Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese?

The short answer is yes—it is safe for dogs to enjoy small quantities of cream cheese as an occasional treat. Some dog treats even contain a thin layer of cream cheese frosting because cream cheese boasts several health benefits. It contains high amounts of essential fatty acids, calcium, vitamin A, and B complex vitamins. Cheese can also be a helpful dog treat alternative during puppy training.

However, too much cream cheese in your dog’s diet can be detrimental to their health. It can cause an upset stomach and contribute to excessive weight gain or even pancreatitis. It also has a high salt content that can contribute to high blood pressure. Dogs produce very low amounts of lactase, the enzyme necessary for digesting dairy products, and some dogs are lactose-intolerant. There are several other types of cheese that are low-fat and pose fewer risks to your dog’s health, including mozzarella, cottage cheese, and goat cheese. However, you should never feed dogs blue cheese. Blue cheese produces a mycotoxin called Roquefortine C that is bad for dogs.

As with all human foods, dogs should only eat small portions of plain cream cheese. If it is your dog's first time eating cream cheese, it’s best to mix a small amount (such as a teaspoon) in their regular dog food first. You can also feed them a small piece by hand. Choose a low-fat cream cheese over one with a high fat content.

Large dog breeds will likely be able to tolerate more than small dogs, but it’s best to only give them a tiny amount as well. A small piece of bagel with a little bit of cream cheese spread isn’t going to hurt your dog. However, you should avoid feeding dogs cream cheese products containing additional ingredients such as chives, blueberries, strawberries, jalapeños, or honey.

Dogs who have diabetes, high blood pressure, or digestive problems should not eat cream cheese. Even a small amount of cream cheese can be bad for dogs with health concerns. Likewise, if your dog is lactose-intolerant, they should not eat cream cheese. When lactose-intolerant dogs eat cheese, they will likely experience upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting. Call your veterinarian if these symptoms persist.

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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