Cheese
Chīzu • チーズ • Cheese
Is Cheese bad for dog? No. Dogs pretty much go crazy for cheese. And dogs can eat cheese (and cats too). But no matter how much they love it, we have a responsibility to manage what they eat.
Cheese is often a great training tool. While some dogs can eat cheese, and most dogs love it, many dogs can be intolerant of cheese. Even for dogs that are able to tolerate cheese, it is probably best fed in moderation. Too much of a good thing as they say.
When it comes to feeding your dog cheese, some types are better than others. To stay healthy and enjoy a long life, it’s important for your dog to maintain a low-fat, low-sodium diet, which is simply not compatible with eating large amounts of cheese.
Benefits of Cheese
Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. Most dogs love cheese, and trainers often use it for snack-motivated dogs. This snack is also a good way to conceal medication that they need to but aren’t particular fond of consuming.
Cheese is safe to feed to our dogs but they can be high in fat, and too much can lead to weight gain and lead to obesity. And too much can also lead to a serious illness in dogs called pancreatitis. Cheddar Cheese contains relatively low sodium and reduced fat content, which means it is considered to be healthier for dogs. It is also lower in lactose than other types of cheese, so giving it to your dog as a snack is absolutely okay.
Not all types of cheese are safe for dogs to eat. Some types of cheese can be high in fat and sodium, which can be unhealthy for dogs in large amounts. In general, it's best to stick with small amounts of low-fat, low-sodium cheese as an occasional treat. Some types of cheese that are generally considered cheese that are safe for dogs to eat in moderation include:
Cottage cheese: low in fat and a good source of protein
Swiss cheese: low in fat and a good source of protein
Mozzarella cheese: low in fat and a good source of protein
Cheddar cheese: low in fat and a good source of protein
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is a hard and natural cheese with a slightly crumbly texture. It packs amazing health benefits to dogs, especially if fed in moderation. Cheddar cheese is a great source of calcium and phosphorus. Phosphorus potentiates the positive impacts of calcium in strengthening your dog’s bones. Phosphorus is also a potent heart-healthy mineral that is famous for its important role in supporting liver and kidney health. Cheddar cheese is also rich in Selenium, a trace mineral that has excellent antioxidant properties and can support the immune system of your dog. This is In addition to the other benefits and that is a great source of Vitamin A, B12, essential fatty acids, and Riboflavin. One of the reasons why we selected it for Miruku and Tsuna Bites by Kuro Snacks.
Concerns about Cheese for Dogs
• Added Ingredients
Some cheeses contain herbs or other products that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives. It is best to avoid those and select a better alternative like plain Cheddar Cheese, or those that are of the reduced salt/fat variety.
• Lactose Intolerant.
Not all dogs digest cheese well, and while cheese contains little lactose when compared to whole milk, dogs with severe cases of lactose intolerance may have adverse reactions to cheese, even in small quantities. Observe your dog closely for signs of intestinal upset after feeding cheese for the first time, and consult your veterinarian with any questions you may have about adding cheese to your dog’s diet. Cheddar Cheese is lower in lactose and is present in Miruku & Tsuna Bites by Kuro Snacks.
• Sodium
As we established, Cheddar Cheese has lower sodium content, however, it is important to ensure we don’t overdo it. Most dogs will be able to drink enough fresh water to dilute the salt they consume, but it’s good to be cautious. Common symptoms of sodium poisoning are extreme thirst, lack of energy, vomiting, watery diarrhoea and loss of appetite. If your dog has these symptoms, bring them to the vet right away. Another associated risk with high-salt foods are for dogs with kidney problems.
• Weight
If your dog is overweight or trim some weight, they should lay off the cheese snacks. Another concern is if your dog has a history of pancreatitis since high-fat foods are associated with this condition.
Other Cheese To Avoid
• Blue cheese, Roquefort, and other French cheeses:
Because of their high fat content but also because they can produce roquefortine, a potentially lethal toxin for dogs to consume. In addition, these cheeses tend to be among the highest in sodium.
• Brie, goat cheese, and feta cheese:
People have been asking can dogs eat feta cheese? It’s best to avoid these as they contain some of the highest saturated fat levels of any cheese. Excessive amounts of fat in a dog’s diet can lead to pancreatitis, a serious and life-threatening condition in dogs. Some have been asking if can cats eat feta cheese and yeah, it’s best to avoid it.
As with all new food types that you're introducing, you should do it slowly so as to monitor if your dog displays any cause for concern. When in doubt, seek clarity from your veterinarian.
Symptoms of Cheese Allergies
Diarrhea
Constipation (often seen with an intolerance)
Flatulence
Frequent bowel movements
Skin infections
Ear infections
Itchy skin
Excessive scratching and licking
Red skin
Dry skin
Hot spots
Bald patches
Vomiting
Rarely, seizures, bronchial infection, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will occur
With Miruku & Tsuna Bites by Kuro Snacks, we add a small amount of Cheddar Cheese, just right for dogs (and cats) to consume and reap the healthy benefits.
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