Being a good dog parent involves researching food items extensively before introducing them to your furry friend. “Can dogs eat cottage cheese?” is a common question for dog owners who want to add something tasty to their pet’s diet. You are also likely to ask this question if your furry friend has licked your bowl of breakfast leftovers.
Is Cottage Cheese Good for Dogs?
The answer depends on your dog’s ability to tolerate the lactose in dairy cheese. Generally, feeding dogs cottage cheese is safe as long as it is done in moderation.
Healthcare practitioners approve cottage cheese as a part of a healthy diet for human beings. This dairy product contains essential minerals and vitamins. However, it is normal to wonder whether it would offer the same benefits to dogs.
Vets approve cottage cheese as a safe addition to a dog’s diet. Its high digestibility and nutrient level make this food beneficial for pups with digestive problems. If your pet cannot digest dietary fat properly, you can feed it the low-fat versions of cottage cheese.
How much Cottage Cheese should I feed my Dog?
Dog owners should know that cottage cheese is not a balanced source of proteins and other nutrients. You can use it as a dog snack or treat. However, it should not exceed 10% of the pet’s daily calories.
Normally, your dog should not eat more than a tablespoon of cottage cheese in a day. If you want to make cottage cheese a bigger part of your puppy’s diet, you should consult a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. This specialist can help you formulate a menu using specific ingredients and ensure that your pet’s nutritional needs are met.
Your dog should not have flavored cottage cheese. Flavors like garlic, onions, leek, and chives are highly toxic to the canines. For example, they can cause your dog to develop fatal illnesses like hemolytic anemia.
Health Benefits
Nutritional research has discovered that cottage cheese is an excellent source of proteins for dogs. Some cheese types also contain probiotic natural bacteria that improve gut health.
Cheese also helps to regulate blood sugar. It also boosts the dog’s immune system and heart health.
Did you Know?
Cottage cheese is one thing, but what about other items on the breakfast table? Can Dogs Eat Butter?
Does Cottage Cheese Affect Dogs?
When taken in high amounts, cottage cheese can affect dogs’ health negatively. This meal contains high salt amounts, which can cause an uncomfortable thirst. In severe cases, cottage cheese leads to sodium toxicity.
The most effective way of avoiding this issue is feeding your dog the “no salt added” or “low-sodium” cottage cheese versions. Your furry friend might not notice the difference from the regular type.
Another issue with regularly feeding your dog too much cottage cheese is that it can cause obesity because of the high level of calories. Obesity can further lead to other health issues like diabetes and osteoarthritis. The advantage of a “low-fat” version of cottage cheese treat is that it will enable your pet to stay fit.
Lactose Intolerance
Many dogs do not respond well to lactose. The lactose level in cottage cheese is lower than in other dairy products because it has undergone fermentation. However, allowing your dog to eat a lot of this product can cause lactose intolerance.
The common signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs are vomiting, belly ache, diarrhea, gassiness, and other tummy issues. Consider giving your small dog amounts of this dairy product until you are sure how it will react.
Is Cottage Cheese Safe For Dogs?
In conclusion, “Can Dogs eat Cottage Cheese?” is a common question among dog owners. It is good to spoil your dog and, at the same time, be a responsible dog parent. Cottage cheese is safe for digestively challenged dogs and only if taken in small amounts. Therefore, you should use it as a dog treat or use the low-fat and low-sodium version if you want to make it a part of your dog’s diet.
