Bushra Griffith
Dogs can eat cheese, but not all kinds are safe for them. While cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals, it is also high in fat and calories. This means that cheese should be fed to dogs in moderation, and low-fat options like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese are preferable. Some dogs are also lactose intolerant, so it's important to monitor your dog's reaction when introducing cheese to their diet. Additionally, certain types of cheese, such as blue cheese, should be avoided due to the potential presence of toxins that can be harmful or even lethal to dogs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best types of cheese | Mozzarella, cottage cheese, soft goat cheese, Swiss cheese, feta cheese |
| Nutritional benefits | Protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, vitamin D, B-complex vitamins, phosphorus |
| Negative health impacts | Obesity, pancreatitis, lactose intolerance, sickness, diarrhoea, vomiting, upset stomach |
| Cheeses to avoid | Blue cheese (Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton), cheese with herbs, garlic, raisins, added flavours, high-fat cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Cheeses to avoid: blue cheese, garlic, raisins, herbs
While cheese can be a great training tool for dogs, especially puppies, it is best fed in moderation. Some cheeses are unsafe for dogs and can cause serious health issues.
Blue cheese, for instance, contains a fungus that can negatively affect dogs. This fungus gives blue cheese its distinctive marbled look, but it can also produce roquefortine C, which can be harmful to dogs. Therefore, it is advisable to contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog consumes a large amount of blue cheese.
Garlic is another ingredient found in some cheeses that is toxic to dogs. It contains thiosulfate, which causes oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to Heinz body hemolytic anemia. This is a serious condition where red blood cells malfunction or die. Even though garlic is toxic, it is sometimes found in small quantities in dog food and treats. It is important to always check the ingredients of cheese before feeding it to your dog to ensure it does not contain garlic or other toxic ingredients.
Raisins are also toxic to dogs and can cause acute kidney failure, which can be fatal. Even a small amount of raisin consumption can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, and lethargy within 12-24 hours. If your dog eats raisins, it is important to seek immediate veterinary assistance and treat it as an emergency.
Some herbs can also be harmful to dogs, such as English pennyroyal, which is a variety of mint. It contains the chemical pulegone, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, and even liver damage in extreme cases. It is always recommended to consult a veterinarian before introducing any new food item, including herbs, to your dog's diet.
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Low-fat cheeses: mozzarella, cottage cheese, goat cheese
While cheese can be a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins for dogs, it is important to remember that not all kinds of cheese are safe for them to eat. Some dogs can be intolerant of cheese, and even for dogs that can tolerate it, it is best fed in moderation. This is because cheese is high in fat and calories, and feeding too much to your dog regularly can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. It could also lead to more serious issues like pancreatitis, a potentially fatal illness in dogs.
Some cheeses that should be avoided include blue cheeses like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton, which can produce roquefortine, a toxin that could be lethal to dogs. Cheeses with added ingredients such as herbs, garlic, raisins, or other flavours should also be avoided, as these can be toxic to dogs and cause serious health issues. Goat cheese, brie, and feta have high levels of saturated fat, which makes them unhealthy for dogs to consume.
If your dog gets an upset stomach easily, cheese may cause sickness or diarrhea, so it is important to observe your dog closely after feeding them cheese for the first time. In general, it is recommended to feed your dog low-fat cheeses such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese. Mozzarella has high nutritional value, providing vitamins A and D, as well as calcium. Cottage cheese is lower in fat, sodium, and lactose, reducing the risk of obesity and intestinal upset.
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High-fat cheeses: goat, brie, feta
While cheese can be a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins for dogs, not all types of cheese are suitable for them. High-fat cheeses such as goat, brie, and feta should be avoided due to their high levels of saturated fat, which can make them unhealthy for dogs to consume.
Goat cheese, also known as chevre, is made from goat's milk. While it is generally safe for dogs to consume in small to moderate quantities, it is important to opt for low-fat or soft varieties. Hard goat cheeses tend to have a higher fat content, which can make them less suitable for dogs.
Brie cheese is a soft cheese with a mild flavour. It is made from cow's milk and has a high-fat content, which can make it unhealthy for dogs to consume in large quantities. However, in small amounts, it can be a tasty treat for dogs and can be used as a training reward.
Feta cheese is a salty and strong-flavoured cheese made from sheep, goat, or cow's milk. It has a crumbly texture and is usually shaped into a ball. While feta can provide a good source of calcium for dogs, it is important to remember that it is a high-fat cheese. As such, it should be given in moderation to avoid potential health issues such as weight gain, obesity, and pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening.
It is important to remember that while dogs can generally consume cheese, some dogs may be lactose intolerant or have sensitive stomachs, so it is always best to introduce new foods gradually and in small amounts to observe any potential adverse reactions.
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Upset stomachs and allergies
Dogs can be intolerant of cheese, and it is best fed in moderation. While cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins, it is also high in fat, sodium, and calories. As such, cheese can cause weight gain and obesity in dogs, as well as lead to more serious illnesses such as pancreatitis.
Some dogs are lactose intolerant, and cheese can cause intestinal upset, sickness, and diarrhoea. Dogs with sensitive stomachs should avoid cheese, especially cream cheese, as it contains extra fat and lactose. Cottage cheese is a better option, as it is lower in fat, calories, and lactose. Mozzarella is also a good choice, as it is relatively low in fat and lactose.
Blue cheese should be avoided, as the fungus used to make it produces roquefortine C, a substance that is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever. Other cheeses to avoid include those with added ingredients such as garlic, onions, and herbs, as these can be toxic to dogs and cause an upset stomach, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
If you are unsure whether your dog can eat cheese, it is best to discuss it with your veterinarian.
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Cheese as a treat during training
Cheese can be a great treat to use during training, especially for puppies, as most dogs love cheese. It is rich in protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals, which are beneficial to your dog's health. However, it is important to remember that cheese should be given in small-to-moderate quantities as part of a balanced diet. Treats should only make up a maximum of 10% of a dog's diet.
Some dogs can be intolerant of cheese, so it is important to observe your dog closely after feeding them cheese for the first time. If they show signs of an upset stomach, sickness, or diarrhea, avoid giving them cheese in the future. Dogs with severe lactose intolerance may have adverse reactions to cheese, even in small quantities, so it is better to feed your dog low-fat cheeses with lower lactose content, like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese.
It is also important to avoid feeding your dog blue cheeses like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton, as these can produce roquefortine, a toxin that is potentially lethal to dogs. Cheeses with added herbs, garlic, raisins, or other flavors should also be avoided, as these ingredients can be toxic to dogs and cause serious health issues.
If you are unsure whether cheese is safe for your dog to eat, it is best to discuss it with your veterinarian. Overall, while cheese can be a great treat during training, it should be given in moderation and with consideration for your dog's individual needs and tolerance.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, dogs can eat cheese, but it should be fed in small-to-moderate quantities.
Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. However, cheese is also high in fat and calories, so it should be given sparingly as a treat.
Blue cheeses, such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton, can be toxic and even lethal to dogs. Goat cheese, brie, and feta are also high in saturated fat, which can lead to serious health issues. Cheeses with added ingredients such as herbs, garlic, raisins, or onions should also be avoided, as these can be toxic to dogs.
If your dog gets an upset stomach easily, cheese may cause sickness or diarrhoea. If you are unsure, try giving them a small amount and monitor them for any adverse reactions. Some dogs may also be lactose intolerant, so keep them away from cheese or other dairy products if this is the case.
