Cheese is a food that, in any of its varieties, always catches the attention of dogs. However, can dogs really eat cheese? Is it he althy for them? In this article on our site we are going to explain what we must take into account when offering cheese to our dog. We will also talk about other dairy products since, to understand what happens with cheese, we have to deal with terms like lactose, the sugar of milk, andlactase , the enzyme that digests it. Keep reading!
Lactase and lactose
To explain whether dogs can eat cheese, it is essential to know the importance of lactose and lactase. lactose is the sugar naturally present in mammalian milk. It is part of its composition, that is, it has not been added artificially. The amount of lactose will depend on each animal, since it must be adapted to its nutritional needs.
Since mammals must biologically feed on this milk during the first stage of their lives, they have an enzyme in their digestive tract, lactase, whose function is to break down lactose into simpler substances that the body can take advantage of. They are glucose and galactose Once mammals grow and no longer need milk, lactase production disappears.
What is lactose intolerance?
The problem with lactose therefore arises when weaning is over. Although in species such as humans it seems that part of the population has adapted and is able to digest lactose in adulthood, there is what is known as lactose intolerance, which is important to distinguish from milk allergy.
In dogs we can also observe this lactase intolerance or deficiency, which will not affect everyone equally. Intolerance causes lactose to be indigestible, since the body is unable to absorb it. It will remain in the intestine and this produces an increase in intestinal motility, which results in diarrhea in the dog.
So, just like people, dogs can eat cheese depending on whether or not they can digest lactoseWe can suspect that he has an intolerance if, after giving him milk or some other dairy product, gastrointestinal discomfort is triggered. These dogs should be fed a dairy-free diet.
This intolerance is not always negative, since it allows milk to be used as a natural laxative in cases of constipation, following the recommendations of the veterinarian. This is so because the lactose molecule attracts liquid to the intestine, which stimulates its motility.
The cheese for dogs
The truth is that dogs do not need to eat cheese or dairy but, as they are omnivorous animals and these products may be of interest to us at a nutritional level, except in cases of intolerance, we can offer them as a reward In other words, the canine diet cannot be based on dairy products, but they can be added as a complement, in small quantities, to a balanced diet. We insist, if the dog is not intolerant, which we can only discover if we try.
To do this we can start by giving dairy products with a lower amount of lactose. Cow's milk will have more lactose than dairy products such as cheese or yogurt and other milks such as goat's milk. If we talk about cheeses, in general, the most cured ones, precisely during the curing process, will lose lactose, so they will be better digested, the same as those that contain lactic ferments. Another interesting fact is that, the more fat, the lower percentage of lactose they will have. Let's look at some examples:
Can dogs eat cream cheese?
The amount of lactose in this type of cheese can be Well tolerated In any case, it is important to read the ingredients on the label and look for the simplest and most natural compositions, since, if milk solids are added, the lactose content will also rise.
Can dogs eat fresh cheese?
Because it is fresh, it will have a somewhat higher percentage of lactose than that of cured cheeses. In any case, they are still assimilable figures.
Can dogs eat grated cheese?
In this case, the important thing is what type of cheese it is and you have to take into account that, sometimes, more than one variety is offered in the same package. They are usually fatty, so the amount of lactose will be minimum.
Can dogs eat cottage cheese or cottage cheese?
There are several types, all with a fairly low percentage of lactose , so they can be a good option to camouflage pills.
Finally, we must bear in mind that the cheese will provide calories that we must deduct from the daily amount of dog foodThis is especially important in those specimens with obesity or overweight. Anything we give him outside of his ration should be deducted from it.
Can dogs eat bread?
In addition to cheese, you may be wondering if dogs can eat bread. We should know that yes, although it is recommended that it be as natural as possible and without sugar or s alt Like dairy products, it can be offered occasionally. We mention it in this article because if the cheese is accompanied by other foods, such as bread, it will be better digested, the same as if small portions are offered several times a day.
Can dogs eat yogurt?
A good part of the considerations we have made to explain whether dogs can eat cheese are also applicable in the case of yogurt, as it is a dairy product. The process that milk undergoes to become yogurt eliminates a significant amount of lactase, making this product suitable for consumption even if the dog is intolerant. The problem is that in the market we are going to find yogurts that have dairy solids, cream, etc. in their composition. which will increase the percentage of lactose.
As in the case of cheese, it is advisable to offer a small amount and see if the dog tolerates it well. We will always opt for the most natural yogurt possible. If the dog does not feel good even this, there is no need to worry, since dogs do not need to consume dairy.
What can't dogs eat?
There are some foods that, while not always deadly or extremely harmful to dogs, are not advisable to add to their diet. Therefore, on our site we have prepared a list with 10 prohibited foods for dogs according to scientific studies, but there are more, such as the following:
- Onion
- Coffee
- Tea
- Chocolate
- Avocado
- Garlic
- S alt
- Macadamia nuts
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Alcohol
- Cooked bones
If you have questions or want to know more about proper nutrition for your dog, don't hesitate to consult your trusted veterinarian, who will help you will advise correctly so that your dog's diet is always complete, safe and of quality. Do not forget to leave your comments and share your doubts or advice.
