Quark is considered very healthy for us humans because of the amino acids.
Normally, it is always recommended that dogs eat mostly, if at all, lactose-free dairy products. But what about Quark? Can dogs eat cottage cheese?
In a nutshell: Can my dog eat quark?
Yes, your dog can eat cottage cheese. Unlike other dairy products, it is low in lactose, which is due to the fermentation process. However, you should only feed quark in small amounts and not as the main food. Quark can be a useful addition to your dog’s food, but it does not cover the nutritional needs of your four-legged friend.
Why is Quark allowed for dogs?
Dog owners often have very different opinions as to whether dogs are allowed to eat quark. The reason is that it is commonly said that dogs should not eat dairy products because they are said to be intolerant to them. The lactose is said to be to blame for this.
However, this is not the case with Quark. Just like yoghurt and cheese, you can eat this dairy product without any problems. And most dogs love it.
Compared to milk, quark contains hardly any lactose. During production, the quark is cleaned several times. As a result of this and the fermentation process, it loses the lactose, i.e. the milk sugar, and is therefore low in lactose.
Even if your dog is lactose intolerant, eating quark is usually not a problem. The same applies to granular cream cheese (cottage cheese) and cheese.
interesting to know
If you feed your furry friend some dairy products from time to time, the body produces lactase. As a result, there is no lactose intolerance and he tolerates dairy products well. Nevertheless, you should not overdo it with feeding and do not give quark, yoghurt, milk and co as the main food.
Reading tip: You can’t miss finding out if dogs can eat Harz cheese! Find out more in our article on the topic «Can dogs eat Harz cheese?» and let us surprise you. Check it out now!
Therefore, this dairy product is healthy for your dog
There are 3 main benefits for your dog’s health that Quark combines:
- Cottage cheese is rich in amino acids
- Cottage cheese contains calcium and phosphorus
- Quark is ideal for losing weight
Important functions of amino acids
Quark contains almost all amino acids. Dogs cannot produce the proteins themselves, which is why they have to consume sufficient amounts of them through their food on a regular basis.
Amino acids have important functions in the body and are vital for an intact organism. They are an important building material for the muscles and provide them with nutrients.
They are also essential for the organs, hormone balance and other important metabolic functions.
Accordingly, the consumption of quark can boost the metabolism. The intestinal activity and the metabolism of your four-legged friend are stimulated. This allows the intestinal flora to regenerate and alleviate inflammation in the intestine.
At the same time, the probiotics contained in the quark can promote digestion and thus support the immune system.
If your dog suffers from diarrhea and bland food is popular, you can add some quark to support it.
Quark is the ideal source of calcium and phosphorus
Many dogs suffer from calcium and phosphorus deficiencies. However, these are important for maintaining healthy bones, teeth and the nervous system.
Further consequences can be bone defects, which in the worst case can lead to hip dysplasia (hip joint socket incorrect posture). This is very painful for your dog.
Quark is rich in calcium and phosphorus and regular feeding can prevent a deficiency.
Diet: Cottage cheese is suitable for dogs to lose weight
Dogs could generally always eat. The problem with overweight dogs is that each portion that is overfed can be bad for their health. The result can be, for example, joint diseases due to excessive body weight.
If your dog needs to lose weight, you should (if your dog tolerates it) include quark in the diet from now on. Quark keeps your dog full for a long time and at the same time contains a lot of protein and few calories. Because Quark «stuffs» so to speak, he will beg less and feel happier.
Quark is just as good at helping your dog maintain its weight. Older dogs can eat it too. Because they move less, curd can help keep them from gaining weight and still fill them up.
Light food: This is how your dog regains strength after an illness
When your dog is sick, he’s not very hungry. In order to support your organism in the best possible way, healthy light food in the form of boiled rice or potatoes together with some carrots is suitable. Quark is just as easy to digest and, together with linseed oil, can give your dog new strength.
Another option is to feed quark with linseed oil, better known as Budwig cream. Together with some honey you can provide your darling with important vitamins.
The quark is not only digestible, but also provides your dog with important proteins. In addition, it is easily digestible and therefore ideal as a light food.
Good to know:
Dogs that have been ill for a long time can regain their strength with cottage cheese mixed with a little linseed oil and honey.
Can puppies eat cottage cheese?
Yes, puppies can eat quark too. They need sufficient calcium and phosphorus for the growth and formation of bones, joints and teeth.
Most puppies like cottage cheese. During the time when puppies are drinking less and less breast milk and are gradually taking in solid food, quark is ideal as a transitional food.
You can also use it to soak dry food. Then the pellets become softer and easier to buy. By the way, you can do the same for older dogs that don’t chew well or don’t have teeth anymore.
How much quark can my dog eat?
If your furry friend tolerates quark and likes the taste, you can feed it one or two tablespoons a day. You can mix it with its food or, for example, make a refreshing dog ice cream out of it for hot summer days.
If your dog has never eaten quark, he should slowly approach the milk product first.
If your four-legged friend has had too much quark, you should be prepared that his bowel movements will be a little more liquid than usual, or that he will even get diarrhea.
This is because the small amount of lactose increases with larger consumption. However, this is no reason to worry, because it usually goes away quickly.
Conclusion: Can dogs eat quark?
Yes, your dog can eat quark. As a rule, dogs tolerate the milk product well because it is low in lactose compared to milk.
In addition to numerous nutrients, quark contains a lot of calcium and phosphorus. Since many dogs suffer from a deficiency, it is advisable to regularly include quark in the diet.
In addition, the high protein content can help your four-legged friend lose weight.
Depending on the size of the dog, it can eat up to two tablespoons a day.
Do you have questions about dogs and quark? Then leave a comment now!