Dog Care
Can Dogs Eat Cottage Cheese? And Which Cheeses Are Safe
Yes, dogs can eat cottage cheese. Plain, low-fat cottage cheese is one of the better cheeses for dogs because it is lower in fat, salt and lactose than most others. Give it as a small treat or topper, not a meal, and skip flavoured versions with chives, garlic or onion.
Why cottage cheese is a good cheese choice
The American Kennel Club points to cottage cheese as a lower-fat, lower-sodium option, with less lactose, which may mean less chance of tummy upset. It also gives some protein and calcium, and its soft texture makes it handy for hiding a pill or filling a lick mat.
How much cottage cheese can a dog eat?
Treats should stay within about 10% of daily calories. As a guide:
- Small dogs: about a teaspoon
- Medium dogs: about a tablespoon
- Large dogs: one to two tablespoons
Start with a little and watch for loose stool or gas over the next day. Some dogs are lactose intolerant; if yours gets an upset stomach from dairy, skip it.
Which cheeses can dogs eat?
| Cheese | OK for dogs? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cottage cheese (plain, low-fat) | Yes, small amounts | Lower in fat, salt and lactose. |
| Mozzarella | Yes, small amounts | Relatively low in fat and salt. |
| Mild cheddar | Small pieces only | Higher in fat; good as a tiny training reward. |
| Cream cheese (plain) | A little only | Fatty; avoid flavoured versions with garlic, chives or onion. |
| Blue cheese, Roquefort, Stilton | No | Moulds in these cheeses can make dogs ill. |
| Cheese with garlic, onion, chives or herbs | No | Garlic and onion are harmful to dogs. |
| Feta and very salty cheeses | Not recommended | High in salt. |
| Cheese with raisins or nuts | No | Raisins can cause kidney failure; some nuts are toxic. |
Easy ways to serve cottage cheese
- A spoonful stirred into your dog's usual food.
- Spread thinly on a lick mat and frozen for a calm, slow treat.
- Mixed with plain pumpkin purée and frozen in an ice cube tray.
- Wrapped around a pill, if your vet has prescribed one.
Dogs that should skip cheese
Avoid cheese, or ask your vet first, if your dog is overweight, has had pancreatitis, has kidney disease, is on a special diet, or reacts badly to dairy. For other foods, check our can my dog eat this? food checker.
Frequently asked questions
Is cottage cheese good for dogs?
In small amounts, plain low-fat cottage cheese is a good treat for most dogs. It is lower in fat, salt and lactose than many cheeses and adds a little protein and calcium.
Can dogs eat cottage cheese every day?
A small spoonful can fit into a healthy dog's daily treat allowance, as long as total treats stay within about 10% of calories and your dog tolerates dairy.
Can puppies eat cottage cheese?
A tiny amount is fine for most puppies once they are eating solid food, but they need complete puppy food for growth.
Can dogs eat cheese with diarrhoea?
It is better not to. Dairy can make loose stool worse. Stick to a vet-advised bland diet and call your vet if diarrhoea continues.
Can cats eat cottage cheese?
Many adult cats are lactose intolerant, so cottage cheese should be a tiny taste at most.
Sources
Guidance follows the American Kennel Club and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. This article is general information, not veterinary advice.
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