Can Dogs Have Cottage Cheese

When we want to lose weight and gain muscle at the same time, we seek protein foods, and cottage cheese is one of them. Any guardian would like their dogs to have a nice weight and good health. Hence, they may think, Can dogs have cottage cheese?

Fortunately, cottage cheese is a safe food for dogs. Besides, it can be a healthy and nutritious addition to a dog’s diet when given in moderation. Thanks to its nutrients, like protein and calcium, and vitamins, like B-complex vitamins.

Before you offer this cheese to your canine friend, be certain of its safety concerns.

Can Dogs Have Cottage Cheese?

Cottage cheese is a safe treat for dogs. It will not only add taste to their foods but also offer many health benefits. You just need to make sure about the quantity. Because cottage cheese is only good for dogs if they take it in moderation. Besides, this cheese should be plain and unsweetened.

You may think that cottage cheese comes from milk, and dogs are lactose-intolerant. Well, cottage cheese has a process to form. It comes from the whey as a curd after getting mixed with lemon juice or vinegar. This takes out the maximum amount of lactose, and the cheese stays with less lactose content. That’s why vets don’t deny offering cottage cheese to dogs unless they are allergic to it.

How Much Cottage Cheese Can Dogs Have?

The amount of cottage cheese that dogs can have depends on their size, age, and overall health. As a general guideline, you can start by offering a small amount, such as a teaspoon or two, to see how your dog tolerates it. If there are no adverse reactions, like an upset stomach or diarrhoea, you can gradually increase the serving size to about 10% of their daily caloric intake.

Anyway, a small breed should not have more than two teaspoons of cottage cheese, and a large breed should not have more than two tablespoons.

How To Feed Cottage Cheese To Dogs?

It is obvious that your cat won’t enjoy the cottage cheese alone. He may want to have it by mixing it with other ingredients. For example, you can add a spoonful of cottage cheese to some white rice and feed this meal to your dog. Or you can add cottage cheese to his regular dog’s meal. Just make sure the cottage cheese does not include any ingredients like onion, garlic, or other flavourings.

Benefits Of Having Cottage Cheese For Dogs

Cottage cheese is rich in vitamin A, protein, magnesium, amino acids, fatty acids, potassium, probiotics, etc. The vitamin A found in this cheese will improve your dog’s eyes and skin, whereas protein will support his muscle health.

Again, magnesium will promote a healthy heart, and potassium will support the nervous system. The fatty acids and amino acids will regulate the body organs properly, and the probiotics will introduce your dog’s health to healthy bacteria.

Since cottage cheese is formed after fermentation from milk, you may think it can be harmful to your dog. Well, no, the fermentation reduces the lactose content of this cheese and makes it safer for dogs to eat.

Risks Of Having Cottage Cheese For Dogs

Along with some health benefits, cottage cheese can pose some side effects on dogs’ health. This can occur when dogs don’t consume this cheese in the right quantity or consume it with other ingredients.

Cottage cheese contains a good amount of sodium, which can be harmful to dogs. The more the fog gulps this cheese, the more it takes in sodium. This can result in high blood pressure and restlessness for them.

Mammals, including dogs, don’t produce the lactase enzyme, which makes them lactose-intolerant. Although cottage cheese is low in lactose, it can be a threat to dogs’ health if they take it too much. As a result, they can suffer from stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

When Can Dogs Have Cottage Cheese?

Cottage cheese is not dog food, but people’s food. This cannot be safe for all dogs, as some dogs can’t cope with people’s food.

Let’s say you are introducing cottage cheese to your dog gradually. That can also be harmful because his health record is a deciding factor in whether he should eat it or not. For this reason, you must get your vet’s approval, not only for cottage cheese but for any human food.

Since cottage cheese is high in fat, you may offer it to your canine friend if he needs to put on some weight. It also helps with stomach illnesses. If your dog is having constipation or diarrhoea, cottage cheese can balance his bowel movement, unless eating too much of it is the reason.

Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Have Cottage Cheese?

Which is better for dogs: cottage cheese or yoghurt?

Both yoghurt and cottage cheese are safe for dogs. They are rich in protein and calcium, which offer many health benefits. However, yoghurt is a better option if dogs have trouble digesting foods.

Can dogs have cottage cheese or cheese?

Compared to cheese, cottage cheese is safer for dogs. Cottage cheese is lower in lactose than cheese. Since dogs are lactose-intolerant, this can be a safe treat for them.

Why do dogs like cottage cheese?

Dogs like foods that have protein.

Meanwhile, cottage cheese has protein too, along with amino acids, which can attract them. Another reason dogs love this cheese is its texture and smell.

What kind of cottage cheese is safe for dogs?

Plain and unsweetened cottage cheese is the best alternative to offer dogs as an occasional treat. Also, make sure it has a low-fat content with some safe flavourings.

Final Thoughts

Cheese yoghurt has some health risks along with some health benefits. That’s why you still may wonder, Can dogs have cottage cheese? Well, the answer is yes, if taken in moderation.

Remember, cottage cheese should not replace your dog’s regular, balanced diet. You can offer it to him as an extra treat or supplement. Additionally, it is important to choose plain cottage cheese without any added sugars, flavours, or seasonings that could be harmful to your dog. Also, let your vet be certain about this treat that you are serving to your dog.