If you are wondering, "can dogs eat cheese?" look no further.
This guide will provide you with a thorough insight into the benefits and risks of feeding your pooches parmesan.
There Is No Easy Answer To The Question Can Dogs Eat Cheese
So many of our everyday foods are extremely dangerous for dogs, so dog owners need to do their research before mealtime. But the answer to "can dogs eat cheese?" is actually quite a tricky one.
So, can dogs eat cheese? The simple answer is yes, in small, manageable amounts and not very often. But there are many reasons why cheese may not be the best for dogs.
Although cheese is safe in small amounts, there are a lot of dogs who are lactose intolerant. It is not just humans who can have adverse reactions to dairy. In fact, there are more dogs with lactose intolerance than humans!
What Is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose refers to the sugar found in milk. Cows' milk contains the highest amount of lactose, but it is also found in other types of animal milk. So, if your dog does have lactose intolerance, watch out for all kinds of cheese, not just the ones that include cows' milk.
As milk is the main ingredient in cheese production, dogs with lactose intolerance will have a reaction when they eat it. This means you should also not give your dog milk, ice cream, smoothies, yogurt, or any other foods which include milk.
This gives a clear answer to can dogs eat cheese.
How Do I Know If My Dog Has Lactose Intolerance?
There are several signs that your dog is having an adverse reaction to cheese or milk products. Some of which include:
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Bloating
Flatulence
Itchiness
Redness and swelling of the skin
Difficult breathing
Hives
If your dog has been exhibiting any of these signs, then ensure you cut out milk completely. However, if the symptoms continue or are severe, ensure you take your dog to the veterinarian.
Other Instances When The Answer To "can Dogs Eat Cheese" Is Negative
If your dog is overweight, then you should avoid cheese. This is as there are a lot of calories and fat in cheese. You should also ensure your pet is put on a diet.
Consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about your pet's weight. They will know what their ideal weight is and can weigh them for you.
When Is It Okay For My Dog To Eat Cheese?
If your dog does not seem to be intolerant or allergic to cheese, then it is okay to feed them a tiny bit of cheese every so often.
You should monitor how much cheese your dog consumes to avoid weight gain. If you give them small bits frequently throughout the day, the amount might build up with you realizing it.
What Are The Benefits Of Feeding My Dog Cheese?
Although it is fatty, there are many benefits to feeding dog cheese. Aside from dogs absolutely loving it, there is also calcium, vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, and essential fatty acids.
Because dogs love cheese, many pet owners also recommend putting their dog's pills into or around cheese to help fix your poorly pooches.
Can I Use Cheese As A Treat When Training?
As mentioned above, it is okay for dogs to have cheese in moderation. So, if you are training your dog, you should not feed them cheese exclusively as they will quickly gain weight.
Therefore, it might be a good idea to save the cheese when your puppy impresses you or nails that trick. It doesn't just answer, can dogs eat cheese, but when to treat them!
Which Types Of Cheese Are Safe For Dogs?
Cottage cheese: a very fatty cheese, so avoid giving your dog too much
Low-fat cottage cheese: can be an excellent addition to your dog's diet as it is full of vitamins, calcium, protein, and probiotics
Low-fat soft cheeses: these include mozzarella, goats' cheese, and string cheese are good, safe options for your pooch
Aged cheeses: these include cheddar, parmesan, and swiss cheese. These cheeses are low in lactose, so that they may be suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Cream cheeses: these are also safe for dogs but ensure they do not have any additional ingredients toxic to dogs, such as onions.
Which Cheeses Should I Avoid Giving My Dog?
Aged Cheeses: the sodium that is produced in these cheeses can be lethal to dogs and can cause sodium poisoning
Blue Cheeses: another dangerous cheese that is toxic to dogs
What Can I Use As A Substitute For Cheese?
If you have recently become aware that your dog is overweight, has a cheese allergy, or is simply looking for an excellent healthy treat for your beloved pet, please find some suggestions below.
Small pieces of apples
Carrots
Green peas
Strawberries
Broccoli
Blueberries
What Recipes Can I Make With Cheese?
If you want to make your cheese treats last longer, you can consider cooking some cheesy treats. Why not try out these Cheesy Dog Biscuits (they are also great as a treat for humans too!)
Get Together The Following Ingredients
2 cups of low-fat cottage cheese
6 tsp olive oil
6tsp milk
1 egg yolk
2 cups of oatmeal
To Prepare
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Place some parchment on a baking tray
Create The Biscuits With These Really Straightforward Directions
1. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl with a wooden spoon.
2. Pinch a part of the mixture and roll it between your hands.
3. Press it down on the parchment and create flat round biscuits. Or, if you have a dog-themed cookie-cutter, use that to make cute treats.
4. Cook for 30 minutes, ensure the center of the biscuit is hard.
Summary: Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
To Summarise
Yes, dogs can eat cheese
Be careful as your dog might have a lactose intolerance
Cheese is fatty for dogs so only give them small pieces
Never give your dog aged cheese or blue cheese
You can cook cheese into dog-friendly biscuits
