Rubber band
DIRECTIONS
When you receive your kefir grains, the should come with instructions to “wake up” the grains. Once you have completed the waking up process, you are ready to make kefir.
- Allow milk to reach room temperature in the glass jar
- Add kefir grains (1tsp per 1 cup of milk)
- Cover glass jar with cheese cloth and use rubber band to hold in place
- Place jar on counter or in cupboard for 24 to 48 hours
- Once the kefir is done, it should smell a little sour and have a slight fizz
- Remove the milk by straining with a plastic strainer or cheesecloth and into a jar
- This is the finished kefir and needs to be stored in the fridge for up to 2 months
STORAGE
- The grains can be stored in the fridge until you make the next batch
- Simply cover the grains with milk and change it every 4-5 days
- You can also store the rains covered in milk in the freezer, they will just take longer to wake up when you go to make your next batch
DOSAGE
The recommended minimum daily intake of kefir for pugs is 1/2 teaspoon per 5kg /10lbs. Start with a small amount and work up to what you would feed daily to ensure your pug’s stomach doesn’t get upset.
EXTRA NOTES
- Kefir grains can be ordered on eBay, Amazon or try a local exchange group
- You can use any milk containing lactose such as cows, goats and sheep milk
- You will need 1 cup of milk to 1 teaspoon of grains
- You should never use metal utensils with kefir
- In hot climates, kefir make take less than 24 hours to ferment
- In cold climates, kefir make take the maximum of 48 hours to ferment
- Kefir grains will multiply with each batch made. You can feed extra grains to your pug or exchange them
Will you start adding kefir to your pug’s diet?
Kristy Beck
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Love the nutrients in this! I’m definitely going to be making this for my babies! Thank you for sharing!!
I’m so glad you like this. Once you have the hang of making it, you will love it and start experimenting with second fermentation so you can create different flavoured ones.
Sounds like a great addition to their diet Kristy.
It really is Maureen.
Great idea Kristy. Kefir is good fo pet guts and out guts 🙂
It really is Kriben. Whilst I don’t use it for myself, my pugs absolutely love it.
Not sure if i missed it in the article somehow but how much do you give them on a daily basis.
Thanks
The recommended minimum daily intake of kefir for pugs is 1/2 teaspoon per 5kg /10lbs. Start with a small amount and work up to what you would feed daily to ensure your pug’s stomach doesn’t get upset. Hope that helps.
HOW DO YOU DISGUISE THE TASTE MY PUGS ARE A BIT FINICKY AND SMELL EVERYTHING BEFORE EATING .THANKS HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY.
Hi Magda! You would have to try them on it as is first. I find the smell is a driving force for my pugs with it. I find the smell is’t too strong at all but if they don’t like the plain kefir, I’d consider doing a second ferment with some fruit to change the flavour and smell. Simply add a small amount of pug friendly fruit once strained, place lid on jar and leave on bench for 6-8 hours. Then just blend through the rest of the fruit and I’m sure they will love it. At the moment I have some second fermenting with blueberries. I’ve used raspberries and chia seeds. Keen to make some banana kefir too. Good luck!