Ricotta cheese is a favorite in many households. And we all know how much our dog loves to eat the leftovers after dinner. But putting their health as first priority, you may be wondering, “Can my dogs eat ricotta cheese?”
Well, the answer is yes — but only in moderation. Unlike other cheeses (hint: blue cheese), ricotta cheese is a generally healthier option. However, it should only be given to your dog in very moderate amounts.
Keep reading below to find out the pros and cons.
Before you read a more in-depth answer to this question, “Can Dogs Eat Ricotta Cheese,” check out: Can Dogs Eat Pepper Jack Cheese? (2023) and Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese? (2023).
What Is Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta is the Italian cheese version of whey, the liquid leftover after making cheese. Ricotta, which literally translates to “recooked,” can be produced from either cow’s milk, sheep’s milk, or goat’s milk.
Cheesemakers separate the whey from the curds and use the former to create ricotta. Ricotta cheeses are delicate and soft, but they also spoil quickly because of their high moisture content. Ricotta has a subtle, creamy texture and a mild flavor. It’s a nutritious and tasty option for people and their pets.
Can Dogs Have Ricotta Cheese?
Yes, but only in moderation. Ricotta cheese is safe for dogs to eat, but it may aggravate their digestion due to its high fat and lactose content. Consuming an excessive amount of ricotta cheese has been linked to health issues like pancreatitis and diarrhea in addition to weight gain.
Due to the potential for adverse reactions, ricotta cheese should be fed to your dog in very small amounts on an as-needed basis.
When purchasing ricotta cheese, look for low-fat options that are unprocessed and preservative-free. Flavored varieties should be avoided as well, as their high sugar content can be harmful to a dog’s health. Before trying to feed ricotta cheese to your dog, check with your vet to see if they have any food allergies or special dietary needs.
Ricotta cheese is high in calcium and protein and can be beneficial for your dog’s health, but only in small amounts. Talk to your dog’s vet before including ricotta cheese in their diet if you are unsure. Ricotta cheese can be a safe and healthy snack if you take the necessary safety measures.
Can Ricotta Cheese Be Healthy for Dogs?
In small amounts, ricotta cheese can be a nutritious snack for your dog. Ricotta cheese can be beneficial if you choose low-fat and preservative-free types and carefully observe your dog’s reaction.
Ricotta cheese, like any other food, should be given to your dog in very small amounts, and if you have any worries or questions about doing so, you should discuss the matter with your dog’s veterinarian.
Protein-Rich
Ricotta has a high concentration of protein and a balanced profile of essential amino acids. Dogs need protein because it aids in muscle development, strengthens bones, and keeps the skin, coat, and nails in good condition.
Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are typically found in fish, are also present in ricotta cheese. This nutrient is beneficial for dogs in a variety of different ways.
High in Selenium
Ricotta cheese is high in selenium. As an antioxidant, selenium helps prevent free radical damage to cells and alleviates stress on the body.
Calcium-Rich
Ricotta cheese is a good source of calcium. An appropriate amount of calcium helps keep bones and muscles in good shape and is essential for their proper functioning.
Low Lactose Level
Having a low lactose level is beneficial to a dog’s health primarily because most dogs are lactose intolerant and would be better off without high-lactose dairy products.
Can Ricotta Cheese Be Bad for Dogs?
In the following section, we will give you some general information regarding the nutritional value of ricotta cheese. There are both beneficial and harmful components, as is the case with most foods.
It is crucial to note that any nutrients found in ricotta should only be regarded as a supplement for your dog, who should be eating a balanced diet. By that, we mean that they should not require any additional components to be added to their diet.
High in Fat
Because of the high-fat content, cheeses like ricotta are generally supposed to be given in only moderate amounts. There are almost 10 grams of fat in every 100 grams of ricotta cheese.
Fat is important for a dog’s diet, but most dogs probably don’t need any more than they’re getting. Ricotta cheese is high in fat, which can lead to obesity and health problems like pancreatitis in dogs.
