Can Your Dog Have Cottage Cheese? Everything You Should Know!

Does your dog lick some of the cheese on your plate? If you are worried or wondering if your dog can eat cheese, you will find a detailed answer in this article.

Cottage cheese is filled with natural and good fat that can be a great source of protein for people; what if I say your dog can also eat cottage cheese? Well, yes. Cottage cheese is suitable for dogs. But did I say that moderation is the key? Well, humans’ and dogs’ systems and senses are entirely different.

If you think you can give your dog everything you eat, you risk your dog’s life. Not everything that fits your diet fits your dog’s diet. And this guide will be a bombshell for you. Let’s dig right away.

Can Dogs Eat Cottage Cheese?

Cottage cheese can be made with skimmed or part-skimmed milk or whole milk. It is the separation of curd from the whey, and adding salt or any flavor can give the perfect cottage cheese. Many types of cottage cheese are available in the market from many brands. Low fat, total fat, small curd, medium card, and large curd are some of the wide varieties of cottage cheese. Humans can eat these. But the main question is, are they edible for the four-legged fur friend?

Yes, they are very much edible for your pups. But for every kitchen food, moderation is the key. If you feed out of line for your dog, then your dog might experience weight gain because of the excessive fat content. But that’s to your dog’s stars; cottage cheese can be fed a bit more than any other nontoxic kitchen food for your dog.

Cottage cheese has comparatively less amount of lactose than any other milk product. And if your dogs are lactose tolerant, then there will be no damage. But if it is lactose intolerant, they might experience some minor health issues. Lactose is an enzyme that helps dogs digest dairy products. But in the case of cottage cheese, a lactose-intolerant dog is unlikely to face any issues, so you can easily incorporate a minimum amount of cottage cheese into your puppy’s diet.

In the case of young puppies, incorporating cottage cheese into their diet can be an exercise to make them used to milk and milk-based products. And this can also be used to motivate your dogs while training. Mixing a little cottage cheese in your dog’s kibble can be an excellent treat for your dog’s diet. Because of how soft it is, your dog won’t find it difficult to swallow it. You can even mix it with his rice.

But remember, moderation is the key. You can’t incorporate more than 10% of cottage cheese into his diet. This can be given a spoon daily or occasionally. But before giving any new foods or changing your dog’s diet, it will be good to consult your dog’s vet if you don’t want to take any risks.

Benefits of Eating Cottage Cheese for Dogs

One cup of low-fat cottage cheese has 163 calories, 28 grams of protein, 6.2 grams of carbs, and 2.3 grams of fat. Other than that, cottage cheese also has omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, amino acids, calcium, magnesium, protein, vitamin A, probiotics, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, vitamin b12, vitamin b6, niacin, iron, zinc, copper, riboflavin, folate, thiamin, pantothenic acid, probiotics.

• Calcium is very much necessary for the strength of bones and teeth.
• Selenium helps in antioxidants and prevents dogs from DNA and cell damage.
•  Probiotics help in improving the immune system of your dogs.
• Cottage cheese has comparatively less amount of lactose. That can is best suitable for dogs who are lactose intolerant. It further helps in reducing the chance of an intestinal upset.
• Cottage cheese also comparatively contains less fat and sodium. So this can help in reducing the likelihood of obesity.
• If your dog is underweight or very lean, feeding cottage cheese moderately can help him put weight in the right place. Because of its natural and good fat, cottage cheese assists in promoting its importance.
• Magnesium helps in improving heart health.
• Potassium helps maintain the muscle health of your dog.
• Amino acids present in cottage cheese are the promoter of protein. And proteins are very much needed for the health of dogs.
• If your dog takes tablets, you can conceal them with cheese.

Disadvantages of Eating Cottage Cheese for Dogs

Despite being filled with all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, cottage cheese is also filled with fatty acids. If your dog is lethargic and lazy, overfeeding with cottage cheese can make your dog obese. And this can further increase the chances of pancreatitis and kidney infection.

Cottage cheese has a high amount of sodium. Thus it increases the likelihood of increasing bloating and puffiness. It can make your dog lazy and tired and feel heavy while walking. Also, sodium intake can bring high blood pressure for your dog. 

Cottage cheese contains low fiber. Thus feeding more cottage cheese can make your dog diabetic, causing constipation and hemorrhoids.

Not all dogs are lactose tolerant. This enzyme helps the dogs to digest dairy products. If you overfeed cottage cheese, lactose-intolerant dogs can develop diarrhea and other digestive issues.

If your dog is a small breed, dogs like Yorkshire terriers, toy poodles, miniature pinschers, and chihuahuas, and feeding high-fat cottage cheese can develop pancreatitis.

