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Can Dogs Eat Cheese?

LAST UPDATED 22 APRIL 2024

This article is written by Pet Circle's qualified veterinarian, Dr Samantha Wycherley, BVSc.

As dog owners, we often find ourselves wondering about the foods we enjoy and whether or not it would be safe to share with our furry companions. 

It can be hard to resist the puppy dog eyes looking up at us as we are enjoying our own food but it's important to make sure we won't be causing any harm before sharing our snacks. 

A common food that people want to share with their pooches is cheese - in this article we'll cut through the fluff and explore whether cheese can be a tasty treat or a potential belly ache for our pups. Can dogs really enjoy cheese without any problems?

Benefits of Cheese for Dogs

Cheese can be a nutritious treat for dogs - it has a number of beneficial factors. Cheese has a high protein content, which supports muscle growth and repair and a high calcium content, which promotes strong bones and teeth. It also provides essential vitamins like A, B-12, and D, aiding overall health and immune function. 

The other benefit of cheese is its taste! Dogs seem to find cheese just as tasty as we do and therefore cheese can be used as a high reward training tool or as a handy way to hide a tablet or pill.

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What Are The Risks Of Feeding Cheese To Dogs?

So while cheese can be given to dogs as a treat - the saying is true - there can be too much of a good thing! Cheese is high in fat which can lead to health conditions like pancreatitis or obesity. 

Pancreatitis in dogs is a serious condition in which the pancreas becomes very inflamed and they can become very unwell. Pancreatitis is often triggered by high fat foods. 

While pancreatitis is typically associated with a single high fat meal, chronic high fat ingestion can lead to obesity. 

Obesity is associated with a number of health issues such as arthritis. Obesity is also associated with a shorter lifespan and can decrease a dog's mobility and energy levels, diminishing their ability to enjoy activities. 

Cheese is also high in lactose - lactose is a sugar that occurs naturally in milk and in order to digest this dogs need to have the enzyme Lactase. Puppies are born with the lactase enzyme however as dogs grow many lose the ability to digest milk properly. The inability to effectively digest lactose can lead to symptoms of lactose intolerance like flatulence and diarrhoea - which is no fun for your dog (or for you!)

Some cheeses can also contain ingredients which can be toxic to dogs like garlic or chives so it's important to check the ingredients of any cheeses before offering them to your dog too. 

There are also types of cheeses that aren't recommended with certain medications - if your dog is on fluoxetine ( a commonly prescribed anxiety medication) then they cannot be fed aged cheeses due to potential interactions with fluoxetine and Tyramine (a naturally occurring substance in certain foods). 

So What Is The Best Type Of Cheese To Feed Your Dog? 

If you would like to offer your dog a cheesy treat then there are some options that are better than others. Sticking with low fat options like mozzarella, cottage cheese or soft goats cheese is best. Cottage cheese is also lower in lactose, reducing the likelihood of intestinal upset.

Consult with your veterinarian 

Before introducing any new food types to your pet it's always ideal to consult with your veterinarian who will be able to tell you what's best based on your pets current health, weight and medical history. 

For most dogs, it is safe to give into the puppy dog eyes and give them a cheesy treat, however before you start preparing a cheese platter to share with your pup - always be mindful of the potential health implications of too much cheese and make sure you stick to the occasional treat (or tablet concealer) rather than making it an everyday thing. Choose cheeses lower in fat and lactose for a lower risk of adverse effects.