Although some dogs can eat cheese, there is a high chance that your dog will be intolerant to most cheeses. Let’s take a closer look and answer the question at hand: Can my dog eat cheese?
Cheese for dogs. The good, the bad and the ugly!
The bad news is that most dogs are intolerant to lactose (a sugar found in milk and milk products such as cheese). Eating cheese can lead to an upset stomach (flatulence, diarrhea, vomiting and discomfort).
Then there is the ugly news. Cheese is high in fat and, when given too much, might contribute to a dog’s obesity problem and pancreatitis (a severe and potentially fatal condition in dogs). Furthermore, some cheeses will contain high levels of salt, onions, herbs, garlic and other spices that can be toxic for your dog.
Last but not least, the good news! Cheese is an excellent source of Vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, protein, calcium, and magnesium, all of which are beneficial for dogs.
There is one type of cheese that is low in fat and lactose, and that is cottage cheese. Often you can also find cottage cheese that is low in sodium, and that would be the one for your dog.
Mozzarella cheese can also be an alternative for dogs. Though it can have up to 10 times more fat than cottage cheese (although still with less fat than many other kinds of cheeses), it will, in turn, have less sodium and a higher amount of vitamins and minerals when compared to cottage cheese.
Cheese for dogs: How much is too much?
Now you know that your dog will most likely tolerate and enjoy a little mozzarella and low-sodium cottage cheese. Still, use cheese as you would use a treat, in small amounts and in moderation.
Everything at a glance:
Mix and Match!
To answer the question Can my dog eat cheese? Now that you know what type of cheese is good for your dog and how much is safe to give, imagine improving the overall culinary experience by mixing a bit of fresh cottage cheese with one of our organic freshly baked treats! So yummy!
