Can Dogs Eat Cheese? A Guide To Feeding Your Dogs Cheese – Find Out The Tips
The majority of people and dogs agree that cheese is delectable! Our canine companions find the flavorful taste and smell to be extremely enticing.
Nevertheless, it is always good to double-check before giving your dog any more treats. When it comes to sharing a cheesy treat with your dog, is it safe?
The response is not as simple as it appears at first glance. However, the answer is yes!
Cheese comes in various flavors and textures, but some varieties should not be served to dogs because they may disrupt their digestive systems.
Other varieties are suited for usage in little quantities, such as in treats. Cheese can be difficult to digest for certain dogs, just as it is for humans.
If your dog is lactose sensitive, it is best to avoid all cheese, even though milk contains significantly more lactose than any cheese available on the market.
Which types of Cheese Can I Offer to Dog?
The high fat and salt content of cheese means that it should be fed in limited doses. Choosing lower-fat cheese varieties will help you control your dog’s calorie consumption.
Cheeses with no flavor, such as Gouda or Edam, and Cheddar and Red Leicester are ideal alternatives for dogs.
Cream cheese is fine to give to dogs; however, only the plain varieties should be given.
Because the allium family of plants is harmful to dogs, cream cheese that contains garlic, onion, or chives should be avoided.
Cottage cheese is one of the better selections because it has less fat and salt than other cheeses.
There should be no blue cheese served to dogs. It is possible to manufacture blue cheeses using Roquefortine C, a fungus.
Dogs can be quite susceptible to this fungus, which can cause them to become quite ill. If your dog consumes blue cheese and exhibits any of the symptoms listed below, take them to the veterinarian.
- Seizures
- High temperature
- Diarrhoea or vomiting
Health Benefits for Eating Cheese.
Cheese is a wonderful source of vitamin A, vitamin B-complex, and calcium, among other nutrients.
It is high in protein and essential fatty acids, which are vital for your dog’s overall health and well-being.
You will be providing your dog with everything they require if you feed them a portion of high-quality, complete dog food. Consider cheese to be a small extravagance.
It is really high in sodium, but it also includes many calories. Cheese should not be given to any dog on a calorie-controlled diet.
There are a plethora of more nutritious alternatives accessible. Cheese should only be served as a treat to avoid the possibility of upsetting your dog’s digestive system.
Is it Good for me to Give my Puppy Cheese?
Cheese is a puppy’s best friend! Because it is so delicious, it can be an excellent training tool, but you should avoid feeding them too much of it at once.
By chopping the cheese into small cubes, you can keep the amount of cheese you feed them under control.
It’s important to note that treats should account for no more than 10% of a dog’s total caloric intake.
Puppies should receive all of the nutrients they require from their regular food, allowing them to develop into healthy, robust adults.
Is Cheese a Bad Thing for Dogs?
All owners of dogs know that if you’re in the kitchen, your furry friend is almost certain to be right by your side, trying to catch a tasty treat.
So, as you’re chopping up a slice of Monterrey Jack or cubing up some Colby, your pup is probably salivating at getting his paws on some of that delicious cheese.
While some ‘human’ foods, such as vegetables and sardines, may benefit your dog’s health, other foods, like chocolate, might be harmful.
So, is cheese a safe (and nutritious) snack option? Or is it possible that it will induce some significant intestinal issues? We reached out to veterinary professionals to get their opinions.
Do Dogs Have the Ability to Consume Cheese?
The simple answer is yes—dogs can eat cheese as long as it is given in moderation, which we recommend.
Veterinary specialist Dr. Tori Countner, creator of The Balanced Pet Vet, explains that cheese may be a tasty treat and an effective method of concealing medications for dogs.
Additionally, it may be beneficial to your pup’s intestinal health. According to a new study, certain cheese varieties can help increase the amount of healthy bacteria in your dog’s gut.
Doctor Countner explains that the study results revealed that feeding dogs Queso Blanco (white cheese) containing Bifidobacterium longum for eight weeks increased the fecal microbiota and immunological response.
Another study published in the Journal Of Dairy Science found that dogs’ intestinal flora changed well after being given kefir for two weeks as part of a treatment.
Nevertheless, as your dog grows older, her capacity to digest cheese effectively may diminish.
“Dairy contains lactose, a simple sugar that is broken down in the intestinal tract by the enzyme lactase,” explains Dr. Stacie Summers, a veterinarian and assistant professor at Oregon State University’s Carlson College Veterinary Medicine.
“As pups grow older, the activity of this enzyme in their intestines decreases.” Adult or grown dogs do not have enough lactase in their intestines.
Thus they are unable to digest significant amounts of dairy products. “Some dogs may even be lactose intolerant, which is a rare occurrence.
