Water Kefir Can Benefit Your Pets
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Water kefir is as beneficial for dogs and cats as it is for humans taking antibiotics. It also contains beneficial yeasts that help counteract destructive yeasts in the body. This is great for animals who regularly experience ear or skin infections. Water kefir can also help fight allergies, promote healthy skin, regulate the kidneys and liver and regulate bowel movements, among other things.
Our sweet shepherd puppy, Ruger, was recently attacked by a dog and a chunk of skin was ripped off of his nose. He had to be taken to the vet and was put on antibiotics. Like humans, when pets are on antibiotics their guts are stripped of good bacteria. We want Ruger to have a strong immune system and a happy gut so after his round of antibiotics, we’ve started to feed him water kefir. Water kefir can benefit your pets but how much is safe?
DAILY DOSAGE
- Small dogs = 1 teaspoon
- Medium-sized dogs = 1-2 teaspoons
- Large dogs = 2-3 teaspoons
- All cats: start with 1/8 tsp, and increase every 2 to 3 days by doubling the amount, up to one-half teaspoon. Give your cat only 1/2 of the dosage (one-half teaspoon) for at least one to two weeks before increasing to 3/4 and so on.
HOW TO ADMINISTER FIRST FERMENT WATER KEFIR (non fizzy)
- Introduce first ferment water kefir slowly into your pet’s diet, and allow their digestive system to adjust. At first, you might provide just a half or quarter of the daily dose described below.
- Offer a small serving of water kefir on its own or add it to their water bowl.
- Add water kefir to your pets usual store-bought or homemade food.
- For pets taking antibiotics, serve kefir a few hours after taking medication.
Water kefir can benefit your pets, but I cannot stress enough the need to start slowly. And I mean very slowly. Water kefir is a very potent probiotic, with many substances your pet has never consumed. Their stomachs are much smaller than human ones and too much of a good thing can cause distress. Learn more about making your own water kefir.