Can Dogs Eat Cheese? What’s Safe and What to Avoid

Human beings love cheese. That is why it is a popular food for people with a high nutritional value. Dogs also eat people’s food. From protein to fatty acids to A & B vitamins, cheese is a rich food ingredient. It also offers health benefits when consumed properly. Dog owners also have multiple cheese-inspired healthy dog snacks and treats available online. Dogs can’t digest cheese! Does this old axiom set fit on all dogs? Before feeding cheese products to dogs, it is vital for pet owners to better understand cheese for dogs. The factors of dogs’ age, diet, health history, and conditions decide if your dog is ready to have a cheese diet or not. Is cheese safe for dogs? Can dogs eat cheese? This blog answers these questions in detail.

Is Cheese Good for Your Furry Companion?

Not all cheese types are good for your dogs. There are various cheese categories and types. Some are highly popular and useful to dogs; some cheese types can be given to dogs with precaution. On the other hand, there are some cheese options that should not be offered to pets for multiple reasons.

In the category of not-so-great cheese, blue cheese should be avoided. This cheese type is likely to have harmful and toxic substances. The consumption of blue cheese may develop symptoms of vomiting and seizures. Diarrhoea and high temperature can also affect dogs fed with blue cheese.

When dogs eat a higher amount of blue cheese, they are likely to develop serious symptoms.

Cream cheese also comes with a bigger amount of obese and calorie content. There is a perception that onion ingredients are also a part of the cream cheese. These ingredients are not healthy for dogs. That is why this cheese type should be served to dogs with caution.

When Your Dog Is Not Ready for Cheese?

There are some conditions when you should not continue the cheese feeding to dogs. If your dog is overweight, avoid cheese that has a high content of calories, salt, and fat. The same also applies to pets with kidney issues. Here, dog owners need to rely upon healthy dog treats.

Some dogs are intolerant to lactose (milk sugar) due to digestion issues. Cheese also contains a smaller amount of lactose. Lactose-intolerant dogs can react badly to cheese. Give such dogs lactose-free dog food. Simply try dairy-free treats for dogs for better results.

Dogs with pancreatitis will find cheese highly risky to their digestive system. Not all dogs have a sensitive stomach. Yet, consult your vet for better guidance.

How to Feed Cheese to Dogs?

When you are ready to serve your dog with different cheese types and your dog is not aware of your decision, it is high time to find interesting ways. If your dog is reluctant to take medication, small cubes of cheese are the best way. Cheese can be used to conceal medication. You can push tablets into the center of cube cheese. Smaller cheese cubes are easy to gulp by dogs. If you try to give antibiotics in cheese, ask your vet because intestines may absorb antibiotics or not. Try out the following cheese sizes:

• Extra-small dog (2-20 pounds): 1-2 pieces (a half inch wide by ¼-inch thick)
• Small dog (21-30 pounds): 2-3 pieces (1 inch wide by ¼-inch thick)
• Medium dog (31-50 pounds): 5-6 pieces (1 inch wide by ¼-inch thick)
• Big dogs (51+ pounds): 5-6 pieces (1 inch wide by ¼-inch thick)

After a high reward training, dog owners can give their dogs cheese as a surprise treat. Cheddar is easy to cut into small cubes. When dogs are not happy and feel bored, cheese can be a good reason to make them feel occupied.

Conclusion

Hope the above discussion will help you understand if your dog is ready to eat cheese or eat. Although cheese is good for your dog’s health, you should ask your vet before feeding your dogs. Also check what sort of cheese is being fed to dogs. While buying dog treats and snacks from online bakeries, make sure you read all instructions concerning cheese-based ingredients. Reading these instructions will help you know if that treat suits your dog or not.

Helpful Posts:

Dry vs. Wet Dog Food: What is the Healthiest Choice for Furry Pets?

How to Choose Safe Cupcakes for Dogs?

8 Unique Dog Birthday Gift Ideas to Make Their Day Special