Patrick Oconnell
Dogs can eat cheese, and it can be a great training tool, especially for puppies. However, while cheese is not toxic to dogs, they are born with lactose intolerance and lack the digestive enzyme lactase. Therefore, cheese should be fed in moderation as it is high in fat and calories and could lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. Some dogs may be more intolerant than others, and it is important to avoid cheeses with added ingredients such as garlic, herbs, or onions, which are toxic to dogs. Blue cheese, in particular, should be avoided due to the mould it contains. Overall, while cheese can be a tasty treat for your puppy, it should be given sparingly and with caution.
Is cheese bad for my puppy?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional value | Cheese is rich in protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals. |
| Training aid | Cheese is often used as a high-value reward during training. |
| Health risks | Cheese is high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain, obesity, and pancreatitis. Some dogs may also be lactose intolerant or have allergies, leading to digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea. |
| Toxicity | Some cheeses contain added ingredients like garlic, onions, herbs, fruits, and nuts, which are toxic to dogs. Blue cheese, in particular, contains mould that can make dogs very ill. |
| Recommended types | Cheddar, mozzarella, cottage cheese, and Swiss cheese are generally considered safe for dogs in moderation. |
| Serving size | Cheese should be given in small amounts as an occasional treat, alongside a balanced diet. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese is a good training treat for puppies
Cheese can be a good training treat for puppies, but it depends on the individual dog and should be given in moderation. While cheese is not toxic to dogs, they are born with lactose intolerance and lack the digestive enzyme lactase. As such, some dogs may be intolerant to cheese and experience intestinal upset or digestive issues. It is recommended to observe your dog closely after feeding cheese for the first time and consult your veterinarian with any questions about adding cheese to their diet.
Cheese is a popular training tool for puppies because it is a tasty treat that most dogs love. Its strong flavour can also help disguise the taste of medication, making it easier to get your puppy to take their pills. Cheese is also rich in protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals that dogs need. For example, one serving of cheese contains as much calcium as one cup of milk and a third of the daily nutritional requirements for phosphorus. One of the fatty acids found in cheese, butyrate, has been known to help with cancer prevention.
However, cheese should be fed in moderation due to its high-fat content, which can cause weight gain and lead to obesity and, in some cases, pancreatitis. High-fat cheeses can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if your puppy eats a lot of them. Additionally, some cheeses contain herbs, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic and onions, so it is important to always check the ingredients before feeding cheese to your puppy.
If you decide to use cheese as a training treat for your puppy, it is recommended to start with a small amount to see how they react. Low-fat cheeses, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, and reduced-fat cheddar, are generally safer options for dogs. It is also important to provide your puppy with a balanced diet and not rely solely on cheese as a treat.
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Some puppies are lactose intolerant and can't eat cheese
While cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals for dogs, not all dogs can digest it well. Some puppies are lactose intolerant and can have adverse reactions to cheese, even in small quantities. Lactose intolerance can cause digestive issues, such as intestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Lactose intolerance in puppies can lead to severe reactions to cheese, so it is important to observe your puppy closely after feeding them cheese for the first time. If you notice any signs of intestinal distress or other adverse reactions, it is best to consult your veterinarian before adding cheese to their diet.
Puppies with severe lactose intolerance should avoid cheese entirely. Instead, opt for lactose-free alternatives or other healthy puppy treats. It is also important to remember that cheese is high in fat, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity in puppies. Therefore, even for puppies that can tolerate cheese, it should be fed in moderation as an occasional treat.
Additionally, some cheeses contain ingredients that can be toxic to puppies, such as garlic, onions, herbs, nuts, and fruits. These cheeses should be avoided altogether. Blue cheese, in particular, is risky to give to puppies due to the presence of mould, which they lack the necessary enzymes to digest. The mould in blue cheese can produce a substance called roquefortine C, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures in puppies.
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High-fat cheeses can cause vomiting and diarrhoea
While cheese can be a tasty treat for your puppy, it's important to be cautious about the type and amount you feed them. High-fat cheeses, in particular, can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if consumed in large quantities. This is because cheese is high in fat, which can lead to weight gain and obesity in dogs.
