Kamil Perry
Dogs are often captivated by the sight and smell of cheese, but not all dogs can digest it well. While cheese is not toxic to dogs, it is high in fat and calories and should be fed in moderation. Some dogs are lactose intolerant and may have adverse reactions to cheese, even in small quantities. Blue cheese, in particular, should be avoided, as the fungus involved in its production can make dogs very ill. Other cheeses may contain toxic ingredients such as garlic, onions, or herbs. Cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, and goat cheese are generally safe for dogs in small quantities, and cheese can be a useful tool for training or hiding medication. However, it is important to monitor your dog's reaction to cheese and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional benefits | Cheese is a source of protein, calcium, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. |
| Training aid | Cheese is often used as a high-value reward during training, especially for puppies. |
| Hiding medication | Cheese can be used to conceal pills or tablets for dogs that require medication. |
| Lactose intolerance | Some dogs may be lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy and should not eat cheese. |
| High-fat content | Cheese is high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain and obesity in dogs. |
| Toxic ingredients | Some cheeses contain toxic ingredients such as garlic, onions, herbs, or other additives. Blue cheese, in particular, can be dangerous due to the fungus roquefortine C. |
| Diarrhea and vomiting | Cheese can cause digestive issues, including diarrhea and vomiting, especially in large quantities. |
| Kidney problems | High salt content in some cheeses can be harmful to dogs with kidney disease. |
| Safe alternatives | Plain, unsalted cooked meat or specific dog treats are safer alternatives to cheese. |
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What You'll Learn
Dogs can eat cheese, but in moderation
Dogs can eat cheese, but it should be fed in moderation and some types of cheese should be avoided. Cheese is a great training tool, especially for puppies, and most dogs love the taste. However, some dogs can be intolerant to cheese, and it is high in fat which can lead to weight gain and obesity. It could also cause pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs.
Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. However, these nutrients are already present in a dog's complete diet, so there is no need to add cheese. It is also important to note that some cheeses have added ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and herbs. These can cause intestinal upset and even be poisonous. Therefore, it is best to avoid giving your dog cheese with added ingredients.
Some types of cheese that should be avoided include blue cheese, such as Stilton, as the fungus involved in making this cheese can produce a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be very sensitive to. This substance can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures. High-fat cheeses can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if consumed in large quantities.
If you do choose to give your dog cheese, it is recommended to opt for low-fat and low-sodium varieties such as cottage cheese. This can be given as an occasional treat in small amounts. It is also important to observe your dog closely after feeding them cheese for the first time to ensure they do not have any adverse reactions. If you have any questions or concerns about adding cheese to your dog's diet, it is always best to consult your veterinarian.
Overall, while dogs can eat cheese, it should be given in moderation and only if your dog tolerates it well. It is important to prioritize your dog's health and well-being, and to provide a balanced and species-appropriate diet.
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Cheddar, Gouda, and Swiss cheese are safe options
While cheese is a tasty treat for dogs, not all dogs can digest it well. Some dogs are lactose intolerant and may have adverse reactions to cheese, even in small quantities. Therefore, it is important to introduce cheese to your dog's diet slowly and monitor them for any signs of intestinal upset. If you have any concerns, it is always best to consult your veterinarian.
Cheddar cheese is a popular option for dogs, as it contains relatively low levels of lactose and is a good source of calcium, protein, potassium, and zinc. It can be cut into small cubes, making it an ideal treat for training or concealing medication. However, it is important to note that cheese is high in fat, and too much can lead to weight gain and even pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs.
Gouda cheese is another option that is safe for dogs to consume in moderation. It is a good source of protein and calcium and contains beneficial zinc. However, some dogs may experience an upset stomach or diarrhea after consuming Gouda cheese, so it is important to monitor your dog's reaction and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Swiss cheese is also safe for dogs and provides reasonable amounts of vitamins A and D, as well as calcium and phosphorus. While it may not be as rich in protein and calcium as other cheeses, it still offers some nutritional benefits for your dog.
