Can Dogs Eat Cheese? 3 Benefits of Cheese for Dogs

In most cases, cheese is safe for dogs to eat. Before adding cheese to your dog’s diet, consider the following:

• Lactose intolerance: Just like humans, some dogs are lactose intolerant and do not have the enzyme lactase to properly digest lactose, a sugar found in most dairy products. Feeding cheese to a lactose-intolerant dog will cause digestive problems.
• High-fat content: Most cheese has a high fat content, particularly saturated fat. While a certain amount of fat is good for dogs, too much can lead to weight gain, obesity, heart problems, and pancreatitis. It’s essential to know the fat content of the cheese you give your dog and to keep track of how much cheese your dog consumes.
• Sodium: Generally, cheese is a sodium-rich food. While some sodium is healthy, excessive sodium intake can cause high blood pressure and organ damage for dogs. Avoid or limit your dog’s consumption of cheeses with high levels of sodium, like feta and Parmesan.

Your dog’s reaction to cheese will depend on several factors, mainly their ability to digest lactose. Look for signs of low appetite or an upset stomach after feeding your dog cheese.

Feeding dogs cheese in moderation as a special dog treat can be beneficial:

1. 1. Nutrients: Cheese is an excellent source of vital nutrients. In addition to the protein and fat content, many kinds of cheese contain vitamin A, vitamin B-12, vitamin K-2, calcium, zinc, and phosphorus. Cheese also contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, another part of a healthy diet for dogs.
2. 2. Motivator: The strong smell and flavor of the cheese is attractive to dogs. To motivate your dog while training, you can use a low-fat cheese as a reward. Be sure to incentivize your dog with cheese in moderation.
3. 3. Concealer: Dogs like the taste of cheese, and because its texture is usually quite malleable, it can be an excellent medium for concealing medicines that your dog might otherwise disdain.

Relatively low-fat cheeses with less lactose and sodium are generally safe to feed to dogs. Cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese—including string cheese cut into small pieces—ricotta, cheddar cheese, and Swiss cheese are all options. You can also consult with a veteranarian about types of cheeses for your dog.

Cheeses higher in fat, salt, or lactose are generally not a good option for dogs. In general, it is best to avoid feeding your dog Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, goat cheese, feta cheese, and blue cheese, like Roquefort and Stilton. Also, avoid feeding your dog cheeses or cheese spreads that contain onions, chives, and garlic, which can be toxic to dogs.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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