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For many dogs, cheese is a favourite food. It is seen as a delectable treat and is even used by owners to hide medication and worming tablets in. However, is it really a food you should be feeding your dog?
Though cheese is a delicious reward for your dog, it could potentially make them unwell. For most dogs, feeding it in moderation is an option, but you’ve got to be cautious not to overdo it. Read on to learn all about cheese and your dog.
For more sensitive individuals, cheese, even in small amounts, can trigger an upset stomach and some uncomfortable symptoms. Lactose intolerance is common among our canine companions, and can lead to signs including bloating, flatulence (farting), and diarrhoea when cheese is fed.
Cheese is also a very calorific and fatty food. For dogs who are overweight or prone to gaining weight (such as those with Hypothyroidism or older dogs with mobility issues), it is best to avoid it.
Another concern related to the high fat content would be the potential risk of it triggering an episode of pancreatitis. Eating very fatty foods can lead to an acutely inflamed pancreas, which is a painful and potentially life-threatening medical condition. Certain breeds (such as the Schnauzer and Mini Poodle) are at increased risk, as are those who have experienced a bout of pancreatitis in the past.
It is true that cheese has got an abundance of nutrients. It is rich in calcium, and some cheeses also pack a protein punch. Cheese contains a range of vitamins including Vitamin A, B12, D, and K.
For this reason, you may consider offering cheese in moderation. This is particularly true if your dog has higher calcium needs; for example, if they’re growing, nursing puppies, or pregnant.
However, given the potential side effects it can lead to, I don’t think we could go as far as to say that cheese is good for dogs.
As any cheese lover will know, there are a huge range of different cheeses out there, each offering their own unique flavour profile, aroma, and texture. You’ll find your dog is more likely to enjoy the plainer and milder options.
Probably the best cheeses you can offer your dog are cottage cheese and ricotta as they are much lower in fat than your average cheese offering. Skimmed mozzarella is also a nice choice.
Gouda, Swiss, Cheddar and cream cheese are generally fine to offer. They aren’t especially high in either fat or sodium.
Cream cheese is a personal favourite of mine, as it is versatile. I use it in food puzzles including lick mats and Kongs. This way, it offers some mental enrichment, as well as a tasty snack. In the summer months, it can even be frozen on a lick mat, to act as a type of long-lasting and cooling snack.
Highly processed cheeses like American cheese that comes sliced, are generally less nutritionally valuable. Feta, parmesan and halloumi are very high in salt (sodium), so are best avoided. This is particularly true for dogs with heart disease, who need to limit their salt intake.
Do not give cheeses that have strong herby flavours or that are spicy, as these are much more likely to upset the stomach.
Steer clear of blue cheese. It can contain a chemical called Roquefortine C, produced by a fungus while the cheese is being made. This can be highly toxic to dogs, causing signs including high temperature and seizures.
Cheeses that contain toxins such as onions, garlic and chives are also an absolute no no. While these ingredients do need to be consumed in significant quantities before they cause toxicity, it is best not to give them at all.
Puppies can usually eat a little cheese, yes. It is a highly valued training treat and can be used as an extra special snack for occasions like a trip to the vet or when claw clipping.
Once they have been weaned from their mother, a large number of puppies become lactose intolerant. Still, not all are, and even those who don’t tolerate lactose well can sometimes eat a small amount of cheese with no issue.
Puppies are going to have more sensitive stomachs than adults, and are not going to be able to tolerate as much cheese. Stick to very small portion sizes. This means a couple of dice sized cubes a few times a week maximum for smaller breeds, or about half a slice for larger dogs.
While us humans may appreciate Mac and Cheese as a quick and satisfying meal, it is not something we want to be sharing with our furry friends, no.
This dish contains a large amount of cheese, and often a variety of cheese that is quite fatty and salty. On top of this, many recipes will contain added salt, spices and perhaps even toxins such as garlic and onions.
A healthy alternative for your dog would be some plain pasta, offered cooked and warm.
You do not want to get into the bad habit of offering snacks like chips or cheese puffs with your doggo. These snacks offer no real nutritional value and are going to be high in saturated fat and sodium.
Now, if your dog manages to snaffle one or two that fall on the floor, there is likely not going to be a problem. In small amounts, they will be tolerated by your dog. However, there is no good reason to willingly share them.
The most important thing when it comes to cheese feeding is to only offer it in moderation, and to monitor for any reactions. If your dog does seem to develop symptoms after they eat cheese (such as loose stools), it is best to avoid it; sometimes, you’ve got to be the one making the hard decisions in the relationship!
How much cheese your dog can eat depends on their age and size, but also on their medical history. If your dog has not tolerated cheese well in the past, it is best not to give any.
For those who do get on with cheese, try not to give it more than once or twice a week. Serving sizes should be about:
Small and Toy breeds should get no more than a couple of dice sized pieces per serving.
For medium sized dogs, this can increase to about half of a slice, or a couple of tablespoons
Larger breeds can tolerate a bit more. This would mean around a slice of cheese or 3 tablespoons
Be aware that lactose intolerance is really common in dogs. Soft and fresh cheeses have more lactose than harder ones, so may be less tolerated by some.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs occur within half an hour to a few hours or so. They can include:
Bloating
Farting
Diarrhoea
Nausea (which may lead to drooling and grass eating)
Vomiting
Mild lethargy
Food refusal
Abdominal pain
Lactose free cheeses may be the answer for some dogs, but always check for any added ingredients which may not be well tolerated.
If your dog does eat excessive amounts of cheese, you’ll likely be dealing with some sloppy stool for a day or two.
Less commonly, you could be faced with more serious consequences, such as a severe GI upset that requires hospitalisation, or even pancreatitis.
Feeding too much cheese or offering it too regularly, could lead to weight gain over time. Obesity in dogs is known to decrease lifespan as well as quality of life, and should be avoided at all costs.
Though dogs tend to love the taste of cheese, there are lots of other treat options out there. Indeed, many other treats will be enjoyed and better for their health.
Some healthier alternatives would include raw carrot, chopped apple, berries, peanut butter, chicken morsels, sliced turkey, and tinned sardines.
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Your dog may well be able to tolerate cheese, but you need to moderate the amount that is given and stick to cheeses that have a lower fat and sodium content. When you do give cheese, opt for a less processed version and monitor your dog for any symptoms in the day or two after.
Though giving cheese is not a ‘must’, many dogs really enjoy the milky, tangy taste and would choose it over other treat options. For this reason, lots of owners opt to give it in small amounts, using it for harder training tasks or to reward extra good behaviour.
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