Can Dogs Eat Cheese? Is Cheese Safe for a Dog
As man’s best friend, dogs will beg to have a bite of anything and everything you are eating. As tempting as it is to give them food, and as cute as they look, it can be very harmful for dogs if we accidentally feed them the wrong thing. Even food that is known to be healthy and tasty to humans can be toxic to our pets. As their owner, it’s your responsibility to be aware of your dog’s medical history and to keep track of all of the foods that may cause them harm.
Is cheese safe for dogs to eat? Many dogs, no matter the breed, love cheese, but should their owners indulge their taste for dairy? Like a lot of human food, cheese is often safe in small quantities and snack-sized bites. It offers calcium, protein, Vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, and essential fatty acids, which all play an important role in canine nutrition. However, too much cheese can cause problems, and you should be careful to consider whether your dog is lactose intolerant.
Some dogs are indeed lactose intolerant, and having any amount of cheese, milk, or other dairy products can lead to diarrhea for them. If you’re uncertain whether your dog has a lactose intolerance, you can give them tiny nibbles or certain kinds of cheeses to make sure it’s safe.
Be aware that not all cheeses are the same. Some types, such as cottage cheese, are lighter and easier to digest than richer varieties, such as cream cheese. So, can dogs eat cheese? Yes—but be careful, as you need to be with all human food.
Is Cheese Safe for Dogs?
Cheese is perfectly safe for dogs in small or moderate quantities, and can actually be a valuable training tool. Before you feed your dog any cheese, talk to your vet about any risks associated, and about how cheese can affect your dog’s pre-existing health conditions.
While dogs who are lactose intolerant can’t eat cheese, cheese is overall not toxic for dogs. More good news is that cheese contains a lot of the daily vitamins and minerals that dogs need, and you can give your dogs these in small snacks that they’ll love. These vitamins and minerals include vitamin B12, which is good for appetite, phosphorous, zinc, Vitamin A, and essential fatty acids, which are vital for shiny fur and resilient skin. While your dog should be getting many of these from their regular dog food, cheese is a great snack or reward that will help their health even further. With cheese snacks and regular dog food, you can help your dog achieve a stronger immune system.
What Types of Cheese Are Okay?
Keep in mind that while all cheese is okay for dogs, there are certain cheeses that are better than others. Low-fat cheeses, such as cottage cheese and mozzarella, are healthier for your pet than cheeses that have higher fat contents. When you pick out cheese to treat your dog with specifically, you should also look for cheese that is low in sodium. All of this will help reduce the risk of intestinal upset, as well as the risk of obesity. You can further help your dog’s health if you’re picky about the type of snack they get.
What Types of Cheese Should I Avoid?
Not all dogs digest cheese well, and the kind of cheese you choose can also have an impact. Keep in mind that any cheeses that contain herbs, or other food items, can pose health risks to dogs. Herbs such as garlic can cause intestinal upset, and onion is actually very toxic.
Take care to choose plain, low-fat, and low-sodium cheese. This will be the best option for both you and your pet. As with all human food, observe your dog closely for any signs of intestinal upset after feeding them cheese for the first time, before you give them any more. Consult with your vet about adding cheese to your dog’s diet or if you are planning on using it as a reward tool while training them.
Possible Side Effects and Risk Factors
To a certain extent, cheese has a bad reputation because it’s considered high in fat, and poses risks for those who are lactose intolerant. For an active and healthy dog, eating small amounts of cheese should not be a problem. However, you should avoid giving your pet cheese, even in small amounts as treats, if your dog has pancreatitis, since foods that are high in fat can trigger this painful condition. Fat content puts the pancreas under strain to produce fat-digesting enzymes, and this is what offsets the condition.
If your dog is lactose intolerant, their adverse reaction to cheese isn’t due to any toxins; their upset stomach results from a natural fermentation inside the gut, rather than poisoning. Different cheeses can have different lactose contents, so you can try low-lactose cheeses such as Swiss Emmental or Edam if your dog has intolerance. For those dogs who are sensitive to milk or dairy products, you have other options as well. There are cheeses that are naturally lower in lactose, such as swiss cheese, cottage cheese, and parmesan.
How to Give Your Dog Cheese
The best way to feed your dog cheese as an occasional treat is to either give it to them raw, or melt it and cover their favorite biscuit or treat in it. Simple cubes that are kept fresh in an airtight container are all it takes to make dogs excited to eat. You can also add grated cheese to their dog food to increase their calcium and protein intake in a simple yet tasty way. Instead of peanut butter, you can smear cheese inside toys or puzzle feeders to give dogs hours of amusement licking it out.
Can Dogs Eat Cheese Conclusion
So, is cheese good for dogs, and is it perfectly fine if dogs have it? Provided that your dog is not lactose intolerant, yes, it is perfectly okay. Cheese can be a great source of calcium, protein, and vitamins and minerals for your beloved pet. Like all things, however, it’s best fed in moderation. Check in with your vet about your dog’s medical history, and then you can feel great feeding your dog cheese.
