Can Dogs Eat Cottage Cheese? What a Vet Wants You to Know

Can dogs eat cottage cheese? In short, yes, they can! Known as quite the polarizing food, cottage cheese is often praised for being packed with nutrients, while also being low in calories. However, as with other dog-friendly human foods, there are a few factors to consider prior to treating your pooch to this creamy, curdled snack.

Here’s how to safely share cottage cheese with your dog.

Is Cottage Cheese Safe for Dogs?

Cottage cheese is technically safe for dogs to eat, as it’s not toxic. In fact, it’s considered to be a high-protein, low-fat food that can be beneficial for some canines, says Dan Su, MS, DVM, DACVIM-Nutrition. But since most dogs are lactose intolerant to a certain degree, he says this curdled milk product should be given in moderation, depending on how a dog tolerates it.

If you’d like to feed your canine companion cottage cheese, plain, unflavored cottage cheese is best, Su says. Avoid any options that contain artificial sweeteners or other flavors, like onion or garlic, since these are toxic to dogs.

He adds that low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese options may be better to feed, especially for dogs with a history of pancreatitis or are prone to weight gain. Low-sodium options are also good to avoid giving too much sodium on top of a complete and balanced diet.

Benefits of Cottage Cheese for Dogs

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a 100-gram serving of low-fat cottage cheese has 84 calories, 11 grams of protein, 4.3 grams of carbs, and 2.3 grams of fat. It’s also a good source of selenium, B vitamins, and vitamin A. 

While shopping, you may notice some cottage cheese options labeled with “probiotic” or “live cultures” on the packaging. Fermented cottage cheese is packed with live microorganisms, which may improve digestion and overall immunity.

Wayne M. Johnson, VMD, considers cottage cheese to be a great way to add a bit of variety and extra nutrition to your canine companion’s diet.

He and Su break down the benefits of cottage cheese for dogs:

• High in protein: Cottage cheese is rich in protein. This can help support muscle maintenance and overall health. What’s more, dairy proteins can be helpful for dogs with hepatic encephalopathy, or brain dysfunction due to liver disease, commonly seen in dogs with liver shunts, Su says. The theory is that cottage cheese is highly digestible and doesn’t lead to as much circulating ammonia—a by-product of protein breakdown—that can cause hepatic encephalopathy, he explains. 
• Low in fat: Low-fat cottage cheese is a good option for dogs since it can help them maintain a healthy weight, especially if you’re managing their calorie intake.
• Calcium-rich: Cottage cheese is made with milk, which is packed with calcium and can support strong bones and teeth, Johnson says.

Risks and Considerations

While cottage cheese certainly has its health benefits, there are some risks to keep in mind before giving your pup to this rich, creamy food.

Because most dogs have some degree of lactose intolerance, feeding cottage cheese may result in gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, and/or diarrhea, Su says. Although cottage cheese is lower in lactose compared to other dairy products, it’s still advised to watch for any signs of potential stomach upset.

Other signs that a dog may be lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, according to Johnson, include:

If your dog is sensitive to lactose, Drs. Su and Johnson say it’s best to avoid feeding cottage cheese altogether and consult your vet.

Su also mentions that cottage cheese may not be a suitable treat option for some dogs with health issues. Regular cottage cheese, excluding low-fat options, can have excess fat for dogs who are at risk for pancreatitis. Similarly, cottage cheese that isn’t a low-sodium option can have too much sodium for dogs with heart or kidney disease.

How to Safely Feed Cottage Cheese to Dogs

If your pup’s belly agrees with cottage cheese, Su says it should be given within the treat allowance, which is no more than 10% of their daily calories.

Low-fat (2% milk fat) cottage cheese is about 11 calories per tablespoon, he says. To make sure your dog is staying within the treat allowance, Su provides the following portion size examples:

• A 10-pound dog can eat about two tablespoons, assuming they don’t get other treats.
• A 20-pound dog can eat about four tablespoons.

As with any food, cottage cheese should be introduced gradually to see how they tolerate it. For example, a 20-pound pooch should be fed one tablespoon to start, then two, and gradually building up, Su recommends.

This nutritious food can be given as a topper to help make meal time more exciting, a standalone treat, or mixed with dog-friendly fruits to create frozen treats for dogs, he notes.

Giving cottage cheese in moderation is key to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Considering too much dairy can upset a dog’s stomach, Johnson suggests feeding it 1–2 times a week.

Watch your dog for any signs of an allergy or intolerance to dairy after feeding cottage cheese. If you notice any unusual symptoms, eliminate it from their diet and feed an alternative dog-friendly food that’s just as nutritious and delicious.

Other Dairy Products Dogs Can Eat

If your dog likes to indulge in dairy products, Johnson recommends giving the following in small amounts and in moderation:

• Plain Greek yogurt
• Plain kefir
• Cheese (e.g. cheddar, mozzarella)

It’s always best to introduce new foods gradually and monitor your dog’s reaction to make sure they handle them well, he says. Never feed any toxic foods or ingredients, such as xylitol, chocolate, grapes and raisins, and onions and garlic.

If your dog is lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy products, Su recommends these foods as alternatives to cottage cheese:

Cottage cheese is just one of many human foods dogs can safely enjoy. If they’re unable to due to an allergy or intolerance, there are countless other healthy and tasty dog-friendly foods your canine companion is bound to love!