Frederic Melton
Cheese is a popular treat for dogs, and it can be a great training tool, especially for puppies. While most dogs can eat cheese in moderation, some dogs can be intolerant. Cheese is high in fat and calories, and some dogs may be lactose intolerant, so it should be fed sparingly. Some cheeses, such as blue cheese, are toxic to dogs and should be avoided. Other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Swiss cheese, and cottage cheese, are generally safe for dogs and can provide important nutrients and vitamins. However, it's important to consult with a veterinarian to determine if cheese is suitable for a dog's diet and how much is safe to feed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can puppies eat cheese? | Yes, puppies can eat cheese, but only in small-to-moderate quantities. |
| Nutritional value | Cheese is rich in protein, calcium, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. |
| Hiding pills | Cheese can be used to hide pills or tablets, making it easier for puppies to take their medication. |
| Training | Cheese is often used as a training tool, especially for puppies, as it is a high-value reward. |
| Lactose intolerance | Puppies may be lactose intolerant or have an allergy to dairy, in which case cheese should be avoided. |
| Weight concerns | Cheese is high in fat and calories, so it should be given in moderation, especially to overweight puppies. |
| Toxic ingredients | Some cheeses contain toxic ingredients for puppies, such as garlic, onions, herbs, or blue mould. |
| Recommended cheeses | Mozzarella, Swiss cheese, and low-fat cottage cheese are generally safe options for puppies due to their lower lactose and sodium content. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese as a training treat
Cheese is a popular treat for dogs, and it can be a useful tool when training puppies. However, it should be given in moderation, and some types of cheese should be avoided.
Cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals, and most dogs love it. It can be a great reward for good behaviour during training. For example, if your puppy struggles with recall, giving them a small cube of cheese when they return to you when called will help them learn that coming back when asked is a good thing.
However, cheese is high in fat, and too much can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. It could even lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. Therefore, it should only be given in small amounts as an occasional treat.
Some dogs can be intolerant of cheese, and it can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhoea. It is best to avoid cheese if your puppy is lactose intolerant or has an upset tummy. Also, some cheeses contain herbs, garlic, or onions, which are toxic to dogs, so always check the ingredients. Blue cheese, in particular, should be avoided due to the mould it contains.
Low-fat cheeses, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Swiss cheese, are safer options for dogs. Cheddar cheese is also a good choice, as it has little lactose and can be cut into small cubes or smeared inside a toy.
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Health risks of blue cheese
While cheese can be a good source of protein, calcium, vitamins, and essential fatty acids for dogs, there are certain types of cheese that should be avoided, such as blue cheese.
Blue cheese is characterized by its distinct flavor and veining of blue or green mold. The mold used in the production of blue cheese, Penicillium roqueforti and Penicillium glaucum, creates a substance called roquefortine C, which poses toxicity risks to dogs. Dogs do not have the enzymes necessary to digest blue cheese, and consuming it can lead to several health issues.
The health risks associated with blue cheese in puppies include vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures. These symptoms can vary in severity and may not appear immediately after consumption. In some cases, it could take several hours for symptoms to manifest. The impact of roquefortine C on dogs can depend on the amount consumed and the size of the dog. Even small amounts can cause harmful effects, so it is best to avoid giving blue cheese to puppies altogether.
In addition to the immediate health risks, blue cheese is also high in fat, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity in puppies if consumed regularly. Therefore, it is recommended to only give cheese to puppies in small-to-moderate quantities and to choose types of cheese that are safer for canine consumption, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
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Nutritional benefits
While cheese is not toxic to dogs, it is also not essential to their diet. However, cheese does provide some nutritional benefits.
Cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals. It contains vitamin A, vitamin D, phosphorus, potassium, and B-complex vitamins. One serving of cheese contains as much calcium as one cup of milk and a third of the daily nutritional requirements for phosphorus.
Cheese also contains essential fatty acids, including butyrate, which is known to help with cancer prevention.
Low-fat cheeses, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Swiss cheese, are healthier options as they have lower levels of lactose and sodium. These cheeses can be given as treats, especially for lactose-intolerant dogs, but they should still be fed in moderation.
Overall, while cheese can provide some nutritional benefits for puppies, it should be fed in small-to-moderate quantities, and it is important to be mindful of the specific type of cheese and the individual puppy's health.
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Lactose intolerance
While cheese is not toxic to dogs, it is high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain and obesity in canines. As such, cheese should be fed to dogs in small-to-moderate quantities as an occasional treat.
Some dogs are lactose intolerant and will experience digestive discomfort whenever they eat dairy, including cheese. The symptoms of lactose intolerance can range from mild to severe, and they can emerge up to 48 hours after ingestion. These symptoms include changes in the colour or consistency of stools, gas, gurgling sounds from the digestive system, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
The lactose concentrations in a female dog's milk run about 3%, where cow's milk contains 5%, so even unweaned puppies may not produce enough lactase to properly digest cow's milk and may show signs of lactose intolerance. However, processing milk into cheese reduces the amount of lactose in the product, with some cheeses like Muenster and Limberger having minimal concentrations of lactose (around 1% or less).
If you suspect your puppy is lactose intolerant, you should consult your veterinarian, who will likely recommend eliminating all dairy from your puppy's diet for several weeks to see if the symptoms disappear.
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Safe alternatives to cheese
While cheese can be a great training tool for puppies, it should be fed in moderation. Cheese is high in fat, and some puppies may be lactose intolerant. As such, it is important to be mindful of the type and amount of cheese you feed your puppy.
Chicken, Ham, and Tuna: These lean protein sources are great alternatives to cheese, especially for overweight puppies or those with lactose intolerance. They can be easily cut into small cubes or strips and used as training treats.
Dairy-Free "Cheese": There are commercial dairy-free cheese alternatives made specifically for dogs that can be a safer option for lactose intolerant puppies. These are typically made with dog-safe ingredients and provide a similar taste and texture to regular cheese.
Low-Fat or Reduced-Fat Cheese: If you want to stick with cheese, opting for low-fat or reduced-fat varieties can help reduce the risk of weight gain and associated health issues. However, it is still important to feed these in moderation due to the potential for lactose intolerance and other sensitivities.
Natural Dog Treats: Natural, commercially available dog treats made from 100% natural ingredients without artificial preservatives, colours, or flavours can be a healthier option. These treats often provide similar nutritional benefits without the risk of lactose intolerance or high-fat content.
Other Calcium-Rich Foods: Puppies need calcium for strong bones and teeth. While cheese is a good source of calcium, there are other puppy-safe foods that provide calcium without the high-fat content. For example, cooked eggshells are an excellent source of calcium and can be crushed and sprinkled over your puppy's food.
Remember, when introducing any new food to your puppy's diet, always do so gradually and monitor for any signs of digestive upset or intolerance. If you have any concerns, it is best to consult your veterinarian for tailored advice regarding your puppy's diet.
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