Can Dogs Eat Ricotta Cheese? The Answer Might Surprise You!

Dogs love cheese. It’s an excellent source of fat and protein, which, if you’re not aware, are two things that dogs need to lead a healthy lifestyle. That said, not all types of cheese are safe for your dog. So, Can Dogs Eat Ricotta Cheese?

While it won’t poison them or anything like that, it can cause some serious digestive issues in dogs due to its high lactose content. Keep reading to find out more about whether or not your dog can eat ricotta cheese.

What is Ricotta Cheese?

Ricotta cheese is a very mild and sweet cheese usually made from the whey left over from the production of mozzarella cheese. Although it is a form of cottage cheese, ricotta is creamier, smoother, and richer than traditional cottage cheese.

Dogs And Ricotta Cheese
Image by murarenato from Pixabay

It is often served as a dessert or used in salads, pasta, and many other dishes.

Ricotta is low in lactose and is therefore safe for dogs who are lactose intolerant.

Can Dogs Eat Ricotta Cheese?

Yes, dogs can eat ricotta cheese, but only if they are lactose intolerant. Ricotta cheese is a fermented product made from whey, which is a byproduct of the production of many other types of dairy products.

Whey is very high in lactose, which most dogs cannot digest. This can result in some stomach issues for dogs, especially if they eat a large amount of ricotta.

If your dog is lactose intolerant, ricotta cheese is an excellent treatment because it is low in lactose and high in protein and fat. However, if your dog is not lactose intolerant, ricotta cheese can cause some serious tummy troubles.

We also wrote about whether or not dogs can eat: farro, Gouda cheese, and tamarind. you can check these articles.

How to Feed Ricotta to a Dog

If your dog is lactose intolerant, ricotta cheese can be used as a great snack. Dogs can eat ricotta straight from the container or on top of some homemade dog treats.

Ricotta is also often used as an ingredient in dog treats, especially those designed for large or aggressive dogs. If your dog is not lactose intolerant, you should avoid feeding them ricotta because it will cause some serious digestive issues.

It is best to stick to dog treats that are designed for sensitive stomachs.

Other Foods That Are Good for Dogs and Ricotta Cheese

If your dog is lactose intolerant, ricotta can be added to any meal, including high-protein dog foods, to increase the fat and protein content. Ricotta can also be used in place of cream cheese on bagels or in place of cream in recipes like cream of broccoli.

If your dog is lactose intolerant, try using ricotta as an ingredient in place of dairy products in their meals. If your dog is not lactose intolerant, avoid ricotta and other dairy products like cream cheese and milk. These foods are extremely bad for dogs and can cause serious harm.

Final Words

Regardless of whether or not your dog is lactose intolerant, you should always be careful when feeding them cheese. Ricotta is a good choice for dogs, but it’s important to avoid giving them too much.

If your dog is lactose intolerant, ricotta can be used in place of cream cheese, cream, and other high-calorie dairy products. Ricotta is also low in lactose, making it a good cheese option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

If your dog is not lactose intolerant, avoid feeding them ricotta and other high-lactose cheeses. These foods are bad for dogs and can cause serious digestive problems. Instead, opt for lower-lactose cheeses like cheddar or Swiss.