Dairy & eggs
Can cats eat cottage cheese?
A small taste is usually tolerated, but many adult cats are lactose intolerant.
Why Lactose; salt; chives or garlic in flavoured versions
By Maya HartIf your cat ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Signs to watch for
- Loose stools
- Wind
- Vomiting
How much, how often
Half a teaspoon.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Plain, low-fat cottage cheese
- Avoid flavoured versions with chives, onion or garlic
- Mix a spoonful with plain rice for a bland meal, if your vet suggests it
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
Yes, a little plain cottage cheese is fine for most dogs. It’s lower in fat and lactose than many cheeses and is sometimes part of a bland diet.
How much: A tablespoon for a medium dog.
Can dogs eat cottage cheese?Cats In moderation
A small taste is usually tolerated, but many adult cats are lactose intolerant.
How much: Half a teaspoon.
The details
Cottage cheese is a handy way to hide a tablet, and a spoonful mixed into food can tempt a fussy dog. It is quite salty, so it shouldn’t become a daily habit, and dogs with pancreatitis or kidney disease need their vet’s advice first.
Safer treats your cat can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat cottage cheese?
A small taste is usually tolerated, but many adult cats are lactose intolerant.
How much cottage cheese can a cat have?
Half a teaspoon.
What makes cottage cheese risky for cats?
Lactose; salt; chives or garlic in flavoured versions.
What are the signs to watch for in cats?
loose stools, wind, vomiting.
What should I do if my cat ate cottage cheese?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Is cottage cheese safe for dogs too?
Yes, a little plain cottage cheese is fine for most dogs. It’s lower in fat and lactose than many cheeses and is sometimes part of a bland diet.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
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