Patrick Oconnell
Dogs love cheese, and it's often used as a training treat. But is it good for them? Cheese is high in fat, salt, and calories, and some dogs are intolerant to lactose and casein, which are present in all dairy products. While cheese isn't toxic to dogs, some cheeses contain herbs, garlic, or onions, which are poisonous to dogs. So, while cheese can be a tasty snack for your dog, it should only be fed in moderation and as an occasional treat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | Cheese is not toxic to dogs, but some cheeses contain ingredients that are toxic, such as garlic, onions, and herbs. |
| Nutritional Value | Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. |
| Health Risks | High-fat cheeses can lead to obesity and pancreatitis, a potentially fatal condition. Cheese is also high in salt and calories, which can be unhealthy for dogs. |
| Lactose Intolerance | Cheese can cause digestive issues and vomiting in lactose-intolerant dogs. |
| Training Treat | Cheese is a common training treat for dogs due to its taste and ability to conceal pills. |
| Recommended Types | Low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, and soft goat cheese are recommended. |
| Not Recommended | Blue cheese, such as Stilton, due to the presence of roquefortine C, which is harmful to dogs. Cream cheese often contains toxic ingredients like garlic and onions. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese can be a good training treat
Cheese is a popular training treat because most dogs find it irresistible. It contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. It can also be used to conceal pills for dogs that require medication. However, some dogs can be intolerant to cheese, and it should be avoided for dogs with lactose intolerance or allergies to dairy. Additionally, some cheeses contain herbs, onions, garlic, or other additives that are toxic to dogs. It is important to check the ingredients and choose a low-fat, low-sodium, and preferably low-lactose cheese.
When using cheese as a training treat, it is crucial to keep the portions small and infrequent. Treats should only make up about 10% of a dog's daily caloric intake, with the rest coming from a well-balanced dog food. It is also important to observe your dog closely after feeding them cheese for the first time and consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns about adding cheese to their diet. Overall, while cheese can be a good training treat for dogs, it should be given in moderation and with consideration for the individual dog's health and tolerance.
It is worth noting that there are leaner alternatives to cheese for training treats, such as chicken, ham, and tuna. These options may be healthier for dogs, especially those with weight or kidney issues. However, cheese remains a popular choice due to its palatability and the high value that dogs place on it as a reward. As always, it is important to prioritize the health and well-being of your dog when deciding on treats and incorporating them into their diet.
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High-fat cheeses can cause vomiting and diarrhoea
While cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs, it's important to remember that not all dogs can digest it well. High-fat cheeses, in particular, can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if consumed in large quantities. This is because dogs have a harder time processing lactose, and high-fat foods can lead to weight gain and obesity, which can further contribute to digestive issues.
Cheese is a high-fat food, and while it may be tempting to share this delicious treat with your furry friend, it's important to do so in moderation. High-fat cheeses, such as cream cheese, can be difficult for dogs to digest and can lead to vomiting and diarrhoea. These issues can be made worse if the cheese contains other ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic or onions, which are commonly found in flavoured cheeses.
Some dogs may be more sensitive to high-fat cheeses than others, and the risk of digestive issues may be higher for puppies or dogs with pre-existing health conditions. It's important to observe your dog closely after feeding them cheese for the first time and to consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns. Signs that your dog is experiencing digestive distress may include vomiting, diarrhoea, a lack of energy, or a refusal to eat their regular food.
If you choose to feed your dog cheese, it's best to opt for low-fat varieties such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese. These types of cheese have lower fat and sodium content, reducing the risk of obesity and other health issues. Even with low-fat cheeses, however, it's important to feed them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
In addition to the high-fat content, some cheeses contain additives and preservatives that can be harmful to dogs. It's important to read the ingredient list carefully and avoid cheeses with known toxic ingredients, such as garlic, onions, chives, and certain herbs. Blue cheese, for example, contains a fungus that produces roquefortine C, which can be toxic to dogs and cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and other serious symptoms.
