Patrick Oconnell
Dogs love cheese, but can they eat it? The answer is yes, in moderation. Cheese is not toxic to dogs, but it is high in fat, which can lead to weight gain and even obesity. It can also cause digestive issues, especially in dogs with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. As such, it is best to feed dogs low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese in small amounts as an occasional treat. Blue cheese, cream cheese, and cheese with added ingredients like garlic, onions, or chives should be avoided as they can be harmful or toxic to dogs. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog's diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can dogs eat cheese? | Yes, in moderation. |
| Are there any health benefits? | Cheese is a source of protein, calcium, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. |
| Are there any health risks? | Cheese is high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain. It can also cause an upset stomach, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, flatulence, and other GI problems. Dogs may also be lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies. Pancreatitis may develop in severe cases. |
| What types of cheese should be avoided? | Blue cheese, goat's cheese, feta, brie, pepper jack cheese, spicy siracha cheddar, cheese with garlic, onions, chives, herbs, preservatives, nitrates, and other processed ingredients. |
| What types of cheese are safe? | Cottage cheese, mozzarella, soft goat cheese, gouda, Swiss cheese, cheddar, and gouda. |
| How much cheese should be fed to dogs? | Small amounts to see how they react. |
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What You'll Learn
Dogs can eat cheese, but only in moderation
Some dogs may be lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies, so use caution when feeding them cheese for the first time. If they don't have any side effects like an upset stomach, you can continue to feed them cheese in small amounts. It is also important to avoid giving dogs blue cheese, as the fungus involved in its production can produce a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be very sensitive to.
Cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients like vitamins and minerals that dogs need. It can help maintain strong bones and teeth, and healthy bones are vital to helping dogs lead an active lifestyle. However, it should be given as an occasional treat alongside a healthy, balanced diet. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the safest kind of cheese and the appropriate portion size for your dog.
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Some cheeses are toxic to dogs
While cheese is not toxic to dogs, some cheeses contain ingredients that can be harmful to them. For example, blue cheese contains a fungus that produces a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs are sensitive to and can cause them to vomit. Therefore, it is best to keep dogs away from blue cheese such as stilton.
Cheese with added ingredients such as onions, garlic, herbs, or other additions can also be harmful to dogs. These added ingredients can be toxic to dogs. Spicy cheeses, such as pepper jack cheese or spicy siracha cheddar, may also cause an upset stomach and should be avoided.
Cheese with preservatives like nitrates and other processed components may also be toxic to dogs. Unpasteurised cheese, for example, contains listeria, a bacteria that is a health threat to dogs.
In general, it is recommended to feed dogs low-fat cheeses such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese as an occasional treat.
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Cheese can be used as a training treat
Cheese is often used as a high-value reward during training because it is so tasty to dogs. It can be a great way to encourage your dog to show you the behaviour you have asked of them. For example, if your dog struggles with recall, giving them a small cube of cheese when they return to you when asked will help them learn that coming back when called is a good thing. You can also try hiding the cheese under your dog's regular food to make them work for the special treat.
It is important to note that some cheeses should be avoided, such as blue cheese, which contains a fungus that can produce a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be very sensitive to. Cheeses with added ingredients such as onion, garlic, herbs, or other additives that could be toxic to dogs should also be avoided. Always check the ingredients and consult your veterinarian before incorporating cheese into your dog's diet to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their health, diet needs, and current medications.
While cheese can be a tasty treat for your dog, it should not be a meal replacement. It should be given as an occasional treat alongside a healthy, balanced diet. If your dog has any negative symptoms or side effects after consuming cheese, stop giving it to them and consult your veterinarian.
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Cheese is high in fat, so monitor weight
Cheese is a tasty treat for dogs, but it is high in fat, so it should be fed in moderation to small dogs to monitor their weight. While cheese is not toxic to dogs, they are born with lactose intolerance, and some dogs are also allergic to dairy. As such, cheese should be fed to dogs as an occasional treat, and only in small quantities.
Cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, potassium, and zinc for dogs, and it can be beneficial for training purposes. However, due to its high fat content, it can cause weight gain if fed in large amounts. It is important to choose low-fat cheeses such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese, and to avoid fatty cheeses like brie, feta, and goat cheese.
Cream cheese, for example, is very high in fat and can contribute to obesity in dogs. It is also important to avoid giving dogs cheese with added ingredients such as onions, garlic, herbs, or other toxic additives. Blue cheese, in particular, should be avoided as the fungus involved in its production can produce a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be very sensitive to.
Before incorporating cheese into a dog's diet, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the safest kind and appropriate portion size. This is especially important for small dogs, as they have smaller stomachs and are more susceptible to weight gain.
If fed in moderation, cheese can be a tasty and nutritious treat for small dogs, but it is important to monitor their weight and overall health to ensure they maintain a healthy weight.
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Consult a vet before adding cheese to a dog's diet
While cheese is not toxic to dogs, it is still important to consult a vet before adding cheese to a dog's diet. This is because dogs lack the digestive enzyme lactase, meaning they are born with lactose intolerance. Some dogs are more severely lactose intolerant than others, and may experience intestinal upset or other negative symptoms after consuming cheese. If your dog displays any unusual behaviour or negative symptoms after eating cheese, you should contact your vet immediately.
In addition, cheese is high in fat, so too much can cause your dog to gain unwanted weight. If your dog is already overweight, it is recommended to feed them healthier snacks such as green beans or blueberries. Cheese also has a high calorie content, so pet owners concerned about their dog's weight should avoid feeding them cheese. If your dog has had pancreatitis, a serious and life-threatening digestive disorder, you should also avoid feeding them cheese.
Furthermore, some cheeses contain ingredients that can be toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, chives, and the mould or fungus in blue cheese. Cheese puffs, which have a lot of fat and sodium, should also be avoided. Therefore, it is important to check the ingredients of any cheese you plan to feed your dog, and only give them cheese in moderation.
Overall, while cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs, it is always best to consult a vet before adding it to their diet to ensure it is safe for your dog's individual needs and current health.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, dogs can eat cheese, but it should be fed in moderation and as an occasional treat. Cheese is high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain. It is best to opt for low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese.
Blue cheese should be avoided due to the fungus it contains, which can be harmful to dogs. Cheeses with added ingredients such as onions, garlic, chives, herbs, or other toxic additives should also be avoided. Cream cheese is not recommended due to its high-fat content.
It is recommended to start with a small amount of cheese to see how your dog reacts. If they do not show any negative symptoms, you can gradually increase the amount, but always feed in moderation. Cheese should be a treat and not a meal, and it should be factored into your dog's daily balanced diet. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the safest kind and appropriate portion size for your dog.
