Why can t dogs eat cheese

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Can Dogs Eat Cheese? Which Types of Cheese Can Dogs Eat?

Cheese is undeniably one of the most adored human foods, and were not saying that in the spirit of being cheesy. Thats simply the truth.

In fact, its smell alone is too sinful that it could unleash the glutton in each one of us. And no wonder why even our canine companions love cheese so much. Yes, dogs find cheese irresistible, too. But, can dogs eat cheese?

Can Dogs Eat Cheese?

The short answer is yes, dogs can eat cheese. However, just like with other human foods that we occasionally add into our dogs diet, theres always a catch. Most dogs can handle cheese very well, but some cant even in small amounts.

Hence, there are a few things to remember before you start slicing small cubes of cheese for your pup.

To start, you have to pay attention to your dogs health, especially his tolerance to dairy products, his current weight, digestive health, allergies, and any underlying health problems that he may have.

The Benefits of Cheese

Cheese is a many-splendored food. From its taste, aroma, texture, and nutritional benefits, cheese doesnt disappoint.

It is loaded with essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, calcium, essential fatty acids, phosphorus, and zinc.

However, while we humans can enjoy the positive effects of these nutrients, our dogs cannot. Our internal makeup differs from that of a dog, as such, cheese wont necessarily provide them with the nutritional benefits that they need.

Is Cheese Bad for Dogs?

Cheese is not toxic to dogs, so, its generally safe to give your pup a small cube of cheese as an occasional treat. You should also be mindful that many kinds of cheese have high-fat content and high sodium content.

And we know for a fact that too much of these in your dogs diet can lead to unhealthy weight gain and several other health issues, such as pancreatitis, sodium toxicity, and kidney problems to name a few.

Symptoms of sodium toxicity that you should watch out for include extreme thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and body weakness.

If not addressed immediately, it can lead to more serious problems such as potential injury to the kidneys, coma, and even death.

When Is Cheese Good for Dogs?

Not all dogs love cheese and can handle its effects, thats why its always best to practice moderation in giving this treat to your pup.

And if your canine buddy can handle cheese very well, you can also use it as a reward during his training. In fact, a lot of trainers use it for treats-motivated dogs.

Also, if you are having a hard time giving your dog his medicines, you can use cheese to hide their taste and disguise them as treats.

By using cheese to conceal pills (except for antibiotics), you can successfully give him his needed dose while also allowing him to enjoy his favorite snack.

At times, some dogs also hate munching on their prescription recovery dog food. If this is the case with your dog, then, try adding grated cheese as toppings to make it more palatable for your pooch.

But of course, dont forget to ask for your vets approval and recommendation before doing this because like what was said earlier, cheese can also cause some health issues to dogs. As such, when it is given in excess, it might just exacerbate your pups condition.

Lactose Intolerance in Dogs

Dairy can be tricky for dogs. Just like us, humans, some dogs are lactose intolerant or they cant digest lactose effectively.

This is because dogs do not have a significant amount of lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose from milk and other dairy-based products.

Hence, while cheese contains less lactose than whole milk, those with severe lactose intolerance may still experience adverse reactions even in small amounts.

Every time your dog eats products that contain milk or every time he drinks milk, he can have diarrhea and other signs of stomach upset.

So, be cautious especially if your dog has never eaten cheese before. If he exhibits untoward reactions after eating a small amount for the first time, its best to never give him cheese or any dairy products again.

Other Health Issues When Feeding Your Dog Cheese

Aside from experiencing allergic reactions and stomach upset from lactose intolerance, most cheeses contain a high amount of fat, and cheese, in general, is high in calories.

Dogs that consume high-calorie and high fat foods regularly are more at risk for obesity, and weight-related illnesses.

Some dog breeds such as cocker spaniels and schnauzers are also more prone to getting pancreatitis. This condition is a serious and life-threatening medical disorder that develops when dogs eat high-fat foods that only add unnecessary stress on the pancreas.

In addition to the problems presented by the high calorie and high fat content, other cheeses also contain herbs and ingredients that can be toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives.

Even a small percentage of these spices and seasonings can cause serious reactions in dogs way beyond a mild case of an upset stomach.

Which Types of Cheese Can Dogs Eat?

When feeding your pup cheese, its obvious that you should stay away from those that contain high amounts of fat, such as cottage cheese, especially if your dog is already overweight.

On the other hand, some brands offer low-fat varieties of cottage cheese, so you can also go for those types.

As long as your dog is eating cottage cheese that is low in salt, then, it can be an excellent addition to your dogs diet in moderation. Cottage cheese contains calcium and vitamins, as well as a good level of protein and probiotics.

