Can Dogs Eat Parmesan Cheese? If you are not sure about the answer to this question, then we are here to help you out!
Parmesan cheese is one of the purest and gluten-free forms available in the market. The aroma of it is so tempting that anyone would love to have it! However, Can Dogs Eat Parmesan Cheese? Let’s find out!
What is Parmesan Cheese? Can Dogs Have it?
Parmesan is an Italian cheese from Reggio Emilia and Parma. It is characterized as hard, strong and shiny in texture and is made from cow’s milk. It has a nutty flavor that may be sweet, bitter, and salty.
As it’s low in lactose and high in sodium, the dogs can digest it right because they are sensitive to salt toxicity. Also, for your furry friend, in order to enjoy this savory treat, moderation is the key.
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Is Parmesan Cheese Safe for Dogs?
The question has a contradictory answer- a yes and no simultaneously. It’s a yes because if Parmesan is served in small quantities to dogs, once in a while, then it is absolutely fine. Moreover, Parmesan cheese help in curing certain health problems like kidney stones, arthritis, and gout.
The real problem arises when you start to give it to your pooch on a daily basis, that too in large quantities.
Health Benefits of Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese has plenty of health benefits and contains calcium, dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, Omega-3 fatty acids, sodium, and vitamins A, B-12, and K-2.
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What Happens If My Dog Eats Parmesan Cheese?
If your four-legged friend licks a bit of Parmesan cheese, then don’t worry!
It is not dangerous to dogs if consumed in moderation. However, you cannot feed this every day to your canine. Too much Parmesan cheese is unhealthy due to its high sodium content.
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Side Effects of Parmesan Cheese
Though it contains low amounts of lactose, if your dog shows symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, flatulence or gas, lack of appetite, and vomiting, then avoid this snack.
Also, suppose you observe the symptoms like disorientation, diarrhea, excessive thirst, urination, rapid heart rate, high fever, lack of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, and weakness. In that case, it might be possible your mutt has salt poisoning.
Note: Adverse cases of salt toxicity can lead to muscle spasms, convulsions, and seizures. Contact your vet immediately in such a case.
How Much Parmesan Cheese is Ok for Dogs?
The amount totally depends on your dog’s size, breed, and health conditions. If it is the first time your canine is having cheese, offer it a little at first. A healthy dog can have one teaspoon of Parmesan cheese in a week.
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Types of Parmesan Cheese Dogs Can Eat
There is a good number of ideal cheeses that your pooch can have on occasional treats. Cheese contains vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and other micronutrients. Apart from the healthy ones, some cheese is made from unhealthy additives for pooches. Here is the list of cheeses that are considered healthy for your mutt:
- Cheddar is rich in nutrients like protein, calcium, vitamin A, and phosphorus. It’s also a good source of riboflavin, niacin, and thiamine. This a good option to consider.
- Swiss Cheese is low in lactose is what makes it the best and healthy choice for your pooch.
- Cottage Cheese is the best source of protein and is often considered a replacement for meat.
- Parmesan Cheese is pure cheese, good in calcium, and contains no additives.
- Mozzarella Cheese is easier for dogs to eat.
Note: Although the cheeses are safe for dog consumption. If served in excess can be toxic to pooches.
Types of Cheese Dogs Should Not Eat?
Dogs cannot eat Cheeses that are high in lactose, sodium, or fat dogs cant consume these. Also, they can’t have cheese with additives, spices, herbs, and preservatives.
- Blue Cheese is very high in lactose. It also contains a fungus that is detrimental to dogs.
- Soft Goat Cheese includes additives that are potentially dangerous.
- Feta cheese is an aged cheese that is high in sodium and fat.
- Brie is a farmhouse cheese from France. It’s low in lactose and high in saturated fat.
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Quick Takeaways
So, Can Dogs Eat Parmesan Cheese? They can only be in small amounts due to their high salt content. If you feed it to your dog, kindly observe their sodium intake.
Parmesan cheese is low in lactose and a good source of protein and fat for dogs. Due to this, dogs can digest it easier as compared to other varieties of cheese.