Is cream cheese or cottage cheese better for dogs

Can Dogs Eat Cheese?

NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new foods, especially people foods. What might be okay for one dog might not be good for yours, depending on multiple factors such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside their diet.

Have you ever seen someone use cheese as a treat or training tool for a dog? Dont worrycheese is not toxic and is completely fine for most pups. However, some dogs can be lactose intolerant, meaning their body does not react well to dairy products.

But even if your dog isnt lactose intolerant, its still a good idea to keep their cheese consumption to a minimum. Heres everything you need to know if you let your dog eat cheese.

Is Cheese Bad for Dogs?

Again, cheese isnt toxic to dogs, and for some pups its completely fine. But dogs can be lactose-intolerant, causing flatulence, discomfort, diarrhea, or vomiting. So if youre giving cheese or any other dairy product, including milk, to your dog for the first time, give them a small amount to see how their body reacts.

In addition to concerns with lactose intolerance, cheese has high amounts of saturated fats and salt. Eating a treat like this repeatedly over an extended time can cause health issues for your dog, such as obesity. Some dogs can even develop pancreatitis the first time they eat cheese if theyre sensitive to fat.

Puppies generally have more sensitive stomachs than adult dogs. So even small amounts of cheese can trigger vomiting and diarrhea in younger dogs.

The type of cheese also plays a big role in whether cheese is OK for dogs. In general, pet parents should choose a cheese thats low in fat, sodium, and calories, and always pay attention to any added ingredients that can be dangerous to Fido.

Better-for-Dogs Cheeses

• Cottage cheese

• Swiss

• Parmesan

• Cheddar

• Mozzarella

OK Cheeses

Not-So-Great Cheeses

Can Dogs Eat Cottage Cheese?

Cottage cheese is one of the better cheeses to feed your pup because of its low-fat content, its low calorie content, and a lactose content thats lower than many other cheeses. Its also a great source of calcium and protein. And if you buy a low-fat, no-added-sodium cottage cheese, it usually only has about 29 mg of sodium per cupwhich is much lower than most other cheeses.

Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese?

Cream cheese has a pretty low lactose content, which is helpful for dogs with lactose intolerances or sensitivities. It also has a lower sodium content than other cheeses. But its still high in fat and often contains certain additives that are toxic to dogs, like chocolate, nutmeg, xylitol, garlic, and onion.Overall, its best to avoid feeding your dog fatty cream cheese.

Can Dogs Eat Mac and Cheese?

In addition to the potential for lactose intolerance, feeding your dog mac and cheese isnt a healthy choice because of the high fat content, very high sodium content, all the preservatives, and the fact that boxed mac and cheese is highly processed. And while plain pasta fed occasionally in small amounts is OK for your dog, too much may upset their stomach.

Plus, whether youre making it from a box or from scratch, there are often other toxic ingredients in mac and cheeselike garlic and onion.

Can Dogs Eat String Cheese?

String cheeses are typically lower in lactose and sodium than other forms of cheesebut this depends on the type of string cheese and brand that you purchase. In fact, skim mozzarella string cheese has one of the lowest amounts of lactose found in cheese. However, the stringiness of the string cheese can be difficult for your pup to swallow, and it can become a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage.

Can Dogs Eat Cheese Puffs or Cheese Balls?

Although eating just a couple of cheese puffs or cheese balls isnt toxic for your dog, its not healthy either. These types of foods are filled with lactose, preservatives, fat, and lots of sodium.

How to Safely Feed Cheese to Your Dog

Its always a good idea to discuss your dogs diet and nutrition with your veterinarian. Certain foods may be better or worse for your dog, depending on their individual health, weight, and whether they are lactose intolerant.

If you choose to use cheese as a special treat for training purposes, or to hide your dogs pills, keep the portions small and infrequent. Treats of any kind should only make up 10% of your dogs diet. The other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food. And remember: Always choose a low-fat, low-sodium, and preferably low-lactose cheese.

