Kamil Perry
While cheese is a popular treat for dogs, including Shih Tzus, it is important to understand the risks associated with feeding it to your dog. Cheese is high in fat, and if fed in large quantities, it can lead to obesity and pancreatitis, a potentially fatal disease in dogs. Moreover, some cheeses contain herbs or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives. Shih Tzus also lack lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose in dairy products, so cheese can cause digestive issues and diarrhea. However, the fermentation process in cheese removes most of the lactose, and some types of cheese, like mozzarella, cottage cheese, and soft goat cheese, are lower in fat and lactose, making them safer options for dogs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Enjoyment | Many Shih Tzus seem to enjoy cheese |
| Nutritional benefits | Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins |
| Health risks | Cheese is high in fat, which can cause weight gain and lead to obesity and pancreatitis; some Shih Tzus may be lactose intolerant and experience digestive upset and diarrhea; some cheeses may contain toxic ingredients such as garlic, onions, and chives |
| Alternatives | Lactose-free dog milk, low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese |
| Toxicity | Cheese is not toxic unless it is moldy or contains toxic ingredients |
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What You'll Learn
Shih Tzus are lactose intolerant
While cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins, it is not necessarily a good treat for your Shih Tzu. Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and while some dogs may only experience mild symptoms, others may have more severe reactions.
Shih Tzus, in particular, lack lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose in dairy products. This means that milk, ice cream, and cheese can cause digestive issues and diarrhea. If you want to give your Shih Tzu a dairy treat, it's best to opt for lactose-free dog milk or dog-specific milk substitutes that provide calcium without the lactose-related risks.
Some dogs can handle dairy products like cheese and plain yogurt, which are typically easier to digest due to their lower lactose content. However, cheese is high in fat, and feeding too much to your dog regularly can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. Even more concerning, it could contribute to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs.
If your Shih Tzu is struggling with obesity or has a history of food sensitivities, it's important to consult your veterinarian before introducing cheese into their diet. It's worth noting that some cheeses contain herbs or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives. Instead of cheese, you can consider low-fat alternatives like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese.
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Cheese is high in fat
While cheese is a tasty treat for dogs, it is important to remember that it is high in fat. This means that it should be given in moderation, as overindulging can lead to weight gain and obesity in dogs. Obesity is a serious health concern for dogs, and it can lead to other health complications such as pancreatitis, a potentially fatal illness. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese when treating your Shih Tzu.
Cheese also contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins, making it a nutritious snack for dogs. However, the high-fat content is a crucial consideration when feeding cheese to your Shih Tzu. It is important to monitor your dog's weight and adjust their cheese intake accordingly. Regular exercise can also help offset the risk of weight gain.
Lactose intolerance is another factor to consider. While the fermentation process removes most of the lactose in cheese, some dogs may still be sensitive to it. Shih Tzus, in particular, lack lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. Therefore, cheese should be given in small quantities and not as a meal replacement. Lactose-free dog milk is a safer option for treating your Shih Tzu without the risk of digestive upset or diarrhea.
In addition to the high-fat content, some cheeses may contain herbs or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs. For example, garlic, onions, and chives can be harmful to dogs and are sometimes added to cheese. It is important to always check the ingredients of the cheese before feeding it to your Shih Tzu.
Overall, while cheese can be a tasty and nutritious treat for Shih Tzus, it is important to remember that it is high in fat and should be given in moderation. Opting for low-fat cheeses and monitoring your dog's weight and health are crucial steps in ensuring your Shih Tzu stays happy and healthy.
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Cheese can be used to conceal pills
While cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs, it should be consumed in moderation. Cheese is high in fat, and regularly feeding large amounts to your dog can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. It could even lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. Moreover, some Shih Tzus lack lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose in dairy products, so cheese can cause digestive upset and diarrhea.
Despite these drawbacks, cheese can be a useful tool for concealing pills for dogs that require medication. Its strong flavour and scent can help mask the taste and smell of the medicine, making it more likely that your dog will swallow it without detecting the pill. Soft cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese are recommended, as they can be easily moulded around the pill.
To use cheese for concealing pills, start by giving your dog a low-value treat, such as a piece of kibble. Then, offer a high-value treat, like a piece of cheese, and get them excited by walking around so they follow you. Slip in the pill wrapped with the cheese treat, and they will likely gobble it up without a second thought. This technique is especially effective if your dog is highly food-motivated and not anxious.
