If you're looking to add yummy fun to your dog's diet, blending a little bit of cottage cheese into his standard dry food may go a long way. It's very important to remember to exercise moderation, though, when feeding any delicious doggie meal supplements.
Lactose Intolerance
Most dogs -- and cats for that matter -- don't respond very well to lactose, the sugar component of milk and other dairy products. Although cottage cheese is indeed dairy, it has undergone fermentation, which means its lactose content is lower than that of other milk-based products. Although many dogs are totally fine with very minimal amounts of cottage cheese, some may experience tummy upset -- think diarrhea and belly ache. If your doggie is one of the latter, cut cottage cheese out of his diet entirely.
Cottage Cheese Intake
According to the ASPCA, small and controlled amounts of cottage cheese can make a totally suitable and harmless element of your doggie's diet. If you want to jazz up your fluff ball's somewhat bland dry food, cottage cheese may add a little flavor and texture. Just make sure that the cottage cheese you give him does not exceed 10 percent of his dietary intake for the day. Moderation is vital. Thoroughly blend in a spoonful or two of cottage cheese for a medium-size dog, for instance, and no more. Skipping days might be in order, as well.
Fat Content
To keep your pup's health and weight in check, the Humane Society of the Ouachitas recommends that you use reduced-fat cottage cheese in your cutie's meals. This is especially important if your pet is on the heavier side, of course.
Other Supplements
Cottage cheese isn't the only safe meal supplement you can put in your pooch's dry food. If your dog turns his nose up at cottage cheese, consider employing some other healthy and pet-friendly alternatives such as vegetables and cooked eggs. Just make sure before you try anything that the food is 100 percent safe for canines. For example, onions are toxic to dogs, so make sure they're nowhere near your little one's food bowl. If you're ever unsure about a certain food item's pet safety, consult your veterinarian beforehand. Otherwise, steer clear.