Frederic Melton
Dogs can eat cheese, but it should be fed in moderation and as an occasional treat. While cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins, it is also high in fat and calories, which can cause weight gain and even obesity in dogs. Additionally, dogs are often lactose intolerant, and too much cheese can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea and vomiting. Some cheeses also contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic and onions. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian before introducing new foods into a dog's diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe for dogs | Yes, in small amounts and not too often |
| Nutritional benefits | Good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins |
| Drawbacks | High in fat, can cause weight gain and lead to obesity, may contain toxic ingredients like onions, garlic, or herbs |
| Recommended types | Low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese |
| Not recommended types | Blue cheese, cheese with toxic ingredients, high-fat cheeses like cream cheese, goat cheese, and brie |
| Precautions | Start with small amounts, watch for adverse reactions like vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and gas, consult a veterinarian if unsure |
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What You'll Learn
Dogs can eat cheese, but only in small amounts as a treat
Dogs can eat cheese, but it should only be given as an occasional treat and in small amounts. Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, which helps dogs maintain strong bones and teeth. However, dogs are naturally lactose intolerant and cheese is high in fat, which can cause weight gain and even lead to obesity. Some dogs may be more lactose intolerant than others, so it is important to introduce cheese slowly and in small amounts to see how your dog reacts. Signs of lactose intolerance include vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, and gas. If your dog experiences any of these symptoms, cheese may not be a suitable treat for them.
It is recommended to choose low-fat cheeses such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, or soft goat cheese, and to avoid high-fat cheeses like cream cheese, brie, goat cheese, and feta. Cheese with added ingredients such as onions, garlic, or herbs can also be harmful to dogs. Blue cheese, in particular, should be avoided as the mould used in its production can make dogs sick.
Cheese should only account for a small portion of a dog's daily caloric intake, with their regular dog food making up 90% of their diet. It is always best to consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog's diet to ensure it is safe and appropriate for them.
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Cheese is high in fat, which can cause weight gain and obesity
Cheese is a tasty treat for dogs, but it is high in fat, which can cause weight gain and obesity. While dogs can eat cheese, it should be fed in moderation and only as an occasional treat. Cheese is not a necessary addition to a dog's diet, as it contains nutrients that dogs would be getting from their regular, complete diet.
Cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. However, due to its high-fat content, it can cause weight gain and obesity in dogs if fed in large quantities. Obesity can lead to other health problems in dogs, so it is important to monitor their cheese intake.
Some dogs are lactose intolerant, and dairy products can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. As dogs age, their ability to digest dairy products decreases due to a reduction in lactase enzymes. Therefore, it is important to monitor your dog's reaction to cheese and adjust their diet accordingly.
Low-fat cheeses, such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, and soft goat cheese, may be healthier options for dogs. These varieties have lower milk content and are less processed, making them more easily digestible for dogs. However, even these low-fat cheeses should be fed in moderation, as part of a balanced diet.
It is always recommended to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods to your dog's diet, especially if they have existing health conditions or food sensitivities. They can provide specific guidance on the appropriate types and amounts of cheese to offer as treats, ensuring your dog's health and safety.
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Dairy products can cause lactose intolerance in dogs
While cheese is not toxic to dogs, it is a dairy product that can cause lactose intolerance in dogs. Lactose intolerance in dogs is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which is required for breaking down lactose, the sugar found in dairy products. Many dogs are born with lactose intolerance and lose the ability to digest lactose as they mature and stop relying on their mother's milk. Puppies may also show signs of lactose intolerance if they are weaned on cow's milk, which has a higher lactose concentration than a female dog's milk.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs include diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and excessive flatulence. These symptoms can be uncomfortable for dogs and may indicate an adverse reaction to dairy products. Therefore, it is important to introduce cheese slowly and in small amounts to dogs, monitoring them for any adverse reactions. If a dog shows signs of lactose intolerance, it is recommended to eliminate dairy from their diet.
Some dogs with lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate certain dairy products like cheese and plain yogurt, which are easier to digest due to their lower lactose content. Low-fat cheeses, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, and soft goat cheese, are generally safer options for dogs as they have a lower milk content and are less processed. However, it is crucial to consult with a veterinarian before introducing cheese into a dog's diet, especially if the dog has a history of food sensitivities or obesity.
While cheese can be a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins for dogs, it should be given in moderation and as an occasional treat. High-fat cheeses can contribute to weight gain and obesity in dogs and may even lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness. Therefore, pet owners should be cautious and prioritize their dog's health when considering whether to include cheese in their diet.
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Some cheeses contain toxic ingredients, such as garlic and onions
While cheese is not toxic to dogs, some cheeses contain toxic ingredients that are harmful to dogs, such as garlic and onions. Garlic is the most toxic of the Allium species, which also includes onions, leeks, and chives. All forms of garlic are poisonous to dogs, including dried, powdered, liquid, cooked, or raw. The same goes for onions.
Garlic and onion toxicity in dogs can cause serious medical problems, including vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, depression, abdominal pain, and drooling. In more severe cases, eating larger amounts of garlic or onions can cause red blood cell damage, resulting in weakness, elevated heart rate, increased respiratory rate, panting, pale gums, or red-colored urine. Kidney damage can also occur in dogs that have red blood cell destruction.
Therefore, it is essential to avoid giving your dog any food seasoned with garlic or onions or leaving leftovers containing these ingredients within their reach. It is also important to check the ingredients of cheese before feeding it to your dog to ensure it does not contain any toxic ingredients.
In addition to avoiding toxic ingredients, there are a few other considerations when feeding cheese to dogs. Firstly, dogs are naturally lactose intolerant, so cheese should be given in small to moderate quantities as an occasional treat. Low-fat cheeses like cottage cheese or mozzarella are generally safer options, as other cheeses can contribute to weight gain and obesity. It is also recommended to consult with your veterinarian before introducing cheese into your dog's diet, especially if your dog has a history of food sensitivities or is struggling with obesity.
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Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium for dogs
Cheese is a beloved treat for many dogs, and it can be a good source of protein and calcium. However, it should be fed in moderation due to its high-fat content, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity in dogs.
Protein is an essential nutrient for dogs, crucial for their growth, tissue repair, and a healthy immune system. Cheese, being a source of protein, can help meet a dog's protein requirements. Cottage cheese, for example, is not only a good source of protein but also has a lower fat content than other types of cheese.
Calcium is another vital mineral for dogs, supporting strong bones and teeth. Cheese, as a calcium-rich food, can promote healthy bones and an active lifestyle for dogs. Gouda cheese, for instance, is known for its high calcium content, providing 19.5 mg per 1 ½ oz.
However, it is important to remember that dogs can be lactose intolerant, and consuming too much cheese can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal problems. Additionally, some cheeses may contain added ingredients, such as onions, garlic, or herbs, that can be toxic to dogs. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult a veterinarian before introducing cheese into a dog's diet and to feed cheese in small amounts as an occasional treat.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese can be good for dogs in small amounts as it contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. However, it is high in fat and calories, which can cause weight gain and even obesity. It can also cause digestive issues for dogs that are lactose intolerant.
Low-fat cheeses such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, and soft goat cheese are safe for dogs. It is best to avoid high-fat cheeses like cream cheese, goat cheese, feta, and brie.
Feeding too much cheese to dogs can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. It can also cause digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating, especially in dogs that are lactose intolerant. In rare cases, blue cheese can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures. Some cheeses contain toxic ingredients such as onions, garlic, and herbs.
Cheese should be given to dogs in moderation and as a small part of their balanced diet. It should not be given as a frequent treat and should only account for up to 10% of their daily caloric intake. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing cheese into your dog's diet.
