Yes, dogs can eat cheese in moderation. Cheese is often used as a popular training treat. This is because it has nutritional benefits to provide for your dog. However, cheese is also high in fat and sodium. Hence, moderation is the key! Consult with your vet before introducing cheese to your dog.
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What Is Cheese?
Cheese is a dairy product made from the coagulation of milk protein casein. It comes in a variety of tastes, textures, and shapes. It is made out of proteins and fat from cow’s, buffalo’s, goat’s, or sheep’s milk. The milk is frequently acidified to force the casein to solidify, and enzymes such as rennet or bacterial enzymes with comparable activity are added. After that, the solid curds are removed from the watery whey and squeezed into cheese. Aromatic mold can be found on the rind, outer layer, or throughout some cheeses.
Is Cheese Safe For Dogs?
Yes, cheese is safe for dogs in moderation. However, not all cheese is suitable and safe for your dog. Things you should keep in mind:
Herb-based cheese: Herb-based cheese is not ideal for dogs because it has toxic elements.
Blue cheese: Blue cheese is poisonous for dogs as it contains molds that are toxic for dogs to consume.
Goat cheese: Goat cheese is fat and lactose-concentrated, making it unhealthy for dogs.
Brie: Brie is also concentrated with fat and lactose, making it unsafe and unhealthy for dogs.
Feta cheese: Feta cheese is high in fat, lactose, and sodium. All the elements are poisonous for dogs.
Why Is Cheese Good For Dogs?
Cheese is suitable for dogs as they are a good source of essential nutrients. These nutritions, though are available in your dog’s daily kibble, 10% of treat won’t harm your dog. Cheese is packed with:
Calcium: Calcium is an essential dietary component for your dog’s health. It is required for bone and tooth development, nerve impulse transmission, cell communication, muscle contraction, and blood coagulation. Therefore, it’s critical for your dog’s general health that he gets adequate calcium.
Protein: Hair, skin, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage are all made up of amino acids, which are found in protein. It’s also essential for hormone synthesis.
Vitamin A: Vitamin A helps your dog’s vision skin and heals wound easily. It also aids in bone growth, reproduction, and the overall immune system.
Vitamin B complex: Vitamin B complex is a co-enzyme that promotes metabolic activities that convert carbs to glucose, giving energy and stamina. It is required to digest protein and fat in a dog’s diet.
Fatty acids: Fatty acids are ingested as saturated and unsaturated fats in a dog’s diet. The fat is broken down by the dog’s body and absorbed through the GI tract. Fatty acids are utilized to generate and sustain bodily cells. Fatty acids also help fat-soluble vitamins to reach the vitamin-deficient target.
Vitamin B12: Beginning with the neural system, vitamin B12 aids in the formation and improvement of protective tissues that cover the nerves in the brain, giving the dog greater control over all physiological activities. Additionally, your dog’s spinal health benefits from a healthy neural system.
Zinc: Zinc is a mineral found in numerous things in the dog’s body, including enzymes, proteins, and hormones. Zinc is also necessary for the immune system and thyroid function. Therefore, zinc insufficiency can cause various issues in dogs, including incapability of infection protection.
Phosphorus: In dogs, phosphorus is necessary for maintaining healthy kidney function. Your puppy’s kidneys must be beneficial to drain toxins from his body through pee efficiently. As a result, he can stay in the most significant physical form possible. In addition, phosphorus aids motor function by assisting muscle contractions. This allows your dog to conduct typical duties such as walking, chewing, and following you on your morning runs. Phosphorus also aids your dog in maintaining a regular heart rate, which is especially important during activity.
Types of cheese suitable for dogs
Here is the list of cheese which is suitable for dogs to eat in moderation:
Even though cheese is good for dogs in moderation, it has its downsides too! The side effects of consuming cheese are a bit challenging:
High fat: Cheese is high in fat. Excessive fat can cause severe health issues in dogs like:
Gastrointestinal issues
Pancreatitis
Kidney damage
Bloating
Lack of appetite
Vomiting
Gagging
Weight gain
Obesity
Cardiovascular issues
Joint problems
Salt: Cheese contains excessive salt in them, causing salt poisoning. The consequences of salt poisoning are:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Dehydration
High temperature
Lack of appetite
Seizures
GI issues
Muscle tremors
Pancreatitis
Kidney failure
Coma
Death
Lactose: Cheese contains lactose, and many dogs are lactose intolerant. The consequences of consuming excessive cheese are as follows:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Rashes
Allergies
Inflammation
Hotspots
Herb-based cheese: Cheese contains herbs, onion, and garlic are prohibited for dogs. The consumption of herb-based cheese can lead to:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
GI upset
Weight gain
Obesity
Lethargy
Disorientation
Pancreatitis
Shaking of head
High blood pressure
Muscle tremors
Seizures
Joint pain
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Coma
Death
Casein: Casein is addictive found in high amounts in cheese. It is a carcinogen linked to cancer.
Types of cheese not suitable for dogs
Here is a list of cheese that should not be fed to dogs:
Blue cheese
Cream cheese
Goat cheese
Brie
Feta cheese
Havarti cheese
How Much Cheese to Feed Your Dog?
Moderation must play a role while feeding cheese to your dog! Cheese should be treated as a training time snack for dogs. It must not be a part of his daily kibble. Maintain the 10% rule while feeding cheese to your dog,
How to Serve Cheese to My Dog?
Here we have listed a few ideas on how to serve cheese to your dog:
Add some grated cheese as your dog’s kibble topping.
Offer a few chunks of cottage cheese during the training period.
While feeding a non-antibiotic pill, you can use cottage cheese to cover the pill and provide it to your dog.
Do not panic if your dog has consumed excessive cheese once in a blue moon. Your dog will most likely have a few allergies. Instead, take your dog to the vet for further treatment. Follow as your vet prescribes.
Final Thoughts
The article draws a line that cheese is good for dogs in moderation. Cheese can be beneficial for dogs. However, skip the cheese if your dog is overweight and has kidney issues. Always consult with your vet before introducing cheese. Ensure a healthy and happy life for your dog.