Some dogs may be lactose intolerant, and even small amounts of cheese can cause adverse reactions. If your puppy is lactose intolerant, it's best to avoid giving them cheese altogether. In addition to the high-fat content, some cheeses contain herbs, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients that can be toxic to dogs, such as garlic and onions. These cheeses should be avoided as they can lead to intestinal upset and other health issues.
If you do choose to give your puppy cheese, it should be fed in moderation as an occasional treat. Low-fat cheeses, such as mozzarella and cottage cheese, are generally safer options. It's also important to monitor your puppy closely after feeding them cheese for the first time to ensure they don't experience any negative reactions. If you have any concerns about adding cheese to your puppy's diet, it's always best to consult your veterinarian.
The high-fat content in cheese can also contribute to more serious health issues in puppies. Pancreatitis, a potentially fatal illness, can develop from consuming too much fat. Additionally, high-fat diets can cause gallbladder issues, including the formation of sludge. Therefore, it's crucial to limit the amount of high-fat cheese you give to your puppy and ensure it doesn't become a regular part of their diet.
Overall, while puppies can enjoy cheese as an occasional treat, it's important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with high-fat cheeses. Vomiting and diarrhoea are common side effects, and the high-fat content can lead to more serious health issues. Moderation is key, and it's always best to consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your puppy's diet.
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Blue cheese can be toxic to puppies
While cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs and is often used as a training tool, not all types of cheese are safe for puppies to eat. Blue cheese, in particular, can be toxic to puppies and should be avoided.
Blue cheese is made using moulds like penicillium roqueforti and penicillium glaucum, which produce a substance called roquefortine C. Roquefortine C is a mycotoxin that is highly toxic to dogs. While it doesn't pose much harm to humans, it can cause severe health issues in puppies and dogs. The impact of roquefortine C on dogs can vary depending on the amount consumed and the size of the dog. Even small amounts can lead to harmful effects, including vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures. The higher the quantity of blue cheese consumed, the greater the risk of these symptoms developing.
Some common blue cheeses to avoid include Gorgonzola, Stilton, and Roquefort. If your puppy accidentally consumes blue cheese, it is recommended to consult your veterinarian or vet immediately.
It is important to note that, in general, cheese is high in fat and calories. While cheese can be a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins, it should be fed to puppies in moderation. Some puppies may also be lactose intolerant or have allergies to dairy, so it is important to observe their reaction after introducing cheese to their diet for the first time.
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Cheese is high in salt and should be avoided by puppies with kidney problems
Cheese can be a tasty treat for your puppy, but it's important to remember that it should be given in moderation. While cheese contains nutrients like protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins, it is also high in fat and calories. As such, consuming too much cheese can lead to weight gain and obesity in puppies.
Additionally, some puppies may be lactose intolerant or have allergies to dairy, which can cause digestive issues, stomach upset, and diarrhoea. In severe cases of lactose intolerance, even small amounts of cheese can cause adverse reactions. It is important to observe your puppy closely after feeding them cheese for the first time and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about adding cheese to their diet.
Cheese is also known to have a high salt content, which can be especially harmful to puppies with kidney problems. High salt intake can worsen kidney function and lead to further complications. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid giving cheese to puppies with kidney disease or other kidney-related issues.
Furthermore, some cheeses contain additional ingredients that can be harmful to puppies. Cheeses with fruits, nuts, onions, garlic, herbs, or other toxic additives should be avoided. Blue cheese, in particular, poses a risk due to the presence of a fungus that produces roquefortine C, a substance that dogs can be sensitive to. This substance can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures.
Overall, while cheese can be a tasty treat for puppies, it is important to feed it in moderation and be mindful of any potential health issues, especially kidney problems due to the high salt content in cheese. It is always recommended to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your puppy's individual needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, puppies can eat cheese. However, it should be fed in moderation and used as a treat during training.
It is best to avoid blue cheese as it contains a fungus that produces a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be sensitive to. High-fat cheeses should also be avoided as they can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Some good options include mozzarella, cottage cheese, gouda, Swiss cheese, and cheddar.
Cheese should be given to puppies in small amounts as it is high in fat and calories. Too much cheese can lead to weight gain and obesity.
Yes, some puppies may be lactose intolerant and experience digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea after consuming cheese. Additionally, some cheeses contain herbs, fruits, nuts, onions, or garlic, which can be toxic to dogs. It is important to always read the ingredients and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
