- History
- Lactose Tolerance in Dogs and Cats v.s Lactose Intolerance
- Worried About Your Dog or Cat Gaining Weight
- Plain Natural Yogurt and Kefir
- Health Benefits
- How to Choose a Good Product
- Cheese
- Health Benefits
- How to Choose a Good Product
- DIY Treats
- FAQ
- Cheese
- Cottage Cheese
- Yogurt
- Omega-3 fatty acids in a balanced ratio, and;
- Does not contain the toxins (i.e. antibiotics and steroids, pesticide residue from eating GMO corn, etc,) found in dairy obtained from concentrated animal feeding operations – CAFO raised animals.
- A very good source of probiotics
- An excellent source of calcium, iodine and vitamin D
- An aid infighting periodontal disease
- Can help protect your dog from illness when your dog or cat is on a course of antibiotics
- Antibiotics kill both the good and bad bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract (GI Tract), leaving the immune system suppressed. Probiotics re-populate the god bacteria
- Researchers at UCLA confirmed that the presence of good bacteria in the GI Tract are important for proper brain function. UCLA decided to test this theory on humans as previous research on non-human animals had shown linked changes in gut flora to changes in affective behaviours. You can read about the study here.
- Good source heart healthy omega fatty-acids
- Helps prevent parasite infestation and related diseases
- Typically
one tablespoon of kefir contains 5 billion beneficial bacteria. As a rich and
concentrated source of beneficial bacteria the probiotics found in Kefir
contribute to health in a wide variety of ways:
- Contains a substantial amount of B Complex vitamins, Calcium, vitamin A, Vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus
- Contains tryptophan, and essential amino acid
- Helps prevents illness
- Is easily digestible
- Is excellent for the immune system
- Natural antibiotic and anti-fungal properties
- Promotes anti-cancer and anti-tumor activity in the body
- Promotes the faster healing of wounds
- You can read more about kefir here
- What you do want in the yogurt:
- Bacterial cultures i.e.
- Bifdobacterium lactis;
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobaciullis casei
- By the way, you may notice that some dry dog food contains these and other bacteria. Unfortunately probiotic organisms (good bacteria) found in commercial dry dog food is not viable (live and active). These organisms cannot survive the processing and heat that is used to cook and then form the kibble. The inclusion of probiotics in dry dog food is just a sales gimmick which does not deliver any actual value to your dog’s diet.
- Cream, and/or
- Milk or partially skimmed milk
- Milk protein concentrate
- That’s it! Nothing more. Don’t bother paying more for yogurt that has ‘added probiotics’, as this is another gimmick and scam. A good quality yogurt and kefir (like the one in the picture) naturally generally have more probiotics than those that advertise ‘added probiotics’
- Agar-Agar
- Artificial food colors
- Artificial sweeteners
- Carageenan
- Corn Starch
- Gallan Gum
- Gelatine
- Tapioca
- Lecithin
- Modified Corn Starch
- Modified Rice Starch
- Potassium Sorbate
- Salt - see "salt" under cheese further below and here
- Sugar
- Etc.
- Yogurt
- 1x to 2x per day:
- X-Small size dogs and cats - 1 tsp to 1 tbs
- Small dogs - 1 tbs to 2 tbs
- Medium size dogs - 1/8 cup
- Large dogs - 1/3 cup
- Extra large dogs - 1/2 cup
- Kefir
- 1x to 2x per day:
- X-Small size dogs and cats - 1 tsp to 1 tbs
- Small dogs - 1 tbs to 2 tbs
- Medium size dogs -1/4 cup
- Large dogs - 1/3 cup to 3/8 cup
- Extra large dogs - 1/2 cup
- Natural cheese, like Kefir is a fermented dairy product
- Natural cheese requires very few ingredients:
- Milk
- Full Spectrum Salt - i.e. sea salt, Himalayan salt, NOT common table salt or iodized salt - read more about salt here. Salt is used as a ripening and preservation aid, also for taste
- Rennet (an enzyme)
- A starter culture (the making of yogurt and kefir also require a starter culture)
- Is not good for your dog
- Processed Cheese Food is an-over processed ‘food’ that is made from pasteurized dairy and non-dairy ingredients it does not have the same health benefits of real cheese and includes additives that are not good for your dog – i.e. artificial food colour.
