Can dogs eat mozzarella cheese? Maybe you’ve wondered if you could share some with your dog while shredding up some mozzarella to add to a home-made pizza or Caprese salad. If humans can eat mozzarella cheese, can dogs safely eat it too?
There is no short yes or no answer to whether dogs can eat mozzarella cheese safely. It isn’t technically toxic to dogs, unlike blue cheeses, which in general should be avoided. But mozzarella cheese may upset dogs who have lactose intolerance.
Additionally, even though mozzarella is lower in fat than some other types of cheese, it really shouldn’t be used as much more than a treat for your dog.
As always, you must ask your regular vet before sharing any human food with your canine pal. Here’s what you need to know about mozzarella cheese and dogs.
When Is Mozzarella Cheese Okay For Dogs To Eat?
Mozzarella cheese is not technically toxic to dogs. It can also be lower in fat than some other types of cheese. When it comes to nutritional benefits, mozzarella can provide good levels of vitamins A and B, plus calcium and protein.
When used as a treat, mozzarella can also be a useful and effective way to administer medication and pills to your dog; although, it is not recommended for antibiotics. Consult with your veterinarian about the best ways to hide medication inside pieces of cheese.
When it comes to determining a safe amount of mozzarella that you can feed to your dog, the answer 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 dog.
When Is Mozzarella Cheese Bad For Dogs?
Even though mozzarella can contain a lower level of lactose than some other cheeses, it’s still not a smart choice for any dogs who show any signs of lactose intolerance.
The health benefits that mozzarella cheese can provide to your dog are also outweighed by its fat content. Eating too much fatty food can heighten the risk of your dog developing canine obesity, which in turn can bring on a whole host of other associated medical problems.
So feel free to feed mozzarella cheese to your dog as an occasional treat, but keep it on the menu in moderation.
Does your dog love to taste your mozzarella cheese? Do you ever use cheese to hide pills for your dog? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
