Bushra Griffith
Dogs love cheese, and it's often used as a high-value reward during training. It's generally safe for dogs to eat cheese, but only in moderation, as it's high in fat and calories and could lead to weight gain and health issues like pancreatitis. Some dogs may be lactose intolerant or allergic to cheese and experience digestive issues, vomiting, diarrhoea, gas, and bloating. It's best to avoid blue cheese and mouldy cheese, as they can be harmful and cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and seizures. It's recommended to consult a veterinarian before introducing cheese into a dog's diet to ensure it's safe for the individual dog's needs and restrictions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can dogs eat cheese? | Yes, dogs can eat cheese, but only in moderation. |
| Is cheese bad for dogs? | Cheese is not inherently bad for dogs, but it is high in fat and calories and can cause weight gain and digestive issues. Some dogs may also be lactose intolerant or allergic to cheese. |
| Are there any risks associated with feeding cheese to dogs? | The main risks include weight gain, digestive issues, and potential allergies or intolerances. Some cheeses, such as blue cheese, contain additives or mould that can be harmful to dogs. |
| Can cheese be used as a training treat for dogs? | Yes, cheese can be a high-value training treat for dogs, but it should be used sparingly to avoid overfeeding. |
| What should I do if my dog eats too much cheese? | Monitor them for any concerning symptoms and contact your veterinarian if necessary. |
| What type of cheese is safe for dogs? | Unflavoured, low-lactose, and low-fat or reduced-fat cheeses are generally safer options for dogs. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese is safe for dogs in moderation
Dogs love cheese, and the good news is that cheese is safe for dogs to eat in moderation. Cheese is a great high-value reward when training your dog or when they're in stressful situations, like going to the vet.
However, it's important to remember that cheese is high in fat, and feeding your dog too much cheese 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. Therefore, it's best to feed your dog cheese in small quantities and not with every meal.
Some dogs may be allergic or intolerant to cheese and experience digestive issues after consuming it. Dogs with severe lactose intolerance may have adverse reactions to cheese, even in small quantities. If your dog experiences symptoms like itching, vomiting, diarrhoea, gas, or bloating after eating cheese, it may be best to avoid feeding it to them. It's also important to note that not all cheese is safe for dogs. Blue cheese, for example, contains a fungus that produces a substance called roquefortine C, which is poisonous to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures. High-fat cheeses, like mozzarella, should also be avoided, as they can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if your dog eats a lot of them.
Overall, while cheese is generally safe for dogs to consume in moderation, it's important to be mindful of the amount and frequency with which you feed it to your dog, and to always consult with your veterinarian to ensure it is safe for your specific pet.
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Lactose intolerance in dogs
While cheese is generally safe for dogs, it is not a necessary part of their diet. Dogs with lactose intolerance or a lactose allergy should avoid cheese, as they cannot digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. Lactose intolerance in dogs can cause symptoms such as bloating, stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, and loss of appetite. If you suspect your dog is lactose intolerant, consult your veterinarian, who will likely recommend removing all dairy from your dog's diet.
If you want to give your dog cheese, it is best to start with a small amount to see how they react. Cheese is high in fat, so it should be fed in moderation to prevent weight gain and digestive issues. It can be a great high-value reward during training or stressful situations like going to the vet. Unflavoured, low-lactose cheeses are typically best for dogs. However, some cheeses are toxic to dogs, such as blue cheese, which contains a substance called roquefortine C that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and seizures. High-fat cheeses can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if consumed in large quantities.
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Cheese as a training treat
Cheese is a popular treat for dogs and can be a great reward during training. Dogs love cheese, likely because of its strong smell and taste. It also contains some key nutrients such as protein, calcium, vitamin A, B vitamins, and essential fatty acids. However, cheese is high in fat and should only be fed to dogs in moderation. Even small amounts of cheese can cause weight gain and lead to obesity or even pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. Some dogs are also intolerant to cheese, and it can cause intestinal upset.
Cheese is a high-value reward, ideal for when you are very pleased with your dog's behaviour and want to convey this to them. It can also be used to conceal pills for dogs that require medication. When training your dog, string cheese works best as it is easy to pull apart and give to your dog in smaller quantities. Other options include Swiss or cheddar cheese.
It is important to note that not all cheese is safe for dogs. Blue cheese, for example, contains a fungus that creates a substance called roquefortine C, which is poisonous to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and seizures. Other cheeses may contain herbs or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic and onions. It is always best to consult your vet before feeding your dog anything new, including cheese, especially if your dog has an underlying illness.
Overall, while cheese can be a great training treat for dogs, it should be fed in moderation and with caution, considering the individual dog's health and tolerance.
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Types of cheese to avoid
While cheese itself is not toxic to dogs, some types of cheese are better than others. Cheese is often used as a training tool, especially for puppies, as most dogs love it. However, cheese is high in fat, and some dogs may be lactose intolerant, so it should be fed in moderation.
Cheeses with added ingredients, such as fruits, nuts, onions, garlic, herbs, or other toxic additions, should be avoided. These additives can be dangerous and even toxic for dogs. For example, blue cheese, Roquefort, and other French cheeses should be avoided because they can produce roquefortine, a potentially lethal toxin for dogs to consume. In addition, these cheeses tend to be among the highest in sodium.
Cheeses with high-fat content, such as brie, goat cheese, and feta cheese, should also be avoided. Excessive amounts of fat in a dog's diet can lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness.
If you choose to feed your dog cheese, it is recommended to stick to low-fat cheeses, such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese. Cottage cheese is lower in fat, sodium, and lactose, reducing the risk of obesity and intestinal upset.
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Health risks of cheese for dogs
While cheese is generally safe for dogs, there are some health risks associated with feeding cheese to dogs. Firstly, some dogs may be lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy, and consuming cheese may result in digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, gas, and bloating. In severe cases of lactose intolerance, even small quantities of cheese may cause adverse reactions. Therefore, it is important to introduce cheese gradually into a dog's diet and monitor them for any signs of intestinal upset.
Secondly, cheese is high in fat, and excessive consumption can lead to weight gain and obesity. Obesity in dogs can further lead to other health issues, such as pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness. High-fat cheeses, such as mozzarella, can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if consumed in large quantities. Thus, it is recommended to feed dogs low-fat or reduced-fat cheeses to reduce the risk of weight-related health issues.
Thirdly, certain types of cheese should be avoided altogether. Blue cheese, for example, contains a fungus that produces roquefortine C, a substance that is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and seizures. Some cheeses may also contain additives such as garlic, onions, or herbs that are harmful to dogs. It is important to check the ingredients and choose cheeses that are safe for canine consumption.
Finally, while cheese provides some nutrients such as protein, calcium, and vitamins, it is not a necessary part of a dog's diet. Dogs should obtain their nutrients from a balanced and complete diet specifically formulated for their species. Cheese can be given as an occasional treat in moderation, but it should not be a regular part of their meals.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, dogs can eat cheese, and most dogs love it. However, it should be fed in moderation due to its high fat and calorie content.
It is recommended to feed dogs low-fat or reduced-fat cheeses as they are less likely to cause weight gain and other health issues. Unflavoured, low-lactose cheeses are also better for dogs because they are lower in fat. Dogs should not eat blue cheese as the mould that makes the cheese blue can make them very ill.
Cheese should be fed to dogs sparingly as a high-value reward or treat. It is best to consult your vet before feeding your dog cheese for the first time, especially if your dog has an underlying illness like diabetes or pancreatitis.
