Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
Cheese is a beloved dairy product many humans enjoy, but can our dogs partake in this cheesy delight? You may have wondered whether sharing a slice of cheese with your canine companion is safe. But, can dogs eat cheese? We’ll explore the topic of dogs and cheese, looking at the types of cheese they can eat, the potential health benefits, the risks involved, how to feed cheese safely to your dog, whether dogs can be lactose intolerant, and if it’s suitable to feed cheese to puppies.
Which Types of Cheese Can Dogs Eat?
| Cheese Type | Safe for Dogs? | Explanation |
| Cheddar | Yes | Cheddar cheese is generally safe for dogs in small amounts. It can be a good source of protein and calcium. However, it should be given in moderation. |
| Mozzarella | Yes | Mozzarella cheese is safe for dogs. It is low in lactose and can be a good source of protein. However, it’s important to feed it in small quantities. |
| Swiss | Yes | Parmesan cheese is safe for dogs. It is low in lactose and can provide some flavour to their food. However, it should be given sparingly due to its high salt content. |
| Parmesan | Yes | Gouda cheese is safe for dogs when given in moderation. It can be a good source of protein and calcium. However, avoiding excessive amounts is important due to its high fat content. |
| Gouda | Yes | Blue cheese should not be given to dogs. It contains a substance called roquefortine C, which can be toxic to dogs and cause digestive and other health problems. |
| Feta | No | Feta cheese for dogs is not recommended. It is high in sodium and fat, which can lead to digestive upset and pancreatitis in dogs. It’s best to avoid giving feta cheese to your dog. |
| Blue Cheese | No | Roquefort cheese is not suitable for dogs. Like blue cheese, it contains roquefortine C, which can be toxic to dogs and cause digestive problems and other health issues. |
| Camembert | No | Camembert cheese is not safe for dogs. It is high in fat and can cause gastrointestinal upset and potentially pancreatitis if consumed by dogs. |
| Roquefort | No | Roquefort cheese is not suitable for dogs. Similar to blue cheese, it contains roquefortine C, which can be toxic to dogs and cause digestive problems and other health issues. |
| Brie | No | Brie is not recommended for dogs. It is high in fat and can lead to digestive upset and potential pancreatitis in dogs. It’s best to avoid giving brie cheese to your dog. |
Not all varieties are created equal when it comes to feeding dogs cheese. Some cheeses are safe for dogs to consume in moderation, while others can pose health risks. It’s important to avoid cheeses high in fat and sodium, or contain additives like garlic or onion, as these can harm dogs.
Safe options for dogs include low-fat cheeses such as mozzarella or cottage cheese. These types of cheese are lower in fat and sodium compared to other varieties, making them a better choice for canine consumption. Soft cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta can also be given in small quantities.
On the other hand, it’s best to avoid cheeses like blue cheese, feta, or Roquefort, as they can contain mould that might harm dogs. Cheese with high sodium content, such as processed cheese or certain types of cheddar, should also be avoided due to their potential negative impact on a dog’s health.
Health Benefits of Cheese for Dogs
While cheese should only be given to dogs as an occasional treat due to its high-fat content, it does offer some potential health benefits. Cheese is a good protein, calcium, and vitamins A and B12 source. Protein is essential for a dog’s muscle development and overall well-being, while calcium supports strong bones and teeth. Vitamin A is vital in maintaining healthy skin and vision, and vitamin B12 is important for proper nerve function.
Feeding your dog cheese in moderation can be a way to provide these nutrients, but it’s important to remember that a well-balanced diet formulated for dogs should be the primary source of these nutrients.
Risks of Feeding Cheese to Your Dog
While cheese can have some nutritional benefits, you must be aware of the potential risks associated with feeding cheese to dogs. The high-fat content of cheese can lead to weight gain, obesity, and pancreatitis in dogs. Pancreatitis is a condition characterised by pancreas inflammation, which can be painful and potentially life-threatening.
In addition to the risks associated with fat content, some dogs may be lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance occurs when dogs lack the necessary enzymes to digest lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy products. Feeding cheese to lactose-intolerant dogs can cause digestive issues such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and gas.
Feeding Cheese Safely to Your Dog
If you decide to feed cheese to your dog, it’s important to do so in moderation and take certain precautions. Start by offering small amounts of cheese to see how your dog reacts. Monitor for signs of digestive upset or allergic reactions, such as itching or difficulty breathing. If your dog experiences adverse effects, discontinue feeding cheese and consult your veterinarian.
When feeding cheese as a treat, consider cutting it into small pieces or using it as a training reward. This helps prevent overconsumption and reduces the risk of weight gain or digestive issues.
Can Dogs Be Lactose Intolerant?
While dogs are generally not as lactose intolerant as cats, some can still have trouble digesting lactose. Just like humans, dogs can vary in their ability to digest lactose. Puppies typically produce lactase, the enzyme necessary to break down lactose, but their lactase production can decrease as they mature. This can lead to lactose intolerance in certain dogs.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs may include diarrhoea, bloating, gas, and gastrointestinal discomfort. If you suspect your dog may be lactose intolerant, it’s best to avoid feeding them cheese or other dairy products. Instead, choose lactose-free alternatives or consult your veterinarian for suitable dietary options.
Can I Feed My Puppy Cheese?
Puppies have specific dietary needs to support their growth and development. While small amounts of cheese as an occasional treat may be safe for adult dogs, it’s important to exercise caution when feeding cheese to puppies.
Puppies have sensitive digestive systems, and high-fat foods like cheese can be difficult to process. Excessive consumption of cheese or other high-fat foods can lead to gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis, or nutritional imbalances in growing puppies.
What our experts say about cheese for dogs
“While cheese can be a tasty treat for dogs, it’s important to remember that moderation is key. Some dogs may have difficulty digesting lactose, while others may be sensitive to the high-fat content in cheese. When feeding cheese to your dog, opt for low-fat varieties such as mozzarella or cottage cheese, and ensure it is given in small portions.”
Dr. Kellie Talbot, DVM
FAQs for feeding cheese to dogs
Yes, some dogs can be allergic to certain cheese or dairy products. Allergies can manifest as skin irritation, itching, digestive upset, or respiratory issues. If you suspect your dog has a cheese allergy, consult your veterinarian for appropriate testing and dietary recommendations.
Yes, cheese can be an effective and tasty training reward for dogs. However, it’s important to use it in moderation and choose low-fat options to prevent overconsumption and weight gain.
While lactose-free cheese may have reduced lactose content, it’s still best to exercise caution when feeding lactose-intolerant dogs. Some dogs may still experience digestive issues even with lactose-free alternatives. It’s advisable to consult with your veterinarian for suitable lactose-free options or choices.
Dogs on specific dietary plans, such as those with food allergies, sensitivities, or medical conditions, should only consume foods approved by their veterinarian.
“The Cheese Tax” is a viral song that cleverly employs a metaphor. It compares giving pieces of cheese to your dog to paying taxes.
Dogs should not eat cheese treats like Cheese Strings and Babybels. Potential health concerns are associated with these cheese treats’ high fat and sodium content. Other risks exist, such as the wax on Babybels being a potential choking hazard.
