Patrick Oconnell
Dogs and cheese—it's a combination that many pet owners are curious about. While cheese isn't toxic to dogs, it's not an essential part of their diet either. Cheese is high in fat, salt, and calories, and can cause weight gain and even pancreatitis in dogs. Some dogs are also lactose intolerant, which can lead to intestinal upset. However, cheese can be given as an occasional treat in moderation, and it's a great reward for training dogs, especially for tricky commands. So, is your dog getting enough cheese? The answer is probably no, but that's okay—there are plenty of other healthy treats to give your furry friend!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can dogs eat cheese? | Yes, but in limited quantities as an occasional treat. |
| Is cheese toxic to dogs? | No, but some dogs may be lactose intolerant or have milk protein allergies. |
| Recommended cheeses | Mozzarella, ricotta, cottage cheese, and low-sodium, reduced-fat cheese. |
| Cheeses to avoid | Blue cheese, flavoured cheeses, high-salt content cheeses (feta, halloumi), cream cheese, and cheeses with added ingredients (e.g., garlic, raisins). |
| Benefits of cheese for dogs | High in calcium, protein, zinc, phosphorus, vitamin A, and vitamin B12; useful for training and concealing medication. |
| Risks of excessive cheese consumption | Obesity, pancreatitis, stomach upset, constipation, diarrhoea, and allergic reactions. |
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What You'll Learn
Dogs can eat cheese, but only in small amounts
Just like humans, some dogs are incapable of digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Lactose intolerance in dogs can be mild or severe, with symptoms ranging from loose stool and gas to vomiting and loss of appetite. If your dog shows any signs of lactose intolerance or allergic reaction after consuming cheese, stop feeding them dairy and consult your vet.
When feeding your dog cheese, it's important to choose the right type. Avoid blue cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola, which contain mould that dogs can be sensitive to. Also, stay away from cheeses with added ingredients like chilli, garlic, or raisins, which may be toxic to dogs. Instead, opt for lower-fat and lower-sodium options like mozzarella, ricotta, or cottage cheese.
Cheese can be a tasty treat for your dog, but it should only be given occasionally and in small amounts. It's always a good idea to consult your vet before feeding your dog any new food, including cheese, to ensure it is safe for your pet's individual needs.
If you want to give your dog cheese, you can grate it and give them a small pinch at a time as a treat. This way, you can maximise the reward effect without overfeeding your dog. Low-sodium, reduced-fat cheese that comes in a tube can also be squeezed into a dog toy to help keep your dog entertained and reduce separation anxiety.
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Lactose intolerance in dogs
While cheese is not toxic to dogs, it is important to be mindful of your dog's individual sensitivities before feeding them cheese. Just like humans, some dogs are lactose intolerant and incapable of digesting lactose, a sugar naturally found in milk and dairy products. Lactose intolerance in dogs can manifest through loose stool, bad gas, bloating, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
The degree of lactose intolerance varies among dogs, and the only way to know for sure how well your dog’s system can handle it is to talk to your veterinarian. Lactose intolerance in dogs is manageable, and your dog can still lead a healthy life even if they have to go dairy-free. Treatment for lactose intolerance generally involves removing all dairy from your dog’s diet and monitoring their symptoms to see how they react to the dietary changes.
If you want to treat your dog with cheese, it is recommended to stick with mozzarella, ricotta, cottage cheese, or churpi cheese, which has a lower fat content and a higher protein value. It is important to feed cheese to your dog in moderation, as it is high in fat and can lead to weight gain and major digestive issues.
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The best types of cheese for dogs
While cheese is not toxic to dogs, it is still important to be cautious when feeding your dog cheese for the first time. Some dogs are lactose intolerant, and too much cheese can lead to obesity and pancreatitis. It is recommended that you consult your vet before feeding your dog cheese to avoid any dangerous reactions.
If your dog can tolerate lactose, cheese can be a nourishing treat. Cheese is packed with nutrients such as protein, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and essential fatty acids. These nutrients are all essential for your dog's wellbeing.
