A bit of cottage cheese can be good to add to dry dog food.
Cottage cheese for dogs is a safe option as part of a bland diet to combat diarrhea. Typically, a bland diet may include a mixture of low-fat meat with cottage cheese or other bland foods. Many experts also approve of dog cottage cheese as an occasional treat or as an additive to dry dog food when used in moderation. Although some dogs are lactose intolerant and therefore cannot tolerate dairy products, cottage cheese contains lower amounts of lactose than other dairy products. Some sources recommend using low-fat, low-sodium cottage cheese for dogs, and others recommend squeezing out excess liquid before serving.
Cottage cheese is safe for dogs as part of a bland diet.
Many owners use cottage cheese for dogs as part of a temporary bland diet to treat acute diarrhea or stomach problems. Cottage cheese can provide protein, phosphorus, and calcium, while also stabilizing the dog’s gastrointestinal system. After completely withholding food for up to a day and providing small amounts of water to prevent dehydration, small amounts of a light diet mix can be introduced. Gradually, the soft food mix can be replaced by the dog’s normal diet.
When added to a dog’s diet, a little cottage cheese can help treat diarrhea.
Light foods, including cottage cheese for dogs, can include low-fat meat such as boiled chicken or cooked hamburger, cooked oatmeal, white rice, or a baked potato. For small breeds, baby food in the form of pureed chicken can replace boiled chicken or hamburger. A few tablespoons of plain yogurt or boiled sweet potato can be added for additional digestive relief.
Plain yogurt can be a digestive soother for dogs.
A bland diet is an adequate response to acute diarrhea in dogs exhibiting a normal activity level. A dog that has diarrhea along with lethargy, bloody stools, or repeated vomiting may be seriously ill and should be taken to the vet right away. Owners who notice chronic or recurring diarrhea in their dogs should also have these animals examined by a veterinarian. A bloated or distended stomach, shortness of breath, nausea, and obvious pain or discomfort in the abdomen are signs of gastric dilatation and torsion, an emergency condition that can cause death if not treated quickly.
Another common gastrointestinal ailment in dogs is constipation, in which the dog has difficulty defecating or produces small, hard stools. Adding cooked vegetables to your dog’s diet in moderation can help with this condition. Also, frequent exercise and sufficient hydration are essential to deal with constipation. Over-the-counter laxatives can be harmful and should not be given to dogs.