And the main takeaway here is if your dog is lactose intolerant, minimize the feeding of cottage cheese. Feeding cottage cheese is unnecessary because it also comes up with many disadvantages. Your dog already has all the essential nutrients in kibble. So it is not that important for feeding cottage cheese.

Can Dogs have Cottage Cheese Everyday?

Dogs are very much lactose intolerant. They can’t digest the dairy product because of the less lactose. But dairy products are filled with lactose. And cottage cheese has lactose and fat. You can give low-fat cottage cheese occasionally to your dog. Daily feeding can develop many health issues like fever, vomiting, GI issues, pancreatitis, etc., because of the soft texture, your dog might ask for it often, but if he starts showing any lactose-less symptoms, you should stop giving him cottage cheese. Daily feeding can develop diseases like constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive-related issues in your dog.

Can Puppies have Cottage Cheese?

Yes, puppies can have cottage cheese as it has a high amount of calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, fatty acids, and much more. Cottage cheeses are always a favorite for dogs. So using the help of cottage cheese, you can train and make your dog exercise. That can also help in making your dog get used to milk products.

Can Dogs Eat Soft Cheese?

Yes, you can feed your dog soft cheese like cheddar or mozzarella. But make sure they are much less fat because high-fat content can produce so many health issues for your dog. High fat can make your dog obese. And being overweight can develop pancreatitis, kidney infection, lethargy, etc.; avoiding all of these is better.

But if you want to feed your dogs soft cheese like mozzarella or cheddar, you can give a small spoon occasionally. Don’t make it a daily treat. It can be highly addictive to your dog. Most dogs love cheese because of its taste and texture. So make sure you are not keeping the cheese before its reach. Also, cheese has high salt content that can further develop kidney issues and blood pressure.

Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese?

Yes, you can give your dog cream cheese as an occasional treat. Because of its texture, it can smoothly help in swallowing food. It contains all the essential vitamins, minerals, omega acids, amino acids, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, etc.; make sure you are giving low-fat cream cheese instead of high-fat ones.

Because high-fat cream cheese can increase the weight of your dog and thus create other health issues like obesity, stomach upset, bloating, puffiness, etc.; if your dog is suffering from diarrhea, a stomach infection, high blood pressure, or digestive disorder, avoid feeding cream cheese to your fur friend. Especially avoid giving cheese when your dog is about to deliver.

Cream cheese can be good for your dog if you know moderation is the key.

Can Dogs Eat Blue Cheese?

No, don’t show blue cheese to your dog. It is toxic and unhealthy for your dog. Your dog’s digestive system is so sensitive. And blue cheese contains a fungus named Stilton, which can raise many health issues for your dog.

Blue cheese has a fungus called Stilton, Roquefort. And roquefortine C can cause tremors, seizures, increase in temperature, vomiting, fever, fatigue, diarrhea, etcPlain cheese can be nontoxic for your dog, but the addition of fungus on the cheese, can undoubtedly cause many health issues, sometimes resulting in severe problems which will make you regret feeding blue cheese.

Can Dogs Eat Brie Cheese?

Brie cheese is a field with a high amount of fat. The high amount of fat can be arduous for your dogs. Dogs don’t have the potential to digest so much fat, and thus it will increase the dog’s weight. The high amount of fat can make your dog feel full and unenergetic, with other problems like fatigue, fatigue, heaviness, etc.

The dog’s diet should avoid goat cheese, feta, and brie cheese. If you feel your dog had any brie cheese accidentally, immediately take it to your vet’s notice. High-fat content in the dog’s diet can cause pancreatitis, a life-threatening disease for a dog.

Can Dogs have Flavored Cheese Like Garlic and Other Herbs?

If you want your dog alive, don’t take your flavored cheese in front of your puppy. Onions, herbs, and garlic are very toxic for your dog. There are many kinds of cheese, like Boursin cheese and seasoning french cheese. These are filled with flavors that are toxic to your dog. Always keep these types of cheese away from your dog. Some cheese hash extraction of walnut, chipotle, and cloves. Don’t take these in front of your dog.

If you are hell-bent on giving herb cheese to your dog, then you can only try to provide healthy and nontoxic healthy dogs. Herbs like parsley, anise seeds, turmeric, and dill can be given.

Can Diabetic Dogs have Cottage Cheese?

Yes, if your dog has diabetes, you can give him or her cottage cheese. Cottage cheese mixed with beef can be an excellent treat for your dog as it won’t increase diabetes. Don’t give any other sweetened fruit, preserved or canned fruits, or cottage cheese.

Lamb, beef, turkey, chicken, fish, etc., mixed with a little bit of cottage cheese, can be an excellent treat for your dog. But make sure you are not mixing the cheese with any other sweetened food, as it will cause life-threatening uses to your fur friend.

