Whenever someone mentions mozzarella cheese, we all think of the delicious creamy cheese when used on top of pizza or pasta. It’s a staple in Italian cuisine and has become quite popular worldwide in the 20th century. Its production is actually protected by EU laws.
And now you’re adding some of this goodness to your dish, and your pooch gives you this look that you understand well. So, is it OK to give your dog a bite? Can dogs eat mozzarella cheese? Keep on reading to learn more about this topic.
Can Dogs Eat Mozzarella Cheese?
Fresh mozzarella cheese is one of the healthiest cheese types due to its low fat and sodium content. For this reason, it’s actually safe for your dog, and you can safely offer your pooch a small amount while you’re enjoying your meal.
However, just because it’s not toxic to dogs doesn’t mean that you should feed your pup mozzarella cheese or any other type of cheese every day.
Dogs’ bodies have low lactase levels, so they’re unable to digest a large amount of dairy products. So, feeding your dog mozzarella or any other type of cheese will cause an upset stomach and can lead to pancreatitis.
Moreover, although it’s healthier compared to other types, mozzarella cheese still contains a high amount of salt and fat. If you have an obese dog, cheese should be off the list because fatty foods will make your dog gain unnecessary weight.
Dogs can also suffer from sodium poisoning when they eat too much mozzarella cheese. Sodium poisoning will make your dog extremely thirsty, and it will lack the energy to move. Your dog might also vomit or suffer from watery diarrhea.
Which Types of Cheese Are Safe for Dogs?
Low-sodium cheese is safe for dogs, as long as you offer it occasionally and in small amounts. Cheese should never represent the main ingredient in the dog’s meal because its body doesn’t tolerate high levels of lactose.
Low-sodium cottage cheese is a great alternative because it provides the needed vitamins, proteins, and fats. It also provides your pooch with probiotics which calm an upset stomach and aid with healthy digestion.
Low-fat cream cheese is another alternative because it’s rich in proteins and easier to digest. Nevertheless, you should stay away from flavored cream cheese with added onion or garlic because they’re toxic to dogs. You should also avoid artificial flavors.
How Can You Safely Feed Your Dog Cheese?
There are a few tips that you need to follow while offering mozzarella or any type of cheese to your dog.
- Ask your vet before offering cheese or any type of food that your dog is trying for the first time.
- If you have a young puppy or an elderly dog, it might be best to avoid mozzarella cheese.
- Offer cheese in small amounts, especially if your pooch has never tried it before. There’s a big chance that your dog might be lactose intolerant.
- Cheese should be an occasional treat and not part of every day’s meal.
Wrap Up
Your dog can safely eat mozzarella cheese, but it shouldn’t be part of every day’s meal. Instead, offer cheese in small amounts and only as an occasional treat to avoid health issues.