Overall, while cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs, it's important to choose low-fat varieties and feed them in moderation. High-fat cheeses can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if consumed in large quantities or by dogs with sensitive digestive systems. By observing your dog's reaction to cheese and consulting with your veterinarian, you can help ensure that your furry friend enjoys this treat safely.
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Some cheeses contain toxic ingredients
While cheese isn't inherently toxic to dogs, some cheeses contain herbs, vegetables, or other added ingredients that can be toxic or harmful to dogs. These include garlic, onions, chives, chocolate, nutmeg, and xylitol. Blue cheese, for example, contains a fungus that produces roquefortine C, which dogs can be sensitive to. This substance can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures.
Some cheeses also contain fruits, nuts, or vegetables, such as garlic or onions, which can be harmful to dogs. It's important to always check the ingredients of the cheese before feeding it to your dog to ensure it does not contain anything toxic or harmful to them.
In addition to the potential for toxic ingredients, cheese is also high in fat, sodium, and calories, which can lead to weight gain, obesity, and other health issues in dogs. It can also cause digestive issues, especially for dogs with lactose intolerance or sensitivities.
Therefore, while cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs, it should be given in moderation and only after ensuring it does not contain any toxic ingredients. It is always a good idea to discuss your dog's diet and nutrition with your veterinarian to determine what is safe and appropriate for your individual pet.
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Lactose intolerance in dogs
Lactose is the primary sugar in mammalian milk. Infant mammals produce an enzyme called lactase, which breaks down lactose so that the body can use the nutrients. However, after infancy, most mammals, including many humans and dogs, produce less lactase. As a result, they experience lactose intolerance, which causes gastrointestinal symptoms.
If you suspect your dog is lactose intolerant, it's important to 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 in symptoms. Treatment for lactose intolerance typically involves eliminating dairy from your dog's diet.
While cheese is generally safe for dogs, it is important to feed it in moderation due to its high-fat content. Low-fat cheeses, such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, and soft goat cheese, are healthier options. However, some cheeses, such as blue cheese and cheeses with herbs, garlic, or other seasonings, can be toxic to dogs. It is always a good idea to discuss your dog's diet with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action.
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Cheese as part of a balanced diet
Cheese can be a part of a balanced diet for dogs, but only in moderation. While cheese is not toxic to dogs, it is high in fat, salt, and calories, and can cause weight gain and obesity if fed in large quantities. Obesity can lead to other health problems, such as pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. Therefore, it is recommended to feed dogs low-fat cheeses, such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese, in small amounts as an occasional treat. These cheeses have lower fat and sodium content and can help reduce the risk of obesity.
It is important to note that not all dogs digest cheese well. Some dogs may be lactose intolerant or have sensitive stomachs, and even small amounts of cheese can trigger vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, some cheeses contain herbs, vegetables, or other additives that can be toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, chives, and nutmeg. Blue cheese, in particular, should be avoided as the fungus used to make it can produce a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be sensitive to and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, high temperatures, and even seizures.
When giving cheese to dogs, it is best to consult a veterinarian to determine if it is an appropriate treat and to ensure it accounts for no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. While cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs and a useful tool for training or hiding medication, it should not be a regular part of their diet. A well-balanced dog food should make up the majority of their nutrition, with treats like cheese given sparingly.
Overall, while cheese can be a part of a balanced diet for dogs, it should be fed in moderation and with caution, considering the individual dog's health and tolerance. It is important for dog owners to be mindful of the potential risks associated with feeding cheese to their pets and to prioritize their dog's health and well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is not toxic to dogs and can be a good source of protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals. However, it is high in fat and calories and should only be fed in moderation. Some dogs are also lactose intolerant and experience gastrointestinal issues when eating cheese.
Low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese are better options for dogs. These cheeses are lower in fat, sodium, and lactose, which can help reduce the risk of obesity and intestinal upset.
No, blue cheese should be avoided. The mould used to make blue cheese can produce a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs are sensitive to and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and seizures.
