Bushra Griffith
Dogs can eat cheese, but it depends on the individual dog. Cheese is not toxic to dogs, but it is high in fat and calories, which can cause weight gain and even lead to obesity. Some dogs are also lactose intolerant and can experience digestive issues if they eat too much cheese. It's best to feed dogs low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese in small-to-moderate quantities as an occasional treat. Cheese can be a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins for dogs, and it can be used to conceal pills for dogs that require medication. However, some cheeses contain herbs or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives. It's always a good idea 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. |
| Toxic to dogs? | No, but some cheeses have added ingredients that are toxic, such as garlic, herbs, onions, and chives. |
| High in fat? | Yes. |
| Cause weight gain? | Yes. |
| Cause pancreatitis? | Yes. |
| Good for dogs with kidney problems? | No, due to high salt content. |
| Good source of protein? | Yes. |
| Good source of calcium? | Yes. |
| Good source of vitamins? | Yes, vitamin A, vitamin D, and B-complex vitamins. |
| Good source of zinc? | Yes. |
| Good source of fatty acids? | Yes, essential fatty acids. |
| Can be used to conceal pills? | Yes. |
| Can cause vomiting? | Yes. |
| Can cause diarrhea? | Yes. |
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What You'll Learn
- Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium for dogs
- Dogs are lactose intolerant and can be allergic to dairy
- Cheese should be fed in moderation and as an occasional treat
- High-fat cheeses like goat cheese, feta and brie should be avoided
- Blue cheese can be toxic to dogs due to the mould used in its production
Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium for dogs
Cheese can be a good source of protein and calcium for dogs, but it should only be fed to them in moderation and as an occasional treat. While cheese is not toxic to dogs, they are born with lactose intolerance, so it may cause digestive issues if consumed in large quantities.
Cheese is a dairy product that contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. It can be a good way to provide dogs with these nutrients, especially for dogs that require medication, as cheese can be used to conceal pills.
However, it is important to remember that cheese is high in fat, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity in dogs. It can also lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness. Therefore, 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, goat cheese, feta, and brie.
Additionally, some cheeses contain herbs or other ingredients that can be toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives. It is also important to start with small amounts of cheese and introduce it slowly into a dog's diet to watch for any adverse reactions, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, or gas.
Overall, while cheese can be a good source of protein and calcium for dogs, it should be fed in moderation and with consideration for the individual dog's health and tolerance.
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Dogs are lactose intolerant and can be allergic to dairy
Dogs can eat cheese, but they are born with lactose intolerance and can be allergic to dairy. This is because dogs lack the digestive enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose in milk. As a result, cheese should only be fed to dogs in small amounts as an occasional treat.
Cheese is high in fat, and feeding it to your dog regularly can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. It could even trigger pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness. Some dogs may also experience digestive issues when consuming cheese, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, and gas.
Certain types of cheese should be avoided altogether, such as blue cheese, which contains a fungus that produces roquefortine C, a substance that dogs can be sensitive to. High-fat cheeses, like goat cheese, feta, and brie, should also be skipped, as well as those containing toxic ingredients like garlic, onions, and chives.
If you do choose to feed your dog cheese, opt for low-fat varieties like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese. Always introduce new foods slowly and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions. Remember, cheese should only account for a small portion of your dog's daily caloric intake, with the majority of their diet coming from food specifically formulated for their nutritional needs.
Consulting with your veterinarian is always recommended before introducing new foods to your dog's diet, especially if they have any known allergies or sensitivities. They can provide tailored advice and help you determine if cheese can be included as an occasional treat for your furry friend.
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Cheese should be fed in moderation and as an occasional treat
Cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs, but it should be fed in moderation and as an occasional treat. While cheese is not toxic to dogs, they are born with a lactose intolerance, meaning that dairy products are not the best snack for them. As a result, dogs may experience digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, and gas if they eat too much cheese. In addition, cheese is high in fat, which can cause weight gain and obesity in dogs. Some cheeses also contain herbs or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives.
