Patrick Oconnell
Dogs are known to be curious creatures with a penchant for human food, and cheese puffs are no exception. While a single cheese puff snack may not be harmful to your dog, regularly offering them as treats can have negative consequences. This is mainly due to the high salt and lactose content in cheese puffs, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues and even salt toxicity in dogs. Additionally, human food can create undesirable behaviours in dogs, such as pickiness and begging. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid feeding cheese puffs to dogs and instead opt for canine-specific treats to ensure their health and well-being.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Value | Cheese puffs provide empty calories and no nutritional value. |
| Ingredients | Enriched corn meal, cheese seasoning, MSG, yellow number 6 coloring. |
| Health Risks | High in saturated fats, sodium (salt), carbohydrates, calories, and preservatives. Can lead to heart disease, obesity, diabetes, arthritis, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and strokes. |
| Safe Consumption | One or two cheese puffs are unlikely to cause serious harm. Should not be a regular snack. |
| Alternatives | Peanut butter dental sticks, meaty probiotic treats, calming treats with hemp and L-tryptophan, grain-free treats. |
| Safe Cheeses | Cottage cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and yak cheese (including yak cheese puffs with natural ingredients). |
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What You'll Learn
Dogs can eat cheese in moderation
While cheese puffs for humans, such as Cheetos, are not recommended for dogs due to their high salt, fat, and calorie content, natural cheese puffs like yak cheese puffs or Tibetan cheese puffs can be a tasty treat for dogs in moderation.
Cheese can be a good source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats for dogs, and it can also aid in training and enrichment when used creatively and sparingly. For example, you can use pea-sized cheddar cubes during training commands or smear soft cheese inside a puzzle feeder for mental enrichment.
However, it is important to note that not all cheese is safe for dogs. High-fat, high-sodium, and flavored cheeses like blue cheese or those with added herbs, spices, or other seasonings should be avoided, as some ingredients like garlic and onion can be toxic. Plain, unflavored cheeses like cottage cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and yak cheese are generally safe for dogs to consume in small amounts.
It is also crucial to consider the size of your dog when offering cheese as a treat. Smaller dogs are more likely to become sick from just a few bites, so it is important to exercise good judgment and be careful with portion sizes. Additionally, cheese should not be given to overweight dogs, dogs with kidney problems, or those with dairy intolerance or cheese allergies.
As a general guideline, cheese should not exceed 10% of a dog's total calorie consumption, and it should be incorporated into their meals to avoid excess calorie intake. Moderation is key to ensuring your dog reaps the benefits of cheese without experiencing any negative health consequences.
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Cheese puffs are not nutritionally beneficial
While cheese can be a good source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats for dogs, cheese puffs are not nutritionally beneficial. Cheese puffs are highly processed and contain high amounts of fat, carbohydrates, calories, and sodium (salt). Dogs have a very low tolerance for salt, and consuming too much sodium can cause a stroke, high blood pressure, and heart issues in dogs.
Cheese puffs are also often covered in cheese seasoning made with MSG and artificial coloring, which are not beneficial to dogs. While one or two cheese puffs are unlikely to cause serious harm, they should not be a regular part of a dog's diet due to their lack of nutritional value and high content of fat and sodium.
If you are looking for a cheesy treat for your dog, there are healthier alternatives to cheese puffs. For example, you can offer your dog small amounts of plain, unflavored cheese such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, or cheddar. These cheeses can be used as training rewards or frozen treats. Other options include peanut butter dental sticks, meaty probiotic treats, or calming dog treats with natural relaxants like hemp and L-tryptophan.
It is important to note that cheese should only be given to dogs in moderation and should not exceed 10% of their total calorie consumption. Dogs with kidney problems, lactose intolerance, or dairy allergies should avoid cheese altogether. Always observe your dog after feeding them cheese, and consult a vet if they show any signs of allergy or discomfort.
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Cheese puffs are high in salt, fat, and calories
Cheese puffs are not the healthiest snack option for dogs. While dogs can eat cheese in moderation, as it is a good source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats, cheese puffs are highly processed and contain high levels of salt, fat, and calories.
Cheese puffs are often made with enriched corn meal that is cooked and then covered in cheese seasoning, which includes MSG and artificial coloring. This means that cheese puffs are not only high in salt and fat but also provide empty calories, with little to no nutritional value. The high salt and fat content in cheese puffs can be dangerous for dogs, increasing their risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, arthritis, and kidney disease. Dogs have a low tolerance for salt, and consuming too much can lead to serious health issues such as strokes, high blood pressure, and heart problems.
