Frederic Melton
Dogs can safely eat cheese, but it should only be fed in moderation and as a small part of their balanced diet. Cheese is high in fat, and feeding too much to your dog regularly can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. It could even lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. Some dogs are also lactose intolerant, so it's important to introduce cheese slowly and observe your dog closely for signs of intestinal upset. If you do feed your dog cheese, opt for low-fat, low-sodium, and preferably low-lactose varieties such as cottage cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can dogs eat cheese? | Yes, but in moderation. |
| Are all kinds of cheese safe for dogs? | No, some cheeses are toxic to dogs. |
| What are some safe cheeses for dogs? | Cheddar, mozzarella, cottage, Swiss, gouda, and Yak cheese. |
| What are some cheeses to be avoided? | Blue cheese, feta, string cheese, cheese puffs, and mac and cheese. |
| Can cheese be used as a training tool? | Yes, it is often used as a training tool. |
| What are the health benefits of cheese for dogs? | Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. |
| What are the risks of feeding cheese to dogs? | High-fat content can lead to weight gain and pancreatitis. Cheese can also cause an upset stomach due to lactose intolerance. |
| How much cheese can be given to dogs? | Cheese should be less than 10% of a dog's total calorie intake. |
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What You'll Learn
Dogs can eat cheese, but not too much
Dogs can safely eat cheese, and most dogs love it. However, it should only be given in small amounts as a treat, and some dogs may be intolerant. Cheese is high in fat, and feeding your dog too much cheese regularly can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. It could even lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs.
Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. However, dogs do not need cheese in their diet, as they should be getting these nutrients from their regular, complete diet.
Some cheeses are safer for dogs than others. Low-fat cheeses like cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Swiss cheese are good options because they have less fat and sodium. Cheddar cheese is also a good option, as it contains beneficial nutrients such as protein and calcium, and it has less sodium than other cheeses. However, it has higher fat content than cottage or mozzarella cheese.
Some types of cheese should be avoided altogether. Blue cheese, for example, contains a fungus that produces a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be very sensitive to. Feta cheese is high in sodium, and too much could lead to serious health issues like dehydration or even kidney problems. String cheese is also loaded with sodium and is highly processed, which is bad for your dog's digestive system.
It is important to always provide cheese in bite-sized pieces appropriate for your dog's size to avoid choking hazards. Before giving your dog cheese, consult your veterinarian to ensure it is a safe addition to their diet given their health, dietary needs, and current medications.
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Cheese is a good training tool
Dogs can eat cheese, and most dogs love it! Cheese is a great training tool, especially for puppies. It is soft, smelly, and easy to tear into smaller quantities, making it an excellent treat to reward your dog with during training.
Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. It can also be a good way to conceal pills for dogs that require medication. However, cheese is high in fat, and feeding too much to your dog regularly can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. Even more problematic, it could lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. Some cheeses also contain herbs or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic and onions. Therefore, cheese should be fed to dogs in moderation.
When introducing any human food to your dog's diet, it is important to consult your veterinarian first. They can offer tailored advice based on your dog's specific health conditions and needs. Observe your dog closely for any signs of intestinal upset after feeding cheese for the first time. Not all dogs digest cheese well, and some dogs are lactose intolerant.
To keep the calorie content low, it is recommended to keep treats to a minimum and ensure they are as small as possible while still having an impact on your dog. In general, treats and human food additions should not make up more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake.
Some safe cheeses to give to your dog include:
- Cheddar
- Mozzarella
- Cottage cheese
- Swiss cheese
- Gouda (in small doses)
- Goat cheese
- String cheese
Gouda and string cheese should be given in small, manageable pieces. Cottage cheese is one of the better options as it is low in fat and sodium. On the other hand, blue cheese should be avoided as the fungus involved in making it can produce a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be very sensitive to. Cream cheese is mostly fine but has a high-fat content, and some varieties include chives, onions, and garlic, which are dangerous for dogs.
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Some cheeses are better than others
While cheese is not toxic to dogs, it is still best to feed it to them in moderation. Cheese is high in fat, and feeding too much to your dog regularly can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. Even more problematic, it could lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs.
