Patrick Oconnell
Dogs can eat cheese, and most dogs love it, but many dogs can be intolerant. 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. Cheese also contains high amounts of salt, which can be dangerous for dogs with kidney disease. In addition, cheese contains lactose, and while cheese contains little lactose when compared to whole milk, dogs with severe lactose intolerance may have adverse reactions to cheese, even in small quantities. Furthermore, some cheeses contain herbs or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic and onion. Therefore, it is best to feed your dog low-fat cheeses, like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese, and to feed cheese in moderation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | Cheese is not toxic to dogs, except for blue cheese. |
| Nutritional Benefits | Cheese contains calcium, protein, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin B12. |
| Health Risks | Obesity, pancreatitis, lactose intolerance, vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, seizures, intestinal blockage, choking hazard. |
| Recommended Consumption | Occasional treat in small amounts, not exceeding 10% of the dog's daily caloric intake. |
| Recommended Types | Low-fat, low-sodium, low-lactose cheeses like cottage cheese, mozzarella, soft goat cheese, and reduced-fat cheddar. |
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What You'll Learn
Dogs can eat cheese, but it should be in moderation
Some dogs can also be intolerant of cheese, and even small amounts can trigger vomiting and diarrhoea in younger dogs. Therefore, it is best to feed your dog low-fat cheeses, like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese. Cottage cheese, in particular, is lower in fat, sodium, and lactose, which can help reduce the risk of obesity and intestinal upset.
If you are giving cheese to your dog for the first time, start with a small amount to see how their body reacts. Cheese should be given as an occasional treat, and treats of any kind should only make up 10% of your dog's diet. It is always a good idea to discuss your dog's diet and nutrition with your veterinarian.
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Cheese is high in fat, sodium and lactose
Cheese is not toxic to dogs, and it can be a great training tool, especially for puppies. However, it is high in fat, sodium, and lactose, which can cause health issues for dogs if consumed in large quantities.
Cheese is a dairy product that contains high amounts of saturated fat and salt. While cheese is not toxic to dogs, feeding it to them repeatedly over an extended period can cause health issues due to its high-fat content. Obesity is a common concern, as dogs can gain weight from consuming fatty foods regularly. Even small amounts of cheese can trigger vomiting and diarrhoea in younger dogs with more sensitive stomachs.
Some dogs can develop pancreatitis from eating cheese if they are sensitive to fat. Pancreatitis is a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. In addition to the high-fat content, cheese can also contain herbs or other additives that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and nutmeg. These ingredients can be harmful to dogs, so it is important to check the ingredients before feeding cheese to your dog.
Cheese is also high in sodium, which can be problematic for dogs with kidney disease. The high salt content in cheese can exacerbate kidney problems in dogs. Additionally, cheese is high in lactose, and dogs do not possess significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose. As a result, cheese can cause diarrhoea or other digestive issues in dogs.
While cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs, it should be given in moderation and small portions. It is recommended to discuss your dog's diet and nutrition with your veterinarian to ensure their individual health needs are met.
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Some dogs are intolerant to cheese
While cheese is not toxic to dogs, it is still important to be cautious when feeding it to your dog, as some dogs are intolerant to cheese. Dogs do not possess significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk, so milk and other dairy-based products can cause them diarrhoea or other digestive issues.
Some dogs are lactose intolerant, and cheese can cause flatulence, discomfort, diarrhoea, or vomiting. Puppies, in particular, have more sensitive stomachs than adult dogs, so even small amounts of cheese can trigger vomiting and diarrhoea in younger dogs. If you are giving cheese to your dog for the first time, it is recommended to give them a small amount to see how their body reacts.
Cheese is high in fat, and feeding it to your dog regularly can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. Some dogs can even develop pancreatitis the first time they eat cheese if they are sensitive to fat. High-fat cheeses can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if your dog consumes a lot of them.
If your dog has an allergy or intolerance to dairy, they should not eat cheese at all. It is recommended to feed your dog low-fat cheeses, like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese. Cottage cheese is lower in fat, sodium, and lactose, which helps reduce the risk of obesity and intestinal upset.
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Cheese can be used as a training tool
Cheese is a popular training tool because it is a high-value reward, and most dogs find it irresistible. It can be used to reward a dog when they exhibit good behaviour, such as remaining calm around other dogs or going into their crate willingly. Cheese can also be used to conceal pills for dogs that require medication.
When giving cheese to a dog for the first time, it is important to start with a small amount to see how their body reacts, as some dogs can be lactose intolerant. It is also important to choose a low-fat, low-sodium, and preferably low-lactose cheese, such as cottage cheese or mozzarella. High-fat cheeses can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if consumed in large quantities.
It is important to note that some cheeses, such as blue cheese, should be avoided altogether as they contain substances that can be toxic to dogs. Additionally, some cheeses may contain added ingredients, such as onions, garlic, or herbs, which can be harmful to dogs. Therefore, it is always a good idea to discuss your dog's diet and nutrition with your veterinarian.
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Consult a veterinarian before giving cheese to your dog
While cheese is not toxic to dogs, it is always a good idea to consult a veterinarian before introducing any new food to your dog's diet. This is especially important if you plan to give your dog cheese as a treat or reward during training.
Cheese can be a tasty and nutritious treat for dogs, but it is important to remember that it should be given in moderation. Some dogs may be intolerant to cheese, and even small amounts can cause flatulence, discomfort, diarrhoea, or vomiting. Puppies, in particular, have more sensitive stomachs, and cheese can trigger vomiting and diarrhoea in younger dogs. Therefore, it is crucial to introduce cheese in small amounts and observe your dog's reaction. If you notice any signs of intestinal upset or other adverse reactions, it is best to discontinue giving them cheese and consult your veterinarian.
When choosing cheese for your dog, opt for low-fat, low-sodium, and low-lactose varieties. Cottage cheese and mozzarella are good options as they have lower fat and lactose content. However, it is important to be mindful of the total amount of cheese you give your dog, as even low-fat varieties can contribute to weight gain if given in excess. Treats, including cheese, should only make up about 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake, with the remaining 90% coming from a well-balanced dog food.
Additionally, some cheeses contain added ingredients that can be harmful to dogs, such as onions, garlic, herbs, or other toxic additives. Blue cheese, for example, should be avoided due to the presence of a fungus that produces roquefortine C, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures in dogs. Always check the ingredients and choose plain varieties of cheese to minimise the risk of exposing your dog to potentially harmful substances.
In summary, while cheese can be a tasty treat for your dog, it is important to consult your veterinarian first and introduce it to your dog's diet gradually and in moderation. Observe your dog's reaction and discontinue if any adverse effects occur. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your dog enjoys cheese safely and as part of a balanced diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is not toxic to dogs, but some dogs can be lactose intolerant, leading to flatulence, discomfort, diarrhoea, or vomiting.
Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins.
It is recommended to feed your dog low-fat cheeses, such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese. Cottage cheese is lower in fat, sodium, and lactose, which can help reduce the risk of obesity and intestinal issues.
Cheese should be given in moderation and should not exceed 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. The amount of cheese a dog can handle also depends on its size.
Yes, cheese is often used as a training tool, especially for puppies. However, it is important to consult your veterinarian before including cheese in your dog's diet.
