Randy Chandler
Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds, weighing between 2 and 20 pounds. Their small size means that they can only eat one or two small pieces of cheese at a time. While cheese is not toxic to dogs and can be a great training tool, some dogs can be lactose intolerant, leading to flatulence, discomfort, diarrhoea, or vomiting. Therefore, it is recommended to give cheese to dogs in moderation and to observe their reaction to the dairy product.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese toxic to Chihuahuas | No |
| Safe amount for extra-small dogs (2-20 pounds) | one or two pieces (½-inch wide by ¼-inch thick) |
| Cheese as a training tool | Yes |
| Occasional treat | Yes |
| High-value training treat | Yes |
| High in fat, calories and salt | Yes |
| Lactose intolerance | Possible |
| Pancreatitis | Possible |
| Concealing medication | Yes |
| Recommended cheese | Cottage cheese, mozzarella, soft goat cheese |
| Not recommended | Blue cheese, mac and cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Chihuahuas can eat cheese, but only in small amounts
While cheese is not toxic and is completely fine for most dogs, Chihuahuas, due to their small size, can only eat small amounts of cheese. For example, an extra-small dog, weighing 2-20 pounds, can only have one or two pieces of cheese (½-inch wide by ¼-inch thick).
Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. It is often used as a training tool, especially for puppies. However, it is still a good idea to keep their cheese consumption to a minimum. This is because cheese is high in fat, calories, and salt content, and some dogs can be lactose intolerant, causing flatulence, discomfort, diarrhoea, or vomiting.
Some dogs can even develop pancreatitis the first time they eat cheese if they are sensitive to fat. Puppies generally have more sensitive stomachs than adult dogs, so even small amounts of cheese can trigger vomiting and diarrhoea in younger dogs. Therefore, it is better to feed your Chihuahua low-fat cheeses, like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese. Cottage cheese is lower in fat and sodium than other cheeses, helping to reduce the risk of obesity. It is also lower in lactose, reducing the likelihood of intestinal upset.
Additionally, some cheeses contain herbs or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, chocolate, nutmeg, xylitol, and some nuts. Therefore, it is important to always check the ingredients before feeding your Chihuahua cheese and to consult your veterinarian with any questions you may have about adding cheese to your dog's diet.
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Cheese is high in fat, salt and calories
Cheese is a popular treat for dogs, and it can be a great training tool, especially for puppies. However, it is high in fat, salt, and calories, which can cause health issues for dogs, especially small breeds like Chihuahuas.
Cheese is a high-fat food, and while it contains essential fatty acids, too much can lead to weight gain and obesity in dogs. Obesity is a serious health issue for dogs and can lead to other health complications. Smaller dogs like Chihuahuas are more susceptible to weight gain due to their small size and lower calorie requirements. Therefore, it is important to monitor their cheese intake and choose low-fat options, such as cottage cheese or soft goat cheese.
In addition to its high-fat content, cheese also contains a significant amount of salt. Excessive salt intake can be harmful to dogs, as it can lead to increased thirst and urination, and even sodium ion poisoning in severe cases. Again, smaller dogs are more vulnerable to the effects of excess salt due to their lower tolerance for salt in their diet.
Cheese is also calorie-dense, which means it can contribute to weight gain and obesity if consumed in large quantities. While cheese can be a good source of protein and calcium for dogs, these nutrients are typically obtained from a balanced dog food diet. Therefore, the additional calories from cheese may be unnecessary and contribute to weight gain if not properly managed.
Overall, while cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs, including Chihuahuas, it is important to be mindful of its high-fat, high-salt, and calorie-dense nature. It is recommended to offer cheese in moderation, choosing low-fat and low-sodium options, and ensuring it does not exceed 10% of a dog's daily caloric intake. Additionally, consulting with a veterinarian before introducing cheese to a dog's diet is always a good idea, especially for dogs with dietary sensitivities or those on controlled diets.
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Some Chihuahuas may be lactose intolerant
While cheese is not toxic to dogs and can be a great training tool, it is still a good idea to keep your Chihuahua's cheese consumption to a minimum. This is because some dogs can be lactose intolerant, meaning their body does not react well to dairy products. Even if your Chihuahua isn't lactose intolerant, cheese has high amounts of saturated fats and salt, and can cause weight gain and lead to obesity.
If your Chihuahua is lactose intolerant, there are lactose-free cheese options available that you can try. Additionally, some types of cheese have a lower lactose content than others. For example, cottage cheese is lower in lactose than other cheeses, and can be a great source of calcium and protein for your dog. Other low-lactose options include mozzarella and soft goat cheese.
However, it is important to note that even low-lactose cheeses can be high in fat, which can be problematic for dogs. Cheese is also often a source of added ingredients that can be dangerous for dogs, such as garlic and onion. Therefore, it is recommended to always choose a cheese that is low in fat, sodium, and calories, and to pay attention to any added ingredients.
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Cheese can be used as a training treat
Cheese is not toxic and is completely safe for most dogs. It can be a great training tool, especially for puppies, as it is a high-reward treat. Chihuahuas are extra-small dogs, weighing between 2 and 20 pounds, and so the recommended portion size is one or two pieces of cheese that are about half the size of a little fingernail.
However, it is important to note that cheese should be given in moderation. While cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins, these nutrients are already included in a dog's regular, balanced diet. Therefore, there is no need to add cheese to their diet, and it should be given as an occasional treat to avoid health issues such as obesity.
Some dogs can be lactose intolerant, and cheese consumption may cause flatulence, discomfort, diarrhoea, or vomiting. It is recommended to give a small amount of cheese to your dog for the first time and observe how their body reacts. If your dog has any dietary sensitivities, is overweight, or is on a controlled diet, it is best to consult your veterinarian before adding cheese to their diet.
Additionally, cheese has high amounts of saturated fat, calories, and salt. Some cheeses also contain herbs, nuts, or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic and onions. It is best to opt for low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese. Cottage cheese, in particular, is lower in fat, sodium, and lactose content, reducing the risk of obesity and intestinal upset.
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Avoid blue cheese and other cheeses with toxic ingredients
While cheese is not toxic and is completely fine for most dogs, it's important to be cautious about the type of cheese and the amount given, especially to small breeds like Chihuahuas.
Cheese is often used as a training treat for dogs, and it can be a good way to conceal pills for dogs that require medication. However, it's important to remember that cheese is high in fat, calories, and salt, and feeding too much cheese to your Chihuahua regularly can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. Even more concerning, it could lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs.
Some dogs can be lactose intolerant, and cheese consumption may result in flatulence, discomfort, diarrhoea, or vomiting. Therefore, it's recommended to introduce cheese in small amounts and observe how your Chihuahua reacts.
When choosing a type of cheese for your Chihuahua, opt for low-fat and low-sodium options such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, or soft goat cheese. These varieties are easier on your dog's digestion and have lower lactose content, reducing the likelihood of intestinal upset.
However, it's crucial to completely avoid giving your Chihuahua blue cheese. The fungus involved in making blue cheese can produce a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be highly sensitive to. Ingesting blue cheese can cause a high temperature and other adverse symptoms in your Chihuahua, so it's best to steer clear of this variety altogether.
Additionally, be cautious of cream cheese, as it often contains additives that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, nutmeg, xylitol, garlic, and onion. Always check the ingredient list and avoid any cheeses with toxic ingredients. Remember, while cheese can be a tasty treat for your Chihuahua, it should be given in moderation and with careful consideration of the type and amount offered.
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