Like you, your dog needs some salt in his diet. While cheese can be safe to feed to your dog, there are some things to remember. Benefits of Cheese. And remember … the less often he gets it, the more he’ll appreciate it. But as you now know … it can have lots of additives that are bad for your dog in large amounts. And that can cause the pancreas to digest itself. You also want to be sure to check the label. Also, cheese is high in calcium, which can help to keep your dog’s … To break down lactose, your dog needs a digestive enzyme called lactase. The simple answer to whether or not dogs can eat cheese is that it depends on the individual dog. But should dogs eat cheese? But before I get into that … I want to talk about dogs who should not eat cheese. That’s because the food they eat affects the nutritional value of the dairy they produce. In animals, like salmon, it is done to increase growth speed. The takeaway: Don't give your dog cheese as part of their regular meal plan or as a frequent treat. Get it right from the start. Can Dogs Eat Cheese? Sign up for the Dogs Naturally Newsletter and get over 200 FREE Health Plans and Guides in 2020. Fat Content. While cheese can be safe to feed to your dog, there are some things to remember. [src="https://a.omappapi.com/users/3d3cb4d2c858/images/c2386e4c35af1584128187-Pet-Food-Analyzer.png"], [src="https://a.omappapi.com/users/3d3cb4d2c858/images/5a91f54387991585949493-c2386e4c35af1584128187-Pet-Food-Analyzer.png"], Is Kale Safe For Your Dog? While many forms of this protein exist, milk most often contains A1 and A2 beta-casein. And while raw milk is full of lactase … most manufacturers pasteurize their dairy products, which destroys it. Can you give a mozzarella cheese treat to your pet friend? And others are downright dangerous for your dog. Dogs really love cheese! It’s still possible for raw milk or aged cheese to upset dogs with a severe intolerance. If you’d like more on how we use your information, just check out our Privacy Policy. In fact, cheese has been praised for some of the benefits it can provide. Cottage cheese is a popular choice for dogs. While cheese can be a healthy, protein-packed treat with Vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, and essential fatty acids, it can pack a caloric punch. Questions range from the obvious (“Can dogs eat steak bones?”) to the trendy (“Can dogs eat quinoa?”) Check out more “Can dogs eat…” articles on AKC.org to see what other foods could be harmful to your dog, including cherries, avocados, and onions. Other cheeses with lots of salt include …, And too much fat can lead to weight gain, obesity and even pancreatitis. RELATED: Pancreatitis In Dogs: The Scary Truth & How To Manage It …, After reading that, it may seem like a good idea to go with low-fat or fat-free versions. This includes artificial colors. Cottage cheese can be a good protein source for a dog that has occasional episodes of diarrhea. Can Dogs Eat Cottage Cheese. Your dog can eat cheese and will happily do so if he has the opportunity, but only if he agrees with the idea. But if too much water gets redirected to his bloodstream, his brain cells won’t get the water they need. Once inflamed, the enzymes it produces will activate while they’re still in the pancreas. Stressed animals may. The problem is … some types of cheese can be unhealthy. It’s a good source of calcium and it’s lower in salt and fat. Chances are he’ll be okay. © The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2020. and try to vary treats. In addition to the problems presented by the high-fat content, some cheeses contain herbs or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives. As long as your dog is eating a cottage cheese that’s low in salt, it can be an excellent, occasional addition to your dog’s diet. In fact, cheese is often a great training tool, especially for puppies. To find a holistic or homeopathic vet near you or to find one who will do phone consultations, visit The Academy Of Veterinary Homeopathy. However, the study summary doesn’t mention how much annatto caused this reaction. Many cheeses have ingredients in them to add to their flavor. It sometimes has titanium dioxide added to make it whiter. That means their digestive system can’t break down lactose, which is the natural sugar in milk. But if you’re not sure, it’s better to find a different treat. Organic milk has more omega-3s and less omega-6s. Older cheeses usually have the lowest amount. Whether or not dogs can eat cream cheese depends on the type. And it can be dangerous for your dog. Ripe moldy cheeses like roquefort, stilton and blue aren’t for everyone … and they’re a definite no for your dog. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. Fortunately, there are some easy rules you can use to pick the right kind of cheese for your dog. Feeding Cheese Safely to Your Dog. Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. Hypernatremia is another major risk. The fungus used to make these cheeses produces a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be sensitive to, causing vomiting, diarrhea, high temperatures and even seizures. Before you share cheese with your dog, there are a few things to look at. This can cause brain cell damage and lead to dizziness, headaches, seizures, coma or death. They can also have added ingredients that aren’t healthy for your dog. If you’re giving your dog cheese for the first time, start with a small amount. Cheese and Dogs. It can even be absorbed into the food itself, especially when it’s sprayed pre-harvest. When in doubt about which cheese is safe for your dog, cottage cheese is usually a good option. …, Raw Dog Food Primer: 6 Steps To Get Started, A Veterinarian’s Journey From Kibble To Raw. Cheese can also be high in fat. Some cheeses aren’t only tasty, but full of salt. It splits the lactose into simple sugars so that they’re easier for him to digest. Limit to one or two at any given time to minimize the effects of saturated fats and excessive salts. Your dog needs a healthy dose of good fats. Can Dogs Eat Swiss Cheese? Genetically modified foods are plants and animals whose DNA has been changed. This helps dilute the salt levels and flush it out of his system. https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. When manufacturers want to change the look of their cheese, they’ll add coloring. Or you may want to try cheese from A2 milk …, RELATED: Here’s Why Yogurt Is Not A Good Probiotic For Your Dog …. If it works too hard, it’ll become inflamed. And there probably isn’t enough in a bit of cheese to be a problem. Another type of flavored cheese you want to watch for is smoked cheeses. Smoking with heat can cause substances called PAHs – polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Artificial colors can cause hypersensitivity and behavior issues in children. Bad Cheese For Dogs According to the American Kennel Club, "Fatty, rich cheeses, and cheeses that contain herbs or food items harmful to dogs like garlic can … The key takeaway is that there’s a lot of debate over the two kinds of milk. Not only do these cheeses have high fat and salt contents, they can contain mycotoxins. This is when high levels of salt cause your dog’s muscles to lose moisture. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. So, if you think your dog (or you) is lactose intolerant, you may want to try an A2 cheese. While some dogs can eat cheese, and most dogs love it, many dogs can be intolerant of cheese. If your dog is lactose intolerant (especially if it’s severe), you’ll want to stay away from cheese as a treat. Like you, your dog needs some salt in his diet. It’s often a great training tool as well, especially for puppies. You also want to avoid glutamic acid. This is a flavoring that’s sometimes added to dairy products. Your puppy's lifelong health and happiness begins with you. Organic farmers also don’t use genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or antibiotics. And that they cause more severe digestive problems than A2. Most dogs can eat cheese. When it comes to actively feeding our dogs the milk-based food sources that we ourselves consume, feeding dog’s human food is best only in moderation. When Is Cheese Bad for Dogs? Cottage cheese is lower in fat and sodium than other cheeses, helping reduce the risk of obesity. This makes them stiff, which can lead to shaking or jerking. Many of these products contain added extras such as chives, onions and garlic which are toxic to dogs and should always be avoided. Cheese is best left as a high value reward. So, can dogs eat cream cheese? Mozzarella or most other soft cheeses have a high-fat content. Hypoglycemia can be life-threatening in dogs. This is usually done to create resistance to pesticides and antibiotics. Yes, Dogs Can Eat Cheese in Moderation As long as you aren’t giving a lot of it to your dog, cheese can be a healthy treat. Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. Cottage cheese is also lower in lactose, thus reducing the likelihood of intestinal upset. 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