You’re concerned because your dog isn’t eating correctly. To make your dog’s food more tempting to consume, you think to sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top. Then you think to yourself, “Is parmesan cheese good for my dog? Can dogs eat parmesan cheese?”
Lucky for you, the answer is yes. Dogs can eat parmesan cheese. Parmesan cheese contains only small amounts of lactose. It’s also low in fat and calories. But because it’s processed, it contains large amounts of sodium. That’s why parmesan cheese is safe for dogs as long as it is fed occasionally and in small amounts. To learn more about parmesan cheese and its impact on dogs, let us first find out about what parmesan cheese is.
What Is Parmesan Cheese?
Parmesan is a cheese originating from the Reggio Emilia, Parma region of Italy. It has a shining, oiled rind that reveals a dry, grainy, and often crunchy texture. Because it is a hard cheese, it has a low lactose content, which is fantastic news for dogs as most of them are lactose intolerant. Parmesan cheese, like most hard cheeses, is an aged cheese which means it is high in sodium.
Is Parmesan Cheese Safe For Dogs?
Most of the dogs are lactose intolerant meaning they can’t digest any dairy or milk product. Parmesan cheese, unlike soft cheeses, contains a low level of lactose. This suggests that this cheese may be easier for dogs to digest than others.
The important thing to consider is that parmesan cheese is aged cheese which is why the sodium content present in parmesan cheese is very high. When Parmesan cheese was initially developed, salt was the most often utilized natural preservative, so it continues to be a high-salt source. Per 100 g of cheese, there is 1529 mg of salt which is very high. The high sodium content present in parmesan cheese can be dangerous for dogs. Eating a diet with high sodium can even cause severe diseases like heart disease, kidney disease.
You can occasionally give your pet parmesan cheese as a delicious treat, but remember that moderation is key.
Possible Side Effects Of Feeding Parmesan Cheese
The following are all of the possible effects that dogs may experience after consuming a large amount of parmesan cheese:
1. Remember that low lactose does not imply that there is no lactose present. If your dog with high lactose intolerance eats a huge amount of parmesan cheese, they might show the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
2. High amount of salt content present in parmesan can cause salt toxicity in a dog’s body. The signs of a dog who has eaten too much salty Parmesan are as follows:
- Weakness
- Lack of appetite
- Seizures
- Fast heart rate
- Kidney problem
Safer Cheese Options For Dogs
When it comes to feeding dogs, parmesan cheese offers both benefits and drawbacks. While the low lactose level makes it ideal, the high salt concentration raises the risk. If you want to give your dog some wonderful cheese without having to worry about it, here are some safer options:
1. Mozzarella cheese:
It’s a low-fat, low-salt cheese that, when used appropriately, may be a wonderful treat for your dog.
2. String cheese:
Another cheese that is safe for dogs is string cheese. String cheese contains little salt or lactose, lowering the case of various health risks.
3. Cottage cheese:
For dogs, cottage cheese is the best option. It’s high in protein and calcium, yet low in sodium and fat, making it an ideal dog treat. Due to its high fiber content, cottage cheese may be recommended for dogs suffering from diarrhea or other digestive problems.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, parmesan cheese has no main health benefits, but it can be used as a treat because of its flavor, which will make any dog pleased. So feed your dog parmesan cheese but be conscious about the sodium content and look out for any toxicity and allergies. Keep in mind ‘moderation is the key.’
Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing any food into your dog’s diet.
Thank you for reading the article.
Here are some other cheese-related dog articles that you might be interested in.
Has your dog ever eaten parmesan cheese? What was their reaction like? If you have any experience with dogs eating cheese, please share it in the comments section below.