Sodium and Cholesterol
Ricotta cheese has a lot of sodium (salt) and cholesterol, which are both bad for you (and your dog). In fact, sodium poisoning or toxicity in dogs is more common than you may think. This is a very dangerous condition that can put your dog’s life at risk.
Lactose
Sure, ricotta cheese has low levels of lactose, compared to other cheeses. But any amount of lactose is generally not good for a dog who has lactose intolerance. And being a dairy product, ricotta cheese does indeed have some level of lactose.
But before you get too down on yourself, know that there are some benefits to giving your dog ricotta cheese to eat, so don’t let that completely deter you from giving it to him.
How Much Ricotta Cheese Can I Safely Give My Dog?
You should only feed your dog ricotta cheese in minimal amounts because of its high fat and sodium content. Feed it to your dogs occasionally if you have any extra from making pizza or pasta, but don’t make it a regular part of their diet.
Thankfully, its rubbery and wet texture makes it a terrible option for cubing and using as a training treat. Your dog’s waistline probably appreciates it!
Which Cheeses Are Off-Limits for Dogs?
We learned in the previous section that ricotta is relatively healthier than other common cheeses. However, let’s take a minute to talk about a certain kind of cheese that you should never give to your dog.
It’s blue cheese, in all its forms, which is wonderful news for the large number of people who adore blue cheese because it implies that there is more for them to enjoy.
Blue cheese is dangerous because it is made by introducing a fungus into the mixture, which results in distinctive blue veins. The used fungus sadly creates roquefortine C, which can be fatal to dogs. One of the most well-known blue cheeses, Roquefort, is named after this substance. This substance is not only prevalent in blue cheeses but also in spoiled foods.
How to Feed Your Dog Ricotta Cheese
After learning everything there is to know about the advantages and disadvantages of ricotta cheese, it’s essential for you to learn everything there is to know about the best ways to feed ricotta to your dog.
Ricotta can be added to your dog’s usual food by simply crumbling it up and adding it. Ricotta has a flavor that dogs really enjoy when it is spread on meat. Be very careful not to make this a daily thing, or your dog can end up with obesity!
Spinach and Ricotta Cookies
In this section, we are going to provide you with a recipe for a ricotta and spinach delight that is not only easy to create but also quite tasty. After eating even just a little piece of this nutritious treat, your dog will adore you even more.
Ingredients
- Oat flour – 3 ½ cups
- Ricotta cheese – 1 cup
- Spinach – ½ cup
- Either milk or water, a half cup
- One egg
Method
- Turn the oven up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mix the egg, spinach, and milk together using a whisk or a blender. If your dog does not enjoy milk, you can substitute regular water for the milk in the recipe.
- Ricotta and oat flour should be added to the liquid that has already been mixed. Create a dough by thoroughly combining the ingredients and kneading it.
- The dough should have a thickness of around one and a half inches. To cut out cookies, you can either use a biscuit cutter or a knife.
- Prepare a baking sheet by coating it in oil and then covering it with parchment paper. Arrange the dough pieces that you cut out on top of it.
- Bake the cookies for 30 to 40 minutes, or until they reach the desired color.
- Wait until they have cooled down before putting them in jars or bags that are airtight.
- These ricotta and spinach cookies should only be used as an occasional treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Between ricotta and cottage cheese, the latter is better for dogs. Cottage cheese generally has low fat and sodium, which is important. That said, avoid getting flavored cottage cheese.
You can give your dog a small amount of ricotta and spinach but don’t overdo it. A tiny cheese curd and a tablespoon or two of spinach will be plenty.
Cottage cheese and cheddar are an even better choice than ricotta, but all three are okay for your dog in moderation.
Conclusion for “Can Dogs Eat Ricotta Cheese”
So, now that you know whether or not you can give your dog some ricotta cheese, go ahead and let him have some. The important thing to remember is the quantity. Too much of anything is bad for your dog.
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Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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