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It’s bound to happen, backyard BBQ, family get-together, block party and someone inevitably brings a beautiful cheese plate. Or maybe your fridge is always stocked with a cheese selection and you’re wondering which ones should be offered to your dog for being so amazing. Today we’re going to rank 5 cheeses that are typically found on a cheese plate. But first, let’s answer your question:
Can Dogs Eat Cheddar Cheese? Dogs that don’t have dairy, calcium and sodium restrictions can be given cheddar cheese as a small, bite size treat. Keep in mind Cheddar Cheese has 177mg of sodium and about 115 calories per ounce so cheddar cheese on a regular basis could lead to salt toxicity and weight gain on an inactive, senior dog. Let’s discuss 4 healthier cheeses for dogs.
Dog Friendly Cheese Plate Selection
When you have the choice of which cheese to offer your dog from a cheese plate it’s best to consider sodium and calories. Therefore, go in this order:
- Swiss
- Gruyere
- Mozzarella
- Brie
- Cheddar
Now if you’re just going to give your dog one 1/2 inch cube of cheese (about 1/8 of an ounce) it really won’t matter too much as long as you provide fresh water and limit it to a single taste.
But if you think your dog is getting a cheesy morsel from every other person at a party…stick with Swiss, offer fresh water, and set a limit. While Swiss has a few more calories than mozzarella and brie, it has far less sodium.
Too Much Sodium in Dogs & Daily Allowance
The amount of sodium your dog can tolerate depends on her weight, access to fresh water and overall health. According to a 2006 Report by the National Resource Council of the National Academies, a healthy 33 pound dog that’s consuming 1000 calories per day requires about 200mg. of sodium per day.
In this example, if you were to give your 33 pound dog an ounce of cheddar cheese, she’d nearly reach her sodium limit on cheese alone. This is why choosing low sodium cheeses and limiting the size to a 1/2 inch cube will help control sodium intake.
Cheeses to Avoid Giving to Dogs
The best way to stay away from potentially harmful cheeses is to only give your dog the occasional, mild (low salt) cheeses you are familiar with such as Cottage Cheese, Ricotta, Marscapone, Swiss, Gruyere, Montery Jack, Colby, Cheddar and Mozerella.
Never give your healthy dog more than a small cube of low sodium cheese and avoid the high salt and flavored cheeses altogether.
Avoid All High Salt Cheese
- Ramono
- Parmesian
- Feta
- Provolone
- Gouda
- Blue
Avoid All Flavored Cheeses
- Pepper Jack
- Caramelized Onion
- Cheese Balls with Wine or nuts
- Boursin
In Summary
If you’re not sure about the sodium content of a cheese you’re probably better off not feeding it to your dog. Remember smaller dogs require less sodium per day than larger dogs and are more at risk of a salt overdose when multiple people feed cheese to your dog.
Regardless of a dog’s size, fresh water should be offered at all times during parties. You can also ask guests not to feed your dog from the buffet table or have a reminder sign.
Intentions are always good, buy multiply one cube of cheese by 20 people and it could lead to your dog getting sick.
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See Also: Safe peanut butter for dogs
SDD article file# 720.24.03