Can Dogs Eat Cottage Cheese for an Upset Stomach?

Yes, this can help in soothing your dog’s stomach. High-fat cottage cheese can do no good for your dog. Low-fat cottage cheese mixed with rice can be an excellent option for your dog if it suffers from an upset stomach. Since cottage cheese has probiotics, this can settle the stomach upset of your dog and can also deal with diarrhea.

Can Dogs with Diarrhea Eat Cottage Cheese?

A dog suffering from diarrhea should not eat more than 10% of milk products in his diet. High-fat cottage cheese can increase the damage as it contains high amounts of sodium and lactose.

Most dogs are lactose intolerant, an important enzyme that helps digest milk products for dogs. So mixing a small amount of low-fat cottage cheese with rice or kibble can help. This can help in soothing your dog’s stomach as the cheese is very soft in texture.

Can Dogs have Cottage Cheese and Pineapple?

If you want your dog to eat something rich in fiber and snackable, you can ideally feed pineapple to your dog. But make sure you are giving it in small pieces and remove the rind of the pineapple, as it will shock your dog’s throat.

But canned pineapple should be a no-no for your dog, as the syrup will make your dog diabetic. Mix the chopped pineapple with a small spoon of cottage cheese and feed it to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Cottage Cheese and Peaches?

Yes, peaches are a great source of vitamin A and fiber for your dog. Since cottage cheese doesn’t have thread, mixing it with peaches can be a great source of energy and strength for your dog. But like any other kitchen food, make sure you give one a small piece or a small slice so that there won’t be any health issues for your dog.

Don’t show canned or preserved peaches to your dog as they contain high amounts of sugar, making your dog diabetic. Also, giving more peaches can bring issues like diarrhea and stomach upset for your dog.

Can Pregnant Dogs have Cottage Cheese?

According to the American Kennel Club, avoid giving cottage cheese if your dog is pregnant. One should be more careful in the last two weeks of pregnancy as it is the most crucial time for the dog. Don’t give any calcium-rich food. But after delivery, you can increase the amount of calcium as needed.

After pregnancy, 25% calcium should be added to the dog’s diet. Lactating dogs need calcium as it passes the energy straight to their kids. So make sure you give a good amount of cottage cheese after pregnancy and keep the cheese away from your dog before delivery.

What Kind of Cottage Cheese is Suitable for Dogs?

Before finalizing a cottage cheese for your dog, you should check out its ingredient and energy list. Go for low-calorie and low-fat cottage cheese. You might get tempted to go for flavored or high-fat cheese.

But don’t forget not all the flavors can do good for your dog. Most of the seasonings and herbs can be toxic for your dog. Onions, garlic, and cloves can be very unhealthy.

So choose low-fat and unflavored, and unseasoned cottage cheese over any other cheese. High-fat content can quickly increase the weight of your dog. It can cause other health issues like pancreatitis, obesity, etc.,

What are the Ways I can Give Cottage Cheese to My Dog?

• Cottage cheese can be a party treat for your dogs. You can add a little cottage cheese if you simply give your dog kibble and dry foods.
• Take a spoonful of cottage cheese, mix it with a bowl of rice and feed it to your dog. It can be very soothing to your dog and helps in digesting the food.
• If you are making chicken for your dog, mix it with chicken and give him a creamy and decadent treat for his lunch. This can lighten his bland food.
• Take a bowl of kibble, and a spoonful of cottage cheese, mix it well and give it. It can increase the taste and smell of his bland food.
• You can get a little creative here. If you are making treats or biscuits for your dog, you can try adding cottage cheese for extra richness and creaminess.
• But make sure you are not adding too much because most dogs are lactose intolerant. You can add a minimal amount and check his reaction.

Other Milk Supplements that are Perfect for Your Dogs:

Almost all dairy products can be a perfect fit for dogs. But everything should maintain a moderate key because dairy products contain lactose. Most dogs are lactose intolerant. So feeding more milk products can develop many health issues like diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, pancreatitis, obesity, etc.,

You can give low-fat milk products. Greek yogurt, soft cheese, cottage cheese, and low-fat milk powder can be given to dogs. Milk products contain many vital minerals and vitamins your dog needs to be healthy. Milk products are filled with calcium, which helps improve your dog’s teeth and bone health. But don’t feed high amounts of milk supplements. You can only provide 10% milk in the dog’s overall diet.

What Milk Products should Dogs not Have?

Milk generally has a high lactose content, and most dogs are lactose intolerant. Milk typically has high-fat content and sodium content. It can easily cause many health issues like GI tract disease, pancreatitis, obesity, diarrhea, etc., So avoid giving high-fat whole milk and other dairy products. Instead, opt for low-fat milk products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)