Some dogs are also lactose intolerant and may have adverse reactions to cheese, even in small quantities. Observe your dog closely for signs of intestinal upset after feeding cheese for the first time, and consult your veterinarian with any questions.
When choosing which cheese to feed your dog, opt for those that are low in fat, sodium, and calories. Some good options include:
- Cottage cheese: This is low in fat, sodium, and calories, and is one of the better options to give your dog as an occasional treat.
- Mozzarella: This has high nutritional value, including vitamins A and D, and is a good source of calcium.
- Cheddar cheese: This contains a little lactose, making it a good option for dogs that can tolerate some dairy.
- Goat cheese: This is not toxic or poisonous to dogs.
- Gouda: This should be given as a rare treat rather than a regular part of their diet.
On the other hand, some cheeses should be avoided. These include:
- Blue cheese: The mould used in its production can make dogs sick, and the higher the amount ingested, the greater the risk.
- Cream cheese: While it has a low lactose content, it is high in fat and often contains additives that are toxic to dogs.
- Cheese with garlic, onions, herbs, nuts, or fruit: These ingredients can be toxic to dogs and cause an upset stomach, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
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Lactose intolerance in dogs
While cheese can be a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins for dogs, it is not a necessary addition to their diet. Furthermore, some dogs can be intolerant to cheese. Even for dogs that are able to tolerate cheese, it is best fed in moderation as it is high in fat and calories, and could lead to weight gain and pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs.
If you suspect your dog is lactose intolerant, consult your veterinarian. They will likely perform a physical examination and recommend removing all dairy from your dog's diet for several weeks to observe any changes. If your dog is lactose intolerant, you can manage their condition by removing all dairy products from their diet and avoiding them in the future. There are also lactose-free milk alternatives available for dogs that are lactose intolerant.
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Consult your vet before adding cheese
While cheese can be a tasty treat for your dog, it is important to consult your vet before adding it to their diet. Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins, but these nutrients are already present in your dog's regular, complete diet. Therefore, there is no need to add cheese to their meals.
Additionally, cheese is high in fat and calories, and feeding too much to your dog regularly can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. Overindulging in cheese can also lead to more serious health complications, especially for dogs on a strict diet or those with certain medical conditions. For example, dogs with lactose intolerance or kidney problems should avoid cheese due to its potential to cause intestinal upset and its high salt content, respectively.
Some varieties of cheese, such as blue cheese, are also dangerous for dogs due to the presence of mould or fungus that can produce roquefortine C, a substance that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures in dogs. Other types of cheese may contain added ingredients, such as onions, garlic, herbs, fruits, or nuts, which can be toxic to dogs. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your vet to determine the right type and amount of cheese to offer as an occasional treat, ensuring it does not exceed 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake.
Furthermore, for smaller dog breeds, large chunks of cheese can pose a choking hazard. Your veterinarian can advise you on providing bite-sized pieces appropriate for your dog's size and specific health needs. They can also guide you in choosing safe alternatives to cheese as high-value rewards during training sessions. By consulting your vet, you can ensure that your dog stays healthy and safe while still enjoying the occasional cheesy treat.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese should be given to dogs in moderation and only on occasion as a treat. It is best to consult your veterinarian before giving your dog cheese, especially for the first time.
Cheese contains high amounts of fat, sodium, and lactose, which can cause health issues for your dog such as weight gain, obesity, heart problems, and pancreatitis. Some dogs are also lactose intolerant and can have adverse reactions to cheese, even in small quantities.
Cheese is an excellent source of nutrients such as protein, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, vitamin A, and vitamin B12. It is also a good way to conceal pills for dogs that require medication.
Low-fat cheeses such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, soft goat cheese, and Swiss cheese are generally safe for dogs. It is best to avoid cheeses with high levels of sodium, such as feta and Parmesan.
Look for signs of low appetite or an upset stomach after feeding your dog cheese. If your dog is lactose intolerant, avoid feeding them cheese entirely.
