Cheese has always been a popular food for dogs, which makes it no surprise that they enjoy eating some. Ricotta cheese in particular is the perfect option because of its sweet and creamy texture. If your dog can tolerate dairy products, then consider giving them some ricotta cheese to see how they like it.

So the short answer to “Can dogs eat ricotta cheese?” is yes. They can eat ricotta cheese. A small amount of ricotta cheese can be used as a treat for dogs on occasions.  Ricotta is a great addition to your dog’s diet because it is an excellent protein source that will boost your dog’s protein intake. Ricotta cheese is a good source of calcium. However, you should be careful about the amount. Only a moderate amount of cheese should be given to your pooch because of its high-fat content.

This article will give you all the information you need to know before giving Ricotta cheese to your pup.

What Is Ricotta Cheese?

It’s an Italian cheese made from whey, the watery byproduct of cheese making. Ricotta is an Italian word that means “recooked.” The ricotta cheese is technically made from sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, or goat’s milk. Cheesemakers use the curds to make any cheese they want, then use the remaining whey to make ricotta. Ricotta cheeses are light and moist, and also much more perishable than drier cheeses. Ricotta has a mild creaminess to it without any overwhelming flavor. It’s also a healthy and nutritious choice for both humans and pets.

Health Benefits of Ricotta Cheese For Your Pooch

1. High Protein content:

It is high in protein, including all of the essential amino acids in equal proportions. Protein is crucial for dogs because it helps them build muscles, strengthen their bones, and keep their skin healthy.

2. High Selenium content:

Selenium is an antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage and aids the correct function of the metabolism.

3. High Calcium:

It is rich in calcium which helps in maintaining the bones and facilitates the smooth functioning of muscles.

Things To Be Careful About While Feeding Your Dog Ricotta Cheese

There are a few reasons why you should be cautious about allowing your dog to consume ricotta cheese. For starters, many dogs are lactose intolerant, so feeding your furry friend dairy-based goods like ricotta cheese may cause problems like diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. In such a case of intolerance, you should avoid any dairy products including ricotta cheese. High-fat content is another matter of concern. High-fat content can cause weight gain and cause the occurrence of illnesses such as pancreatitis. So make sure to feed the pup cheese by monitoring and considering the amount.

 How Much Ricotta Cheese Can Dogs Eat?

The amount of ricotta your dog can eat will depend on the size of the breed and how big a piece they like. A mix of about one-tenth to one-third of a cup (14 to 28 grams) occasionally is a good amount for most medium and large dog breeds or mixed breeds. For small dogs or those with sensitive stomachs, cut this amount in half. If you have a dog that doesn’t eat dairy products, then you can start by giving them a little bit here and there so they can become comfortable with it. Once they’ve accepted the cheese enough to finish the whole amount, go ahead and give a considerate amount.

Conclusion

Ricotta cheese is a pleasant and nutritious treat for your dog. But before adding this cheese, any new food to your dog’s diet, always check your veterinarian and remember that moderation is crucial.

Also, check to see whether your dog is lactose intolerant or allergic before giving them a large amount of ricotta cheese and any dairy product.

Thank you for reading the article.

Here are some other cheese-related dog articles that you might be interested in.

Has your dog ever eaten cheese? What was their reaction like? If you have any experience with dogs eating cheese, please share it in the comments section below.