If you’ve ever devoured a slice of cheese pizza as your dog longingly eyed your slice of pie, you may have wondered whether or not dogs can eat cheese. Fortunately, the answer is yes! It’s possible that you’re merely interested about whether or not cheese is bad for dogs.
It is reasonable to wonder if the food, which can be a nourishing treat for people, could also be beneficial for your pet because of this fact. The benefits and drawbacks of sharing this snack with your dog are outlined in the following paragraphs.
The Numerous Advantages of Cheese Cheese is loaded with a variety of beneficial minerals, such as calcium, protein, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamins A and B12. However, these are the nutritional benefits that humans receive; what is beneficial for you may not necessarily meet the nutritional requirements of your dog.
Despite this, it is not the case that cheese is devoid of any positive attributes. One of the benefits of cheese for dogs is that it may be utilized as an effective tool for training purposes. A savory tidbit of cheese can also help cover the taste of medicine if your canine companion is resistant to taking it on its own.
A dog with a scruffy appearance and its head resting on a table gaze at a platter containing cheese.
Is Cheese Unhealthy for Dogs to Eat?
So, is it possible for dogs to eat cheese? Or is it always a no-no? If you give your dog cheese, you run the risk of causing a range of health problems for them, including obesity and pancreatitis. This is despite the fact that there are some potential advantages to giving your dog cheese.
“Because pets do not contain considerable amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk, milk and other dairy-based products cause them to have diarrhea or other digestive discomfort,” says the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
The main point here is that you shouldn’t include cheese in your dog’s standard diet or give it to them as a frequent treat. Even while the food doesn’t appear to be harmful, it might give them serious stomach problems.
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In addition to the potential health risks associated with lactose consumption, there is also the matter of cheese’s high proportion of fat. Regularly feeding your dog fatty foods can cause them to gain an unhealthy amount of weight and potentially induce obesity, both of which can lead to a variety of further health issues.
According to the American Kennel Club, eating cheese has the potential to cause pancreatitis, and this is especially true for dogs of breeds that are predisposed to developing the condition, such as schnauzers and cocker spaniels. Pancreatitis is a serious ailment that can result in a number of unpleasant symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea; however, in its most severe forms, it can even be fatal.
What About Other Types of Cheese, Such as Cottage Cheese?
There are significant differences among cheeses. Cheeses that are lower in fat, including mozzarella, cottage cheese, and soft goat cheese, may be better options for the health of your dog than cheeses that have a greater percentage of fat.
When searching for cheeses that are good for your dog’s health, it is imperative that you pay special attention to the components of the cheese. Certain cheeses have herbs and vegetables in their ingredients, such as chives or garlic, which are both known to be harmful to dogs.
Consult your pet’s veterinary professional before making the decision to treat your dog to an occasional snack of cheese. They will be able to advise you on whether or not it is a suitable treat for them, and if so, which variety of cheese would be most suitable for them to consume.
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Always keep in mind that any food that is not your dog’s regular meal, such as dog treats, should never account for more than ten percent (10%) of your dog’s daily caloric intake. This applies to both regular food and dog treats. As is the case with humans, consuming an excessive amount of calories can result in weight gain, which in turn can cause a variety of other adverse health concerns.
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