Health Benefits
- Cheese contains Calcium, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 – in order for these vitamins to provide the maximum benefit to the body all three need to be consumed together for efficacy.
- Eating cheese in an aid in fighting periodontal disease;
- Eating cheese drops the pH level in the mouth
- Lower pH levels help fight plaque, protects tooth enamel and erosion of teeth
- Cheddar cheese contains the highest levels of alkali making it the best cheese for attaining better pH levels in the oral cavity
- Cheese is a very good source of vitamin K2
- Vitamin K2 is important for heart, brain, bones and more
- Calcium is beneficial for bones and blood but it is not beneficial when deposited in the arteries and muscles – vitamin K2 controls where calcium goes or does not go in the body
- Fights cancer
- Protects nerve cells from oxidative stress
- Slows progression of conditions such as Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome – CDS (also known as Senile or Old Dog Syndrome – the canine version of Alzheimer’s disease)
- Promotes the maintenance of healthy bone density
- To ensure the best bioavailability (absorption rate) K2 is best combined with fat – a combination that naturally occurs in cheese
- Cheese is an excellent source of calcium
- The calcium in cheese helps to support oral health in dogs, along with bone and blood health
- Cheese is a good source of high quality protein and important amino acids
- Cheese is a source of good fats
- Dogs need high quality saturated fats (Omega-6 fatty acids) and Omega-3 fatty acids
- Required to support skin, coat, ligaments, heart, optimal brain function, and more, you can read more about good fats here and about the negative impacts of insufficient levels of omega-3 fatty acids here
- Such as phosphorus and zinc
- Such as A, B2 (riboflavin), B12, and D
- CLA is a metabolism booster – helps to prevent weight gain and treat obesity
- A powerful cancer inhibitor/fighter
- Helps to limit allergic reactions to foods
- Promotes health of the circulatory system
Choosing a Good Cheese For Your Dog or Cat
- Soft Cheese:
- Cottage Cheese
- Harder Cheese:
- Cheddar cheese
- Colby cheese
- Edam cheese
- Gouda cheese
- Hard goat cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Swiss cheese
- Has about five (5) times the CLA found in cheese made from grain-fed animals;
- Contains much higher amounts of calcium, beta-carotene, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D and E.
- Retains natural enzymes that increase the nutritional value of the cheese.
Recommended Daily Intake of Cottage Cheese
- Small size dogs and cats - 1 tsp to 1 tbs
- Medium size dogs - 1 tbs to 2 tbs
- Large dogs - 2 tbs to 3 tbs
- Extra large dogs - 4 tbs to 6 tbs
Recommended Minimum Daily Intake of Harder Cheese
- Small size dogs and cats - 1 ounce
- Medium size dogs - 1 1/2 ounce
- Large dogs -2 ounces
- Extra large dogs - 2 1/2 ounces
- What about the maximum daily dose of harder cheese?
- Cheese is beneficial when it remains a portion of your dog's daily food intake, but it should not make up the 'lion's share' of your dog's diet
- Maximum amount of cheese provided on a daily basis should remain around double the minimum intake (minimum intake - dose as noted above)
- DIY Smoothies & Frozen Treats for Dogs – Nutrient Rich Refreshing Relief During Hot Weather - recipes and health benefits here.
- Homemade DIY Natural, Healthy Cheese-included Dog Treats - Recipes and Health Benefits here.
FAQ – is the ASPCA’s stance on Feeding Pets Dairy Food Right or Wrong?
The ASPCA’s list ‘People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet’, the ASPCA says that...
The ASPCA’s statement is:
- Misleading, and;
- Too broad in its context.
