There are more than 4,000 types of cheese known worldwide.
However, cheese poses several hazards to dogs. First, excessive consumption of cheese can lead to obesity in dogs. But that’s not the most concerning issue. The real danger lies in its high sodium and lactose content.
While we all enjoy salt, cheese is made with a lot of it. The salt in cheese is rich in sodium, which can cause dogs to suffer from high sodium levels. This can raise their blood pressure and harm their organs, making cheese unsuitable for long-term consumption by dogs.
What are the Benefits of Cheese?
- A good source of protein
- Provides essential vitamins and minerals for dogs
- Rich in calcium
- Rich in vitamin A
- Contains B vitamins
- Packed with fatty acids
Which Cheese Should You Avoid?
As mentioned earlier, there are over 4,000 types of cheese, but which ones are unsuitable for dogs?
- Blue Cheese and Roquefort: These French cheeses are particularly dangerous due to their high fat content. Blue cheese can produce toxins that can be fatal to dogs. Symptoms such as breathing difficulties, rapid heart rate, and seizures may occur, requiring immediate treatment like gastric lavage. Blue cheese has the highest sodium content among cheeses.
- Cheese with Garlic or Other Seasonings: Many cheeses, including Havarti and cream cheese, often contain herbs or garlic for flavoring, which are harmful to dogs.
- Brie and Feta: Although tasty for humans, these cheeses have the highest saturated fat content, which can lead to pancreatitis, a severe disease in dogs.
Which Dogs Should Avoid Cheese?
- Overweight Dogs: Cheese is high in fat, making it unsafe for dogs that are already obese.
- Lactose-Intolerant Dogs: Just like some humans, dogs can suffer from lactose intolerance. If your dog shows signs such as diarrhea after eating dairy products, avoid feeding them cheese.
- Dogs with Poor Appetite: While cheese may encourage some picky eaters, it’s not a solution for dogs that don’t like their food. Don’t rely on cheese to improve your dog’s appetite.
- Dogs with Digestive Issues: Cheese can contribute to weight gain, but it digests more slowly than other foods. For dogs with digestive problems, cheese can be more of a burden than a treat.
How to Choose Cheese for Dogs?
Although cheese has its downsides, it can still be fed to dogs if chosen carefully. Here’s how to select the right kind of cheese:
- Low-Fat Cheese: Opt for low-fat varieties to satisfy your dog’s cravings while keeping fat intake low.
- Cottage Cheese: This is one of the best options since it has the lowest fat and sodium content among cheeses.
- Supermarket Low-Fat Cheese: Most low-fat cheeses available in supermarkets are safe for dogs, but always check the ingredients and avoid the types of cheese mentioned earlier that should not be fed to dogs.
