Cheese is a nutritious and delicious food that many people and children want to use for daily meals. However, humans are not the only ones lured by the taste of cheese. Animals, especially dogs, also love this fantastic food.
But can dogs eat cheese? Many pet owners are curious about this question. The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no, as there are several factors to consider before feeding your pup cheese.
Generally speaking, cheese is safe for dogs to eat in moderation, but it should never be the primary source of nutrition. This article will help you answer some common questions about cheese and the appropriate usage of cheese to benefit your dogs.
Can dogs eat cheese?
Yes, dogs can eat cheese! In fact, many dogs love cheese, which can even be used as a reward when training. Cheese is an excellent source of calcium and protein for dogs so it can be a part of their diet in moderation.
However, dairy products like cheese can cause stomach upset in some dogs, so it’s important to introduce it slowly and in small amounts. Start with a small pinch of cheese and wait a few hours to see how your dog reacts. You can gradually increase the amount over time if they don’t have any digestive issues.
It’s also important to watch the type of cheese you give your dog. Avoid processed cheeses like American cheese slices or cheese spread, as these are often high in fat and sodium and difficult for dogs to digest. Stick to plain, low-fat cheeses higher in protein, like cottage cheese or mozzarella.
Make sure you monitor how much cheese your dog is eating. Cheese can be high in calories and fat, so too much can lead to weight gain. It’s best to use cheese as an occasional treat or reward rather than making it a regular part of their diet.
Is cheese good for dogs?
As we all know, cheese contains many nutrients that are beneficial for the health and development of dogs. Cheese includes many vitamins and minerals such as calcium, Vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, and essential fatty acids. Each of these substance groups has its benefits, such as:
Protein: Cheese is considered an excellent source of protein that plays a vital role in the cells’ structure and formation in the dog’s body.
Fat: An indispensable ingredient in the pet’s healthy menu that makes skin and hair smooth. However, when feeding dogs cheese, it is also necessary to give them an appropriate amount; if dogs are given too much cheese, they can get obese and have several other dangerous diseases.
Vitamins and minerals: There are many types of cheese on the market. Each class can contain various amounts of these two ingredients to help the formation and functioning of the organs in the body most efficiently.
Some studies say cheese can help strengthen the enamel of dogs’ teeth and remove some acids that cause plaque, limiting tooth decay. In addition, using cheese in daily meals also helps older dogs reduce the risk of osteoporosis, allowing them to move more freely.
Can a dog get sick by eating too much cheese?
Yes, a dog can get sick from eating too much cheese! Cheese is a dairy product, so it can be difficult for a dog’s digestive system to process. Eating too much cheese can lead to an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Cheese can also be high in fat and salt, which can cause digestive issues if your pup eats more than it should. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, it may even develop an allergy to cheese.
It’s best to give your pup only small amounts of cheese as a treat. If you do want to give them cheese as part of their regular diet, make sure to get a low-fat, low-salt variety. You should also talk to your vet about the best type of cheese for your pup and how much is okay for them to have.
How to Choose the right cheese?
Choosing the right cheese for your dog can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! With a bit of understanding of what cheeses are safe for dogs and what to avoid, you can ensure your pup gets the most out of a delicious snack!
The most important thing to consider when choosing cheese for your dog is the type of cheese. Different cheeses contain different levels of fat and salt, which can be bad for your dog in large quantities.
Soft cheeses, such as brie, camembert, feta, and blue cheese, often contain more fat than hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, and Gruyere.
Hard cheeses are usually the better choice for dogs, as they contain less fat and salt. Some soft cheeses also have mold or cultures that can harm dogs.
Regarding calorie count, you should avoid anything too high in fat. Low-fat cheeses are the way to go when feeding your pup. Low-fat cheese varieties include cottage cheese, part-skim mozzarella, and some goat cheese.
Good Cheese For Dogs
Cottage cheese
This is a low-fat, high-protein, and calcium cheese that is quite suitable for the growth of dogs.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella is a familiar cheese in our dishes, such as pizza. Mozzarella cheese is relatively low in fat and sodium compared to other cheeses. Therefore, this is also a smart choice to enhance the nutrients for the dog’s body while ensuring safety.
Swiss cheese
Like Mozzarella, Swiss cheese is also a favorite of many people. This food is low in lactose, which helps you eliminate some of the risks when feeding your dogs.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar is one of the most popular cheeses that does not contain too much lactose. Hence, dogs are pretty safe to eat with a suitable quantity in each meal.
Bad Cheese For Dogs
Unfortunately, not all cheeses are safe for dogs to eat.
Blue cheese, Roquefort, and other French cheeses
These cheeses are considered bad cheese for dogs. They contain a higher amount of fat and salt than other varieties and can be difficult for dogs to digest. Additionally, some of these cheeses contain mold spores that can be toxic to dogs.
Cheese with herbs, garlic, brie, goat cheese, and feta cheese
Generally speaking, these cheeses are also higher in fat and salt than other varieties, which makes them difficult for dogs to digest. Additionally, the herbs and spices in these cheeses can cause gastric upset in some dogs.
If you’re looking for a safe and healthy cheese for your pup, opt for low-fat, low-salt varieties such as cheddar or mozzarella. These cheeses are easier for dogs to digest and provide a good source of calcium and protein!
How to feed your dog cheese?
Before deciding to give your dog cheese, you may need to consult your veterinarian to choose a type of cheese that is safe for your dog’s health condition and the right amount to eat. The veterinarian will advise you on what foods are best to combine with cheese to ensure a safe diet.
Feed in small amounts at the beginning. If this is your dog’s first eating cheese, you must start with a small amount by cutting it into small pieces. Give the dog a small amount and wait a while to see how they react to it before giving them more.
If your dog is not experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain or indigestion, you can use cheese by mixing or sprinkling it on food to feed them. However, if you notice discomfort, stop feeding immediately and consult your veterinarian for an examination, as there is a possibility that the dog may be lactose intolerant.
FAQ
Can dogs eat cream cheese?
No, it would be best not to allow your dogs to eat cream cheese. This food contains so much fat that it can cause obesity and heart-related diseases.
How much cheese should I feed dogs?
This thing depends on the type of dog as well as their health. However, you should note that cheese is only a supplementary food for dogs; only a certain amount should be given each week. Please don’t give them too much to avoid some digestion problems or weight gain.
Which dogs shouldn’t consume cheese?
- Dogs are getting obese or overweight.
- Dogs have allergies and lactose intolerance.
- Dogs have digestion or kidney problems.
In a nutshell…
Dogs can eat cheese, but pet owners must consider a medium amount to prevent health issues. Furthermore, choosing the most high-quality cheese with veterinarians’ consultation is essential to design a smart and fully nutritious meal for our lovely dogs.
