Kefir

Kefir is a traditional dairy product, a fermented beverage originating from the Caucasus Mountains. The name “kefir” is derived from the Turkish word “keif,” meaning “good feeling.” It has been consumed by humans for centuries and more recently kefir and kefir grains (which are composed of a mixture of bacteria and yeast) have been studied for their potential in alternative uses such as wound therapy, as a leavening agent or food additive[1]. And kefir is now entering the pet food and supplements markets.

Probiotic supplement

Studies on the effects of kefir for animals lag behind clinical studies for humans. One of the first studies (in 2018)[2] of kefir as a novel probiotic supplement for dogs to improve quality of life suggested that kefir successfully modified gut microbiota without adverse effects and could be further developed. An assessment in 2020 of labelling of fermented food sold for dogs and found that some product labels contained a wide range of health claims, none of which was supported at that time by the literature[3].

Later studies have demonstrated that the use of probiotics in pets has beneficial effects, which include regulating the immune system, reducing stress and protecting against pathogenic bacteria. The probiotics in kefir help maintain a healthy gut flora, aiding digestion and preventing issues like diarrhoea.

Kefir is rich in proteins, vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12, K2, folic acid), and minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus). See the nutrient table below for more details.

Main Nutrients

Digestive Health

Kefir is a source of probiotics. In human medicine, probiotics and probiotics are used to maintain health; their use in pet medicine and pet treatment is relatively new[4]. However, studies have reported benefits from the addition of probiotics in the canine diet. Probiotics in kefir balance gut microbiota and enhance overall gut health.

Immune Support

Kefir enhances the immune function through beneficial gut bacteria. The formation of bioactive peptides during fermentation or digestion processes has shown a variety of physiological activities, including stimulation of the immune system in animal models [5]. In

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Kefir contains bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory effects[6]. Preliminary studies have also been carried out into the effects of kefir in endurance training.

Lactose Digestion

The bacteria and yeasts in the cauliflower-shaped kefir grains break down much of the lactose in milk into simple sugars, thus reducing overall lactose content and improving digestibility of kefir easier for lactose intolerant dogs.

Bone Health
In animal studies (mice) the peptides in kefir was shown to increase bone mineral density and contribute to bone hardness. One study noted that peptide supplementation could reverse the condition of osteoporosis[7].

Giving kefir to your dog

Some people I’ve talked to are interested in nutrition and dog wellness but simply don’t have the time to prepare food for their dogs. But kefir is something that they can do: just give a tablespoon or two (depending on size) in the morning and evening. Even better if you can blitz it with a few blueberries!

References:

[1] Nielsen B, Gürakan GC, Unlü G. Kefir: a multifaceted fermented dairy product. 2014 Dec;6(3-4):123-35. doi: 10.1007/s12602-014-9168-0. PMID: 25261107.
[2] Kim DH, Jeong D, Kang IB, Lim HW, Cho Y, Seo KH. Modulation of the intestinal microbiota of dogs by kefir as a functional dairy product. J Dairy Sci. 2019 May;102(5):3903-3911. doi: 10.3168/jds.2018-15639. Epub 2019 Mar 1. PMID: 30827566.
[3] Metras BN, Holle MJ, Parker VJ, Miller MJ, Swanson KS. Assessment of commercial companion animal kefir products for label accuracy of microbial composition and quantity. J Anim Sci. 2020 Sep 1;98(9):skaa301. doi: 10.1093/jas/skaa301. PMID: 32914845; PMCID: PMC7523595.
[4] Elisabetta Mondo*, Giovanna Marliani, Pier Attilio Accorsi, Massimo Cocchi, and Alberto Di Leone. Role of gut microbiota in dog and cat’s health and diseases, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ovj.v9i3.10
[5] Farnworth ER (2005) Kefir -a complex probiotic. Food Sci Technol Bull: Functional Foods 2:1-17.
[6] Vieira CP, Rosario AILS, Lelis CA, Rekowsky BSS, Carvalho APA, Rosário DKA, Elias TA, Costa MP, Foguel D, Conte-Junior CA. Bioactive Compounds from Kefir and Their Potential Benefits on Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2021 Oct 27;2021:9081738. doi: 10.1155/2021/9081738. PMID: 34745425; PMCID: PMC8566050.
[7] Vieira CP, Rosario AILS, Lelis CA, Rekowsky BSS, Carvalho APA, Rosário DKA, Elias TA, Costa MP, Foguel D, Conte-Junior CA. Bioactive Compounds from Kefir and Their Potential Benefits on Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2021 Oct 27;2021:9081738. doi: 10.1155/2021/9081738. PMID: 34745425; PMCID: PMC8566050.

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Want to know more? These studies might be useful:

  • Metras BN, Oba PM, Miller MJ, Swanson KS. Effects of commercial and traditional kefir supplementation on apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility and the fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota of healthy adult dogs. J Anim Sci. 2023 Jan 3;101:skad316. doi: 10.1093/jas/skad316. PMID: 37742216; PMCID: PMC10590171.
  • Apalowo OE, Adegoye GA, Mbogori T, Kandiah J, Obuotor TM. Nutritional Characteristics, Health Impact, and Applications of Kefir. Foods. 2024 Mar 27;13(7):1026. doi: 10.3390/foods13071026. PMID: 38611332; PMCID: PMC11011999
  • Reham Samir Hamida, Ashwag Shami, Mohamed Abdelaal Ali, Zakiah Nasser Almohawes, Afrah E. Mohammed, Mashael Mohammed Bin-Meferij, Kefir: A protective dietary supplementation against viral infection, Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 133, 2021, 110974, ISSN 0753-3322, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110974.
  • Kahraman, O., Inal, F., Arık, H. D., Inanc, Z. S., & Yılmaz, B. (2024). Effects of kefir addition on apparent digestibility of dry complete food, faecal characteristics, and blood parameters of healthy dogs. Italian Journal of Animal Science, 23(1), 1774–1783. https://doi.org/10.1080/1828051X.2024.2430366

Nutritional information

Kefir, lowfat, plain, LIFEWAY, 100 g

Nutrient table for kefir

For full nutrient content see Food Data Central.

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • As some commercial foods contain yoghurt or kefir as an ingredient, check the label to see whether it’s in your dog’s food before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
  • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
  • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
  • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.

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