Randy Chandler
Dogs can eat cheese, and most dogs love it! It's a great training tool, especially for puppies, and can be used to conceal pills for dogs that require medication. However, it is not necessarily a healthy food for dogs due to its high fat content. While some dogs can eat cheese, many are intolerant, and even dogs that can tolerate cheese should only eat it in moderation. Some cheeses also contain herbs or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic and onions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can dogs eat cheese? | Yes, but not all kinds. |
| Is cheese healthy for dogs? | Cheese is high in fat and calories, so it is not a healthy food for dogs. However, it does contain some nutrients that can be beneficial for dogs, such as protein, calcium, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. |
| What types of cheese are safe for dogs? | Cheddar, mozzarella, cottage cheese, Swiss cheese, goat cheese, and string cheese are generally considered safe for dogs when fed in moderation. |
| What types of cheese are unsafe for dogs? | Blue cheese, such as Stilton, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola, is unsafe due to the presence of mould and a toxin called roquefortine. Brie, goat, and feta cheese have high levels of saturated fat, which is not suitable for senior dogs. Cheese with added ingredients such as onion, garlic, or herbs can also be harmful. |
| How much cheese can a dog eat? | Cheese should be given to dogs in moderation as an occasional treat. The high-fat content can contribute to weight gain and obesity, and it can also cause digestive issues, especially in lactose-intolerant dogs. |
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What You'll Learn
Easy cheese as a training treat
Cheese is a popular treat for dogs, and its strong flavour makes it a rewarding incentive during training. However, it is not necessarily a healthy food for dogs due to its high fat and sodium content, which can cause weight gain and obesity. Therefore, it should be given in moderation and only as an occasional treat.
When feeding cheese to your dog for the first time, introduce it gradually and monitor your dog for any signs of digestive distress, such as diarrhoea or vomiting. Some dogs may be lactose intolerant or have allergies or intolerances to dairy, so it is important to adjust the quantity of cheese given based on your dog's individual tolerance.
Cheeses that are generally safer options for dogs include cottage cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, and Swiss cheese. These cheeses are lower in lactose and can be given in plain, unsweetened varieties. It is important to avoid cheeses with added ingredients that could be harmful to dogs, such as onions, garlic, herbs, or excessive salt.
Easy cheese, or cheese in a spray can, is typically made with processed cheese, oil, and emulsifiers to give it a soft, spreadable texture. While it may not be the most nutritious option, it can be given to dogs in moderation as a treat. However, it is important to check the ingredient list to ensure it does not contain any harmful additives.
When using easy cheese as a training treat, tear or cut it into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. It can also be used to hide pills or tablets for dogs that require medication. Remember, while cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs, it should only be a small part of a well-balanced dog diet, with the majority of their nutrition coming from specialised dog food.
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Lactose intolerance in dogs
While cheese can be a good source of protein, calcium, vitamins, and essential fatty acids for dogs, not all dogs can digest it well. Some dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they cannot digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. Lactose intolerance in dogs can cause symptoms such as bloating, stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Some types of cheese are generally safer for dogs to consume than others. For example, cottage cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and Swiss cheese are lower in lactose and may be better tolerated by lactose-intolerant dogs. It is important to introduce cheese gradually and monitor your dog for any signs of digestive distress, such as changes in stool colour or consistency, excessive gas, or gurgling sounds from the digestive system. If your dog experiences any adverse reactions to cheese, it is best to consult your veterinarian.
Additionally, it is crucial to feed cheese in moderation due to its high-fat content. Excessive consumption of high-fat cheese can contribute to weight gain and obesity in dogs and could even lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness. Low-fat cheese options can be a safer choice for dogs prone to weight gain. Overall, cheese should only be a small part of a well-balanced dog diet, with the majority of their nutrition coming from specialised dog food.
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Safe cheeses for dogs
While cheese is not toxic to dogs, it is still considered a junk food due to its high fat and calorie content. Cheese can be a source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins for dogs. However, some dogs may be lactose intolerant and experience digestive issues or diarrhoea if they consume too much cheese. Therefore, cheese should be fed to dogs in small-to-moderate quantities and in moderation.
Some of the safe cheeses for dogs include:
- Cottage cheese: It is lower in fat and sodium than other cheeses, helping to reduce the risk of obesity. It is also high in calcium and a good source of protein.
