Human parents always encourage their kids to take dairy products seriously as they should help them grow strong bones. However, is it the same for our canine companions? Can dogs eat cheese?
In the real sense, dogs can eat cheese. But where it matters is in their ability to digest the cheese they consume. This issue is because dogs lack the digestive enzyme required to digest lactose. In other words, they are naturally lactose intolerant.
However, if your dog must eat cheese, there is a pattern to feeding your dog cheese. Moderation is the master key to it all.
Let’s walk you through cheese safety and how your dog can eat cheese.
Table of contents
Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
The simple answer here is yes. Your dog can eat cheese in moderate quantities. It might not be toxic to the dog, but when given too much cheese, your pet could risk a range of side effects. As such, there are a couple of factors to consider before letting them have their way.
Just like any treat you feed your pet, start with tiny quantities. Afterward, observe the cheese’s effect on your dog’s stomach and health generally.
Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, but it can also be high in saturated fats and sodium. If not properly taken, these nutrients can damage your furry friend’s body system more than good.
Because cheese is high in salt and fat, you should feed it to the dogs in moderation. To keep your dog’s calorie consumption in check, choose low-fat cheese. Dogs love unflavored cheeses like Gouda or Edam and Cheddar and Red Leicester.
See also: Can Dogs Eat Cooked Mushrooms? Is It Good For Dogs?
What Kinds Of Cheese Can Dogs Eat?
Cheese comes in different flavors and has interesting qualities. This might interest dogs and draw them to want all of this yummy treat. But can dogs eat all kinds of cheese?
There are thousands of types of cheese. Ranging from low-fat or reduced-fat cheese, Fresh cheeses, aged or mature cheeses, and processed cheese to Non-dairy cheeses.
How do you discover the kind of cheese your canine buddy can and can not take? All these kinds of cheese will be attractive to them but do not indulge all their cravings for their good.
There are certainly safer options of cheese that your dogs can eat, like; Cottage Cheese, Mozzarella, Swiss Cheese, and Cheddar Cheese.
Generally, natural, low-fat, low-sodium cheese can make a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. It does not have as many risk factors as most other types of cheese.
Processed cheeses and “cheese foods” are more likely to have added fat and salt, so choose natural, low-fat dairy products instead.
Dogs can be fed cream cheese, but only the basic types. Because the allium family of plants harms dogs, cream cheese with garlic, onion, or chives should be avoided. Cottage cheese is one of the finest selections because it has less fat and salt.
Dogs should never be given blue cheese. Blue cheeses are made with a fungus called Roquefortine C. This fungus can be extremely harmful to dogs. Same with Feta Cheese, Brie, and Goat Cheese.
What Are The Risks Of Feeding Cheese To Your Dog?
What risks can your dog face when you feed him cheese? Although cheese has various health benefits, you should stick to low-sodium, low-fat varieties. The fat in most cheeses is easily accessible and might cause your pet to gain excessive weight. For your dog’s well-being, your hound must not be overweight.
Obesity poses a lot of health threats to your dog. Suppose cheese will give this threat an upper hand. As a responsible pet parent, you must do everything possible to curtail it. Pet parents concerned about their dog’s weight should avoid feeding it cheese.
Another threat to look out for is the salt content in cheese. It contains additional sodium, which is unfair to your dog’s organs.
As mentioned earlier, dogs are born lactose intolerant. They may have stomach upset if they consume dairy products, including cheese, because their bodies cannot thoroughly digest them. So, pet parents should be extra careful and observe whether their dogs can eat cheese.
If your dog gets sick afterward, stop feeding him cheese immediately. This shows the dog cannot eat cheese and should not be allowed to take the risk.
Likewise, forgo cheese if your dog has experienced pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a dangerous and even fatal digestive condition that may cause hospitalization. If your dog has previously experienced this problem, consult your veterinarian first.
If your pets show any negative symptoms after having cheese, such as seizures, high temperature, diarrhea, or vomiting, immediately take them to your vet!
Related: Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Is Watermelon Safe For Dogs?
Is Cheese Good For Dogs?
Cheese is fairly good for dogs. However, most dogs can eat cheese as a treat or mix it in with their regular food but not as a main meal. The taste of cheese might seem irresistible; we might enjoy every bit, but is it also good for dogs?
Though cheese might be safe for your dog to eat, remember that cheese is high in fat, and giving your dog too much of it regularly can lead to weight gain and obesity. Even worse, it could cause pancreatitis in dogs, a dangerous and sometimes lethal infection.
While a small amount of cheese is usually fine for most dogs, it is best to avoid cheese because it might lead to obesity and other health issues.
Of course, while reading about all the vices and risks to consider when making sure your dogs can eat cheese, you might wonder what the benefit of cheese is for dogs.
Cheese contains some useful nutrients for dogs to benefit from eating. One of these is calcium, a crucial mineral for dogs. It is abundant in cheese. It helps dogs keep strong bones and teeth, which is essential for an active lifestyle full of walks and plays.
