All dog owners are aware that if they are in the kitchen, their pet will likely be nearby, watching for a treat. Your dog is probably eager to taste that delicious cheese as you cut off a chunk of Monterrey Jack or cube some Colby.
Some ‘human’ foods, like vegetables or sardines, may be healthy to feed your dog, but other foods can be toxic. We consulted veterinary professionals to get their opinions on whether cheese can result in serious digestive problems or if it’s a safe (and healthy) snack.
Yes, dogs can eat cheese as long as it is consumed in moderation, is the quick response. Cheese can be a tasty treat and a simple way to conceal medications for dogs, according to Dr Tori Countner, veterinarian and founder of The Balanced Pet Vet.
And it may also benefit your pup’s digestive health. According to a recent study, certain types of cheese can increase the good bacteria in your dog’s gut.
According to a study, feeding dogs white cheese with Bifidobacterium longum for eight weeks enhanced fecal microbiota and immune response. Countner.
Another study published in the Journal Of Dairy Science revealed that the intestinal microbiota of dogs received kefir for two weeks and experienced a positive change.
Dairy products contain lactose, a simple sugar that the intestinal tract’s lactase enzyme breaks down. Stacie Summers, a veterinarian and assistant professor at Oregon State University’s Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine As puppies get older, the activity of this enzyme in the intestine decreases. Due to insufficient lactase in their intestines, adult dogs are unable to digest large amounts of dairy. ”.
According to Countner, some dogs may not be able to digest dairy because they are lactose intolerant. “Signs of lactose intolerance include diarrhea, gas, bloating, and nausea. I suggest to my clients to test their tolerance to cheese or dairy with a small amount at first. ”.
Most dogs can tolerate small amounts of cheese, depending on the type that is given.
In order to prevent dietary imbalances, Summers advises that dogs should consume no more than 10% of their daily caloric needs from cheese and dairy snacks. “Like all supplementation, feeding dairy should be limited,” he adds. Cottage cheese, mozzarella, and soft goat cheese are examples of low-fat cheeses, she continues.
According to Summers, some dairy products with a lot of fat can lead to pancreatitis and increase weight. “For example, cheddar, Swiss, and Colby cheese are high-fat cheeses. ”.
Another component that dog owners should watch out for when giving cheese to their puppies is the salt content.
In dogs with heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and dehydration, Summers advises against feeding them processed cheeses, string cheese, and hard-aged cheeses. “Dietary imbalances can occur if fed in large quantities. ”.
Find food that fits your pet’s needs
If you’ve ever devoured a cheese pizza while your dog gazed longingly at your slice, you might be wondering whether or not dogs can eat cheese. Since cheese can be a nourishing treat for humans, it makes sense to wonder whether it might also benefit your pet. Perhaps you’re just wondering if cheese is bad for dogs. The benefits and drawbacks of sharing this snack with your dog are listed below.
Calcium, protein, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamins A and B12 are all present in cheese. However, since these are nutritional advantages for humans, they may not necessarily meet the needs of your dog.
However, this doesnt mean that cheese doesnt have its benefits. One benefit of cheese for dogs is that it makes a practical training aid. Additionally, a tasty cheese snack can help hide medication that you’re having trouble getting your dog to take.
While there are some potential advantages to sharing cheese with your dog, the reality is that it may also result in a host of health issues, including obesity and pancreatitis. So, can dogs eat cheese, or is it always off limits?
Because pets lack significant amounts of lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk, milk and other dairy-based products give them diarrhea or other digestive problems, according to the ASPCA. The lesson learned: Avoid giving your dog cheese as a frequent treat or as part of their regular diet. Although the food appears innocent, it could give them serious stomach problems.
Another difficulty with cheese for dogs, in addition to lactose, is its high fat content. Regularly feeding your dog fatty foods can cause them to gain weight that is unhealthy and even lead to obesity, which can result in other health issues. The American Kennel Club warns that eating cheese may result in pancreatitis, especially in breeds like schnauzers and cocker spaniels that are predisposed to the condition. Although pancreatitis is a serious condition that frequently causes stomach upset, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, some severe cases can be fatal.
Risks of Feeding Cheese to Your Dog
Despite the fact that most dogs can have cheese as a treat or in their regular food, Dr. Before giving cheese to your dog, consider the following, according to Ahn:
Is Cheese Healthy or Toxic? Breaking Down the Nutrients
Due to its high fat content, cheese has a somewhat negative reputation. However, consuming small amounts of cheese shouldn’t be a problem for an active dog. However, if your dog has pancreatitis, avoid cheese (possibly with the exception of low-fat cottage cheese) as fat can cause this excruciating condition.
Lactose is not toxic to dogs, even if they are lactose intolerant. Instead of being poisoned, the dog’s upset stomach is the result of natural fermentation in the gut. Again, the lactose content varies among cheeses, so perhaps test for any lactose intolerance with a low-lactose cheese like Swiss Emmental or Edam.
FAQ
How much cheese is OK for dogs?
Robinson advises that your dog should only eat a few tiny pieces of cheese per day. Of course, this will depend on your dog’s size and lactose tolerance. She continues, “Some dogs cannot handle cheese at all. Smaller dogs can handle less, while larger dogs can handle a little bit more. “.
Is it OK to feed dogs cheese?
Because pets lack significant amounts of lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk, milk and other dairy-based products give them diarrhea or other digestive problems, according to the ASPCA. The lesson learned: Avoid giving your dog cheese as a frequent treat or as part of their regular diet.
Can dogs with pancreatitis have dairy?
When your dog is diagnosed with pancreatitis, high-fat diets like those containing red meat, organ meat, potatoes and other starchy foods, sugary goods, table scraps, and dairy fats should all be avoided.
Can dogs with pancreatitis eat mozzarella cheese?
Because cheese naturally contains a lot of fat (part of the reason it tastes so good! ), dog owners worried about their dog’s weight should avoid giving them cheese. If your dog has had pancreatitis, avoid cheese.