Can my dog eat cheese? Yes, they can! Most dogs can eat cheese and love every bite and flavor. However, some dogs might have an intolerance to cheese much the same as eating other foods; it depends on the specific breed. Even if your dog happily digests and eats cheese, it’s still best to give it to them in moderation.
Can My Dog Eat Cheese?
Is Cheese Good For My Dog?
Cheese contains fatty acids, vitamin A, calcium, B-complex vitamins, and essential fatty acids that are healthy for your dog.
While these nutritional cheese components are beneficial for your dog, it doesn’t mean cheese should be a regular part of your dog’s diet.
But it makes a great treat, training tool, and it’s the perfect place to hide medication for your dog to take.
How to Feed Cheese to Your Dog Safely
Your dog might be a cheese monster and want to eat it every day, but there are things you need to know that will help you understand why you need to keep control over the situation and feed cheese to your dog safely.
The first thing you need to know is cheese is high in fat which can cause weight gain and obesity. Some dogs can develop pancreatitis, which is a severe disease that can be fatal in some dogs.
The next thing you need to look out for is the ingredients in the cheese you serve your dog. Some cheeses contain chives, onions, and garlic. These tasty herbs are toxic for dogs. Since they are often hidden within the cheese and not noticeable, you can accidentally feed your dog these poisonous ingredients. You can prevent this situation by reading the ingredients label on the cheese package to make sure it’s dog-friendly.
If you have your heart set on feeding your dog cheese, choose mozzarella, cottage cheese, and goat cheese. These cheeses are low in fat and sodium compared to other cheeses. Even better, cottage cheese is low in lactose that will help reduce the risk of your dog developing intestinal upset.
Is My Dog Lactose Intolerant?
Lactose is found in most cheeses, and some dogs have a difficult time digesting it and develop an intolerance.
Can my dog eat cheese? Not if they are lactose intolerant. Look for signs of lactose intolerance dairy allergies including the ones listed below.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Lack of appetite
- Flatulence
- Itchiness
- Excessive ear scratching
- Excessive licking of the paws or anus
- Redness of the anus
- Redness of the ears
- Redness of the skin
- Difficult breathing
- Swelling of the face
If you suspect your dog is experiencing an allergic reaction or intolerance to cheese, consult with a veterinarian for further assistance.
Creative Ways to Feed Your Dog Cheese
- Put a teaspoon of cottage cheese in your dog’s kibble or wet food.
- Cut cheese into cubes, put it in plastic bags in the refrigerator, and use it as a treat.
- Make your dog a snack by combining cheese and bacon in a small serving size for your dog to enjoy.
- Melt a small portion of cheese and pour it over kibble. Just make sure it cools down before serving it to your dog.
Bottom Line
Can my dog eat cheese? It depends on your specific dog. All dogs can eat cheese because it’s not toxic unless it contains herbs or other ingredients that are poisonous to canines. The true answer depends on whether your dog is lactose intolerant or not.
Once you confirm your dog can eat cheese, make sure you give it to them in moderation. It’s fun to find inventive ways to add cheese to your dog’s diet and surprise them with this delicious treat!
Shellie
A pet parent herself, Shellie knows the ins and outs of caring for a furry bundle of joy. She has been researching, reviewing and sharing her findings for the best dog products available for a number of years. A valued team member, Shellie's first-hand experience is invaluable.