Cheese can be an excellent source of protein. It also contains important fatty acids, B-complex vitamins, calcium, and vitamin A. Cheese consumption will enhance his coat, bones, muscles, and teeth.
To find out if your dog can safely eat cheese and how much is healthy based on your dog’s size, breed, and other health factors, speak with your veterinarian.
How Much Cheese Can Dogs Eat
Pups love cheese, but regarding their health and safety, how much cheese are dogs allowed to eat? A tiny quantity of cheese is usually acceptable.
Each day, your dog should only eat a few little bits of cheese. Because it is so tasty, it is ideal for training, but don’t overfeed them.
Cut the cheese into little chunks to limit the quantity you offer them. It’s important to remember that treats should comprise no more than 10% of a dog’s diet. Anything more than this could be hazardous to your pet’s health.
Of course, the size of the dog matters a lot here. as well as the dog’s lactase content. Lactase is the enzyme that dogs need to digest dairy products like cheese. Some dogs cannot eat cheese at all. Bigger dogs can take on more, whereas younger canines can only take on a little less.”
Typically, it is advised that any meal other than your dog’s regular diet should not constitute more than 10% of their daily calories. This goes without saying that cheese is not exempted from this theory.
How Often Can Dogs Eat Cheese
Dogs should not eat cheese very often. Cheese can never be a main meal as its components are unhealthy enough to be eaten as a single dish.
As such, it should not be considered anything but a treat for your dog. At any point, you begin to let your dog eat cheese regularly and get ready for constant visits to the vet so much so that your dog will eventually get a special bed and reservation at the vet.
Yes! Small bites of cheese a day will do just fine. Try as much as possible not to make this an everyday ritual so your dog doesn’t get used to it and begins craving it too much. Some naughty pets might go on ahead to search for your stack of cheese. And once he finds it, he might keep nibbling on it without your consent.
So, if you are confused about feeding your dog cheese daily, it just isn’t advisable. Rotate the use of cheese as treats with other healthier kinds of snacks and fruits. This will help you keep your pets’ diet balanced and flourishing.
People who read this also read: Can Dogs Eat Broccoli? Here’s Everything You Need To Know
How To Feed Dogs Cheese
While feeding cheese to your dog is generally harmless, you cannot just be random and careless about it. There are a couple of precautions you should confirm and take into consideration.
Tips On Feeding Dogs Cheese
- First, before feeding cheese to your dog, always consult with your veterinarian to determine the safest type of cheese your dog can eat and the portion size. A calcium-rich treat like cheese should be included in your dog’s well-balanced diet.
- Also, remember the issues associated with cheese for dogs so it does not take you by surprise. Issues caused by the high-fat level and giving your dog too much of it regularly can lead to weight gain and obesity or, worse, advance into pancreatic diseases. Some cheeses also contain hazardous herbs or other ingredients for dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives.
- Make a low-fat cheese selection. Low-fat cheeses, such as cottage cheese and mozzarella, are excellent choices for your dog. Cottage cheese is lower in fat and sodium than other cheeses, reducing the risk of obesity. Cottage cheese also has a lower lactose content, which helps to lower cholesterol levels. Avoid high-fat cheeses such as goat cheese, feta, and brie. Also, hot cheeses like hot siracha cheddar or pepper jack cheese can cause stomach upset.
- Begin small. Start with a fair bit of cheese if your dog has never tried it before to see how they react. You can continue offering your dog cheese in tiny amounts and in moderation if there are no negative side effects, such as an upset stomach.
- Cheese can be added to your dog’s usual food. A sprinkling of cheese on top of your food is a pleasant touch. Alternatively, you may bury the cheese in your dog’s regular meal or use it as a treat to encourage them to work.
Why Can Dogs Eat Cheese But Not Milk
It all depends on whether your dog can accept it in their diet. Milk isn’t necessarily harmful to dogs.
Some milk-based foods are easier to digest than others for your dog. This is because the amount of lactose in the diet determines how a dog reacts to it. The higher the lactose content, the greater the chance of stomach distress.
Cheese contains little lactose when compared to whole milk. Lactose content varies widely among dairy products. Many cheese forms have far less lactose than the milk from which they are made.
The lower the lactose level of a dairy product, the more probable it will be tolerated by your dog without causing digestive discomfort.
Conclusion
Many human foods will make your dog drool, and it can be difficult to resist sharing your treat with that cute face and puppy dog eyes.
As an occasional treat, cheese is not toxic to dogs. It’s also an excellent puppy training tool and easy to slip in any medication. However, just because something isn’t hazardous doesn’t imply dogs can eat it without consequences.
If your dog is lactose sensitive, avoid giving them dairy products. Cheese is a popular training treat but is also high in calories. It’s better to give your dog a small amount of cheese now and again, and only if it doesn’t cause stomach distress.
