What Types Of Cheese Are Safe For Dogs
Cheese comes in all different shapes, textures, colors, and even ages. With so many options, it can be stressful to decipher which cheeses are safe to feed your dog.
In addition to low levels of lactose, Robinson says cheeses that contain low fat are safer bets to feed your dogs compared to your typical cheeses. Here are just a few smarter choices if you’re going to feed your dog cheese.
Can Cheese Upset A Canines Stomach
There are some canines who must not consume cheese. Primarily, any dog with a dairy allergy needs not to consume cheese because it will cause an allergic reaction.
If your canine has any of the following, you need to keep away from feeding them cheese or exercising caution while feeding them.
- Lactose intolerance
Lactose Intolerance In Dogs
Not all dogs digest cheese well, and while cheese contains little lactose when compared to whole milk, dogs with severe cases of lactose intolerance may have adverse reactions to cheese, even in small quantities. Observe your dog closely for signs of intestinal upset after feeding cheese for the first time, and consult your veterinarian with any questions you may have about adding cheese to your dogs diet.
Read Also: What Is The Best Cheese To Make Macaroni And Cheese
Is Cheese Safe For Dogs
Most cheese is generally safe for dogs since its technically nontoxic. But when it comes to giving your pup cheese, a lot of dogs are actually lactose intolerant, i.e., they dont produce lactase . Plus, too much cheese can cause your dog to have stomach issues .
So before you go around slipping your dog a slice of cheese, chat with your vet first.
So Is Cheese Good For Dogs Can Dogs Have Cheese
Provided your dog isnt lactose intolerant, yes, dogs can eat cheese. The good news is that its also a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins A and B12. However, like most things, its best fed in moderation. Too much and you risk your fur friend gaining weight.
And if your dog has poor recall, why not try cubes of cheese as a secret weapon to get him to come back!
Also Check: What Pizza Place Has Cheese Crust
Watch The Salt Content
Hard aged cheeses are especially salty. This is because salt helps draw out the moisture and age the cheese. Other cheeses with lots of salt include
- Processed cheese slices
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.
Thats because large amounts of salt cause your dogs body to release water into the bloodstream. This helps dilute the salt levels and flush it out of his system. But if too much water gets redirected to his bloodstream, his brain cells wont get the water they need. This can cause brain cell damage and lead to dizziness, headaches, seizures, coma or death.
While a small piece of salty cheese as a treat wont do much harm, its best to stick with low sodium options. This includes cottage cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, cream cheese, swiss and goat.
And if your dog does accidentally eat a large amount of cheese give him lots of water and watch for signs of salt poisoning. These include extreme thirst, frequent urination, diarrhea or vomiting and decreased appetite. Your dog may also seem confused or faint.
Healthy Benefits Of Cheese For Dogs
Cheese contains calcium, which is good for the bones and teeth. While most of the vitamins and minerals in cheese are more beneficial to humans, dogs can still benefit from eating cheese. Once you start giving your dog cheese, you will also notice that dogs love cheese. In fact, a lot of trainers use cheese as treats to motivate dogs they are training.
Cheese is also an excellent way to conceal medications, like pills.
Don’t Miss: How Do You Make Mac And Cheese In The Microwave
As Humans We Love Cheese And Its No Secret That Our Dogs Often Look At Us With Their Best Puppy Dog Eyes Whilst Were 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. We often find ourselves reaching for the block to add a grating atop our meals and there are so many varieties available that it pairs well with everything!
Were not the only ones who think that cheese is particularly moreish either our dogs also think its pretty much the best thing since sliced bread.
But, where its obvious that most dogs think the taste of it is nothing short of divine, are they actually allowed to eat it and is cheese good for dogs? Keep reading to find out whether dogs can eat cheese and which types of cheese are acceptable!
Benefits Of Cottage Cheese For Dogs
Compared to other cheeses, cottage cheese is healthier because it is low in fat and high in fiber. Here are some great things about the nutritional benefit of cottage cheese:
Lots of Protein 100 grams of cottage cheese have an equivalent of 11 grams of protein! Protein is an important building block of your dogs health and your dog will definitely benefit from this cheese, along with its regular diet.
Rich in Calcium as a milk source, it is also great to develop strong and healthy muscles.
Other loads of vitamins and minerals apart from protein, potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12 and Selenium that helps promote the health and wealth of your dog.
Improves digestion if your pooch has a tummy ache, cottage cheese will help with this problem. In fact, some veterinarians recommend it to improve digestion. It can be likened to give your dog bland rice or pumpkin soup good for its stomach.
Good news also as cottage cheese is great for your dog, even if:
Your dog is pregnant since it has great amounts of calcium, dogs will benefit from calcium while pregnant and nursing. But make sure your vet is in the loop so as not to give too much calcium that can lead to eclampsia, a life-threatening condition.
Your dog has kidney disease Kidney function of your dog will benefit from its low phosphorus content.
Your dog has a liver disease It is also low in ammonia, beneficial for their tiny liver.