Holistic Wellness and Behaviorist Services
Do you need holistic advice to support your companion animal's health and well being? Become a client. Book your consultation. My professional holistic nutrition, wellness and behavioral services are available to you:
🌿 Holistic Wellness Services for Dogs and Cats 🐕 🐈
🌿 Holistic Behaviorist Services for Dogs 🐕
My Holistic Client Services are Available Worldwide:
🇺🇸 USA
🇨🇦 Canada
🇬🇧 UK and other European countries
🇦🇺 Australia and other Oceania countries
🇭🇰 Hong Kong and other Asian countries
🇨🇷 Costa Rica and other Central American countries
🇪🇺 European countries
🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago and other South America countries
🇿🇦 South Africa and other African countries
🇸🇪 Sweden and other Nordic countries
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Available Holistic Consultations and Sessions:
📱 FaceTime
📱 Facebook video or voice calling
💻 Skype
📞 Phone
🚶🏻♀️ In-Person
Menu of Holistic Wellness Services for Dogs and Cats 🐕🐈
For more information go here.
✅ Maintain Health, and;
✅ Address Health Issues and Conditions:
✓ Treatment and Remedy
✓ Pre-Surgery holistic support protocols
✓ Post-Surgery holistic healing protocols
✓ Pre-Vaccine holistic support protocols
✓ Post-Vaccine holistic support protocols
✓ Natural Insect and Parasite Prevention
✓ Natural Treatment for Insect, Parasite Infestation, Co-Infection, Disease
✅ Custom Designed Whole Food Diets - raw or gently cooked, and;
✅ Advice and Recommendation:
✓ Premade Diets - raw, dehydrated, freeze dried
✓ Supplemental Fresh Foods - raw, gently cooked
✓ Super foods
✓ Treats - raw, dehydrated, freeze dried, gently cooked
✓ Herbs
✓ Alternative Medicines
Menu of Holistic Behaviorist Services for Dogs 🐕
For more information go here.
In-person Sessions - available locally
Voice and Video Sessions - available worldwide
✓ Obedience Training
✓ Behavior Modification
✓ Psychological Rehabilitation
Affiliations to Companies
✓ None.
✓ I don't sell food or supplements.
✓ I'm not aligned with any companies.
✓ I choose to maintain my objectivity in selecting best-solutions for my individual client's needs.
Contact me
karen@ottawavalleydogwhisperer.ca
Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI'm really interested in feeding kefir to my dogs. Should the kefir be low fat?
Not don't use low fat - the fat - do need good source fat in their diet, so use kefir that is at minimum 2% milk fat. Cheers, Karen
DeleteExcuse me, You said dog and cat can eat Mozzarella cheese, both low-moisture mozzarella and Fresh mozzarella kept in brine or whey can feed?
ReplyDeleteShould i feed young age or old age cheese?
Cheese is fine for puppies, teenage, adult and senior dogs. Brine can be very high in salt - if the brine that your fresh mozzarella is in is very salty - use low-moisture instead.
DeleteBoth aged cheese and young cheese can feed?
ReplyDeleteYes :>)
DeleteIs Swiss cheese and Emmental cheese the same? all kind of Swiss cheese can feed dog and cat? ex:Emmental cheese and Gruyere cheese.
ReplyDeleteCan i feed Colby-Jack cheese to substitute Colby cheese?
Yes you can use all of these cheese types.
DeleteIs Goat Milk Kefir okay for dogs? I'm assuming it is since I've heard goats milk is usually okay for dogs, but I'm just learning about Kefir.
ReplyDeleteHi Angelique goat milk Kefir, goat milk cheese, goat milk yogurt etc. are all excellent for dogs, Cheers, Karen
DeleteWhat do you recommend for overactive yeast problems in dogs? I understand the benefits of the probiotics described above but how do I rid my dog of chronic yeast in her body. Switched to six fish origen a month a go - low glycymic food that I divide and feed at two daily intervals. Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI do a lot of Diet, Nutrition, and Topical Treatment Wellness Plans for people whose dogs have chronic yeast issues - including dogs with extreme full body yeast infections...ears, skin, paws.
