Can Dogs Have Cheese?
Can Dogs Eat Cheese? Cheese has some nutritional value since the dairy food contains an abundance of protein, calcium, vitamin A and B-complex vitamins, according to the American Kennel Club. You can use cheese as a treat substitute or hide your pet’s medication.
Depending on the kind, cheese is not necessarily bad for dogs. But that does not mean it should be consumed with every meal. As with any other human food, cheese should be eaten by dogs sparingly.
According to the ASPCA, “because pets don’t have much lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk) in their systems, milk and milk products cause them to have diarrhea or other upset tummies.” So if your dog eats too much cheese, it can lead to digestive issues.
Types of Cheese That May Be Safe for Dogs
Not every cheese is toxic to dogs, but one must understand which types to avoid and which may be shared safely. Some of the cheese types generally safer for dogs are:
Cottage Cheese
Can Dogs Eat Cheese? Cottage cheese contains less fat than most others and less lactose proportionally. This makes it a bit more digestible for some dogs, especially slightly lactose-intolerant ones. It is also rich in protein and calcium, so there is a bit of nutritional content. If you wish to give a very small amount of treat to your dog, unsalted plain cottage cheese could be an appropriate option.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella, especially low-fat, is also a safer cheese choice for dogs. The softer texture and lower fat content are easier for the dog to chew and digest. Mozzarella is typically used in dog-safe recipes for treats because it is less flavorful and has fewer stomach-upsetting tendencies.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese tends to be lower in sodium compared to most other cheeses, which makes it a more suitable option for dogs that must be on reduced-salt diets. Still, since it does contain fat and lactose, small quantities and attention to your dog’s tolerance are recommended.
What Cheeses Should Be Avoided?
While some cheeses are fine in moderation, others are more problematic for dogs. These types of cheese contain more fat, salt, or additives which will ill dogs. Some cheeses to avoid are: Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese contains a substance known as roquefortine, which is poisonous to dogs when ingested in huge quantities. This substance is produced by the fungus used in blue cheese and can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, shivering, and even convulsions in dogs. Blue cheese must therefore be completely avoided while providing your dog with treats. Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
Brie and Camembert
Brie and Camembert are soft, high-fat cheeses. Fat is not inherently evil in limited quantities, but these cheeses are rich and will cause a dog to become ill, with diarrhea and vomiting among the signs, if eaten to excess. They are not well-suited for dogs with pancreatitis, an issue in which the pancreas becomes swollen.
Cheese with Additives
Can Dogs Eat Cheese? Cheese with fillings like garlic, onions, or other are not safe for dogs. Onions and garlic are toxic to dogs and can lead to severe health issues, such as damage to red blood cells, anemia. Never administer your dog cheese that has fillings as they may harm or kill your dog.
Best Types of Cheese for Dogs
It is best to provide your dog with lower-fat cheeses like cottage cheese, soft goat cheese, or mozzarella. Cottage cheese is not only less fatty and less salty compared to other cheeses but also brings down the risk of obesity. Cottage cheese contains lower levels of lactose, thus reducing the risk of upset stomach.
Lactose Intolerance in Dogs
Not all dogs digest cheese effectively, and while cheese contains less lactose than whole milk, very lactose-intolerant dogs may have an adverse response to cheese even when only a little is fed. Observe your dog closely for an insulted intestinal response to the initial feeding of cheese, and question your veterinarian.
How to Feed Cheese Safely
Use the cheese only as an occasional treat to give to your dog. A little block or a few shreds will be enough for training or reward.
If your dog is overweight or previously experienced food sensitivity issues, ensure you speak with your vet first before introducing cheese to their diet.
Lactose Intolerance in Dogs: What You Should Know
Can Dogs Eat Cheese? As is the case with some humans, most dogs are lactose intolerant and thus unable to digest lactose, the milk and dairy sugar. When lactose is not digested in the intestines, it causes a range of signs ranging from bloating and gas to diarrhea and vomiting.
If you believe your dog is lactose intolerant, try adding cheese in small amounts to see how they react. If they show any signs of intestinal distress, it’s best to avoid the cheese and milk products. Dogs with severe lactose intolerance can be uncomfortable even with limited amounts of milk, so best to consult your vet first before introducing them to dairy. Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
Conclusion
Short and sweet, we do know that dogs love a little bit of cheese, and providing it as a reward or training treat will not hurt a dog. But use plain cheese such as Cheddar, not the flavoured or highly processed cheeses. Cheesy snacks such as crisps or pasta should be avoided. Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
If your dog does not take to cheese well, they may have a sensitive tum, be lactose intolerant or be food allergic. Steer clear of cheese altogether if this is your dog.