As we all know, all dogs go crazy for cheese. This is important as good pet owners need to stop for a second and assess if it’s bad for their health. Today we will see if it is possible to give mozzarella to your dog without causing health problems to your four-legged friend.
Many foods that may seem safe for your dog may actually prove to be very damaging to Its health especially if you overdo It. When it comes to giving cheese to your dog, it’s important to know that there are some types that are fine and others that must be absolutely avoided.
In order for your dog to be in good health, it’s important that It has a low-fat, low-sodium diet. These two elements are contained within the cheeses. Precisely for this reason, a lot of attention should be paid in case you decide to give mozzarella to your dog. So let’s see if It’s safe for dogs to eat mozzarella.
Can I Give My Dog Mozzarella?
Yes, dogs can eat mozzarella. Mozzarella is also known by the name of stretched curd cheese. From a nutritional point of view, mozzarella does not contain much salt or lactose which can be dangerous for your dog’s health.
The only problem with this type of cheese is that the stickiness could potentially cause a dog swallowing problems. Therefore it appears to be a potential choking hazard. In order to avoid this unpleasant inconvenience, it is recommended to cut and break the mozzarella into small pieces.
Compared to other types of cheese, mozzarella has low-fat content and this helps reduce the risk of obesity in your four-legged friend.
Is Mozzarella Bad For Dogs?
If your dog is allergic to lactose, then mozzarella is sure to be bad for It. Just like us humans, dogs can also have a lactose allergy that can occur in both mild and severe forms.
If you’ve never given your dog mozzarella before, then you need to be very careful. Start feeding your dog small pieces of mozzarella and watch Its reaction.
If you notice any symptoms of an allergic reaction, our advice is to stop giving mozzarella immediately, take note of all the symptoms and describe them to a good nutrition veterinarian.
Never Overdo The Quantities
Even if your dog is not lactose intolerant or allergic to milk, any cheese can be a problem when taken in disproportionate quantities. In a short time, your dog will start to feel constipation, diarrhea, gas, or vomiting.
If any of the symptoms listed above occur, stop giving your dog mozzarella immediately and also make sure It drinks plenty of water. Once this is done, contact your trusted veterinarian for more information about it.
If your dog ingests large quantities of cheese, It risks pancreatitis, hypertension, but also obesity in the long run. This does not mean that small amounts of mozzarella can lead your dog to have one of these problems.
What Types Of Cheese Can I Give My Dog?
The following types of cheese are valid alternatives to mozzarella:
- Low sodium cottage cheese. As long as your dog eats low-salt cottage cheese, it can be an excellent, occasional addition to your dog’s diet. Cottage cheese has a good level of protein, calcium, and vitamins. Probiotics are also found in cottage cheese, then it may be useful to calm your dog’s disturbed stomach.
- Plain or lean cream cheese. You can feed your dog cream cheese such as brie or Philadelphia, but only in small and rare quantities. Cream cheese is fat and high in calories, so it should be given with extra care and should be of the low-fat type. Stick to plain cream cheese instead of flavored ones as they may have added ingredients like garlic or onions, which are toxic to dogs.
Final Thoughts
We have seen that moderation is the key to everything. Feed your dog mozzarella in small quantities and in small pieces. Abuse could lead to both minor and severe health problems.
Also, start introducing it into your dog’s diet with utmost attention, looking for any symptoms of allergic reactions. If so, stop feeding cheese to your dog right away.
Finally, give your dog cheeses with low salt and fat content but above all avoid flavored and/or moldy cheeses as they are very dangerous for your puppy’s health.
Always remember to consult with your veterinarian before you introduce new food to your dog.
