Frederic Melton
Dogs love cheese, and it's a great training tool, especially for puppies. But not all dogs can digest it well, and some are even allergic or intolerant to dairy. While cheese is not inherently bad for dogs, it should be fed in moderation. Cheese is high in fat, and feeding too much to your dog regularly can cause weight gain and even lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. Some cheeses also contain herbs or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic and onions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dogs like cheese because | Cheese contains casomorphin, a peptide that is produced when cheese breaks down in the stomach and attaches to brain receptors to produce dopamine. |
| Cheese is naturally addictive, even for humans. | |
| Cheese is high in salt, calcium, and protein, which are nutritional requirements for dogs. | |
| Cheese is smelly and yellow, making it easy for dogs to find. | |
| Cheese should be fed to dogs | In small to moderate quantities. |
| As an occasional treat alongside a healthy diet. | |
| In the form of low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese. | |
| In the form of leaner alternatives like chicken, ham, and tuna if the dog needs to lose weight. | |
| Cheese should not be fed to dogs | With lactose intolerance or dairy allergy. |
| That are overweight. | |
| With a history of adverse reactions to cheese. | |
| That are sensitive to Roquefortine C, a substance found in blue cheese that can make dogs very ill. |
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What You'll Learn
- Dogs love cheese, but it should be fed in moderation
- Cheese is high in fat, which can lead to obesity and pancreatitis
- Some dogs are intolerant to cheese due to lactose intolerance or dairy allergies
- Cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamins and essential fatty acids
- Cheese is naturally addictive due to the release of casomorphins, which cause a calming effect
Dogs love cheese, but it should be fed in moderation
Dogs love cheese, and it is often used as a training tool for dogs, especially for puppies. However, it should be fed in moderation and with some precautions. Cheese is high in fat, and while it contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins, too much cheese can lead to weight gain and even pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs.
Some dogs are also intolerant of cheese due to lactose intolerance or other allergies, and some cheeses contain herbs or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, or chives. High-salt cheeses can also lead to excessive thirst and urination, and in extreme cases, salt toxicity. It is important to observe your dog closely for any signs of intestinal upset after feeding them cheese for the first time and to consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns about adding cheese to their diet.
If you are using cheese to train your dog or give them medication, it is best to start with small amounts and see how your dog reacts. Low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese are good options, as cottage cheese is lower in fat, sodium, and lactose. It is also important to remember that cheese should be fed in moderation and alongside a healthy, balanced diet suitable for dogs.
While cheese can be a tasty treat for your dog, it should not be their primary source of nutrition. A well-rounded diet that meets their nutritional needs is essential for their health and well-being. As always, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dog, including the appropriate amount of cheese as a treat.
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Cheese is high in fat, which can lead to obesity and pancreatitis
Dogs love cheese, and it is often used as a training tool for them. However, cheese is high in fat, and feeding it to your dog regularly can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. Obesity is not only a human problem; it can also affect dogs, leading to health issues.
Cheese is a high-calorie food, and if your dog consumes more calories than they burn, the excess energy is stored as fat, contributing to weight gain. Obesity in dogs can increase the risk of various health problems, including joint pain, respiratory issues, and heart disease. It can also reduce your dog's life expectancy.
Pancreatitis is another serious health issue that can arise from high-fat diets in dogs. The pancreas is a small organ near the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and hormones that regulate blood sugar. When a dog consumes too much fat, the pancreas can become inflamed, leading to pancreatitis. Symptoms of pancreatitis include vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and lethargy. Pancreatitis can be life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary attention.
To maintain your dog's health, it is essential to feed them a balanced diet suitable for their species. While small amounts of cheese as an occasional treat are generally fine, it is important to be mindful of the high-fat content and its potential impact on your dog's weight and overall health. Regularly feeding your dog high-fat foods can have negative consequences, so it is best to offer low-fat alternatives or leaner training treats such as chicken, ham, or tuna.
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Some dogs are intolerant to cheese due to lactose intolerance or dairy allergies
While many dogs love cheese, some dogs are intolerant of cheese due to lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Lactose intolerance in dogs can cause gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea and stomach pain. Dogs with severe lactose intolerance may have adverse reactions to cheese, even in small quantities. In addition, some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities to dairy products, including cheese. For example, the fungus used to make blue cheese can produce a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be sensitive to and may cause vomiting, diarrhea, high temperatures, and even seizures.
