Dairy
Cottage Cheese (plain, low-fat)
Soft, mild cheese lower in lactose than milk, providing protein and calcium.
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Who can eat it
DogsCats (small amounts, if tolerated)
Not suitable for
RabbitsGuinea pigsReptilesLactose-intolerant animals
Benefits
- Easily digested protein for animals recovering from gastrointestinal upset
- Useful way to hide medication
- Lower fat than most cheeses
Risks
- Many adult dogs and cats have reduced lactase and can develop diarrhoea
- Salted or flavoured varieties are unsuitable
Preparation and serving
- Preparation
- Choose plain, unsalted cottage cheese and introduce gradually.
- Serving guidance
- A teaspoon to a tablespoon occasionally, stopping if loose stools develop.
Before offering cottage cheese (plain, low-fat)
- Check the exact animal and preparation: the listed suitability is Dogs; Cats (small amounts, if tolerated). A food being edible does not make it a complete diet.
- Follow the preparation advice: Choose plain, unsalted cottage cheese and introduce gradually. Do not substitute a seasoned or processed version and assume the same safety.
- Portion guidance: A teaspoon to a tablespoon occasionally, stopping if loose stools develop. For a pet on a prescribed diet, discuss extras with the vet first.
- If your pet develops vomiting, diarrhoea or discomfort, stop offering the extra and seek advice. Suspected poisoning or breathing difficulty needs immediate veterinary help.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- WSAVA — global veterinary guidelines on nutrition, vaccination, pain and dental care
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- International Cat Care — cat health, behaviour and welfare advice