Kefir

Cats are sensitive to lactose too, so kefir should only ever be a rare tiny amount, as more simply means diarrhoea and gas; **flavoured versions may carry sugar or xylitol**, which is unsafe for cats as well, and kefir offers a cat no required nutrition.

Diarrhoea, loose stools, gas, vomiting and reduced appetite; after a xylitol-containing product, lethargy, an unsteady walk and twitching.

Stop feeding and monitor; **contact a vet immediately** for persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy or unsteady walking, and never induce vomiting at home.

Give only **plain, unsweetened, fruit-free, xylitol-free** kefir, no more than a teaspoon, and never as a substitute for the main diet; **do not use kefir as a probiotic medicine for cats**, and ask a vet about any health concern.

Kefir is a fermented milk, so it holds less lactose than milk but **not none**, and a lactose-intolerant dog can still get diarrhoea and gas; **flavoured kefir often adds sugar or sweeteners such as xylitol**, which is highly toxic to dogs.

Loose stools, diarrhoea, gas, abdominal discomfort, reduced appetite and vomiting; after a **xylitol-containing kefir**, lethargy, an unsteady walk, weakness and even seizures.

Stop feeding and watch the stools; **contact a vet immediately** after a xylitol-containing product or for persistent diarrhoea, lethargy, an unsteady walk or twitching, and never induce vomiting at home.

Choose **plain, unsweetened, fruit-free and xylitol-free** kefir, a teaspoon at a time; it is an occasional treat only, **not a replacement for the main diet and not a probiotic medicine**, within about 10% of daily energy intake.