Can Your Dog Eat Cheese?
Before we get into the article, everyone should know that cheese is non-toxic to dogs. However, it depends on your dog’s sensitivities whether you should give it to them or not. Dogs can eat cheese, but there are some things you will need to keep in mind first.
There are a few concerns about cheese which we have outlined below:
- High in fat. Do you have a dog that is overweight or at risk for pancreatitis? You will need to lay off the cheese treats.
- High in sodium. Certain cheeses contain a very high salt content. This can pose a risk and cause sodium poisoning if not taken seriously. Some of the signs and symptoms of this include extreme thirst, low energy, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
- Added ingredients. Pay close attention to this one. Some cheeses have added ingredients such as onions, garlic, and/or chives which are toxic to dogs.
- Lactose intolerant dogs. If your dog is lactose intolerant, then you should skip cheese all together or choose a low-lactose option.
Do not be discouraged! There are some types of cheese that your dog can eat. Soft cheeses such as mozzarella may be good in moderation. Your dog can also try low sodium cottage cheese on occasion. The good thing about cottage cheese is that it has a lot of protein, calcium, and vitamins! Plain cream cheese may be an option as well but be sure that you are sticking to a low-fat variety. All in all, cheese is not a horrible snack to give your dog. However, it must be done in moderation. Too much cheese can result in an upset stomach and/or constipation.
