Kamil Perry
Cheese is a popular treat for dogs and can be a great training tool, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks before feeding it to your puppy. While cheese is not toxic to dogs, it is high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain and obesity. Some dogs are also lactose intolerant, and even small amounts of cheese can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in puppies with sensitive stomachs. It's best to introduce cheese in small quantities and monitor your puppy's reaction, especially if they have any dietary sensitivities or health issues such as kidney problems. Additionally, some cheeses contain added ingredients like garlic and onions, which are toxic to dogs. Overall, while cheese can be an occasional treat, it should be fed in moderation as part of a balanced diet suitable for your puppy's nutritional needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can puppies eat cheese? | Yes, puppies can eat small amounts of cheese as an occasional treat. |
| How much cheese can puppies eat? | A piece of cheese roughly the size of a small plum (about 15-25 grams). Cheese should make up less than 10% of a dog's total calorie intake. |
| What type of cheese can puppies eat? | Low-fat cheeses such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese. Cheddar, cream cheese, and Yak cheese puffs are also safe for puppies to eat. |
| What type of cheese should puppies avoid? | Blue cheese, such as Stilton, as it contains a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be very sensitive to. Any cheese with added ingredients such as onion, garlic, herbs, or other toxic products. |
| How can cheese be fed to puppies? | Cheese can be used as a training reward, to conceal medication, as a frozen treat, or smeared inside a puzzle feeder. |
| What are the health benefits of feeding cheese to puppies? | Cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, and B-complex vitamins. |
| What are the health risks of feeding cheese to puppies? | Cheese is high in fat, which can lead to weight gain and potentially fatal illnesses such as pancreatitis. Cheese can also cause digestive issues, especially in lactose-intolerant dogs. |
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What You'll Learn
Puppies can eat cheese in moderation
Puppies can eat cheese, but only in moderation. Cheese is a great training tool, especially for puppies, as it is a high-value reward. It is also a good way to conceal pills for dogs that require medication. Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins, which are all beneficial to a puppy's health.
However, it is important to remember that cheese is high in fat, and feeding too much of it to your puppy regularly can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. It could even lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. Some puppies may also be intolerant of cheese, especially those with severe lactose intolerance, and it could lead to intestinal upset. It is important to observe your puppy closely for signs of intestinal upset after feeding cheese for the first time and consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about adding cheese to your puppy's diet.
To reduce the risk of obesity and lactose intolerance, it is recommended to feed your puppy low-fat cheeses, such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese. Cottage cheese, in particular, is lower in lactose, reducing the likelihood of intestinal upset. It is also important to avoid giving your puppy cheese with added ingredients that could be harmful, such as onion, garlic, herbs, or other toxic additions.
As a general rule, cheese should make up less than 10% of your puppy's total calorie intake and should be given as an occasional treat, no more than 2-3 times a week. A piece of cheese roughly the size of a small plum (about 15-25 grams) is a suitable amount for a puppy.
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Cheese is a great training tool
However, cheese should be fed to dogs in moderation. It 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. 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, or chives.
Therefore, it is better 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, thus reducing the likelihood of intestinal upset. Most hard cheeses have very little lactose, so they are also a good option.
If you are using cheese as a training treat, a piece of cheese roughly the size of a small plum (about 15-25 grams) is sufficient. You can also use pea-sized cubes of cheese during training commands like "come" or "stay".
It is important to observe your dog closely for signs of intestinal upset after feeding cheese for the first time and consult your veterinarian with any questions you may have about adding cheese to your dog's diet.
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Some dogs are intolerant to cheese
While most dogs can eat cheese, some dogs are intolerant. Cheese is a common staple of the human diet, and dogs are often eager to share in the experience. However, it is important to be aware of the potential for intolerance in some dogs.
Lactose intolerance is a common issue for dogs, with 80-90% of adult dogs being lactose intolerant to some degree. While cheese contains less lactose than whole milk, dogs with severe lactose intolerance may still have adverse reactions to cheese, even in small quantities. Signs of lactose intolerance include gas and diarrhoea. If your dog displays these symptoms, it is important to consult your veterinarian and consider reducing or eliminating cheese from their diet.
