Patrick Oconnell
Dogs love cheese, and it's often used as a training treat. But can our dogs eat cheddar cheese? In general, dogs can eat cheese, and most sources say cheddar is fine for dogs to eat in small amounts. However, some dogs are lactose intolerant, so monitor your dog for signs of intestinal upset after feeding cheese for the first time. Also, some cheeses contain herbs or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives, so always check the ingredients. Cheese is also high in fat, so it can cause weight gain and even lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Value | Cheddar cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. |
| Taste | Most dogs enjoy the taste of cheese. |
| Training Treat | Cheddar cheese is commonly used as a high-value reward during dog training. |
| Lactose | Cheddar cheese contains a small amount of lactose, which some dogs may be intolerant to. |
| Fat Content | Cheddar cheese is high in fat and should be fed to dogs in moderation to avoid weight gain and health issues such as pancreatitis. |
| Additives | Some cheeses contain additives like garlic, onions, chives, and herbs that can be toxic to dogs. Choose plain cheddar cheese without any additives. |
| Portion Size | Consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate portion size for your dog. Start with a small amount to ensure your dog tolerates it. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese is a good training treat for dogs
Cheddar cheese is also a good option because it is a strong-tasting cheese, so a little goes a long way. You can cut it into small cubes, which are easy for your dog to eat and perfect for training. You can even push a tablet into the centre of a small cube of cheddar cheese, and your dog will likely eat it without a second thought! This can be a good way to give your dog medication, although it is important to note that antibiotics should not be concealed in cheese as they may bind to the calcium, making the medication less effective.
Cheddar cheese is also a good source of calcium, which is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth in dogs. It also contains protein, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. However, it is important to remember that these nutrients are already included in your dog's regular, complete diet, so there is no need to add cheese to their diet. In fact, cheese has no outright health benefits for dogs and should be given as an occasional treat.
When giving your dog cheddar cheese, it is important to avoid giving them too much, as it is high in fat and can lead to weight gain and even pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. It is also important to avoid giving your dog any cheese with added ingredients that could be harmful, such as onion, garlic, herbs, or other toxic additions. Some dogs may also enjoy unpasteurised cheese, but it is not suitable for older dogs as it contains Listeria, a bacteria that poses a threat to their health. Overall, while cheddar cheese can be a good training treat for dogs, it should be given in moderation and with caution.
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Cheese is high in fat and can cause weight gain
Cheese is a tasty treat for dogs, and it can be a useful tool for training. However, it is important to remember that cheese is high in fat, and this can cause weight gain in dogs. While cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, it should be given sparingly as an occasional treat. Cheese can be a good way to conceal pills for dogs that require medication, but it is important to avoid using it to conceal antibiotics as they may bind to the calcium in the cheese, making the medication less effective.
High-fat foods can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs, and weight gain is a serious issue that can lead to obesity. Obesity can cause further health issues for dogs, so it is important to monitor their weight and ensure they are getting enough exercise. If your dog is already overweight, it is better to feed them healthier, low-calorie snacks like green beans or blueberries.
Some cheeses are higher in fat than others, so it is important to choose a leaner option. Cheddar cheese, for example, is a popular choice for training dogs, but it is high in fat. Cottage cheese is a better option as it is lower in fat and sodium, helping to reduce the risk of obesity. Mozzarella is another good option as it is high in nutritional value, containing vitamins A and D, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, protein, and sodium.
It is also important to remember that some dogs are lactose intolerant and may experience digestive issues if they consume too much cheese. If you are introducing cheese into your dog's diet for the first time, start with a small amount to ensure they can tolerate it. If your dog has any negative symptoms, stop giving them cheese and consult your veterinarian.
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Lactose intolerance in dogs
Although cheese is not toxic to dogs, it is still important to be cautious when feeding your dog cheese. This is because lactose intolerance in dogs is common, and some dogs may be allergic to dairy.
Lactose intolerance means your dog cannot digest dairy products. Specifically, they cannot digest lactose, the sugar in milk. Lactose intolerance in dogs can cause five main symptoms: diarrhoea, vomiting, bloating, nausea, and loss of appetite. Other symptoms include excessive flatulence, stomach pain, and increased gas. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog after consuming cheese or other dairy products, it is best to consult your veterinarian. They will likely recommend removing all dairy from your dog's diet and monitoring their symptoms.
If your dog is lactose intolerant, it is still possible for them to enjoy dairy in moderation. This is because the severity of the reaction depends on the amount of lactose in the food. The higher the lactose content, the higher the risk of digestive upset. For example, butter has a very low lactose content of around 0.8% to 1%, so it is less likely to cause a reaction. On the other hand, blue cheese should be avoided due to the mould used in its production, which dogs can be sensitive to.
Overall, while cheese can be a tasty treat for your dog, it is important to be cautious and monitor your dog's reaction, especially if they are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy.
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Cheese is a good source of calcium for dogs
However, it is important to remember that 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 better to feed your dog low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese.
Some dogs may be lactose intolerant and experience digestive issues if they consume too much cheese. It is recommended to start with a small amount of cheese to ensure your dog tolerates it. If your dog has any negative symptoms, stop giving them cheese and consult your veterinarian.
Additionally, some cheeses contain herbs or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives. It is best to avoid giving your dog cheese with these ingredients, as it can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Blue cheese, in particular, should be avoided due to the mould used in its production, which dogs can be sensitive to.
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Avoid blue cheese
While cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs, there are some varieties that should be avoided. One of these is blue cheese. Blue cheese is produced using a fungus that can be harmful to dogs and bring on a range of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures. The fungus helps give blue cheese its distinctive marbled look, but it also produces a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be sensitive to. This substance is a toxin that can be potentially fatal for dogs.
Even if your dog only consumes a small amount of blue cheese, it is important to monitor them for any symptoms in the hours after ingestion. If your dog starts to display any adverse reactions, contact your veterinarian immediately. Some common symptoms of roquefortine C poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhoea, and a loss of coordination or unbalanced gait.
The high-fat content of blue cheese can also be problematic for dogs. Cheese is already a high-fat food, and blue cheese tends to have even more fat. Consuming too much full-fat cheese can increase the risk of pancreatitis in dogs, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is best to avoid giving your dog blue cheese altogether.
In addition to blue cheese, it is important to avoid giving your dog any cheese with added ingredients that could be harmful, such as onion, garlic, or herbs. Some dogs may also be lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, so it is important to introduce cheese in small quantities and monitor your dog's reaction. If you are ever unsure about whether a particular food is safe for your dog, it is best to consult your veterinarian.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, dogs can eat cheddar cheese. Cheddar is a good option for concealing pills for dogs that require medication. However, it is important to remember that cheese is high in fat and should be fed in moderation.
Cheese should be fed to dogs in small amounts as a treat. Cheese is high in fat and can cause weight gain and even lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs.
Cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. It can also be used as a high-value reward when training your dog.
Some dogs are lactose intolerant and may experience digestive issues if they consume too much cheese. It is important to observe your dog closely for any signs of intestinal upset after feeding them cheese for the first time. Additionally, some cheeses contain herbs or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives.
