Does your furry pal like cheese? Have you considered feeding them some? Or, are you simply wondering whether dogs can eat cheese in the first place? This article informs you about dogs eating cheese, including when you should and shouldn’t feed it to them.
Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
Generally, yes. Most dogs can digest cheese. The question is a matter of whether they should. As we have already seen, cheese can be a delicious treat for cats, and the same applies to dogs. In fact, puppies love cheese a lot! Moreover, cheese contains the following nutrients:
- B-complex vitamins
- calcium
- essential fatty acids
- vitamin A
- protein
When Should Dogs Eat Cheese?
Cheese can be a great snack for treat-motivated dogs. For example, they are more likely to obey commands in the future if they know that there is a cheesy delight awaiting for them to fulfill their tasks. In addition to this, cheese is perfect for giving your dog medication. If you find them resistant to pills, simply conceal them within a small block of cheese and offer it to them.
Keep in mind, cheese is a delicious snack for dogs, but it doesn’t mean it’s the healthiest option. It contains a lot of calories, and if giving it too often as a snack the calories can really add up!
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When Should Dogs Not Eat Cheese?
It is important to be cautious when you feed cheese to your dog. While it contains various nutrients, it’s also got high concentration of salt and calories. Hence, ideally, you should opt for low-fat options in cheese and prevent your furry pal from consuming more calories than they should.
Secondly, make sure that your dog is not on antibiotics. Antibiotics don’t mix well with dairy products as the calcium tends to dissolve their effect.
Moderation is important. Even if you give them low-fat cheese, remember all treats and human food shouldn’t take up more than 10% of their daily calorie intake. Your dog must stick to dog food and other healthier snack options. Further, too much cheese may lead to:
- diarrhea & vomiting
- gas
- excessive drooling
- stomach upset
Overconsumption also runs the risk of them developing life-threatening diseases such as pancreatitis.
Lastly, keep cheese away from lactose-intolerant dogs that might suffer stomach upset, diarrhea, and other side effects.
How Do I Safely Feed Cheese to my Dog?
Keep the portion sizes to small bites. This will allow you to test their lactose tolerance and moderate how much you’re giving them. Do not offer them more than 2-3 bites per day. Avoid daily intakes and consider other healthy options such as apples or peanut butter.
Safe Cheese Options for Dogs
Always read the ingredients. Avoid cheese that contains vegetables and herbs such as garlic and chives — those are toxic for dogs. Stick to low-fat cheese options such as:
- mozzarella
- cottage cheese
- soft goat cheese
Do you still have any questions about your dog eating cheese? Then schedule a video consultation with one of our qualified vets!
