Randy Chandler
Dogs and cheese is a highly debated topic. While cheese is not toxic to dogs, it depends on the type of cheese and the individual dog. Cheese is often used as a training tool, especially for puppies, as it is a tasty treat that most dogs love. However, cheese is high in fat and calories and can lead to weight gain and obesity in dogs. It could also lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness. Some dogs are also intolerant to cheese, and it can cause stomach upset or even lactose intolerance. Therefore, it is recommended to feed dogs low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese in small amounts and not too often.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Benefits | Cheese contains protein, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin A, and B12. |
| Training Tool | Cheese is often used as a training tool, especially for puppies. |
| Concealing Pills | Cheese can be used to conceal pills for dogs that require medication. |
| High-Fat Content | Cheese is high in fat, which can lead to weight gain and obesity. |
| Pancreatitis Risk | High-fat content can lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. |
| Toxic Ingredients | Some cheeses contain toxic ingredients like garlic, onions, herbs, or other additives. |
| Lactose Intolerance | Some dogs may be lactose intolerant and experience intestinal upset after consuming cheese. |
| Recommended Cheeses | Low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese are recommended. |
| Portion Size | Treats should only make up 10% of a dog's diet; keep portions small and infrequent. |
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What You'll Learn
Dogs can eat cheese, but only in moderation
Dogs can safely consume cheese, but only in moderation. Cheese is a great training tool, especially for puppies, as it is a tasty treat that most dogs love. It is also a good way to conceal pills for dogs that require medication.
However, cheese is high in fat, and feeding too much to your dog regularly can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. Even more problematic, it could lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. 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 to reduce the risk of obesity. It is also lower in lactose, reducing the likelihood of intestinal upset.
Some dogs may be intolerant to cheese, and even those that can tolerate it may experience digestive issues if they consume too much. It is important to remember that cheese should only be fed to dogs in small amounts and should not make up more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. Additionally, some cheeses contain herbs or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic and onion, so it is important to check the ingredients before feeding cheese to your dog.
Overall, while dogs can eat cheese, it should be given in moderation as part of a healthy and balanced diet.
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Cheese is high in fat, so it may cause weight gain
Cheese is a popular treat for dogs and it can be an effective training tool. However, it is important to remember that cheese is high in fat, and too much can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. Obesity can cause a host of other health issues for dogs. Therefore, it is best to feed your dog low-fat cheeses, such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese. Cottage cheese is lower in fat, calories, and lactose than other cheeses, and it is also a great source of calcium and protein.
Some dogs are lactose intolerant or have allergies to dairy, so cheese should be avoided altogether in these cases. Even for dogs that can tolerate lactose, cheese should be fed in moderation. Treats should only make up about 10% of a dog's diet, with the other 90% coming from a well-balanced dog food.
It is also important to check the ingredients of the cheese, as some cheeses contain herbs, vegetables, or other additives that can be toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives. Blue cheese, in particular, should be avoided, as the mould can make dogs very ill.
Overall, while cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs, it should be given in small amounts and chosen carefully to avoid potential health risks.
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Some dogs are intolerant to cheese
While cheese can be a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins for dogs, some dogs are intolerant to cheese.
Dairy can cause stomach upset in dogs, and some dogs are even lactose intolerant. Dogs with severe lactose intolerance may have adverse reactions to cheese, even in small quantities. In addition, cheese is high in fat, and some dogs might need to lose weight. Cheese can also lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. Therefore, it is recommended to feed dogs low-fat cheeses, such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese. Cottage cheese is lower in fat, calories, and lactose content, and it is also a great source of calcium and protein.
Some dogs are also allergic to dairy and should not eat cheese at all. If your dog struggles when they eat anything that isn't part of their usual diet, it is best to avoid giving them cheese as it could lead to sickness or diarrhoea.
It is important to remember that cheese should be given to dogs in moderation and should not account for more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.
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Cheese can be used as a training treat
Cheese is a popular training treat for dogs because it is so tasty to them, and it can be used as a high-value reward when you are particularly pleased with your dog's behaviour. It can also be used to conceal pills for dogs that require medication. Most dogs can eat cheese, but some dogs can be intolerant, and it is always a good idea to observe your dog closely after feeding them cheese for the first time. If you are unsure, consult your veterinarian.
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Some cheeses are toxic to dogs
While cheese isn't toxic to dogs, some cheeses do contain herbs and other ingredients that are harmful to dogs. For example, garlic, onions, chives, and other additions found in some cheeses are toxic to dogs. Therefore, it is best to avoid feeding your dog cheese with additives and instead opt for low-fat, low-sodium, and preferably low-lactose cheeses.
Some of the recommended cheeses for dogs include mozzarella, cottage cheese, and soft goat cheese. Cottage cheese is lower in fat and sodium than other cheeses, reducing the risk of obesity. It is also lower in lactose, which can help prevent intestinal upset. Additionally, skim mozzarella string cheese has one of the lowest amounts of lactose found in cheese. However, string cheese can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage, so it should be cut into small pieces suitable for the dog's size.
It is important to remember that cheese should be given to dogs in small-to-moderate quantities as part of a well-balanced diet. Treats should only make up about 10% of a dog's daily caloric intake, as too many calories can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Cheese is high in fat, and consuming too much can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. It could also lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs.
It is also crucial to observe your dog closely after feeding them cheese for the first time. Some dogs may have adverse reactions to cheese due to lactose intolerance or sensitivity. If you notice any signs of intestinal upset or other issues, consult your veterinarian before adding cheese to your dog's diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is not toxic to dogs, but it depends on the type of cheese and the individual dog. Cheese is high in fat, calories and salt, so it should be fed in moderation and should not account for more than 10% of a dog's daily caloric intake. Some dogs are intolerant to cheese and may experience intestinal upset, vomiting, sickness or diarrhoea.
Low-fat cheeses, such as mozzarella, cottage cheese and soft goat cheese, are healthier options for dogs. Cottage cheese is lower in fat, calories, lactose and sodium than other cheeses.
Cheese should be given in small amounts as an occasional treat. The amount of cheese a dog can handle depends on its size. Extra-small dogs (2-20 pounds) can have one or two pieces (½-inch wide by ¼-inch thick).