DeleteSimply switching to a different dry dog food will not remedy the yeast infection.
I would be happy to assist you - however to do so requires several hours of my time. You are very welcome to do as other people in your situation do and engage me to properly address this for you.
Thank you for your extensive coverage of this topic and info based on CURRENT science about probiotics and their importance in the overall health of any animal - two or four-legged.
ReplyDeleteHi, what about the salt in cheeses. Cheddar especially has a very high salt content.
ReplyDeleteWhat is your opinion on that?
Thanks!
The salt content in the cheeses are not an issue as per:
DeleteThe types of cheeses recommended;
The portions recommended;
As part of a healthy daily diet.
Hi Karen...Taking your suggestions on yogurt, kefir and cheese. I tried the yogurt, but my little girl did not like it and she threw it up. I had mixed a tiny bit with her food, but I guess she just didn't go for it. So I went and got some kefir. The only one I could find was "Organic Nancy's lowfat cultured mile Kefir". It's blueberry. The ingredients are: Pasturized organic milk, organic blueberriers, organic agave nectar, organic nonfat dry milk, organic inulin and live cultures, probiotics: Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12, L. acidophilus LA-5, L. casei, L. rhamnosus LB3. USDA Organic. IS THIS THE RIGHT KIND? ALSO, I bought some organix raw mild cheddar cheese,made with milk from pasture-raised cows....ingredients are: Organi cultured unpasteurized milk, salt, vegetarian enzymes. IS THIS THE RIGHT KIND? I so want to do this right!!! Also, it has 6% Vit A and 20% Calcium. Your input means a great deal to me. If NOT the right ones, I will continue on my search. Thank you for your time and great information for all us dog and cat lovers. You are a blessing!!
ReplyDeleteYes
ReplyDeleteHello Karen! I'm a newcomer to your web and loved reading it! I was wondering if you could broach the subject of cushing's disease in dogs as I am being faced with this challenge right now - the vet wants to start Lysodren but I am against it. Any advice you have on this subject would be greatly appreciated. My dog is on a raw diet sprinkled with Nupro and Norwegian kelp.
ReplyDeleteRecommended course of action for you in order to naturally and truly holistically support the health of your dog with Cushing's disease is http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.ca/diet-wellness/ You can email me if you are serious about engaging my services
DeleteCan i feed ricotta cheese for dogs?
ReplyDeleteyes
DeleteHi, wondering if I can give my dog plain Greek yogurt; is it just as beneficial as plain? The yogurt section in my stores mostly carry the Greek kind and it's the kind I eat too! Thanks so much! -Caroline
ReplyDeleteGreek yogurt is fine
DeleteHi Karen, is homemade organic farmers cheese good for dogs/puppies?
ReplyDeleteYes, it is a very good choice!
DeleteThank you
DeleteI'm lucky to have access to raw dairy (from cow) and I learned to make my own kefir. I noticed my dog would bark and bark when I drank it so I finally gave her some. I was concerned at first, but no bad effects came from it. She loves it, so I always share.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen, thanks for the great information on kefir. May I know, can I substitute milk with water (using kefier starter meant for milk)? Thanks in advance.
ReplyDeleteYou can make coconut water kefir.
DeleteHi karen...i add eggshell powder to my dogs homemade cooked food. If I add cheese or yogurt will that exceed the calcium intake? I know dogs can only have so much calcium and since I already give it once a day not sure if I can add cheese or yogurt....should I omit the eggshell powder if I want to add cheese or yogurt or just add both? Both dogs are around 50lbs so I give about 1/2tsp eggshell
ReplyDeleteThanks so much and love all the information on your site
Melanie see my article attached below for proper use of eggshell powder. Adding a proper serving of yogurt, kefir etc. is not an issue unless you dog has a specific health condition that contradicts.
Deletehttp://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.com/2019/03/eggshell-powder-recipe-natural-calcium_22.html
Delete