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You may have wondered to yourself whether cottage cheese is a safe food for your dog. And broadly speaking, it is! However, there are a few things to keep in mind before treating your pup to a cheesy snack. Cottage cheese is a cheese curd product with a mild flavour, and is one of the best types of cheese for pets. Consuming it won’t cause any issues for most dogs, unless they are lactose intolerant. If this is the case, it’s best to be on the safe side and avoid feeding them any dairy products whatsoever. So….can dogs eat cottage cheese?
Is Cottage Cheese Good For Dogs?
Perhaps surprisingly, cottage cheese can be a very healthy addition to your dog’s diet and comes with a range of nutritional benefits. Many cheeses are characterised by a high fat content and a hefty calorie count. Cottage cheese on the other hand is very low in fat, meaning you don’t have to worry about it leading to any excess weight-gain. It’s also a great source of calcium, protein and other vitamins and minerals.
Even more surprisingly, cottage cheese can actually help ease stomach ache and other intestinal problems in dogs. Some vets even recommend it for this reason!
How Much Cottage Cheese Can I Feed My Dog?
As ever, it’s wise to make sure you feed your dog appropriately and giving them too much cottage cheese can lead to issues. It’s best to start your dog off gradually with any new food, giving them a bite or two at first and keeping an eye out for any adverse reactions.
If your dog seems to tolerate cottage cheese well, you can slowly increase the quantities you provide, although it should never exceed more than 10% of your pup’s diet. Generally, one to two teaspoons will be enough for an adult dog. To maximise its entertainment value, cottage cheese can be an excellent ingredient to use as a KONG filler.
Does Cottage Cheese Pose Any Risk To Dogs?
The only time cottage cheese might cause problems to a dog is if they are lactose intolerant. Cottage cheese is relatively low in lactose in comparison to other cheeses, but it can still trigger a reaction in certain dogs. If your pup displays symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhoea after eating dairy products, it’s a good idea not to feed them cottage cheese. But for the majority of dogs, it will be a tasty treat that is sure to keep them not only happy, but healthy as well.