You May Like: How To Make A Hot Ham And Cheese Sandwich
Can Dogs Eat Cheese Is Cheese Safe For Dogs
Can dogs eat cheese? You may be asking this if youd like to share a tasty treat with your pooch, or maybe your dog accidentally ate some cheese off the floor. Humans can eat cheese, so is it also safe for dogs to eat?
There isnt a short yes or no answer as to whether dogs can eat cheese. Dogs may be fine after eating a little bit, but many can be lactose intolerant, and too much cheese can lead to health issues in dogs.
As always, you must ask your vet before sharing any human foods with your dog, including cheese. Heres what you should know about feeding your dog cheese.
Can Dogs Eat String Cheese
String cheese is usually just mozzarella thats been manipulated so that the proteins in the cheese are in straight lines. This causes the tearing effect associated with this type of snack cheese. Nutritionally, string cheese doesnt contain a great deal of salt or lactose.
The only foreseeable trouble with this type of cheese is that the stringiness could potentially cause your dog to have trouble swallowing, which makes it a choking hazard. This is easily solved by cutting or breaking it into small chunks.
You May Like: What Kind Of Cottage Cheese For Keto
Health Benefits Of Cottage Cheese For Dogs
One cup of low fat cottage cheese provides the following:
- Calories: 163 – 70% of the calories in cottage cheese come from high-quality protein.
- Protein: 28 grams – 25% more protein than Greek yogurt! Cottage cheese has an amino acid score of 158, which is excellent, meaning it has all the essential amino acids in the proper proportions making it a high-quality protein.
- Carbs: 6.2 grams
- Fat: 2.3 grams – this is in the form of healthy fats and essential fatty acids. .
Learn more here.
Benefits Of Cheese To Dogs
Cheese is full of proteins, Vitamins A and B, and omega-3 fatty acids. Cheese is also packed with calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.
Heres a fun suggestion! Cheese is great for hiding the medicine that your doggy refuses to take. Isnt it great?
Pet trainers and Vets say that most puppies love to eat cheese. So, it can also be used as a motivational treat for your young doggy while behavioral training.
It is always best to feed your dog low-fat cheese such as mozzarella, cottage, or goat cheese. Never forget that moderation is the key to keep your dog healthy.
Cottage cheese is low in fat, sodium, and lactose. Low-fat cottage cheese reduces the risk of obesity and provides essential nutrients to your dog. While lower lactose content of cottage cheese reduces the possibility of intestinal problems.
You May Like: Is Chuck E Cheese Going Out Of Business
Health Benefits Of Cheese For Your Dog
- Calcium: This essential mineral builds strong bones and teeth, provides support for blood clotting, wound healing, and maintains normal blood pressure in your dogs body.
- Vitamin A: This is an essential vitamin your dog needs to maintain healthy skin and coat, a stable nervous system, and properly functioning muscles.
- Vitamin B12: Also called cobalamin, your dog needs B complex vitamins to support brain and nervous system health, the formation, and maintenance of blood cells, and a healthy digestive system.
- Zinc: This mineral supports healthy skin and coat, thyroid function, and your dogs immune system.
- Phosphorus: This mineral works with calcium to shape and strengthen of bones and teeth. It also works with calcium to support the growth of ligaments and tendons.
- Riboflavin: This coenzyme breaks down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins to produce energy.
- Glutathione: This is the King of antioxidants. Glutathione supports other antioxidants like Vitamin C and beta-carotene. Its essential for efficient liver function, to support your dogs immune system, and to optimize cell health.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These are important for your dogs brain and heart health. They are found in cheeses made from 100% grass-fed cows. So not all cheeses have them.
- Vitamin K: This vitamin is also only found in 100% grass-fed cows milk and provides blood clotting ability.
Nutritional profile of 1 ounce of cheddar cheese the most common of dog favorites.
Reasons For Why Dogs Cant Eat Cheese Puffs
1. High amount of Sodium
Salt is very bad for a dogs health. Its digestive system will take the biggest hit when you give it too much salt. Along with other bad effects on the dogs health, considerable amounts of salt can lead to dehydration.
Aside from the fact that they have too much salt, cheese puffs also come with no actual valuable nutrients for the dog. This means that this treat will damage your dogs health and add empty calories to your dogs diet while having no positive effects.
This is one of the main reasons why you should go for healthier alternatives instead.
2. Causes an Upset Stomach
Among the most dangerous issues your dog might be faced with when eating cheese puffs would be an upset stomach.
This is the main issue that comes along with giving cheese puffs to a dog.
The symptoms will start to show up a few hours after the dog has munched on the treat and they might get worse and fast.
Its not only important to not feed your dog cheese puffs, its also vital that you make sure your dog wont get into the bag of puffs when youre not looking.An upset stomach is only a gateway symptom opening the road to uglier side effects like fatigue, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, or even worse.
3. Empty Calories
Along with cheese puffs, try to also keep your dog away from processed foods and treats that are high in processed sugar.
