Frederic Melton
Dogs and cheese: a match made in heaven or a recipe for disaster? While dogs can eat cheese, and most dogs love it, it's not that simple. Cheese is high in fat, salt and calories, so it's best fed only in small amounts and as an occasional treat. Some dogs are also lactose intolerant, so it's important to introduce cheese slowly and monitor your dog for any signs of intestinal upset. In addition, some cheeses contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic and onions, so these should be avoided. As with all treats, cheese should only make up a maximum of 10% of a dog's diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can dogs eat cheese? | Yes, in moderation. |
| Nutritional value | Cheese is rich in protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. |
| Benefits | Cheese is a tasty treat for dogs and can be used as a training tool. It can also help conceal pills for dogs that require medication. |
| Risks | Cheese is high in fat, calories, and salt, which can lead to weight gain, obesity, and pancreatitis. Some dogs may also be lactose intolerant or have other dietary sensitivities. Cheese with added ingredients such as onions, garlic, herbs, fruits, or nuts can be toxic to dogs. |
| Recommended types of cheese | Low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese. Unflavoured cheeses like Gouda, Edam, Cheddar, or Red Leicester are also good options. |
| Types of cheese to avoid | Blue cheese, as the mould can make dogs ill. Cream cheese with garlic, onion, or chives should also be avoided. |
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What You'll Learn
Dogs can eat cheese, but only in moderation
Dogs can eat cheese, but it should only be fed in moderation. Cheese is a great training tool, especially for puppies, and can be used as a high-value reward. It is also a good way to conceal pills for dogs that require medication.
However, cheese is high in fat, calories, and salt, so it should be given to dogs in small amounts. High-fat cheeses can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if a dog eats a lot of them. Cheese also contains lactose, so dogs with severe lactose intolerance could have adverse reactions to cheese, even in small quantities. It is important to observe your dog closely after feeding them cheese for the first time.
Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. However, these nutrients are already included in a dog's regular, balanced diet, so there is no need to add cheese. Some dogs may be allergic or intolerant to dairy and should avoid cheese entirely.
Additionally, some cheeses contain herbs, fruits, nuts, onions, or garlic, which are toxic to dogs and should be avoided. Blue cheese, in particular, is dangerous for dogs due to the mould used in its production, which dogs cannot digest.
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Some cheeses are toxic to dogs
While cheese is not inherently poisonous or toxic to dogs, some types of cheese should be avoided due to added ingredients that can be harmful or toxic to dogs. Blue cheese, for example, is made with a fungus called roquefortine C, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures in dogs. Therefore, it is recommended to keep dogs away from blue cheeses such as stilton.
Cheeses with added ingredients such as onions, garlic, herbs, fruits, nuts, or other toxic additions should also be avoided. The allium family of plants, which includes onions and garlic, is toxic to dogs. Additionally, unpasteurised cheese should be avoided as it contains Listeria, a bacteria that poses a health risk to dogs, especially older dogs.
Cheese with high-fat content should be given in moderation or avoided, especially for overweight dogs or dogs with kidney issues. High-fat cheeses can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and consuming too much fat can lead to weight gain, obesity, and pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs.
Some dogs may be lactose intolerant or have allergies to dairy, so cheese should be avoided in these cases as it can cause stomach upset, sickness, or diarrhoea. It is important to observe your dog closely after feeding cheese for the first time and consult a veterinarian if you have any concerns about adding cheese to your dog's diet.
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Cheese is high in fat, salt and calories
Cheese is a tasty treat for dogs, but it is high in fat, salt and calories. While cheese can be a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids and B-complex vitamins, these nutrients are already present in a dog's regular, balanced diet. Therefore, there is no need to add cheese to their meals.
High-fat cheeses can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if a dog eats a lot of them. Cheese is also high in salt, which can be dangerous for dogs with kidney disease. In addition, the high-calorie content of cheese can be problematic for dogs on a calorie-controlled diet. As such, it is recommended that cheese be given as an occasional treat in moderation, alongside a healthy diet.
