 The Short Answer is: |
It is safe for dogs to consume Cottage Cheese if they are not lactose intolerant, meaning they can consume dairy products like milk and cheese. |
In this article you will know the answer to the query “Can Dogs Eat Calamari?“.
My kitchen counter was covered in Cottage Cheese pancakes that I dropped while making breakfast. My Labrador licked the Cottage Cheese off the countertop before I could even clean up the mess. It was just a small amount but it made me wonder “Can I feed my dog Cottage Cheese?” Is Cottage Cheese safe for dogs? Heres the quick answer.
Can dogs eat Cottage Cheese? It is safe for dogs to eat cottage cheese in moderation if they can tolerate dairy and cheese products. Cottage cheese is nutritious for dogs that are not lactose intolerant and it is often recommended for dogs who have digestive problems. Cottage Cheese should not be fed to dogs with lactose intolerance.
In this article you will learn everything you need to know about dogs and Cottage Cheese such as whether your dogs can tolerate Cottage Cheese how much Cottage Cheese to give a dog and whether Cottage Cheese can help your dog gain weight. Lets get started!
Can dogs have Cottage Cheese?
It is safe for dogs to consume Cottage Cheese if they are not lactose intolerant meaning they can consume dairy products like milk and cheese.
Lets talk about what Cottage Cheese is as well as its ingredients and nutritional profile.
What is Cottage Cheese?
Cottage Cheese consists of small fresh cheese curds with a creamy yet savory taste. Traditionally Cottage Cheese has small curds but today it can also have medium or large curds.
When making Cottage Cheese the milk is acidified by bacterial fermentation or by adding vinegar or lemon juice to the milk. Curds separate from whey in this way which allows the milk to have a tart taste.
As soon as the curds are fully formed they are rinsed and later salt is added. Cottage Cheese is best enjoyed fresh with some moisture retained and some whey unlike other aged cheese products.
Nutritional benefits of Cottage Cheese
In addition to being packed full of vitamins and minerals Cottage Cheese is also a great source of protein. Cottage Cheese contains the following vitamins and minerals:
- B-complex vitamins including vitamin B12.
- Calcium.
- Protein and casein protein.
- Probiotics.
- Magnesium.
We will explain in detail how these vitamins and minerals can benefit your dogs health in the next section.
Is Cottage Cheese Good for dogs?
Cottage Cheese is healthy for dogs when eaten in moderation. You should however make sure your dog is not lactose intolerant so they can enjoy this nutritious treat and receive all the health benefits without getting an upset stomach or other gastrointestinal problems.
Cottage Cheese provides dogs with a number of health benefits.
Cottage Cheese contains vitamin B12 which supports a healthy nervous system and spinal health in dogs
It is important for dogs to consume healthy foods to receive vitamin B12 since their bodies are not able to produce it naturally. B12 (cobalamin) is a vitamin that can benefit your dogs in the following ways:
- Boost immunity. The immune system and overall health of a dog that receives vitamin B12 will be strong.
- Maintains a healthy nervous system. Myelin a fatty tissue produced by vitamin B12 protects and coats nerves. The nervous system and the brain will function properly if your dogs have enough myelin. Good nervous system health means good spinal health.
- Supports fat and carb-burning. In order for nutrients to be absorbed by the body carbs fats and proteins must be broken down properly by vitamin B12. Calories are composed of three essential macronutrients: proteins carbohydrates and fats.
- Aids in cell growth. Vitamin B12 is necessary for not only cell growth but also the production of red blood cells. Red blood cells indicate the health and energy of your dog.
- Enhances your dogs appetite and they will be able to absorb more nutrients from their food.
- It helps your dogs gut stay healthy. If your dogs get enough vitamin B12 they will have a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in their guts and gastrointestinal disorders will be prevented.
- Protect them from illnesses and diseases. Furthermore vitamin B12 helps to combat illnesses of the digestive and pancreatic systems.
Calcium from Cottage Cheese facilitates proper bone development in dogs
Our dogs benefit from calcium not only because it promotes strong and healthy bones and teeth but it also plays a crucial role in many other aspects of their health.
This is because 99% of the calcium in your pups’ bodies is found in their bones and 1% of it is found in their muscle blood and other vital tissues.
When your canine friends consume enough calcium their bodies are able to perform important daily functions. Your dogs nervous system and heart rhythms are regulated by calcium which also helps your dogs blood clot and allows his or her muscles to contract.
Your dogs body works constantly to maintain a consistent amount of calcium in the tissues and the blood.
Cottage Cheese however can be harmful to dogs? That is true and we will discuss it next.
Is Cottage Cheese bad for dogs?
Cottage Cheese isnot good for dogs as the majority of brands you’ll find in your local grocery store may contain high levels of sodium and sugar.
It is possible for dogs to become hypernatremia when they consume too much salt from food high in sodium. The loss of moisture can cause their muscles to become stiff or even shrivel. You may notice your dog shaking and jerking as a result.
It is important to note that too much sodium consumption can also cause salt poisoning in dogs. Dogs with sodium poisoning will exhibit the following symptoms:
- Very thirsty.
- Urinating frequently.
- Convulsions.
- Confusion.
- Headache.
- Fluid buildup.
- Swollen tongue.
- High body temperature.
- Throat tachycardia.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Upset stomach.
- Loose watery diarrhea.
- Abdominal pain.
- Lack of energy.
- Muscle spasms.
- Body weakness.
- Breathing difficulties.
- Epileptic seizures.
- Coma (in severe cases).
- Death (in severe cases).
Salt poisoning in dogs can sometimes make them appear like they’re intoxicated. Whenever your dogs behavior changes you’ll want to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
If your pets suffer from salt poisoning they need immediate medical attention. The sooner they receive proper diagnosis and treatment the better. Before administering electrolytes and IV therapy fluids your vet may perform a series of thorough tests to determine whether your pooch has salt poisoning.
You should choose Cottage Cheese that has no added salt reduced-sodium or no added sugar if you plan on feeding your pooch a small amount of Cottage Cheese.
Amanda (Author)
With over a decade of experience, Amanda is a distinguished dog trainer. Her expertise in canine behavior has transformed countless lives, fostering harmonious human-canine connections. Through compassionate and personalized approaches, she empowers owners to understand and connect with their furry companions, creating a legacy of joyful tails and transformed lives.
Osvaldo Maciel (Content Reviewer)
Osvaldo Maciel, a stalwart in the field with 14 years of experience, is a revered dog trainer. His journey is defined by a profound understanding of canine behavior, shaping unbreakable human-canine bonds. Osvaldo guides owners to connect with their beloved pets, leaving an indelible mark of happiness and transformation. His legacy shines through the countless lives he has touched.