Cheese is high in fat, and while it can be a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins, excessive consumption can lead to weight gain and obesity in dogs. High-fat cheeses can also cause vomiting and diarrhea, 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 small to moderate quantities.
Some dogs may also struggle to digest lactose-heavy cheeses like mozzarella or cottage cheese due to lactose intolerance. This can be challenging for dog owners, especially considering that cheese is often used as a training tool or treat for dogs. It is important to observe a dog's reaction to cheese and consult a veterinarian with any questions or concerns about adding cheese to a dog's diet.
Additionally, some cheeses may contain herbs, spices, or other additives that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, chives, or onions. These ingredients can cause severe health problems, so it is crucial to always check the ingredients in the cheese before feeding it to a dog. Overall, while cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks and feed it to dogs in moderation, especially those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
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Cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamins and essential fatty acids
Dogs are attracted to cheese, and it is often used as a training tool. While cheese is not toxic to dogs, some dogs can be intolerant of it. Even dogs that can tolerate cheese should only be fed small or moderate amounts. Cheese is high in fat, and too much can lead to obesity and even pancreatitis, a potentially fatal condition.
Cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. These are all nutritional requirements for dogs. Dogs are hard-wired to enjoy the taste of nutrient-packed foods high in salt, calcium, and protein.
When cheese breaks down in a dog's stomach, it produces a peptide called casomorphin, which can attach to brain receptors and produce dopamine, the "happy chemical." This gives cheese some addictive properties.
Some cheeses, such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, and soft goat cheese, are lower in fat and sodium, reducing the risk of obesity. Cottage cheese is also lower in lactose, which can cause digestive issues in lactose-intolerant dogs. However, it is important to note that even low-fat cheeses should be fed in moderation due to their high-fat content.
It is important to check the ingredients in your cheese, as some additions, such as garlic, onions, and other herbs, can be toxic to dogs. High-salt cheeses can also lead to excessive thirst and urination and, in extreme cases, salt toxicity.
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Cheese is naturally addictive due to the release of casomorphins, which cause a calming effect
Dogs are well-known for their love of cheese, and this is partly due to the release of casomorphins. When cheese breaks down in a dog's stomach, it produces a peptide called casomorphin, which has addictive properties. Casomorphins are opiates that attach to the brain's opiate receptors, causing a calming effect in much the same way that heroin and morphine do. This release of casomorphins can lead to a calming sensation for dogs, similar to the effect of dopamine, often referred to as the "happy chemical."
The University of Michigan discovered that cheese is as addictive as cocaine due to the presence of casomorphins. This may explain why dogs love cheese-flavoured treats so much and why they can hear a cheese wrapper being opened from a mile away.
However, it's important to note that not all dogs can tolerate cheese. Some dogs may be lactose intolerant or have difficulty digesting cheese, especially as they get older. High-lactose and high-salt cheeses can pose digestive risks and lead to excessive thirst and urination. In extreme cases, high-salt intake can result in salt toxicity.
Additionally, some cheeses contain herbs, spices, or other additives that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, chives, and onions. Blue cheese, for example, contains a fungus that produces roquefortine C, which can be harmful to dogs and cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperatures, and even seizures.
Therefore, while cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs and a useful training tool, it should be given in moderation and with caution. It is always advisable to consult a veterinarian before introducing new foods into a dog's diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese contains a protein called casein that releases opiates called casomorphins when broken down. Casomorphins attach to the brain's opiate receptors to produce dopamine, which causes a calming effect and a feeling of happiness.
Cheese is not poisonous or toxic to dogs and can be a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. However, it should be fed in moderation as it is high in fat and can cause weight gain and lead to obesity. Some dogs may also be intolerant or allergic to cheese due to lactose intolerance or other ingredients such as garlic or onions, which can be toxic to dogs.
Cheese can be given as an occasional treat or used as a training tool, especially for puppies. It can also be used to conceal pills or medication for dogs that need them. Smearing cheese from a tube inside a Kong can be a calming treat for dogs with separation anxiety.
