Because dogs adore cheese, it’s a great training reward. And why it works so well for hiding pills. They simply have to have it because they can’t help themselves.
The issue is that some cheeses can be unhealthy. And others are downright dangerous for your dog.
Thankfully, there are some simple guidelines you can follow to choose the best type of cheese for your dog. But first let’s talk about dogs who shouldn’t eat cheese.
As humans, we love cheese and it’s no secret that our dogs often look at us with their best puppy dog eyes whilst we’re munching on it! But, can dogs eat cheese and is it good for them? Find out more with this article.
Cheese is a common staple to the human diet. Since there are so many options, we frequently find ourselves reaching for the block to add some grating to our meals. It goes great with everything!
We’re not the only ones who find cheese to be particularly appetizing; according to our dogs, it’s pretty much the greatest invention since bread.
Continue reading to learn whether dogs can eat cheese, as well as which kinds are acceptable, despite the fact that it’s obvious that most dogs think its flavor is nothing short of divine.
In most cases, yes, dogs can eat cheese. It can be a great high-reward training treat when given in moderation, especially when there are lots of distractions. It’s important to keep in mind that some cheeses have added ingredients, which need to be avoided, even though most dogs adore the taste of it.
Yes, dogs can eat cottage cheese. This kind is actually lower in fat and sodium, making it one of the better choices for occasional treats for your dog.
No, never give your dog blue cheese. Dogs can be extremely sensitive to a substance called roquefortine C, which is produced by the fungus used to make blue cheeses like Stilton. If your dog consumes this, they might experience the following side effects:
The more blue cheese your dog consumes, the greater the chance that they will experience the aforementioned symptoms. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian right away.
Dogs can typically consume a small amount of cream cheese. Although it has a high fat and calorie content, it is generally fine. However, many cream cheeses contain chives, onions, and garlic, all of which are harmful to our dogs. These types of cream cheese should be avoided.
Cheese is good for dogs in small amounts. Although cheese does contain protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins, your dog already receives these nutrients from a regular, complete diet, so there is no need to supplement their diet with cheese. However, very small amounts of cheese can be served as a treat.
In some cases, cheese can be bad for dogs. Dairy products can upset the stomach, and some people are lactose intolerant. Consequently, do not give your dog any cheese if this is the case. Additionally, avoid any cheeses that contain fruits, nuts, onions, or garlic. Read on to learn more about the negative effects of cheese on some dogs.
When Cheese Is Never A Good Idea
A lot of dogs are lactose intolerant. This indicates that their digestive system is unable to metabolize the natural sugar in milk. Your dog needs the digestive enzyme lactase to break down lactose. But not all dogs produce enough of this enzyme. Additionally, most manufacturers pasteurize their dairy products, which eliminates lactase, even though raw milk is rich in it.
The good news is that cheese typically has lower lactose content than milk. The least amount is typically found in older cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and swiss. However, that does not imply that all dogs can eat these cheeses. Older cheese may still irritate dogs with severe intolerances.
Start with a small amount of cheese if you’re giving your dog it for the first time. Watch him for 24 hours to see if he reacts poorly. Like humans, symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs include ….
If your dog has a severe lactose intolerance, you should avoid giving him cheese as a treat. Alternatively, try cheese made with A2 milk or raw milk.
Raw milk doesn’t go through the pasteurization process. Since it still contains all of its natural lactase, it should aid in your dog’s cheese digestion.
Milk contains proteins called casein. The type of protein in the dairy products you purchase may affect how healthy they are. Casein comes in a variety of forms, but milk typically contains A1 and A2 casein. Depending on the breed of cow, A1 or A2 proteins may be present in the milk. Northern European cattle typically have higher levels of A1 casein Cows from the Channel Islands and southern France are A2.
While A2 milk only contains A2 casein, regular milk contains both caseins. Companies promote it as a superior option to A1 milk because it is said to provide more health advantages. It may also be easier to digest. Additionally, studies indicate that individuals with intolerances may actually be sensitive to A1 proteins rather than lactose. Therefore, you might want to try an A2 cheese if you believe you or your dog has a lactose intolerance.
If your dog doesn’t have a lactose intolerance, however, cheese is a safe treat as long as you pick the right kind.
7 Tips To Help You Choose The Best Cheese For Your Dog
There are a few things to consider before feeding cheese to your dog. This will help prevent digestive upset or worse ….
Hard aged cheeses are especially salty. This is due to the fact that salt aids in removing moisture and aging cheese. Other cheeses with lots of salt include ….
Your dog needs some salt in his diet to help balance out fluids and maintain nerve function. But too much salt can lead to dehydration or worse … salt poisoning.
Because too much salt causes your dog’s body to release water into the bloodstream, this occurs. This aids in lowering the salt levels and removing it from his system. However, if excessive water is diverted to his bloodstream, his brain cells won’t receive the necessary amount of water. This may harm brain cells and result in death, coma, seizures, headaches, dizziness, and headaches.
It won’t hurt to occasionally indulge in a small piece of salty cheese, but it’s best to stick to low sodium options. Included are goat, cottage, ricotta, mozzarella, cream, and swiss cheeses.
Give your dog plenty of water and watch for signs of salt poisoning if he does unintentionally consume a lot of cheese. Extreme thirst, frequent urination, nausea or vomiting, and decreased appetite are a few of these symptoms. Your dog may also seem confused or faint.
Additionally, cheese may be high in fat, and too much fat can result in:
And while it may seem like a good idea to go with low-fat or fat-free versions … you may want to reconsider. Studies show that low fat options (where the fat is removed) can increase the risk of diabetes and obesity. Your dog needs a healthy dose of good fats. So instead of looking for products that have had the fat removed … look for cheeses that naturally have less fat. This includes fresh mozzarella, cottage cheese and soft goat cheese.
FAQ
Can I give my dog 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.
What cheeses should dogs not eat?
- Blue cheeses, like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton.
- Cheeses with herbs, garlic, raisins, or other flavors.
- Goat cheese.
- Brie.
- Feta.
Is Cheddar cheese OK for dogs?
Given that it has a low lactose content and is one of the most well-liked cheeses, cheddar is a good choice to think about giving your dog.