If your dog manages to eat a large amount of cheese, they may vomit. It is important to keep an eye on them and call your vet for advice if they become unwell. To avoid this, it is best to keep your dog away from high-fat cheeses, such as blue cheese, which can also make dogs very ill due to the fungus used to make it. Dogs do not have the enzymes to digest blue cheese, and it can cause diarrhoea and vomiting.
Some dogs may be lactose intolerant and experience digestive issues if they consume too much cheese. In addition, some cheeses contain herbs, fruits, nuts, onions or garlic, which are toxic to dogs. Therefore, it is important to choose the right type of cheese and feed it to your dog in small amounts.
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Cheese can be used as a training treat
Cheese is a popular treat for dogs and can be used as a training aid. It is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. However, cheese should be fed to dogs in moderation due to its high-fat content, which can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. It could also lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for low-fat cheeses such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese when feeding cheese to dogs.
Cheese is also high in salt, which can be an issue for dogs with kidney problems. Some dogs may also be lactose intolerant, so it is important to introduce cheese to a dog's diet slowly and in small amounts to observe any adverse reactions. In addition, some cheeses contain herbs, fruits, nuts, onions, or garlic, which are toxic to dogs and should be avoided. Blue cheese, in particular, should be avoided due to the presence of roquefortine C, a fungus that can make dogs very ill.
When using cheese as a training treat, it is best to cut it into small cubes or pieces about half the size of a little fingernail. This ensures that the dog does not consume too much cheese, as treats should only make up a maximum of 10% of a dog's diet. Cheese can also be used to conceal medication for dogs that require it. Overall, while cheese can be a tasty and motivating treat for dogs during training, it should be given in moderation and with consideration for the individual dog's health and dietary needs.
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Some dogs are lactose intolerant
While cheese is a tasty treat for dogs, some dogs are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance in dogs can cause adverse reactions, even in small quantities. Dogs with severe lactose intolerance may experience digestive issues and intestinal upset, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and high temperatures. Therefore, it is important to observe your dog closely after feeding them cheese for the first time and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about including cheese in their diet.
Lactose intolerance in dogs can lead to severe reactions, so it is crucial to be cautious when introducing cheese into their diet. Start with a small amount and monitor your dog's reaction. If they show any signs of discomfort or digestive issues, discontinue feeding them cheese and consult your veterinarian. The severity of lactose intolerance can vary among dogs, so it is important to pay attention to your dog's individual response.
Some types of cheese are better options for dogs with lactose intolerance. Cottage cheese, for example, is lower in lactose and can be easier for intolerant dogs to digest. Other low-lactose cheeses include mozzarella, soft goat cheese, and Swiss cheese. These varieties tend to have lower fat and sodium content, reducing the risk of intestinal upset. However, it is still important to feed these cheeses in moderation to avoid any potential digestive issues.
It is worth noting that while some dogs are lactose intolerant, others may be able to tolerate cheese in small amounts without issue. The key is to be mindful of your dog's individual tolerance and adjust their diet accordingly. If your dog shows no signs of lactose intolerance, you can include cheese as an occasional treat, but always in moderation. As with any treat, cheese should only make up a small portion of their overall diet.
In conclusion, while some dogs are lactose intolerant and should avoid cheese entirely, others may be able to enjoy it in moderation without issue. It is important to observe your dog's reaction to cheese and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns. By being mindful of your dog's individual tolerance, you can ensure they stay happy and healthy while enjoying the occasional cheesy treat.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is not poisonous or toxic to dogs, but it should be fed in moderation due to its high fat, salt, and calorie content. Cheese can be a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins for dogs. However, these nutrients are already included in a balanced dog diet, so there is no need to add cheese. Some dogs may also be lactose intolerant or have allergies to dairy, so it is important to observe your dog's reaction to cheese and consult a veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Lower-fat cheeses with fewer additives, such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, soft goat cheese, Gouda, Edam, Cheddar, Red Leicester, and Swiss cheese, are generally safer options for dogs. These cheeses can be given as occasional treats in small amounts.
Blue cheese, such as Stilton, should be avoided due to the presence of a fungus called roquefortine C, which can be toxic to dogs and cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and seizures. Cheeses with added ingredients such as onions, garlic, herbs, fruits, nuts, or other toxic plants like chives, should also be avoided.
