Can Yorkies eat cottage cheese?
Yes, in small amounts — plain, low-fat cottage cheese is usually well tolerated by Yorkies, but watch for lactose sensitivity and its sodium.
Cottage cheese is one of the gentler dairy foods for dogs. It's lower in lactose than milk and offers protein and calcium, which is why it often shows up in bland diets for upset stomachs. For a 5-lb Yorkie it still needs a light hand: choose plain, low-fat, unsalted or low-sodium cottage cheese, and start with a tiny spoonful. Some dogs are lactose-intolerant and get loose stools or gas from any dairy. Skip flavoured or full-fat versions and anything with added salt.
What Yorkie owners need to know
- Choose plain, low-fat, low-sodium cottage cheese — no flavourings or added salt.
- Some dogs are lactose-intolerant; start with a tiny amount and watch for gas or loose stools.
- Keep portions small — it still adds calories and sodium to a tiny diet.
How preparation changes the answer
| Preparation | Status | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Plain, low-fat, low-sodium, small amount | Only small amounts | A gentle protein-and-calcium treat if your dog tolerates dairy. |
| Full-fat, salted, or flavoured | Only small amounts | Extra fat, salt, or additives make these less suitable for a tiny dog. |
Safe preparation
- Pick a plain, low-fat, unsalted or reduced-sodium variety.
- Start with a small spoonful mixed into their food.
- Watch for any digestive upset over the next day before offering it again.
Portion for a Yorkie
A teaspoon to a small tablespoon of plain low-fat cottage cheese is plenty for a 4-7 lb Yorkie; keep it within about 10% of daily calories.
Nutrition at a glance
Calories
~72 kcal
per 100 g, low-fat cottage cheese (USDA FoodData Central)
Protein
~12 g
per 100 g, low-fat cottage cheese (USDA FoodData Central)
Sodium
~330 mg
per 100 g, low-fat cottage cheese (USDA FoodData Central)
Possible benefits
- Good source of protein and calcium.
- Lower in lactose than milk, so often better tolerated.
- Soft and bland — sometimes used in vet-recommended settle-the-stomach meals.
Risks & things to watch
- Lactose-intolerant dogs may get gas or loose stools.
- Can be surprisingly high in sodium — choose low-salt versions.
- Full-fat and flavoured types add unneeded fat, sugar, or salt.
If your Yorkie ate too much
A little extra may cause gas or soft stools, especially in lactose-sensitive dogs. If your dog has persistent diarrhoea or vomiting, contact your vet.
Frequently asked questions
Is cottage cheese good for a Yorkie's upset stomach?
Plain low-fat cottage cheese is sometimes part of a bland diet, but check with your vet first and only give a small amount to see how your dog tolerates it.
Can lactose-intolerant Yorkies have cottage cheese?
It's lower in lactose than milk, but sensitive dogs can still react. Start with a tiny amount and stop if you notice gas or loose stools.
Sources
We cite authoritative veterinary, regulatory, and nutrition sources so you can check the evidence yourself.
- Nutrition dataUSDA FoodData CentralUSDA FoodData Central nutrient database
Supports: Human-food nutrient composition (calories, macronutrients, fibre, sugars). · Accessed 2026-07-01
- Professional bodyWSAVA Global Nutrition CommitteeGlobal Nutrition Guidelines & Toolkit
Supports: Energy requirement calculation, body condition scoring, treat guidance. · Accessed 2026-07-01
The Yorkiefood Editorial Team
We research Yorkshire Terrier feeding from regulatory bodies, veterinary manuals, poison-control centres, and peer-reviewed nutrition literature, then explain it plainly. We are careful researchers, not veterinarians — our pages cite their sources so you can check the evidence yourself, and we always defer to your own vet for your dog.
First published 2026-07-11 · Last reviewed 2026-07-11
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Related foods
Plain Yogurt
In small amounts, usually yes — a spoonful of plain, unsweetened yogurt is fine for many Yorkies, but never a sweetened one, and watch for lactose sensitivity.
Cheese
In tiny amounts, usually yes — many Yorkies tolerate a small piece of plain low-salt cheese as a high-value treat, but it's fatty and some dogs are lactose-sensitive.
Scrambled Eggs
Yes, when fully cooked and plain — a little plain scrambled egg is a gentle, protein-rich treat that's great for picky or sensitive Yorkies.
Butter
Use caution. Butter isn't toxic, but it is essentially pure fat with lactose, so even a small amount can upset a Yorkie's stomach or, in a susceptible dog, help trigger pancreatitis. It has no benefit, so it's best kept off the menu.
Cream Cheese
Use caution. A tiny amount of plain cream cheese isn't toxic, but it's high in fat and lactose, and flavoured tubs often contain onion, garlic, or chives. At most, a small smear of the plain kind — and check the label first.
Eggs
Yes — plain, fully cooked eggs with no salt, butter, or oil are a safe, protein-rich treat for Yorkies in small amounts.
Make serving it easier
A few small things that help at mealtime
Getting the portion right matters most on a tiny dog. These simple bits of kit help you weigh, serve, and store — tap a category to see current options on Amazon.
Wet food for toy breeds
Softer texture for picky or senior Yorkies — check calories per can.
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A spoonful can tempt a fussy eater or settle a delicate tummy.
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