When choosing a cheese for your dog, it is best to avoid highly processed cheeses that are filled with sodium and fat. Cheddar, Swiss, and goat cheese are high in fat, as is blue cheese, which can also cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs as they do not have the enzymes necessary to digest it. Cream cheese, while lower in sodium and fat, can still lead to stomach upset due to its lactose content.
Mozzarella, ricotta, cottage cheese, parmesan, romano, and provolone are healthier options with high nutritional value. Feta cheese can also be a good option, as it can help boost your dog's mood and reduce anxiety, although it is high in salt. Remember to always feed your dog cheese in moderation, cutting it into small cubes to limit the amount you give to them.
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Blue cheese and other cheeses to avoid
While cheese is not inherently toxic to dogs, some types of cheese should be avoided due to their potential negative impact on a dog's health. One such type is blue cheese.
Blue cheese is produced using a fungus that can be harmful to dogs. This fungus gives blue cheese its distinctive marbled appearance, but it can also produce a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be sensitive to. Roquefortine C can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures in dogs. Therefore, it is recommended to keep your dog away from blue cheeses such as Stilton and other French cheeses. If your dog accidentally consumes a small amount of blue cheese, they should be fine, but it is important to monitor them for any symptoms and contact your vet if necessary.
In addition to blue cheese, there are other types of cheese that are best avoided or given sparingly due to their high fat and sodium content. These include cheddar, Swiss, goat's cheese, brie, feta, and cream cheese. High-fat cheeses can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if consumed in large quantities. They can also contribute to weight gain and obesity in dogs.
Cottage cheese, on the other hand, is generally considered safe for dogs in small amounts. It is fermented and lower in lactose, but it is important to check the label as some brands may contain added milk products, increasing the lactose content.
Overall, while cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs, it should be given in moderation and only make up about 10% of their daily calories. It is always a good idea to consult your vet before introducing any new food to your dog's diet and to be cautious when giving your dog cheese for the first time.
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Cheese as a training aid
While cheese is not toxic to dogs, it is still important to be mindful of how much cheese your dog consumes. Dogs can be lactose intolerant, and too much cheese can lead to obesity and pancreatitis. As such, cheese should be fed to dogs in moderation, as an occasional treat.
Cheese is packed with nutrients such as protein, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, vitamin A, and vitamin B12. It is also a tasty treat for dogs, and most dogs love cheese. This makes cheese a great training aid for food-motivated dogs. One way to maximise the reward effect of cheese is to grate it and give your dog a small pinch at a time. Low-sodium, reduced-fat cheese that comes in a tube and can be squeezed into a dog toy is also a great option. This will give your dog something fun to interact with and can help reduce separation anxiety.
It is important to avoid certain types of cheese that may be harmful to dogs. Blue cheeses such as Stilton, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola are made using a fungus called Penicillium roqueforti, which dogs can be sensitive to. Other cheeses to avoid are those with added ingredients that may be toxic or poisonous to dogs, such as garlic or raisins. Cheeses with high salt content, such as feta and halloumi, should also be avoided. Cream cheese should be avoided as well, as it contains extra fat and lactose, which can lead to stomach upset.
If you are giving cheese to your dog for the first time, start with a small amount and see if there is any reaction. If your dog shows any signs of an allergic reaction, stop feeding them dairy and consult your vet.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. However, dogs would be getting these nutrients from their regular, complete diet anyway. Cheese is also high in fat, calories, and salt, and can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. It can also cause stomach upset and some dogs are even lactose intolerant. Therefore, cheese should be given as a treat in very small amounts.
It is best to feed your dog low-fat cheeses, like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or a soft goat cheese. Cottage cheese is lower in fat, sodium, and lactose, thus reducing the risk of obesity and intestinal upset. Cheddar cheese is also a good option as it has little lactose.
Cheese should be fed to dogs in small-to-moderate quantities. Your dog should get no more than a few small bites of cheese each day, depending on their lactose tolerance and size. If your dog manages to eat a whole block or a large amount of cheese, they may vomit.
