Cottage cheese isn’t most people’s go-to cheese, but if dogs can safely eat it, they will. It’s no surprise that most dogs love cheese. Something about the flavor just makes our furry friends go wild. But not all types of cheese are considered equal, and cottage cheese is certainly more unique than your traditional cheese slices. So, can dogs have cottage cheese? And is it better for them than other dairy products?
Can Dogs Eat Cottage Cheese?
Surprisingly, cottage cheese is healthier for dogs than other types of cheese, which means they can eat it. In fact, some people even recommend cottage cheese as a healthy human food to serve your dog. After all, it has several benefits for dogs and it doesn’t have quite as many risks for canines as traditional cheese.
Cottage cheese is considered a low-fat cheese like mozzarella, which makes it less likely to cause obesity for dogs. It’s also lower in lactose, making it easier for your dog to digest. Other dairy products like milk are more difficult for dogs to digest because many dogs are lactose intolerant. So, cottage cheese is a safe and healthy alternative for dogs because it’s better for them than other dairy products.
Benefits of Cottage Cheese for Dogs
Cottage cheese is a simple food that’s high in protein and calcium, which can help keep your pup strong. It also includes vitamins A and D, along with essential fatty acids that can keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
Some vets have even recommended cottage cheese to help prevent certain diseases. It’s good for preventing kidney disease because it’s low in phosphorus and potassium, which can help your dog’s kidney function properly. Cottage cheese also produces very little ammonia, which can keep the liver healthy and prevent liver disease. In some cases, it can benefit pregnant dogs or dogs with cancer too.
Also, its flavor is more bland than other cheese, which can make it easier on your dog’s stomach and prevent them from getting sick after eating it. In fact, it’s actually great for soothing upset stomachs. It can make a tasty treat or food topper for your furry friend.
Risks of Cottage Cheese for Dogs
While cottage cheese is an excellent human food for dogs to eat, don’t feed it to them too often. Like all human foods, you should only serve it in moderation. So, only use it as a small treat or topper, not as a large snack or meal.
Even though cottage cheese is lower in lactose than other dairy products, it’s still possible for it to negatively affect lactose intolerant dogs. If you serve cottage cheese to your dog, but it doesn’t agree with them, they may experience abdominal pain, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, or other unusual symptoms.
If your dog has a reaction to cottage cheese, there’s no need to panic, but instead, just monitor them closely. However, if these symptoms continue for lengthened periods of time or if your dog vomits several times, you might want to consult your vet. While cottage cheese is safe for most dogs, no food is guaranteed to be a good choice for every single dog.
Can Dogs Eat Other Types of Cheese?
Cottage cheese isn’t the only type of cheese that dogs are sure to find tasty, but it’s important to remember that your dog shouldn’t be eating too much dairy. Yes, dogs can eat most types of cheese, but only in small amounts at a time. Most types of cheese have more fat and lactose than cottage cheese, so eating too much of it could lead to weight gain, digestive problems, or even pancreatitis.
Additionally, it’s important to pay attention to what type of cheese you serve your dog. Some types of cheese have spices in them, including ingredients like chives, garlic, and onions. Any onion-based foods are considered toxic for dogs, so they should be avoided at all costs. If you want to serve cheese to your dog, make sure it’s only in small servings without any added seasoning or spice. If your dog is lactose intolerant, then it’s likely best to just avoid cheese altogether.
Deciding which human foods your dog can and can’t eat is tricky, but not impossible. While many human foods pose a threat to dogs, cottage cheese is generally safe and healthy, and it even helps prevent some serious health concerns. So, if your dog loves the taste of cheese and other dairy products, try cottage cheese since it’s one of the safest options out there.
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