Also Check: How To Make Grilled Cheese Better
Can Dogs Eat Cheese: Mozzarella
Mozzarella is one of the most popular types of cheese for humans, and it only makes sense that our pets will want to join in on snacking on this mild, soft cheese. Can dogs safely eat mozzarella cheese? The short answer is yes. Dogs can have mozzarella cheese. In fact, its a relatively low-fat, low-salt cheese that can be a good treat for your pup always remembering that moderation is key!
What Happens When A Dog Eats Cheese
If your dog eats cheese, the consequences will depend on how well he can tolerate lactose and dairy products. If your dog is like many others of its species and has problems with lactose, there will be negative consequences. This will be especially severe if you try to give your dog an excessive amount of cheese.
Some possible consequences of ingesting cheese or too much cheese may include diarrhea, loose stools, vomiting, gas, and abdominal pain. If you think your dog is suffering the consequences of eating lactose when theyre lactose intolerant, contact your veterinarian for advice. If your dog is seriously ill, he needs medical attention.
If you ever give your dog cheese, check the sodium level first. As well learn later, too much salt can be dangerous and even deadly for dogs.
You May Like: Is Cheese Bad For Diet
What Kinds Of Cheese Can Dogs Eat
Many dogs are lactose intolerant. Also, cheese is often high in sodium, and this is potentially dangerous for dogs. If you ever want to treat your dog to cheese, only give them a tiny bit at a time. Only give them a cheese that is low in sodium, and that is a milder variety.
One kind of cheese that we often have success giving dogs is cottage cheese, as long as its low-sodium. This is key. Some kinds of cottage cheese contain quite a lot of sodium, and this can be dangerous for your dog.
Low-sodium cottage cheese as an occasional treat can give your dog extra vitamins, calcium, and protein. There are also probiotics in this kind of cheese. You can also try to occasionally give your dog a little bit of low-fat cream cheese without any additional flavoring.
Be aware that onions and garlic are toxic for canines, and some kinds of flavored cream cheese contain these ingredients. Take time to carefully read the ingredients of any and every food you give your dog, even in small amounts.
Goat cheese is another cheese you can give your dog as a treat. This is because goat milk is much easier for dogs to digest. That is why its so popular with people who have cow milk intolerances.
As always, check the label for sodium content. You should never give your dog too much sodium, as it can lead to dangerous health issues.
Can Cheese Upset A Dogs Stomach
There are a few dogs who shouldnt eat cheese. Primarily, any pooch with a dairy allergy should not eat cheese as it will cause an allergic reaction.
If your dog has any of the following, you should avoid feeding them cheese or exercise caution when feeding them.
- Lactose intolerance
Just like humans, a lot of dogs suffer from lactose intolerance. It is the most common food intolerance in canines. If your dog has lactose intolerance, it means that their body cant properly digest dairy products. However, also quite like humans, the level of intolerance can vary. For example, some dogs wont be able to have milk, but might be okay to eat some hard cheese that is naturally lower in lactose.
Meanwhile, an allergy is more serious. In this case, it affects the immune system which will cause an unwanted overreaction. The dogs immune system mistakenly treats the dairy as a threatening substance and attacks it.
Meanwhile, specific conditions such as pancreatitis and obesity will affect what your dog can eat, and how much. This is particularly the case with cheese with a high-fat content, which we will discuss below.
Don’t Miss: How To Season Grilled Cheese
Which Types Of Cheese Can Dogs Eat
When feeding your pup cheese, its obvious that you should stay away from those that contain high amounts of fat, such as cottage cheese, especially if your dog is already overweight.
On the other hand, some brands offer low-fat varieties of cottage cheese, so you can also go for those types.
As long as your dog is eating cottage cheese that is low in salt, then, it can be an excellent addition to your dogs diet in moderation. Cottage cheese contains calcium and vitamins, as well as a good level of protein and probiotics.
Soft cheeses, which are the ones often found in the households are also safe for dogs to eat in small amounts. These low-fat cheeses include mozzarella cheese, young cheddar cheese, soft goat cheese, and string cheese.
Aged cheese like parmesan, cheddar, and Swiss cheese also contains lower lactose than full-fat mozzarella cheese. Hence, these varieties are less likely to cause intestinal upset to your dog.
As for cream cheese, you can also give it to your pup in moderation. And as always, go for low-fat plain cream cheese. Make sure that it is plain because other types contain ingredients that can be toxic to your dog such as garlic and onions.
Hence, its best to always read the nutritional label and at least read the name of the cheese. If it has garlic, then, the outer label will also say garlic cream cheese. If it does, then, move to other options right away.
Cheese For Dogs: Good Or Bad
Every dog owners knows that if you are in the kitchen, cutting off a chunk of cheddar cheese or cubing up some Colby, you are likely to have your fur baby right by your side hoping to get a bite of that tasty cheese.
Even a study of the University of Michigan has discovered that cheese addiction is real. And simply put, dogs are no exception in their love and appreciation for cheese they just can’t resist it and neither can we resist those begging puppy eyes.
Read Also: Does Colby Jack Cheese Have Carbs