If you are introducing cheese to your dog's diet for the first time, it is important to start with small amounts and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions. Even if your dog can tolerate cheese, it should only be given as an occasional treat, as part of a balanced diet. The recommended ratio is 90% of your dog's diet from specially formulated food and no more than 10% from treats.
When choosing cheese for your dog, opt for low-fat varieties such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, or soft goat cheese. These cheeses are easier for dogs to digest and have a lower risk of causing weight gain. Avoid high-fat cheeses like goat cheese, feta, and brie, as well as spicy cheeses. It is also important to check the ingredients list for any potentially toxic additives such as garlic or onions.
Cheese can be a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins for dogs. It can also be a helpful way to conceal pills or medication for dogs that are reluctant to take them. However, it is important to remember that cheese should be fed in moderation and as an occasional treat, as part of a balanced and healthy diet.
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High-fat cheeses like goat cheese, feta and brie should be avoided
While cheese is not toxic to dogs, it is also not an essential part of their diet. Cheese is high in fat, and feeding your dog too much cheese can lead to weight gain and obesity. Some high-fat cheeses, such as goat cheese, feta, and brie, should be avoided due to their high-fat content. Feta cheese, for example, is crumbly and salty, and while it can help boost your dog's mood and reduce anxiety, it is still best to be avoided due to its high salt content.
Cheese is also high in calories, which can negatively impact your dog's balanced diet and cause weight gain. High-fat cheeses, in particular, can cause vomiting and diarrhea, especially if your dog eats a lot of them. If your dog has had pancreatitis or is prone to it, it is best to avoid cheese altogether, as it can be life-threatening.
Some cheeses also contain herbs or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives. Blue cheese, for instance, is risky to give to dogs because they lack the enzymes to digest it, and the mould in it can make them very ill. Dogs can also be lactose intolerant, and while they can handle small amounts of cheese, too much can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, and gas.
Therefore, it is recommended to give your dog low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese, and only as an occasional treat. Always introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts, and check with your vet first if your dog has any health issues.
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Blue cheese can be toxic to dogs due to the mould used in its production
While cheese can be a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins for dogs, not all types of cheese are suitable for canine consumption. Blue cheese, in particular, can be toxic to dogs due to the mould used in its production.
Blue cheese contains a fungus that produces a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be sensitive to. This mould and its by-products can cause gastrointestinal upset or toxicity in dogs, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, lethargy, high temperatures, and even seizures. The risk of these symptoms increases with the amount of blue cheese consumed. Therefore, it is recommended to keep blue cheese out of reach of dogs and seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs.
When introducing any new food to a dog's diet, it is essential to start with small amounts and monitor the dog for any adverse reactions. This is especially important with cheese, as many dogs are lactose intolerant and may experience digestive issues such as diarrhoea, bloating, and gas. Even small amounts of cheese can cause gastrointestinal problems in some dogs.
Additionally, cheese is high in fat, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity in dogs. It can also increase the risk of pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness. For this reason, low-fat cheeses like cottage cheese, mozzarella, and soft goat cheese are generally recommended for dogs. It is crucial to consult with a veterinarian before introducing cheese into a dog's diet, especially if the dog has a history of obesity or food sensitivities.
Overall, while most dogs can safely consume certain types of cheese in moderation, blue cheese is an exception due to its toxic mould content. As always, pet owners should prioritize their dog's health and well-being by providing a balanced and species-appropriate diet, with cheese only offered as an occasional treat under the guidance of a veterinary professional.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese can be good for dogs as it contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. However, it should be given in moderation due to its high-fat content, which can cause weight gain and even lead to obesity. Dogs are also born lactose intolerant, so while cheese is not toxic to dogs, too much of it can cause digestive issues.
Lower-fat cheeses with lower milk content and less processing are better for dogs. Cottage cheese is a good option as it is lower in fat and sodium than other cheeses. Mozzarella, soft goat cheese, and Gouda are also good sources of protein and calcium.
Blue cheese should be avoided as the mould used to make it can make dogs very ill. High-fat cheeses like goat cheese, feta, and brie should also be avoided. In addition, some cheeses contain herbs or other toxic ingredients such as garlic, onions, and chives, so always check the ingredients before feeding your dog cheese.
