Most people know that dogs love cheese. In fact, it is often used as a training treat because of its high value to dogs. However, not all cheeses are created equal in a dog’s eyes.
Parmesan cheese, for example, is a crumbly and hard cheese with a strong and intense scent. For some dogs, this will be extremely off-putting. Others, however, will find it irresistible. Therefore, if you choose to give your dog parmesan cheese, it’s essential to do so in moderation.
Parmesan is not an everyday food for dogs and should only be given in small amounts occasionally. When fed this cheesy treat in excess, it can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. So, if you’re looking to give your pup a special treat, go ahead and top their kibble with a bit of parmesan – don’t overdo it.
Is Parmesan Cheese Good for Dogs?
If you’ve ever given your dog a cheesy treat, you know that they go crazy for it! Dogs love it just as much as we do, and there’s no doubt that it makes for a delicious treat.
However, you may be wondering if all cheeses are safe for dogs to eat. For example, can dogs have parmesan cheese? Can dogs eat cheddar cheese? What about mozzarella cheese?
Here’s the good news: all of those cheeses are perfectly safe for dogs to eat! Any type of cheese is safe for your furry friend as long as it is given in moderation.
Are There Benefits of Giving Your Dog Parmesan Cheese?
Dogs love cheese just as much as we do! Giving your dog cheesy snacks, in general, is good for your dog’s health because it has many health benefits. In particular, parmesan cheese is rich in calcium and vitamins – two things that are essential for your pup’s health.
Good Calcium Source
Dogs require calcium for the maintenance of their bones. Pups need calcium to build bones, and calcium is necessary for the growth of bones and maintenance of bone mass in adult dogs while preserving fractures in older individuals. So, once in a while, add a little grated parmesan cheese on your dog’s food to promote good health.
Vitamin B12 and Vitamin A
Parmesan cheese is not only high in calcium, but it’s also high in Vitamin B12 and Vitamin A. While a dog’s body requires vitamin A for dense fur, good vision, and healthy skin, Vitamin B12 is vital for keeping the nervous system functioning properly. So not only will your dog love the taste of it, but it will also be good for them!
Is Parmesan Cheese Bad for Dogs?
Parmesan cheese is delicious and nutritious, but it’s not always the best choice for your dog. Too much can cause weight gain and digestive problems like any food.
Consider the consequences of giving your pup parmesan before you start to sprinkle parmesan cheese on your pet’s dog food.
Cheese Allergies
Like people, some dogs are allergic to the dairy protein found in cow’s milk and cheese. The only way to know if your dog is allergic is to give it a try. If your dog starts scratching or displays any other signs of discomfort, you’ll know it’s time to find an alternative treat.
Too Much Sodium
Parmesan cheese has a significant amount of sodium, which can be dangerous for dogs. Dogs with heart or kidney concerns are particularly susceptible to salty food, and consuming too much salt can cause salt toxicity.
Symptoms of salt toxicity in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, and lethargy. In moderation, it can be a safe treat for dogs. However, it is essential to avoid giving your dog too much salt, which can put their health at risk.
Obesity and Weight Gain
It’s important to be aware of the potential consequences of giving our spoiled pups certain foods. Did you know, for example, that parmesan cheese’s fat content might contribute to canine obesity and weight gain? Obesity is not a disease in and of itself, but it raises the chance of other conditions, including diabetes, heart problems, and arthritis.
Upset Stomach
It’s incredible how susceptible dogs are to stomach problems. Essentially, any new meal has the potential to cause gastric discomfort, and parmesan cheese is not an exemption.
An indication of a stomach upset is diarrhea, vomiting, gassiness, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. So if your dog eats parmesan cheese, watch for these signs.
Pancreatitis Risk
Dogs and cheese – who doesn’t love that combination? We all know that dogs love it, but did you know that overeating cheese can be dangerous for dogs?
That’s correct; eating too much parmesan cheese can cause pancreatitis in dogs, a pancreas inflammation that is complicated and painful. Pancreatitis may be fatal if it isn’t treated quickly.
Will Parmesan Cheese Hurt My Dog?
We all love to spoil our furry friends, and what could be better than sharing our favorite foods with them? But, while we may not think twice about giving our dog a little nibble of parmesan cheese, it’s important to remember that too much of a good thing can sometimes be harmful.
It is high in sodium and fat, which can be dangerous for dogs suffering from high blood pressure, heart problems, and kidney issues. Too much cheese can also cause weight gain, leading to diabetes and high blood pressure. In addition, parmesan cheese can cause intestinal upset or nausea if consumed in large quantities.
So, if you’re looking to share a little bit of with your pup, do so in moderation. A little bit of cheese won’t hurt them, but too much could have serious consequences.
How Much Parmesan Cheese Can my Dog Eat?
We have answered the question, can dogs eat parmesan cheese? It is up to dog owners to avoid letting their dogs eat parmesan cheese in excess, especially if your pup suffers from lactose intolerance. Moderation is crucial when it comes to dogs eating cheese.
The serving size recommended for the typical dog is one bite-sized chunk of grated parmesan cheese. But, of course, if you have a little dog like a Toy Poodle or Chihuahua, you should choose a smaller serving size (half a teaspoon).
If your pup is on the bigger side of the spectrum, you may safely use a teaspoon or so. Dogs love cheese just as much as we do, but it’s important to remember that their diet is different from ours. Cheese is high in fat and salt, which can be difficult for dogs to digest.
Pet parents should not let their dogs eat cheese if lactose intolerant. That’s why it’s important to moderate their intake and make sure they’re getting plenty of exercise.
What Other Cheeses Can A Healthy Dog Eat?
Like people, dogs can enjoy a variety of cheeses as part of a healthy diet. In fact, it can be a great source of protein and other nutrients for dogs. While all dogs are different, most will enjoy cottage cheese, feta cheese, and blue cheese, which are all soft cheese types and great as an occasional treat.
Most importantly, when feeding your dog cheese, monitor their intake and overall health to ensure that they get their nutrition. Cheese is a delicious treat for dogs, but it should not be the only thing they eat. A balanced diet is essential for a healthy pup!
Pet parents who have lactose intolerant dogs must be careful when feeding cheese to their pup. While most dogs can eat it without any problems, those intolerant to lactose can have difficulty breaking down the milk sugar lactose. This can lead to digestive issues and even diarrhea.
When choosing cheese for your lactose intolerant dog, it’s important to choose one that is low in lactose. Cottage cheese, blue cheese, and soft cheeses are all excellent choices. Parmesan cheese is also a good choice, as it is very low in lactose. Just be sure to begin with a tiny amount and watch your dog closely to see how they react before giving them more.
Conclusion
So, can dogs eat parmesan cheese? Yes, they can enjoy parmesan’s texture and taste if they aren’t allergic to the protein in milk. Finally, it should only be fed to your pup in tiny quantities and only occasionally.
Parmesan cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium for dogs. However, if you want to add variety to your dog’s diet, consider giving them cottage cheese as an occasional treat. Cottage cheese is very nutritious, has health benefits, and is a good alternative to dog food.
If you’re unsure what kind of cheese to feed your dog or how much, check with your vet about what might be best for your dog’s diet.
Related topics
*photo by tan4ikk – depositphotos