It is important to note that the impact of cheese puffs on a dog's health will depend on the amount consumed and the size of the dog. Smaller dogs are more susceptible to getting sick from eating just a few cheese puffs. Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful of portion sizes and not make it a habit to feed your dog this snack.
If you are looking for a cheesy treat for your dog, it is recommended to opt for plain, unflavored cheese in small quantities. Cheeses like cottage cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and yak cheese are considered safer options for dogs. These natural cheese options can provide the nutritional benefits of protein and calcium without the added salt, fat, and calories found in cheese puffs.
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Dogs may be lactose intolerant or have a cheese allergy
While cheese can be a good source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats for dogs, cheese puffs are not the best option. Cheese puffs are highly processed and contain high levels of fat, carbohydrates, calories, and sodium (salt). Dogs have a very low tolerance for salt, and consuming too much sodium can lead to serious health issues such as stroke, high blood pressure, and heart problems.
Cheese puffs, therefore, should not be a regular part of your dog's diet. However, offering your dog an occasional small amount of plain, natural cheese puffs, such as yak cheese puffs or Tibetan cheese puffs, is unlikely to cause serious harm.
It is important to note that some dogs may be lactose intolerant or have a cheese allergy. If you notice any adverse reactions or signs of discomfort after your dog consumes cheese, discontinue feeding it to them and consult your veterinarian.
Additionally, avoid giving cheese to overweight dogs, dogs with kidney problems, or those with known dairy intolerances. High-fat and high-sodium cheeses should also be avoided. Instead, opt for plain, unflavored cheeses like cottage cheese, mozzarella, or cheddar in moderation.
As a treat, cheese can aid in training and enrichment when used creatively and sparingly. However, it should not make up more than 10% of your dog's total calorie consumption.
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Alternatives to cheese puffs as treats
While cheese puffs for human consumption, such as Cheetos, are not recommended for dogs due to their high saturated fat and sodium content, there are specially formulated cheese puff treats available for dogs, such as Natural Value® Puffed Cheese Treats and BIXBI Liberty Ruff Puffs. These dog-friendly cheese puffs are made with natural ingredients and are low in calories, making them a healthier alternative to human cheese puffs.
However, if you are looking for alternatives to cheese puffs altogether, there are several options that can provide a similar crunchy texture and taste profile. Here are some suggestions:
- Yak cheese puffs: Yak cheese is a natural, healthy, and engaging alternative to traditional cheese puffs. It is high in protein and calcium, and it can be puffed or hardened into chew nuggets that are safe for dogs to consume. These treats are made from 100% natural yak and cow milk, with a hint of lime juice, and they are free from preservatives and additives.
- Natural dog treats: There are several natural dog treat options on the market that are made without corn, soy, or glycerin. For example, the brand Pupford offers all-natural, single-ingredient cheese crunchies for dogs and puppies. Alternatively, you could try Cloud Star Tricky Trainers, which offers soft and chewy cheddar-flavored treats with a low-calorie count.
- Low-calorie crunchy treats: If you're looking for something similar to cheese puffs in terms of texture, there are wheat-free and low-calorie crunchy treat options available, such as BIXBI Liberty Ruff Puffs. These treats are crunchy, which encourages dogs to chew rather than inhale their snacks.
- Healthy human foods: Some human foods can be safely shared with dogs and may be better options than cheese puffs. These include oranges, popcorn, Cheerios, and red peppers. However, it is important to note that not all human foods are safe for dogs, and it is always best to consult a veterinarian before introducing new foods into your dog's diet.
Remember, when introducing any new treat, it is important to do so in moderation and to observe your dog's reaction. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid feeding cheese or cheese-based treats to overweight dogs, dogs with kidney problems, or dairy-intolerant dogs.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese puffs are not recommended for dogs due to their high salt, fat, and calorie content. However, letting your dog eat a few cheese puffs once in a while is unlikely to cause serious harm.
Yes, there are many alternatives to cheese puffs that dogs can eat. Some options include peanut butter dental sticks, meaty probiotic treats, and calming dog treats made with natural relaxants like hemp and L-tryptophan.
Dogs can eat small amounts of plain cheese, such as cheddar, as a treat. Other human foods that dogs can eat include oranges, popcorn, Cheerios, and red peppers.
If your dog has eaten a large amount of cheese puffs, you should monitor them for any signs of illness or discomfort. If your dog seems unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
