Cheese Treats For Dogs: Which Types Are Safe?

Dogs can eat cheese, but not all types are safe for them. Cheese is often used as a training treat, but it should be fed in moderation due to its high fat content. Mozzarella, cottage cheese, and soft goat cheese are good low-fat options for dogs. Cheddar is also safe for dogs, but only in small doses, as it can be harder for them to digest. Blue cheese should be avoided, as it can be toxic and cause lethargy, excessive panting, and tachycardia. Cheeses with added herbs, garlic, or raisins should also be avoided, as these ingredients can be harmful to dogs.

What Kind of Cheese is Best for Dogs?

Mozzarella is a good option

Mozzarella is high in nutritional value, containing vitamins A and D, as well as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, protein, and sodium. It is a good source of calcium, with 18.3 mg of calcium per 1 ½ oz serving.

However, it is important to remember that cheese should be fed to dogs in moderation, as it is high in fat and can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. It could also lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. Therefore, it is recommended that treats, including cheese, should only make up 10 to 15% of a dog's daily calorie intake.

Some dogs may also be lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies, so it is important to introduce cheese in small amounts and observe your dog's reaction. If your dog has any negative symptoms, such as an upset stomach, vomiting, or constipation, discontinue giving them cheese and consult your veterinarian.

Avoid blue cheese

While cheese can be a great treat for dogs, there are some types of cheese that should be avoided. One of these is blue cheese.

Blue cheese, such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton, can be dangerous for dogs due to the fungus it contains. This fungus can produce a compound called roquefortine C, which is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, and fever. In large enough amounts, it can even lead to lethargy, excessive panting, and tachycardia (rapid heart rate). Fatal canine poisoning from roquefortine is possible, so it's best to keep blue cheese away from your dog altogether.

The mould in blue cheese is also risky for dogs because they lack the necessary enzymes to digest it. Consumption of blue cheese by dogs can lead to digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea.

Additionally, blue cheese tends to be high in sodium and fat, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity in dogs. A high-fat diet can also lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal condition in dogs.

Therefore, it is essential to avoid giving your dog blue cheese and opt for safer, low-fat, and low-lactose cheese varieties instead.

Cheddar in small doses

Cheddar cheese is a common household cheese and is generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts. It has a relatively low level of salt and contains a little lactose, making it a good treat for dogs. It is also a great source of calcium, protein, potassium, and zinc.

However, it is important to remember that cheddar cheese is high in fat, and too much can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. It could even lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. Therefore, it is recommended to give your dog low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese instead.

Some dogs may also be lactose intolerant and will feel very sick if they eat cheese. If you suspect your dog may have an allergy to lactose, it is best to keep them away from cheese or any other dairy products.

If you are unsure whether your dog can eat cheese, it is always best to consult your veterinarian.

Cheese as a training treat

Cheese can be a great training treat for dogs, especially for puppies. Most dogs love cheese, and it can be a good source of protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals. However, it's important to remember that cheese should be given in moderation due to its high-fat content, and some dogs may be lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies.

When using cheese as a training treat, opt for low-fat and low-sodium varieties such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese. These options are healthier for dogs and can help reduce the risk of obesity. Mozzarella string cheese, in particular, is a good option as it is already in a treat-like form. Low-fat varieties are also better as dogs with too much fat in their diet are at risk of developing pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening.

When introducing cheese to your dog for the first time, start with a small amount to ensure they tolerate it well. Some dogs may experience an upset stomach, diarrhoea, or vomiting after consuming cheese, so it's important to monitor their reaction. If your dog has any negative symptoms, discontinue giving them cheese and consult your veterinarian.

Cheese can be an excellent reward during training sessions, helping to reinforce positive behaviours. It can also be used to hide medication for dogs that require pills. Simply cut up small cubes of cheese and push the tablet into the centre. Additionally, sprinkling shredded cheese on top of your dog's food can add flavour and encourage them to eat if they are picky eaters.

Overall, while cheese can be a tasty and motivating treat for dogs during training, it's important to remember that it should only make up a small portion of their diet. As with any treat, cheese should generally only comprise about 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake.

Lactose intolerance in dogs

While cheese is generally safe for dogs to eat, not all kinds of cheese are suitable. It's important to be aware that dogs can be lactose intolerant, and even small amounts of cheese can cause adverse reactions for dogs with severe lactose intolerance.

Lactose intolerance means a dog cannot digest dairy products due to a lack of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose, the sugar in milk. Symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs include diarrhoea, vomiting, bloating, loss of appetite, and flatulence. These symptoms typically occur within 12 hours of consuming dairy.

If you suspect your dog may be lactose intolerant, it's best to consult your veterinarian. They may recommend an elimination trial, where you avoid giving your dog any food containing dairy, and monitor their symptoms. Treatment for lactose intolerance usually involves removing all dairy products from your dog's diet.

Some types of cheese are safer for dogs than others. Cheeses with low or reduced fat content, such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, and Swiss cheese, are generally healthier options. It's also important to avoid cheeses with added ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, herbs, and raisins.

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