The amount of cheese a dog can typically handle is based on their size. Check out the general portion sizes for each breed size listed below.

• Extra-small dog (2-20 pounds): one or two pieces (-inch wide by -inch thick)

• Small dog (21-30 pounds): two to three pieces (1 inch wide by -inch thick)

• Medium dog (31-50 pounds): five to six pieces (1 inch wide by -inch thick)

• Large or extra-large dog (51+ pounds): five to six pieces (1 inch wide by -inch thick)

Featured Image: iStock/Maryviolet

Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese? Will They Get Sick? (Explained)

Imagine your dog begging for a little taste of your cream cheese spread afternoon snack. It is important for dog owners to research whether or not their dogs can eat cream cheese before feeding. So, can dogs eat cream cheese?

Yes, dogs can eat cream cheese, although consider the amount and the ingredients of the cheese youre about to feed as well as if your dog is lactose intolerant or not.

Below, well be talking about the right portion of cream cheese following its ingredients that are either beneficial or harmful for your dog.

Is Cream Cheese Poisonous to Dogs?

Dogs may appreciate the taste of cream cheese as much as you do, but they can only eat it to a certain extent.

If youre tempted to share a finger-full of cream cheese with your dog, its completely fine, but be mindful that you cant make it a daily treat.

Also, the majority of dogs cant eat cream cheese, and, as unfortunate as it may seem, your pup is possible to be one of them.

Cream cheese is not poisonous to dogs, but it can be harmful to their health if not given moderation or contains added toxic ingredients.

The taste of cream cheese is mildly addictive thatll keep your dog wanting more, but dont give in!

Plenty of cream cheeses brands have a high content of fat, hence, frequent feeding to your dog can result in obesity and other issues connected to unhealthy weight.

Harmful ingredientsin Cream Cheese

Despite cream cheese being non-toxic, its possible for it to have added ingredients that can be harmful to your furry friend.

If you want to give your dog a bit of a taste, make sure your cream cheese is free from the following ingredients:

Onions and garlic

Whether its homemade or bought, never feed your pet cream cheese with onions and garlic (or chives) in it, these ingredients fall under the allium family, which contains thiosulfate that can damage red blood cells and make your dog prone to getting hemolytic anemia.

Cayenne Pepper

Cream cheese mixed with extra spice tastes incredible, but its a big no for your dog.

If your cream cheese has cayenne pepper, it will irritate and cause a burning sensation in your dogs mouth, throat, and tummy.

If fed with a full-spoon amount, your dog may experience vomiting or diarrhea too.

Cream cheese that doesnt contain any of these ingredients is perfectly safe, but like what was aforementioned, cream cheese is usually high in calories and is fatty, so even though its not at all harmful, its not recommended for your dog to have either.

Are There Benefits if Dogs Eat Cream Cheese?

As a dog owner, its always a priority for you to look after your fur baby ensuring not only a space for it to relax and enjoy but also providing it top quality and dog-friendly food.

You might feel discouraged about giving your dog cream cheese, but actually, a tiny bit of it wont hurt!

Cream cheese has content that makes it a healthy delight for dogs, such as protein, calcium, essential fatty acids, and vitamin A and B complex vitamins.

If you feed your dog a small portion of cream cheese, you wont have to worry about seeing any aftermath, just a trouble-free doggo ready to get its real meal later on.

Healthy Ingredientsin Cream Cheese

Cream cheese may not be the best choice to consume by your dog, but it does have certain health benefits to consider.

Lets take a quick check on the health contents of cream cheese listed below:

Protein

Although its good to note that cream cheese contains protein, truth be told, it only has a small percentage of it.

Thus, it wont significantly affect your dogs health at all, considering you only have to feed your dog a small amount too. Cream cheese would most likely serve your dog with a likable flavor more than anything else.

Calcium

Cream cheese wont be cream cheese without its two major ingredients: cheese and milk, which are both excellent sources of calcium.

Despite it containing lesser calcium compared to other cheese because of its high water content, its yet to promote teeth and bone health for your dog.