Contact your vet immediately once you observe any of these issues; obesity, digestive complications such as; gas, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
FAQs
Can dogs eat cottage cheese?
Cottage cheese is good for dogs unless it’s loaded with flavorings, spices, and herbs. Look at the ingredients on the container to see if they are safe for your dog.
It is low in sodium and fat, as well as lactose which makes it a healthier option for your dog.
Can dogs eat blue cheese?
Dogs should never be given blue cheese. The fungus that is found in cheeses such as stilton, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola, among others, can produce a toxin that is toxic to dogs. These cheeses can cause fever, convulsions, vomiting, and diarrhea if consumed.
Why does my dog love cheese?
Your dog probably loves cheese because cheese can be sour or creamy, and it’s easy to eat. It has different types which are attractive and delightful for dogs to have. The high-fat content of cheese also makes it tastes nice.
It’s not strange if your dog is fond of cheese, you just have to be careful so as not to overfeed it and cause stomach upset and obesity.
Will cheese give dogs diarrhea?
Some dogs may not have any issues eating cheese while some might end up with serious stomach upset which involves diarrhea, vomiting, etc.
Can dogs eat cheese sticks?
Yes, dogs can eat cheese sticks but in moderation. Make sure the cheese stick you’re giving your dog is composed of cheddar or mozzarella cheese not blue cheese or any other harmful cheese.
For dogs, too much cheese might create intestinal issues. Cheese sticks aren’t any different.
Can dogs eat cheese puffs?
Dogs should avoid cheese puffs. If you’re wondering if dogs can eat Cheeto puffs, the answer is yes. They shouldn’t consume them, so the answer is no. The high salt content is the main reason you should keep it away from your dog.
Can dogs eat cheese balls?
Dogs can consume one or two cheese balls without harm; however, they should not do so regularly. For dogs, the amount of salt and carbohydrates are unhealthy. Corn-rich diets are not recommended for dogs because they can induce obesity and other health problems.
Can dogs eat cheese puffs?
Cheese puffs won’t be an issue because they don’t contain enough salt to create major health problems, but Cheese Balls will most likely irritate their stomach owing to the snack’s highly processed nature.
Can dogs eat cheese pizza?
Most likely not. Even without other toppings, many cheese pizzas have onion or garlic in the dough or sauce. Garlic and onions are both toxic to dogs. A small slice of cooked pizza crust will not cause any harmful reactions to a dog. Pizza crusts, on the other hand, are low in nutritional content and should not be fed to dogs. Remember that a dog can only consume a pinch of pizza crust at a time and that too much will be harmful to its health.
Can dogs eat cheese popcorn?
Cheese popcorn is bad for dogs because it contains saturated fat, which can lead to obesity and other health issues including heart disease in the long run.
Despite the fact that white cheddar popcorn is wonderful, dogs should not be fed it or any other type of cheesy popcorn. Popcorn “cheese” is actually a mixture of extra salt, oils, and milk products that are harmful to your pet.
Can dogs eat cheese rinds?
Yes, dogs can eat the rinds of cheese. Dogs, in fact, enjoy shredding cheese rinds such as Parmesan and Grana. Some cheese rinds, such as those seen on blue cheese, can, however, contain molds that are harmful to dogs. Others contain wax, which is indigestible to dogs. It’s recommended not to give your dog these rinds. Small amounts of soft cheese rinds, such as brie, can be offered to dogs. Yes, cheese rinds are beneficial for providing nutrients to your dogs that are difficult to find or absorb in other areas of their meal.
Can dogs eat cheese cake?
If you frequently share your food with your dogs and are wondering whether a cheesecake is suitable for a dog, we have the answer. Yes, dogs can eat cheesecake, but it is not good for their digestive system or health. You may now be questioning why. So, in this essay, I’ll provide all of the answers to the most frequently asked questions so that you may avoid feeding your dog a slice or two of cheesecake.
Can dogs eat cheese crackers?
Dogs can eat cheese crackers, but only in considerable amounts and at irregular intervals. Cheese crackers are extremely salty and might cause dogs to get dehydrated. As a result, they should only take cheese crackers in moderation and never as a meal. Cheese crackers can cause constipation, which can become serious if the dog does not eat for several days.
Can dogs eat cheese doodles?
Cheese doodles should not be eaten by dogs. Sodium, sugar, and lipids are all included in cheese doodles. Almost all of the chemicals in cheese doodles are toxic to dogs, so you should avoid giving them to your dog.
References
- chewy.com – Can Dogs Eat Cheese? Everything You Need to Know
- petcube.com – Dogs and Dairy: Can Dogs Eat Dairy Products?
- dogfoodadvisor.com – Can Dogs Eat Cheese and Ice Cream?
- dailypaws.com – Should You Let Your Dog Eat Cheese?
- akc.org – Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
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