- Mozzarella: It is a common cheese with high nutritional value, such as vitamins A and D, and calcium.
- Swiss cheese: It contains reasonable amounts of vitamins A and D, calcium, and phosphorus.
- Cheddar cheese: It is a typical cheese used in almost all recipes. It contains a little lactose and can be a great source of calcium, protein, potassium, and zinc.
- Feta cheese: It can help boost your dog's mood and reduce anxiety. It is also high in calcium content.
- Gouda cheese: It is known to be a good source of protein and an excellent source of calcium and zinc. However, this cheese can cause diarrhoea for dogs, so it should be given in moderation.
It is important to avoid giving your dog blue cheese, as the mould used in its production can make them sick. Dogs do not have the enzymes necessary to digest blue cheese and may experience diarrhoea and vomiting. In addition, some cheeses contain herbs or other products that may be toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives. Always choose plain varieties of cheese and be mindful of the fat and salt content.
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Unsafe cheeses for dogs
While cheese can be a good source of protein, calcium, potassium, zinc, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins for dogs, it is not always safe for them to consume. Some cheeses that are unsafe for dogs include:
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese contains roquefortine, a mould that can make dogs sick as they do not have the enzymes to digest it. It can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Unpasteurised Cheese
Unpasteurised cheese contains Listeria, a bacteria that poses a threat to a dog's health.
High-Fat Cheeses
Cheeses with high-fat content can lead to weight gain and obesity in dogs. This can be especially harmful to dogs with pancreatitis. Examples of high-fat cheeses include feta cheese, gouda cheese, and blue cheese.
Cheeses with Added Ingredients
Some cheeses contain herbs or other added ingredients that can be toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and excessive salt. Always opt for plain, low-fat, and low-sodium cheeses.
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Health benefits of cheese for dogs
While cheese is not a necessary part of a dog's diet, it does offer some health benefits when fed in moderation. Cheese is a good source of protein, which is crucial for muscle and tissue maintenance and repair. It also contains calcium, which helps keep dogs' teeth and bones strong, and is particularly important for puppies and senior dogs. In addition, cheese contains fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, which are important for immunity, heart health, and a healthy skin and coat.
Some types of cheese are healthier for dogs than others. Cheddar, mozzarella, cottage cheese, and Swiss cheese are generally considered safe options when fed in moderation. These cheeses are lower in lactose and can be easier for dogs to digest. For example, cottage cheese is high in calcium and a good source of protein, while Swiss cheese contains vitamins A and D, as well as calcium and phosphorus. Feta cheese is also safe for dogs and can help boost their mood and reduce anxiety.
Goat cheese is another option that can be given to dogs in moderation. It is often considered a healthy choice for humans due to its rich vitamin, mineral, and essential fatty acid content. While it has a lower lactose content than cow's milk cheese, it still contains some lactose, so it may not be suitable for all dogs.
However, it is important to note that cheese is high in fat and sodium, so it should be given sparingly as a treat rather than a regular part of a dog's diet. Overconsumption of cheese can contribute to weight gain and obesity in dogs, and it may cause digestive issues, especially for dogs with lactose intolerance. Some cheeses also contain added ingredients, such as onions, garlic, or herbs, which can be harmful to dogs. Blue cheese, in particular, should be avoided as it contains mould that can make dogs very ill.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is not necessarily a healthy food for dogs due to its high fat and calorie content. However, when fed in moderation, cheese does contain some health benefits, such as protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins.
Excessive consumption of high-fat cheese can contribute to weight gain and obesity in dogs. It can also lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness. Some cheeses contain herbs or other toxic ingredients, such as garlic, onions, or high levels of salt, which can be harmful to dogs.
Low-fat and low-sodium cheese options are generally safer for dogs. Cottage cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss cheese, and goat cheese are considered safer options when fed in moderation. These cheeses are lower in lactose and have a lower risk of causing digestive issues.
Cheese should only be given to dogs as an occasional treat and in small quantities. It should not be fed to dogs regularly or as a part of their main diet. The amount of cheese given to dogs should be limited to prevent obesity and other health issues.
Yes, dogs with pancreatitis, kidney problems, or lactose intolerance should avoid eating cheese. Dogs that are already overweight or obese should also stay clear of cheese due to its high-fat content. It is important to monitor your dog's overall health and consult with a veterinarian before adding cheese to their diet.
