Can Chihuahuas Eat Cheese?

Last Updated on December 8, 2021 by Ana P.

Can Chihuahuas eat cheese? Which of our favorite everyday foods can we share with our pets without any risks?

Yes, your Chihuahua can eat cheese, though it is not advised to make it a staple in your dog’s diet. Like most foods, everything has to be eaten in moderation.

It’s scary to feed your dog new things when you are not familiar with what is allowed for canines. Read on to learn more about this tricky world of dog nutrition.

Can Dogs Have Dairy?

Puppies are sustained by the milk of their mother in order to grow up and be strong. Of course, dog milk and cow milk would have their differences, but what is the effect of your dog consuming dairy?

Many dogs do enjoy dairy, but an excess of this is likely not going to be good for your pet. The occasional sip of milk and cheese treat may be fine, but moderation is key.

Some dairy products like certain milk and whipped cream also come with a ton of sugar-loaded into their contents, which is not a good idea for dogs. Not only will it result in excessive weight gain, but it can introduce some dental problems if your pet doesn’t clean their teeth or get a brush regularly.

Younger puppies with less developed digestive systems should stay away from dairy. They should be only given dairy to try when they are a little bit older.

Dogs And Cheese: Is It A Bad Or Good Idea?

If you look at the current market of dog foods, you don’t just find meaty flavors on the rack. Through the chicken, bacon, and steak flavors, you’ll also find that a cheese flavor is a popular option that is being sold by many dog food brands today.

And of course, it is – dogs find it as tasty as humans do! That unique tang is something the dogs really love, and it’s a staple for different dog treats to adopt this flavor. There is no doubt that dogs love cheese and appreciate it a lot when these treats are being used in their training.

A sharp eye will notice that these snacks are emblazoned with two words: “Cheese Flavored” – and their ingredient is described as “cheese powder”. Without giving the dog a block of cheese, they will still get to experience this flavorful bite.

But what about the real thing? Can Chihuahuas eat cheese, and can it be part of their regular diet? They surely can have a bite of the real stuff from time to time, but it’s not a good idea to pile it on their doggie dish bowl, either.

Are Dogs Lactose Intolerant?

With so many cases of dogs that are lactose intolerant, is it safe to say that most of them are? This is tough to call as there are dogs who can eat dairy just fine.

Lactose intolerance in dogs happens on a case-to-case basis. Your dog might be more tolerant of dairy when they eat it, but for other dogs, it almost always guarantees an upset stomach.

Your dog could be lactose intolerant if giving the dairy causes diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating. It could also alter their appetite for a little while. If it’s not lactose intolerance, then it may be a food allergy instead.

It’s important to monitor what your dogs eat at all times so that you could pinpoint if any food has an adverse effect on your pet – digestive system and otherwise.

Can Chihuahuas Eat Cheese?

As mentioned, Chihuahuas can freely have a cheesy snack, although some cheeses are better for dogs than others. For example, cottage cheese for dogs is not a bad idea. Among cheeses, cottage cheese has a lower fat, sodium, and lactose content than other variants, without taking out the tasty value.

Remember that some cheeses have a higher fat or sodium content than others. If your dog is already at risk of obesity, it is a better idea to stick with the foods your dog needs.

So this is the key to checking if you should be sending a piece of cheese your pet’s way: checking out the contents of the cheese. If there is a chance that your dog may get an upset stomach or become obese, it’s best to say no to the cheese.

Here are some of the popular cheeses that you might want to try to feed your dog, and some advice if you want to make it part of your dog’s menu.

Can Dogs Eat Cheddar Cheese?

Yes, cheddar cheese has less lactose than most other types, making it an ideal occasional snack full of flavor.

Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese?

Yes, they can have cream cheese. However, it is important to note that cream cheese has a lot of calories and fat. It may potentially contribute to your dog’s potential obesity.

Take care to give your dog the plain variety without any added ingredients. Remember that garlic and onion, which typically come in cream cheese variants, are toxic for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Goat Cheese?

You want to be cautious about goat cheese because it has a higher concentration of lactose than cow milk.

Can Dogs Eat Feta Cheese?

This Greek cheese has a lower fat content that may help it be okay for dogs. However, some store-bought feta is seasoned with other ingredients. Remember that dogs cannot handle garlic and onion.

Can Dogs Eat Gouda Cheese?

Gouda cheese can be treated like any other cheese in the family. It’s alright for dogs and won’t cause too much harm, provided that they don’t scarf it down in one go.

Conclusion

A good doggy diet should focus on the main nutrients that your pet needs for its development: protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Anything in excess of this should be limited to an occasional snack – including dairy products like cheese!

Does your dog like cheese, or any other human food? What homemade snacks have you prepped for your furry friends? Let us know in the comments below!