Andy Montoya
Dogs can eat cheese, but not all cheese is safe for them. While cheese is often used as a training treat, it should be fed in moderation and only if your dog is not lactose intolerant or prone to weight gain. Cheese can be toxic to dogs if it contains garlic, onions, chives, mould or fungus. Blue cheese, for example, contains a fungus that produces a toxic mycotoxin called roquefortine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures and even seizures in dogs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can dogs eat cheese? | Yes, but in moderation. |
| Nutritional value | Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamins, and fatty acids. |
| Lactose intolerance | Dogs can be lactose intolerant, and their intolerance can vary. |
| Allergies | Dogs with dairy allergies should not eat cheese. |
| Digestive issues | Cheese can cause vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and other GI issues. |
| Pancreatitis | Cheese can lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. |
| Toxic ingredients | Blue cheese contains a toxic mould. Other toxic ingredients include garlic, onions, and chives. |
| Training | Cheese is often used as a high-value reward during training. |
| Pills | Cheese can be used to hide pills or tablets. |
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What You'll Learn
Dogs can eat cheese, but in moderation
Dogs can eat cheese, but only in moderation. While cheese is not toxic to dogs, it is high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain and obesity. As such, cheese should be given as an occasional treat and should not make up more than 10% of a dog's daily calorie intake.
Lactose intolerance is the most common food intolerance in canines, and many dogs are allergic to dairy. As such, it is important to monitor a dog closely for signs of intestinal upset after feeding them cheese for the first time. Symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs include vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and flatulence. If a dog shows any of these symptoms, it is best to stop giving them cheese and consult a veterinarian.
Some types of cheese, such as blue cheese, are particularly dangerous for dogs. Blue cheese contains a fungus that produces a toxic mycotoxin called roquefortine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures in dogs. Other cheeses to avoid include those with added ingredients such as onion, garlic, chives, and herbs, which can be toxic to dogs.
When choosing cheese to feed a dog, it is best to opt for low-fat, low-sodium, and low-lactose varieties. Mozzarella, cottage cheese, and soft goat cheese are good options. Cheese can be a useful training treat for dogs and can also be used to conceal pills or medication. However, it is important to remember that cheese is just that—a treat—and should not be a staple in a dog's diet.
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Lactose intolerance is common in dogs
While dogs can eat cheese, it should only be given in moderation as a treat or training tool. Most cheese is not toxic to dogs and can be a good source of protein, calcium, vitamins, and fatty acids. However, some cheeses can be harmful or even fatal, and many dogs are lactose intolerant.
Lactose intolerance is the most common food intolerance in dogs. Lactose is a sugar found in milk, and while puppies can digest their mother's milk, they gradually lose this ability as they age. As a result, many dogs are lactose intolerant and cannot properly digest dairy products. The level of intolerance varies, with some dogs unable to tolerate milk but able to eat small amounts of hard cheese, which naturally contains less lactose. Dogs with severe lactose intolerance may have adverse reactions to cheese, even in small quantities.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs include vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence, and other gastrointestinal issues. If your dog displays any of these symptoms after consuming cheese, stop feeding them cheese and consult your veterinarian. To test if your dog can tolerate cheese, introduce a small amount and wait 24 hours to observe any negative reactions.
If your dog can tolerate cheese, it is important to choose the right type and amount. Low-fat, low-sodium, and low-lactose cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese are recommended. Aged cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and Swiss also have lower lactose levels. However, cheese is generally high in fat and calories, so it should be given in moderation and avoided if your dog is overweight or prone to obesity-related conditions like pancreatitis.
In addition to lactose intolerance, some dogs may have dairy allergies, reacting negatively to the proteins in cheese. Blue cheese, in particular, should be avoided as the mould that gives it its colour can be toxic to dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and seizures. Other cheeses may contain toxic additives like garlic, onions, chives, and herbs. Always check the ingredients and consult your veterinarian before feeding cheese to your dog.
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Cheese can be a good source of protein and calcium for dogs
While most dogs can eat cheese, it should be given in moderation and only as a treat. Cheese can be a good source of protein and calcium for dogs, but it is also high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain and obesity. It is also important to avoid giving dogs cheese with added ingredients that could be harmful, such as garlic, onions, chives, and blue cheese with mould or fungus.
Cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs, and it is often used as a training tool to reward good behaviour. It can also be a helpful way to give dogs medication by hiding pills or tablets inside. However, it is important to remember that cheese should not be a staple in a dog's diet and should only make up a small part of their daily calorie intake.
When introducing cheese to a dog's diet, it is recommended to start with a small amount and monitor the dog for any signs of intolerance or digestive issues. Some dogs may be lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies, so caution should be exercised when feeding them cheese. Symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs include vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and other gastrointestinal problems.
Low-fat and low-sodium cheeses, such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese, are generally safer options for dogs. These varieties are lower in lactose and can reduce the risk of intestinal upset. Aged cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and Swiss are also lower in lactose due to the ageing process. However, even aged cheeses can upset dogs with severe intolerances.
Overall, while cheese can be a good source of protein and calcium for dogs, it should be given in moderation and with consideration for the individual dog's dietary needs and tolerance levels. It is always important to consult with a veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about adding cheese to your dog's diet.
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Blue cheese is toxic to dogs
While cheese can be a good source of protein, calcium, fatty acids, and vitamins for dogs, not all types of cheese are safe for them to eat. Blue cheese, in particular, is considered toxic to dogs.
Blue cheese is ripened with a fungus that produces a toxic mycotoxin called roquefortine C, to which dogs can be very sensitive. While blue cheese is safe for human consumption, it can be toxic to dogs and even cause death within a few hours to a few days. If your dog has ingested blue cheese, it is important to seek immediate medical care.
Symptoms of roquefortine C poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures. The risk of developing these symptoms increases with the amount of blue cheese consumed. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor your dog closely and contact your veterinarian right away if any of these signs appear.
It is worth noting that other types of cheese, such as cream cheese, may also contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs, such as chives, onions, garlic, smoked salmon, and herbs. High-fat cheeses can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if consumed in large quantities. As such, it is recommended to give cheese to dogs in moderation, and only as an occasional treat, while ensuring it does not exceed ten percent of their daily calorie intake.
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Cheese is high in fat and sodium
Cheese is a popular treat for dogs, and it can be a great training tool, especially for puppies. However, it is important to remember that cheese is high in fat and sodium, which can have negative health impacts on dogs.
Cheese is a high-fat food, and feeding too much of it to dogs can lead to weight gain and obesity. Obesity in dogs can cause various health problems, including pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness. High-fat foods can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if consumed in large quantities. Therefore, it is recommended to feed dogs low-fat cheeses, such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese.
In addition to the high-fat content, cheese also tends to be high in sodium. A high-salt diet can be harmful to dogs, especially those with kidney disease. Aged cheeses, such as provolone, tend to be higher in sodium, so it is best to avoid giving large amounts of these cheeses to dogs or to avoid them altogether if your dog has any health issues.
While cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs, it is important to feed it in moderation. The recommended serving size of cheese for dogs depends on their weight and tolerance, but it should generally only make up around 10% of their daily calorie intake. It is also important to consider the type of cheese being fed to dogs, as some varieties, such as blue cheese, can be toxic to dogs due to the presence of certain moulds or additives.
Overall, while dogs can safely consume cheese in moderation, it is important to be mindful of the high-fat and high-sodium content and to choose low-fat and low-sodium varieties whenever possible.
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Frequently asked questions
Smoked cheese should be avoided as it can be high in sodium and fat. In general, cheese is not toxic to dogs and can be fed in moderation, but it is not a necessary part of a dog's diet.
Blue cheese and other mouldy cheeses are toxic to dogs and should be avoided. Cheeses with additives such as garlic, onions, and chives should also be avoided as they can be toxic to dogs.
The mould in blue cheese produces a substance called roquefortine C, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures in dogs. If your dog has ingested blue cheese, contact your vet immediately.
Low-fat cheeses such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, and soft goat cheese are good options for dogs. Hard and aged cheeses are also a safe bet.
Cheese should be given to dogs in moderation and should not make up more than 10% of their daily calorie intake. The amount of cheese a dog can eat depends on its weight, tolerance, and energy level.
