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When giving your dogs treats, it is always important to make sure they don’t upset your dog's stomach or harm them in any way. Cheese is one such treat.
Dogs happen to eat cheese pretty easily, but are they safe for your furry friend? Is cheese bad for dogs? Is cheese healthy for dogs?
The simple answer is, that dogs can have cheese. But this depends on the type of dog you have and the type of cheese you offer them. Some breeds are not tolerant of cheese, while others love it!
Read on to find out more on the types of cheeses your dog can safely eat, how you should cheese to feed your dog, how often cheese can be given to your dog, and much much more!
Can Dogs Eat Cheese Or Cottage Cheese?
Cottage cheese is a soft, white cheese that is safe to feed your dog. However, it should not be given in high amounts and only as an occasional treat.
Note that most dogs produce very little lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose from dairy products. For a dog that can’t digest dairy, its intake may be harmful.
Cottage cheese is safe in this regard since it has very low amounts of lactose, particularly compared to other cheeses. This is why it is safe to give your dog cottage cheese as long as they aren't consumed in large quantities.
Cottage cheese can have added salt or flavorings such as onion and garlic. Such cottage cheeses should be avoided as they can be toxic for your dog.
4 Simple Ways to Find the Right/Safe Cheese
Cheese is safe to feed your dog, but only if you choose the right cheese. A few simple ways to find the right cheese include the following:
Avoiding cheese with added flavoring such as garlic, onions, and chives
Avoid cheese with high-fat content, and choose low-fat cheese such as mozzarella or cottage cheese.
Cheese with a low level of lactose or with lactose removed entirely is safe to eat.
Cheese with added salt should be avoided since sodium is toxic for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese?
Cream cheese is also safe for dogs to eat - in small limited amounts and only as an occasional treat for your dog's good behavior.
If you pay close attention, you may even find a thin layer of cream cheese frosting over dog treats. This is because they aren't just great treats; they have plenty of health benefits.
However, like all cheeses, they should be given in small amounts. If given in larger amounts, it can lead to weight gain, an upset stomach, or even pancreatitis.
Can Dogs Eat Mozzarella Cheese?
Yes, mozzarella is safe for your dogs to eat as it tends to be lower in fat and calories than most cheeses, making it the healthier cheese option for dogs.
It contains plenty of nutrients, including calcium, protein, vitamin A and vitamin B.
You should avoid mozzarella in higher quantities as this can lead to your dog being overweight. Moreover, if your dog is very lactose intolerant, you should avoid mozzarella and other types of cheeses altogether.
Can Dogs Have Cheese Sticks?
Cheese stocks are a type of snack made using cheese wrapped around in dough which is then fried, baked, or breaded. But are they safe for dogs?
Yes, cheese sticks are safe for your dog to eat if your dog can tolerate cheese. If your dog is tolerant, you should still keep the number of cheese sticks to a minimum.
Mozzarella cheese sticks are safe for dogs to eat; the same applies to cheddar cheese sticks. Cheese sticks that are fried should be avoided since they contain high volumes of fat and sodium, both unsafe for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Cheez-Its?
Cheese-Its is a brand of cheese crackers that are a fantastic snack to have now and then. But are they safe for dogs?
No, cheese-its are not safe for your dog and should be avoided, even in small amounts. For one, they contain nothing of nutritional value that would make them even slightly beneficial for your pet.
Moreover, they contain salt, paprika, yeast, and other flavorings that aren't safe for dogs to intake. The high salt content in them alone is toxic and can lead to sodium ion poisoning in your dog.
Can Dogs Have Goat Cheese?
Yes, you can give your dog goat cheese as an occasional treat.
Goat cheese has some nutritional benefits, which can boost your pup's health!
However, note that, like all cheeses, feed your dog goat cheese in moderation. Too much calcium or even small amounts of lactose can be bad for your dog.
Are There Any Types Of Cheese That Dogs Can't Eat?
Yes, there are types of cheeses that may be toxic to dogs even in small quantities and should be avoided at all costs.
At the top of the list are all types of blue cheeses, including Stilton, Cabrales, Danish Blue, and Gorgonzola.
Blue cheese is made using a fungus called Penicillium Roqueforti, which is incredibly toxic for dogs and can lead to upset stomach, vomiting, and seizures.
Other cheeses to avoid include any cheese with a high sodium level or added flavorings.
How Much Cheese Can Dogs Eat?
The next question is how much cheese your dog can safely eat. There is no standard amount that is safe for all dogs since dogs vary in size and their ability to tolerate cheese. However, there are some ways to keep your serving size moderately safe.
For instance, you can add a little cheese to your dog's usual meal. Some cottage cheese with boiled rice is perfectly acceptable. You can also serve small bits of mozzarella to your dog as an occasional treat.
Cheese is also a great way to camouflage medicine when your dog is being fussy (except antibiotics).
Just be sure to feed your dog a small amount of cheese to see how he reacts before making it an occasional treat.
Can Puppies Have Cheese As A Treat?
Yes, puppies can be offered cheese as a treat. Your pup certainly won’t mind being treated with these tasty bites. You can treat them with occasional strips of cheddar, shredded mozzarella, or soft lumps of cottage cheese or goat cheese.
Some dog treats are also available with added cheese which you can give to your pup occasionally.
Just make sure to keep cheese dog treats in moderation. If you give your dog cheese too often, there is always a chance of them growing overweight or, worse, pancreatitis.
No matter how strongly your dog may want cheese, you should limit it as much as possible.
Why Can Dogs Eat Cheese But Not Milk?
As mentioned earlier, most dogs are lactose intolerant to some degree. Others are more strongly intolerant and can’t consume either cheese or milk. But even if your dog happens to eat cheese, he shouldn't be given milk.
Milk is much harder to digest than dairy products such as cheese. That’s not all; milk has high calcium and protein content, which can easily upset your dog's stomach.
When Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
Your dog can eat cheese but only in limited amounts. You can give your dog cheese when mixed in with a meal now and then, or as an occasional treat. Overall, your dog shouldn't get more than a few bites of cheese daily.
It also helps to consult a veterinarian before you give your dog any cheese, so you understand the risks involved. Moreover, be sure to only give your dog carefully selected safe cheeses that won't put his health at risk.
Can Dogs Eat Unpasteurized Cheese?
Unpasteurized cheese is made using raw milk - milk that hasn’t been pasteurized. Unpasteurized cheese is not safe for your dog as there is a risk of them being contaminated with bacteria such as E.coli and salmonella.
These bacteria can also pose dangers to your dog's health on occasion, a risk that you shouldn't take. For instance, e.coli may occasionally lead to diarrhea in dogs.
Similarly, if left untreated, salmonella can lead to salmonellosis, which can compromise your dog's immune system.
Can Dogs Eat Cheese When Pregnant?
Dogs that are pregnant should not be fed cheese. This is because of their calcium-rich content, which can do more harm than good for your dog.
Keep in mind that feeding your dog calcium or dairy during pregnancy can lead to the suppression of the parathyroid hormone in your dog, the hormone responsible for regulating calcium content in the blood.
A low level of parathyroid hormone can further lead to eclampsia or hypocalcemia, a life-threatening drop in blood levels and calcium levels.
Summary
In short, it’s safe to feed your dog cheese. However, there are still a few things to keep in mind when feeding your furry friend cheese.
While it is safe and nutritious for dogs, too much cheese can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Stick to feeding your dog cheese occasionally, and consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about feeding your dog cheese.
Now that we have cleared up the myth that cheese is bad for dogs, go ahead and give them a piece (or two) as a special treat!