In addition to lactose intolerance, some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities to other ingredients commonly found in cheese. For example, blue cheese contains a fungus that produces roquefortine C, a substance to which dogs can be very sensitive. Other added ingredients, such as onions, garlic, herbs, or spices, can also be toxic to dogs. It is always important to check the ingredients list of the cheese before feeding it to your dog.
Furthermore, cheese is high in fat, and while this can provide a good source of healthy fats for dogs, excessive consumption can lead to weight gain and potential digestive issues, including pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. Therefore, it is recommended to feed cheese to dogs in moderation, ensuring it makes up less than 10% of their total calorie intake.
Overall, while most dogs can enjoy cheese as an occasional treat, it is important to be mindful of the potential for intolerance in some dogs. Close observation of your dog's reaction to cheese and consultation with your veterinarian are key to ensuring their health and well-being.
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Cheese is high in fat and can cause weight gain
Cheese is a common staple in the human diet, and it is no surprise that dogs love it too. While cheese is not toxic to dogs, it is high in fat, and feeding your puppy too much cheese can cause weight gain. Cheese should make up less than 10% of your puppy's total calorie intake.
High-fat foods like cheese can cause your puppy to gain weight, which can lead to obesity. Obesity is a serious health issue that can shorten your puppy's lifespan and lead to other health problems, such as joint pain and diabetes. Therefore, it is important to monitor your puppy's cheese consumption and ensure that it is given in moderation.
Some cheeses are lower in fat than others. For example, cottage cheese and mozzarella are lower in fat and sodium, making them better options for your puppy. You can also give your puppy reduced-fat cheddar or soft goat cheese as a treat. These lower-fat options can help reduce the risk of obesity while still providing your puppy with the taste they love.
It is also important to remember that not all dogs digest cheese well. While cheese contains less lactose than whole milk, dogs with severe lactose intolerance may have adverse reactions even to small quantities. Observe your puppy closely after feeding them cheese for the first time, and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
In conclusion, while cheese can be a tasty treat for your puppy, it is important to remember that it is high in fat and can cause weight gain if consumed in excess. Moderation is key, and by offering low-fat options and monitoring your puppy's intake, you can help keep them healthy and happy.
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Blue cheese is toxic to dogs
While cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs, not all cheeses are suitable for canine consumption. Blue cheese, for instance, is considered toxic to dogs due to the presence of certain substances produced during its manufacturing process.
The fungus used in making blue cheeses like Stilton can create a compound called roquefortine C, which dogs may be highly sensitive to. This substance can lead to adverse reactions in dogs, with symptoms varying from mild to severe. While some dogs may experience vomiting or diarrhoea due to the rich, fatty nature of blue cheese, others may exhibit more serious signs, such as a high temperature. The severity of symptoms often depends on the amount of blue cheese consumed, with larger portions posing greater risks.
It is important to closely monitor your dog after any consumption of blue cheese. If you notice any concerning symptoms, such as a high temperature, prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea, or changes in gum colour, contact your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to provide specific advice and treatment based on your dog's condition.
To ensure your puppy's health and safety, it is generally recommended to avoid feeding them blue cheese. There are other cheese varieties, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, and soft goat cheese, that are safer options for occasional treats. These cheeses are lower in fat and sodium, reducing the risk of obesity and digestive issues in puppies.
Additionally, it is worth noting that cheese, in general, is high in fat, which can cause weight gain and lead to obesity in dogs. It can also contribute to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness. Therefore, even when opting for safer cheese alternatives, moderation is key. Always observe your puppy's reaction after introducing new foods and consult your veterinarian for tailored advice regarding your puppy's diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese isn't inherently bad for puppies, but it should be fed in moderation and used as an occasional treat. Puppies have sensitive stomachs, so too much cheese can lead to weight gain and digestive issues.
Low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese are better options for puppies. Cheddar cheese is also a good option as it is naturally lower in lactose. Avoid giving your puppy high-fat cheeses like cream cheese and brie, and never feed them blue cheese.
The amount of cheese fed to a puppy should be roughly the size of a small plum or about 15-25 grams. Cheese should make up less than 10% of your puppy's total calorie intake and should only be given 2-3 times a week.