As Countner explains, “Some dogs are lactose intolerant and may not have the ability to digest dairy.” “Diarrhea, gas, bloating, and nausea are all symptoms of lactose intolerance.
“I recommend to my customers that they begin with a tiny bit of cheese or dairy to observe how they react.”
Is Cheese a Good or Bad Thing for Dogs?
The majority of dogs can tolerate tiny amounts of cheese, and the sort of cheese given to them is extremely important.
“Like any supplementation, feeding dairy should be controlled,” adds Summers, who recommends that cheese and dairy snacks should account for no more than 10% of a dog’s overall caloric intake to avoid dietary imbalances in the long run.
“Cottage cheese, mozzarella, and soft goat cheese are all low-fat cheese options,” she continues. Cheeses with high-fat content can be detrimental to the health of dogs.
As Summers explains, “certain dairy products that are heavy in fat may exacerbate pancreatitis and lead to weight gain.”
According to the USDA, the cheddar, Swiss, and Colby cheeses are examples of high-fat cheeses.
Another element that dog owners should be aware of when feeding cheese to their pups is the amount of salt.
According to Summers, the use of high-salt cheeses in dogs with heart illness, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or dehydration is advised.
“Processed cheese, string cheese, and hard-aged cheese” are examples of high-salt cheeses to avoid. “Dietary imbalances can occur if a great amount of food is consumed.”
When it comes to dogs, is cottage cheese a bad idea?
Low-fat cottage cheese is an option that Summers recommends using in moderation when feeding dogs.
“Because cottage cheese contains less lactose than other varieties of cheese, the risk of unpleasant effects might be lower compared to other types of cheese.”
According to Counters’ opinion, cottage cheese is a good option for dogs who have difficulty digesting lactose.
As a result, she explains, “Cottage cheese generally has less lactose than milk and is, therefore, better accepted by lactose intolerant animals.”
Is Blue Cheese Good for Dogs?
In the words of Summers, “blue cheese is created from Penicillium molds, and under the correct conditions, these molds can develop mycotoxins, which cause tremors in dogs,” he explains.
“However, if commercial blue cheese is maintained properly, it should not contain enough mycotoxins to be significant.”
In light of this, Summers advises that feeding dogs blue cheese should be avoided to prevent this risk—no matter how insignificant.
Is Cream Cheese Good for Dogs?
In terms of feeding your dog cream cheese, low-fat cream cheese is your best bet since ordinary cream cheese can be incredibly rich in calories and fat.
In addition, you should be cautious of any cream cheese additions that could be hazardous to your canine companion.
According to Summers, garlic, onion, and chives in cheese can be hazardous at high levels, and dogs should not be given this type of cheese.
Some Tips to Follow When Feeding Cheese to Dogs
The following are some suggestions for you when you are feeding your dog cheese.
1). Pay attention to the Size of the Portion
To avoid overwhelming your dog with cheese, Countner recommends starting with a tiny amount and gradually increasing the amount over time.
“By gradually introducing cheese and other new foods, you can reduce the likelihood of stomach distress.”
To minimize gastrointestinal discomfort or weight gain, Dr. Summers believes that pet parents should be mindful of quantity size and only offer cheese in moderation to their animals.
As she explains, “little chunks of cheese (about the size of your index fingernail) are fine to give to dogs as an occasional reward or to utilize to get dogs to take medicines.”
2). Adhere to low-fat varieties
Dogs who consume high-fat cheese may consume more calories as a result, and they may also be at risk of developing pancreatitis.
If you decide to give your dog cheese, make sure to choose low-fat varieties.
In addition to the quantity of fat, salt, and lactose in the cheese, Summers notes that the amount of cheese a dog could tolerate varies on the individual dog and the amount of fat, salt, and lactose present in the cheese.
The low-fat variant of the cheese (for example, low-fat mozzarella) should be provided wherever possible.
3). If you are giving your dog antibiotics, avoid giving them cheese.
In the case of a dog who is receiving antibiotics, you should consult your veterinarian before adding cheese to your dog’s regular diet.
“It is critical that antibiotics are not administered with dairy products,” Summers emphasizes.
“Some antibiotics can be inhibited from being absorbed by the body because of the calcium in dairy products.”
When trying to coerce your dog into taking an antibiotic, consult with your veterinarian for advice on an alternative method that will not interfere with drug absorption.
How Do I Know What Kinds of Cheese Are Safe for Dogs?
Cheese is available in various shapes, textures, colours, and even aging stages.
You are trying to figure out which cheeses are suitable for your dog to eat may be a frustrating endeavor when there are so many alternatives.
When it comes to feeding your dog cheese, Robinson advises that low-fat cheeses are better than traditional cheeses because they contain less lactose and less fat.
If you are going to feed your dog cheese, here are a few better alternatives.
