Can cats or dogs eat whey / human protein powder?
Cats: Use caution · Dogs: Use caution — Whey comes from milk, and most pets digest lactose poorly — a small lick of the plain kind usually risks nothing worse than diarrhea. Flavored powders need real care: some sugar-free formulas use xylitol, which is severely toxic to dogs, and chocolate flavors contain methylxanthines, toxic to both cats and dogs. Keep the tub out of your pets' reach and read the label every time. If they eat a flavored powder or the label lists xylitol, call your vet immediately.
English nameWhey / human protein powder
catshould be careful
dogshould be careful
Symptoms that may be experienced
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- If xylitol is mixed (dog side): low blood sugar, lethargy, seizures, liver failure.
- If it's chocolate: panting, restlessness, irregular heartbeat, seizures.
How do we come to this conclusion?
No veterinary authority has ruled on whey protein or human protein powders directly. This conclusion is therefore drawn from the components supported by reference data. This is not the source's judgment on the entire dish.
- Whey (extracted from milk, contains lactose) — Pets have little lactase enzyme. Dairy products can cause diarrhea or stomach upset. aspca.org
- Xylitol (sweetener in some sugar-free flavored formulas) — Even small amounts of xylitol can cause low blood sugar in dogs, seizures, liver failure, and even death. Found in many sugar-free supplements. petpoisonhelpline.com
- Chocolate flavor/cocoa powder (some recipes) — Methylxanthines in chocolate and cocoa powder can cause vomiting, diarrhea, gasping, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures and even death in pets, with cocoa powder being the most concentrated. aspca.org
Instructions
Keep the tub out of your pets' reach and read the label every time. If they eat a flavored powder or the label lists xylitol, call your vet immediately.
This information is used for preliminary decision making only. It is not a veterinary diagnosis or advice. If your pet has abnormal symptoms or eats or comes into contact with something that may be dangerous. Contact your veterinarian orAnimal clinic 24 hrs.immediately
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