Bushra Griffith
Dogs can eat cheese, but it should only be fed in small amounts as an occasional treat. While cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids and B-complex vitamins, it is high in fat and calories and can cause weight gain and digestive issues in dogs, especially if they are lactose intolerant. It is recommended to give dogs low-fat cheeses such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese, and to avoid cheeses that contain toxic ingredients such as garlic, onions, and chives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can dogs eat cheese? | Yes, in small-to-moderate quantities |
| Nutritional benefits | Calcium, protein, phosphorus, zinc, vitamins A and B12 |
| Nutritional drawbacks | High fat and calorie content |
| Health risks | Digestive issues, weight gain, lactose intolerance, pancreatitis |
| Safe cheeses | Mozzarella, cottage cheese, soft goat cheese, lactose-free cheese |
| Unsafe cheeses | Cheese with herbs, garlic, onions, chives, fruits, nuts, blue cheese |
| Other uses | Hiding medicine |
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What You'll Learn
Dogs can eat cheese in moderation
Secondly, some dogs may be lactose intolerant, and consuming cheese can cause digestive issues such as diarrhoea, stomach upset, or other intestinal problems. If your dog experiences any adverse reactions or tummy troubles after eating cheese, it is best to avoid giving them cheese altogether. Additionally, some cheeses contain herbs or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives. It is important to always check the ingredients and choose cheeses that are safe for canine consumption.
Cheese can be a handy training tool and a tasty reward for dogs, but it should be given in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It is always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog's diet, especially if they have any specific health considerations.
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Cheese is high in fat and calories
Cheese is a tasty treat for dogs, but it is high in fat and calories. While cheese can be safe to feed to dogs, it should only be given in small-to-moderate quantities as an occasional treat. The high-fat content in cheese can cause weight gain and obesity in dogs, which can lead to other health issues. For example, obesity in dogs can lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness. Therefore, it is recommended to feed dogs low-fat cheeses, such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese.
Cottage cheese, in particular, is a good option as it is lower in fat, sodium, and lactose, reducing the risk of obesity and intestinal upset. However, some dogs may still be lactose intolerant and experience digestive issues even with low-lactose cheeses. It is important to introduce cheese to dogs in small amounts to ensure they do not have an adverse reaction.
Additionally, some cheeses contain herbs or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives. These ingredients are often found in cream cheese and should be avoided. Therefore, it is crucial to always check the ingredients of the cheese before feeding it to your dog.
Furthermore, while cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, and B-complex vitamins, these nutrients are already included in a dog's complete diet. Hence, there is no need to add cheese to their diet, and it should only be given as an occasional treat.
Overall, while dogs can safely eat cheese, it is important to remember that it is high in fat and calories and should be fed in moderation to prevent potential health issues. As always, it is best to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods to your dog's diet.
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Cheese can be used to conceal pills
While cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs, it should be fed to them in moderation. Cheese is high in fat, and feeding too much of it to your dog regularly can cause weight gain and lead to obesity and other health problems. It could even lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. In addition to the problems presented by the high-fat content, some cheeses contain herbs or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives. Therefore, it is best 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, helping reduce the risk of obesity. It is also lower in lactose, thus reducing the likelihood of intestinal upset.
Cheese can be used as a handy training tool for dogs and as a tasty morsel to help mask medicine that your dog might be reluctant to take. Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and cheese can cause digestive issues in them. If your dog is lactose intolerant, it is best to avoid cheese entirely. If your dog is struggling with obesity or has a history of food sensitivities, it is best to check with your vet before introducing cheese into their diet.
If you do decide to give your dog cheese, it is recommended to give it only as an occasional treat. Remember the 10% rule: 90% of your dog's diet should come from dry or canned food that has been specially formulated for your dog's age and health. The other 10% can come from treats, snacks, dental treats, food additives, and human foods. Cheese-flavored dog treats made just for dogs, like Pupford Cheddar Crunchies or Cloud Star Tricky Trainers with Cheddar, are the safest way to feed your dog cheese.
When introducing cheese to your puppy, start with small amounts to make sure they don't have an adverse reaction to it. Some dogs might be allergic to cheese, so it is always good to be cautious. If you are using cheese to conceal pills for dogs that require medication, make sure to use a cheese that is safe for dogs and break off a small piece to wrap the medicine in.
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Some cheeses are toxic to dogs
While cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs, some cheeses should be avoided as they are toxic to dogs. Cheese is high in fat, and too much can lead to weight gain and obesity in dogs. It could even lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness. Therefore, it is best to feed dogs low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese in small amounts.
Some dogs are lactose intolerant, so dairy products like cheese can cause stomach upset and other digestive issues. In these cases, it is best to avoid cheese entirely. Additionally, some cheeses contain herbs or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives. These types of cheese should be avoided.
Blue cheese, for example, is toxic to dogs and should be avoided. It is best to check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new foods, especially if they have a history of food sensitivities or are on a veterinary diet. The safest way to feed your dog cheese is to give them cheese-flavored dog treats made specifically for them.
Overall, while some cheeses are safe for dogs to eat in moderation, others can be toxic and harmful. It is important to be mindful of the type and amount of cheese fed to dogs to ensure their health and safety.
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Cheese can cause digestive issues
Dogs can eat cheese, but it should be fed in small-to-moderate quantities as an occasional treat. Cheese is high in fat and calories, and feeding it regularly to your dog can cause weight gain and lead to obesity and other health problems. It could even lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs.
Some dogs are lactose intolerant, and cheese can cause digestive issues such as stomach upset, gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. If your dog is lactose intolerant, avoid feeding them cheese entirely. Even if they are not lactose intolerant, too much cheese may still cause digestive issues.
Cheese also often contains herbs or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives. These ingredients can be dangerous for dogs, so it is important to check the ingredients before feeding your dog any type of cheese.
If you want to give your dog cheese, it is recommended to choose low-fat cheeses such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese. Cottage cheese is lower in fat and sodium, making it a more tolerable option for dogs. It is also a good source of protein.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is not toxic to dogs, but they are born with lactose intolerance. Cheese is rich in calcium, which is important for dogs, but it is also high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain and digestive issues. Therefore, cheese should only be fed to dogs in moderation as an occasional treat.
Low-fat, low-lactose cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese are safer choices for dogs. String cheese, cheddar, and reduced-fat cheddar are also options that some dogs have tolerated well.
Cheese should only be a small part of a dog's balanced diet and should not exceed 10% of their caloric intake. Start with a small amount to see how your dog reacts, and always consult with your veterinarian to determine the safest kind and appropriate portion size.