It is important to note that cheese should be introduced into your dog's diet cautiously, especially if they have a history of obesity or food sensitivities. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding cheese as a treat or using it to conceal pills, as it may negatively impact your dog's medical condition or interfere with certain medications. For example, calcium-rich foods like cheese can reduce the absorption of specific antibiotics in the intestines, rendering them ineffective.
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Parmesan is high in sodium
While cheese is a popular treat for dogs, including Shih Tzus, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high-fat content. Parmesan cheese, in particular, is also high in sodium.
The recommended daily allowance for sodium from all sources is 2000 mg for a heart-healthy lifestyle. One tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese contains approximately 80 mg of sodium. Therefore, it is important to limit the amount of Parmesan cheese fed to Shih Tzus, especially if they are predisposed to blood pressure fluctuation disorders or have a history of obesity or food sensitivities.
Shih Tzus lack lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose in dairy products, so consuming cheese can lead to digestive issues and diarrhea. For this reason, it is recommended to offer lactose-free dog milk or dog-specific milk substitutes that provide calcium without the lactose-related risks.
When choosing cheese for a Shih Tzu, it is best to opt for low-fat varieties such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese. These options have lower fat and sodium content, reducing the risk of obesity and other health issues associated with high-fat and high-sodium diets.
While Parmesan cheese may be a tasty treat for Shih Tzus, it should be given sparingly due to its high sodium content. It is always important to monitor a Shih Tzu's diet and consult with a veterinarian to ensure their health and well-being.
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Cheese should be given in moderation
While cheese can be a tasty treat for your Shih Tzu, it should be given in moderation. Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins, all of which can be beneficial to your dog's health. Additionally, trainers often use cheese as a treat for dogs, and it can also be a good way to conceal pills for dogs that require medication.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when feeding cheese to your Shih Tzu. Firstly, cheese is high in fat, and feeding too much to your dog regularly can lead to weight gain and obesity. It could even lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. Therefore, it is important to choose low-fat cheeses, such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese, and to feed them in small portions as an occasional treat rather than a meal replacement.
Another thing to consider is that Shih Tzus, like many dogs, lack lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose in dairy products. This means that cheese, especially in larger quantities, can cause digestive upset and diarrhea. Some cheeses, such as cottage cheese, typically contain less lactose due to the fermentation process, but even these should be given in moderation to avoid potential stomach issues. Additionally, some brands of cottage cheese may contain added milk, which increases the lactose content and could further upset your dog's stomach.
Furthermore, some cheeses contain herbs or other ingredients that can be toxic to dogs. For example, garlic, onions, and chives, which may be found in some cheeses, are known to be toxic to dogs and should be avoided. It is important to always check the ingredients of the cheese before feeding it to your Shih Tzu.
Lastly, if your Shih Tzu has a history of food sensitivities or is struggling with obesity, it is best to consult with your veterinarian before introducing cheese into their diet. While cheese can be a tasty treat for your dog, it should be given in moderation and with consideration for your dog's individual health needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. However, Shih Tzus lack lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose in dairy products. Therefore, while small amounts of cheese are fine, it should not replace a meal. Cheese is also high in fat, so feeding too much to your dog regularly can cause weight gain and lead to obesity.
It is recommended to feed your dog low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese. Cottage cheese is lower in fat and sodium than other cheeses, and it is also gentle on dogs' stomachs. Parmesan cheese is typically very high in sodium, so it is not a good choice for your dog.
Yes, cheese is a good treat option for dogs, and trainers often use it for treat-motivated dogs. It is also a good way to conceal pills for dogs that require medication. However, if your dog is struggling with obesity or has a history of food sensitivities, be sure to check with your vet before introducing cheese into their diet.
The amount of grapes or wine swallowed is not systemically toxic and will not cause any problems of internal organ injury. The cheese is not toxic unless it was moldy, but toxic signs of seizures or stumbling to walk would have been observed by now. Therefore, this is not an emergency, and no immediate treatment is required. It is recommended to monitor your dog for signs of vomiting and nausea, such as excessive lip licking, drooling, or multiple attempts to swallow.