Soft cheeses, which are the ones often found in the households are also safe for dogs to eat in small amounts. These low-fat cheeses include mozzarella cheese, young cheddar cheese, soft goat cheese, and string cheese.

Aged cheese like parmesan, cheddar, and Swiss cheese also contains lower lactose than full-fat mozzarella cheese. Hence, these varieties are less likely to cause intestinal upset to your dog.

As for cream cheese, you can also give it to your pup in moderation. And as always, go for low-fat plain cream cheese. Make sure that it is plain because other types contain ingredients that can be toxic to your dog such as garlic and onions.

Hence, its best to always read the nutritional label and at least read the name of the cheese. If it has garlic, then, the outer label will also say garlic cream cheese. If it does, then, move to other options right away.

Hard aged cheeses are also a no-no for dogs as these contain high amounts of sodium that can only put your dog at risk for sodium poisoning.

Although most dogs will be able to drink enough water to dilute the salt that they consume, its still safer to just simply stay away from these kinds of cheese.

Finally, you should never give your dog blue cheese because when they are ripening, blue cheeses produce a substance called Roquefortine. This is a type of mycotoxin, and if ingested, it can be very toxic for dogs even in small quantities.

Overall, it really depends on how much cheese you feed your dog, and how much fat and lactose he can tolerate.

Cottage cheese can be a great option depending on the variety and depending on your dogs health, as this type of cheese contains lower sodium, very little lactose compared to the other types, and it is also available in low-fat varieties.

Plain yogurt is also another healthy alternative to cheese if he is craving something that tastes similar to cheese and/or milk.

What kind of cheese can dogs eat?

Yes, your dog can eat cheese, including cheddar, mozzarella and cottage cheese. Because cheese is as fattening as it is tasty, moderation is key. Make sure your dog isn't lactose intolerant before you start giving cheese as treats. Cheese is great to hide medications in, but not antibiotics!

How much cheese can you give a dog?

1 ounce of most cheeses one slice or a 1-inch cube or one string cheese equals 90 calories, which is way too much for a small dog. Dog treats should account for no more than 10 percent of our pets' daily calorie intake.

Can dogs have American cheese?

Dogs can eat American cheese, but it should be given to them in very minimal quantities. This cheese product contains additives like whey, emulsifiers, fats, and preservatives that while consumed by dogs in very minimal quantities shouldn't cause any damage.

What Cheese Can dogs not eat?

Make sure to stay away from cheese like blue cheese and Roquefort. Not only do these cheeses have high fat content, but when they get super ripe, they can produce roquefortine, which is potentially lethal for dogs to consume. Also, stay away from cheese with herbs and garlic like Havarti or cream cheese.

Can Dogs Eat Cheese and Ice Cream?

Are Cheese and Ice Cream Safe for Dogs?

Some dogs have no problem eating cheese, ice cream or any other dairy product.

While others experience acute digestive upset

Such as gas, bloating, vomiting or diarrhea, whenever they eat these common people foods.

Thats because

How a dog responds to dairy products depends on the animals ability to digest a specific nutrient found in milk.

A nutrient known as lactose.

What Is Lactose?

Lactose is a type of sugar. One consisting of 2 sugar molecules that are tightly linked to each other.

Heres the problem

In order for a dog to SAFELY consume dairy products

The lactose these foods contain must first be split into TWO digestible sugar molecules.

But to do that

The animal must be able to produce its own lactase a natural enzyme that can split lactose into two easy-to-digest sugars.

However

Dogs Can Be Lactose Intolerant

Which means

They cant produce their own lactase.

And

Without this critical enzyme, dogs cannot digest dairy products.

By the way

Its this inability to produce lactase that causes the infamous digestive condition known as lactose intolerance.

Can a Dog Be Allergic to Milk?

Yes A dog can be allergic to the protein in milk.¹

However

Unlike with digestive symptoms related to lactose intolerance, a true milk allergy is more likely to cause an immune reaction (such as itching or rash).

In general

If your dog tends to suffer from gas, bloating or loose stools after having dairy products, its far more likely your pet is lactose intolerant.

Can a Dog Eat Cheese and Other Dairy Foods?

Some milk-based foods may be easier for your dog to digest than others.

Thats because

How a dog reacts to dairy products depends on how much lactose is in the food. The higher the amount of lactose, the greater the risk of digestive upset.

Thankfully

Not all dairy products contain the same amount of lactose.In fact, many types of cheese contain much less lactose than the milk they come from.

Take a look at the following table.Notice how some milk products contain only a tiny amount of lactose per serving.

In the table above

Notice how most hard cheeses contain only a tiny amount of lactose. About one gram per serving. Sometimes less.Now, compare that quantity with the content of whole milk which clocks in at a whopping 11 grams.