Essential Fatty Acids

Since cream cheese is known to have low protein and high amounts of fat and calories, its not best advised to feed to dogs frequently.

Although, not all the fat we know is bad for dogs; cream cheese contains essential fatty acids that are actually needed to produce a stronger and healthier body system.

Vitamin A and B12

Cream cheese is an excellent source of Vitamin A and contributes a fair amount of Vitamin B12 too. It helps your dog in maintaining optimal health and turns fat intake into energy.

Your canine friend can enjoy cream cheese every once in a while, and benefit from these nutrients.

What Will Happen if a Dog Eats Cheese?

Most dogs love cheese because it has a rich and satisfying flavor, but plenty of dogs have lactose intolerance to cheese and may experience difficulty digesting it.

Symptoms such as vomiting, frequent flatulence, and diarrhea can occur after feeding your dog cheese, especially if fed excessively.

Be mindful that cheese and all types of dairy products are high in calories; thus, your dog is highly likely to become obese or become prone to digestive problems like pancreatitis without moderation.

Discontinue giving your dog cheese if it shows signs that its stomach is upset and ask for professional help right away.

How much Cream Cheese can a Dog Eat?

Dogs arent meant to eat cream cheese, but its totally fine to share a little bit once in a while. In general, cheese is safe for dogs to get a sample taste of, but too much of anything isnt right, so how do we know how much is enough?

The maximum amount of cream cheese a dog can have is just about a spoonful; go way more than that, itll become a problem.

Its advised not to let your dog get used to eating any human food too; well-portioned chunks or pellets of dog food are made intentionally to sustain their health and are more appropriate to give as treats and as daily meals.

How to Safely Feed Cream Cheese to my Dog?

Even if your dog isnt lactose intolerant, it doesnt automatically mean that its safe to eat all the cream cheese it wants.

Note that cream cheese is not as nutritious compared to other kinds of cheeses since it has very little calcium and protein, while high in fat.

To safely feed cream cheese to your dog, feeding a small amount isnt enough. You should make sure that it doesnt contain added ingredients that are toxic to dogs and that its still fresh your cream cheese shouldnt be moldy; taste spoiled or have that sour odor going on.

What Should I Give to my Dog Instead of Cream Cheese?

There are tons of food that can be used as an alternative to give your dog rather than cream cheese.

If youre thinking of another type of cheese that would be an excellent substitute for cream cheese, cottage cheese is the answer! Unlike cream cheese, cottage cheese is high in protein and calcium; making it the better cheese to feed to your dog.

Other than that, you can consider giving your dog any of the tasteful treats listed below:

• Apples contains dietary fiber and helps in freshening your dogs breath
• Bananas packed with potassium and can help cure a dogs upset stomach
• Blueberries low-calorie treats and would help boost your dogs immune system
• Carrots make good chew toys and help improve a dogs dental health
• Celery low in fat and is an excellent source for fiber; it also helps in freshening your dogs breath
• Peanut butter contains heart-healthy fats and vitamins thatll keep your dog feeling full and active

What Kinds of Cheese Can Dogs Eat?

If cream cheese is not the best cheese out there for your dog, then what is? Low in fat cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or soft goat cheese are good options.

But if youre going for the best for your dog, cottage cheese is the one. Cottage cheese is low in fat and sodium compared to its other counterparts, hence, feeding your dog cottage cheese is less likely to have digestive problems and also lowers the risk of becoming obese.

Conclusion

Moderation is key when giving your dog cream cheese or just about any type of cheese.

Moreover, making sure that your dog isnt lactose intolerant and that your cream cheese doesnt contain any harmful ingredients is a prior necessity when feeding.

Every meal matters as it plays a vital role in a dogs overall health. Always be mindful of your pups nutrition and limit it from eating foods that are too rich or fatty such as cream cheese.

Lastly, keep a watchful eye on your dogs diet, make sure you give it an ample portion of meals, and refrain from giving excess treats throughout the day.