Overall, while Cheddar, Gouda, and Swiss cheese are generally safe options for dogs, it is important to feed these cheeses in moderation due to their high-fat content. Additionally, some dogs may be more sensitive to cheese than others, so it is always important to observe your dog's reaction and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
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Blue cheese and gorgonzola are dangerous
While dogs can eat cheese, and most dogs love it, many dogs can be intolerant of cheese. Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. However, it 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.
Some sources suggest that a tiny amount of blue cheese is unlikely to hurt your dog. However, even in small quantities, the garlic and sodium content in blue cheese salad dressing is dangerous for dogs. Due to the toxic ingredients and high salt content, large amounts of blue cheese are bad for dogs to eat. If your dog has no problem digesting dairy products, you might wonder if small amounts of blue cheese are safe for them to eat too. However, it is better to give them other kinds of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, swiss, or parmesan.
If you are unsure whether your dog can eat cheese, it is best to discuss it with your veterinarian.
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Cheese is a great training tool and can conceal pills
Cheese is a great reward for dogs who show good behaviour. It can be used as a high-value training treat, especially for puppies, as most dogs love cheese and find it irresistible. This is especially useful when you want to offer a special reward for a job well done or when working around distractions. For example, if your dog struggles with recall but likes cheese, giving them a small cube of cheese when they return to you can help them learn that coming back when called is a good thing.
However, cheese should be given in moderation due to its high fat and calorie content. While cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins, these are all things your dog would be getting from their regular, balanced diet anyway. Additionally, some dogs may be lactose intolerant and experience digestive issues if they consume too much cheese. High-fat cheeses can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if your dog eats a lot of them.
Cheese can also be used as a tool to conceal pills for dogs that require medication. Simply cut up a small cube of cheese (cheddar is best) and push the tablet into the centre of it. Generally, dogs will gulp it down without a second thought! However, it is important to never try to conceal antibiotics in cheese as antibiotics may bind to the calcium found in dairy products, making the medication less effective.
It is also important to note that some cheeses are unsafe for dogs. Blue cheese, for example, contains a fungus that produces a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be very sensitive to. If your dog ingests this, they may develop vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures. Other cheeses may contain herbs or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic and onions.
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Cheese is high in fat and calories, so monitor your dog's weight
Dogs can eat cheese, and most dogs love it! Cheese is often used as a training tool, especially for puppies, and can be a great way to conceal pills for dogs that require medication. However, it is probably best fed in moderation as cheese is high in fat and calories, and feeding too much to your dog regularly can cause weight gain and lead to obesity.
Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. While these are all beneficial to dogs, they are also things your dog would be getting from their regular, balanced diet. Therefore, there is no need to add cheese to their diet. In addition, some dogs can be intolerant of cheese, and even small quantities may cause intestinal upset. Dogs with severe lactose intolerance may have adverse reactions to cheese. If your dog has pre-existing health conditions, it is best to consult your vet before giving them cheese.
Some types of cheese should be avoided altogether. Blue cheese, for example, contains a fungus that produces a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be very sensitive to. If ingested, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures. Other types of cheese to avoid include those with added ingredients such as onions, garlic, herbs, or other toxic additions. Many cheeses also have a high salt content, so they are not suitable for dogs with kidney disease.
If you do decide to give your dog cheese, it is important to monitor your dog's weight and overall health. A small cube of cheese here and there won't harm your dog, but it should not become a dietary staple. Instead, it should be a rare treat, and even then, it should be given in small portions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, dogs can eat cheese, but it should be fed in moderation. Not all dogs can digest cheese well, and some may be lactose intolerant. It is best to consult your veterinarian before adding cheese to your dog's diet.
Cheddar, Gouda, Swiss, Feta, and Mozzarella are some types of cheese that dogs can eat. It is important to avoid blue cheeses, such as Stilton or Gorgonzola, as these can make dogs very ill. Plain, unflavoured varieties are also best, as some herbs and spices can be harmful to dogs.
Cheese should be given as an occasional treat, and the portion size should be small, about the size of your thumbnail or a small cube. High-fat cheeses should be given sparingly due to the risk of weight gain and pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs.
Cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. It can also be used as a high-value training treat, especially for dogs that are treat-motivated. Cheese can also be used to conceal pills or tablets when your dog needs medication.
