Can dogs eat cheddar cheese? Maybe you’ve wondered if you could share some with your dog while chopping up some cheddar to use in a classic grilled cheese sandwich. If humans can eat cheddar cheese, can dogs safely eat it too?
There is no short yes or no answer as to whether dogs can eat cheddar cheese safely. On the one hand, it isn’t necessarily toxic to dogs, unlike blue cheeses, which dogs should usually avoid. But it also really shouldn’t become a mainstay of your dog’s daily diet.
Additionally, if your dog is lactose intolerant, it’s best to keep any kind of dairy-based cheese off the menu in general.
As always, you must ask your regular vet before sharing any human food with your canine friend. Here’s what you need to know about cheddar cheese and dogs.
When Is Cheddar Cheese Okay For Dogs To Eat?
Cheddar cheese is not necessarily toxic to dogs. It can even confer a few health benefits, such as providing vitamins A and B, certain beneficial fatty acids, plus an amount of protein.
Cheddar cheese also contains a lower amount of lactose than many other cheeses, which means that dogs with a mild lactose intolerance might be able to enjoy a small bit of cheddar on occasion.
Additionally, when used as a treat, cheddar cheese can be a useful and effective way to administer medication and pills to your dog; although, it is not recommended for antibiotics. Consult with your vet about the best ways to hide medication inside chunks of cheese.
When it comes to the precise amount of cheddar that it is safe to feed to your dog, this will really depend on a number of individual factors such as your dog’s age, weight, and general health. Your vet can help you to formulate safe guidelines for your specific dog.
When Is Cheddar Cheese Bad For Dogs?
If your dog is lactose intolerant, then it’s really best to avoid feeding them cheddar cheese, even if it is a cheese that contains a lower than usual amount of lactose.
Additionally, if you notice your dog showing any adverse reactions to eating cheddar cheese, including toilet issues, it’s best to keep it off the menu.
In general, while cheddar might not be toxic to most dogs, it also doesn’t confer too much in the way of health benefits. In particular, a high fat food such as cheese can pave the way towards canine obesity.
So go ahead and feed cheddar cheese to your dog as an occasional treat with your vet’s okay, but always do so in moderation.
Does your dog love cheddar cheese? Do you use it as a treat or to hide pills? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