1). Cottage Cheese
Since it contains less lactose than most other types of cheese, low-fat cottage cheese is an excellent choice for feeding Fido. It also has a significant quantity of protein and calcium.
2). Mozzarella
Are you wondering if you could give your dog some of your string cheese? We have a few exciting news to share with you!
Compared to other cheeses, mozzarella is a healthier choice to offer your dog because it contains less fat and sodium than other cheeses.
3). Swiss Cheese
If Swiss cheese is your favorite that has you shouting “holey moley,” you’ll be glad to know that it is safe to feed your four-legged companion because it contains less lactose.
4). Cheddar Cheese
The fact that cheddar cheese is one of the most popular cheeses available and contains less lactose makes it a wonderful option to consider giving your dog when you are looking for a cheese to give him.
Cheeses You Should Never Give Your Dog
Certain cheeses are okay to offer to your dog, but there are others that should never be given to your dog under any circumstances.
The older, moldier, and herbier the cheese, the more likely it should be skipped altogether.
1). Blue Cheese
According to Robinson, blue cheese might pose some concerns to your dog.
In addition, she points out that “blue cheese includes mold, which can be poisonous to dogs and induce things like seizures and vomiting.”
2). Cheeses that have been seasoned with herbs, garlic, and other seasonings
‘Cheese that has been infused with herbs and vegetables, such as chives or garlic, is hazardous to dogs,’ explains Robinson.
In addition to causing significant health problems, garlic and chives can cause harm to your dog’s red blood cells.
3). Goat Cheese
A significant amount of lactose is found in goat milk, resulting in a high-lactose and high-fat cheese that should be avoided.
4). Brie
Brie cheese, like goat cheese, contains a high amount of lactose and fat. It is a fatty cheese that will most likely upset your dog’s stomach.
5). Feta Cheese
Feta is yet another cheese that should be avoided. This cheese is not only heavy in lactose and fat, but it is also high in salt, making it a poor choice for diabetics.
Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Cheese?
Cheese is a food that humans can consume all day, every day.
(This is presuming that we are not lactose intolerant.) When it comes to your canine buddy, when is it okay to remark, “Hold the cheese, please?”?
In Robinson’s opinion, “your dog should receive no more than a few small nibbles of cheese each day.”
This will, of course, be dependent upon your dog’s lactose tolerance as well as their size. She says, “Some dogs are unable to tolerate cheese at all.
In larger dogs, greater strength is required, while smaller dogs require less strength.”
The American Veterinary Medical Association suggests that any food consumed separately from your dog’s regular diet should not account for more than 10% of their daily calories.
What to Do If Your Dog Consumes an Excessive Amount of Dairy
In addition to the quantity of fat, salt, and lactose in the cheese, Summers notes that the amount of cheese a dog could tolerate varies on the individual dog and the amount of fat, salt, and lactose present in the cheese.
In addition, there are certain obvious symptoms that your dog has consumed an excessive amount of cheese.
“An excessive amount of dairy may result in soft stool or diarrhea, gas, burping, excessive drooling due to stomach irritation, or even vomiting,” Countner explains.
“These signs and symptoms may not necessitate a visit to your veterinarian right away, but they should be closely watched.
According to Summers, “If you believe you have given your dog too much dairy, I would recommend monitoring your dog for diarrhea, diminished or nonexistent appetite, and vomiting for the next 24 hours.
” When giving your dog dairy for the first time, it is also recommended to do so. If any of these symptoms become so serious, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Using Cheese to Assist Your Dog in Consuming Medicine
Is it difficult for your dog to take his medication? Make it a more enjoyable experience for you and your dog by serving some cheese.
Robinson suggests that you “Choose a low-fat cheese if you can… The softer and more flexible the cheese, the easier it will be to insert the pill into the cheese.
Afterward, squash the cheese around the pill so that your dog won’t be able to smell or see it.”
It is sometimes preferable to offer your dog cheese without the treat first, and then the second bite should be given with the cheese, so they are less suspicious once they have eaten the first one without the medication, she continues.
The Bottom Line When It Comes to Cheese for Dogs
You do not need to include cheese in your dog’s meal to feed him a complete and balanced commercial dog food diet.
You can, however, utilize cheese as a special treat or a high-value incentive on occasion if you so desire.
Just remember to keep serving sizes small and keep an eye out for signs of sensitivity in your dog.
Milk contains the largest concentrations of lactose of all dairy products, with yogurt and cheese coming in second and third.
According to Summers, the lactose content of cheese, buttermilk, and yogurt is slightly lower than that of milk.
While some products may be tolerated better by certain dogs than others, they nevertheless have the potential to create issues, particularly if taken in high quantities.
For mature dogs, it’s better to avoid giving them milk and instead give them cheese—preferably low-fat cheese—in modest amounts.”
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