Can dogs or cats eat cottage cheese?

Cottage cheese can be a safe addition to your cat's diet, but only in moderation, and only as an infrequent treat. It's rich in protein, calcium and essential vitamins that help with the growth and maintenance of your cat's muscles, bones, teeth, and overall health. Plusl it contains relatively low levels of lactose, which makes it easier on the feline digestive system than some other dairy products. (Keep in mind, many cats are lactose intolerant.)

While cottage cheese is safe for cats to eat in small amounts as an occasional treat or supplement to their usual meal plan, it should never displace the regular cat food in their diet. Remember, cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need a diet rich in animal protein to thrive. Cottage cheese lacks the essential nutrients that are found in balanced commercial cat foods.

Again, it's important to remember that some cats may be lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy products such as cottage cheese. If you notice any signs of gastrointestinal upset like diarrhea or vomiting after feeding your pet cottage cheese, they may have a sensitivity towards the food, in which case you should avoid giving it to them altogether. If you do decide to start feeding them cottage cheese, start with very small amounts and monitor their reaction over time.

And make sure you feed them a variety of cottage cheese that doesn't contain any added sugars, salt or artificial flavors, and make sure it's fresh; nothing past the expiration date!

As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult with your veterinarian first! If your cat eats cottage cheese (or any food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating any unsafe foods, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.