Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese? Is It Bad For Them?

The smell of cheese can be quite tempting to any dog. However, this does not mean that it is safe for your particular pet.

Overall, moderation is always important with all types of food, but specifically with dairy products.

So, can your dog eat cream cheese? Yes, dogs can have cream cheese, but it’s best in moderation. Cream cheese is not toxic to dogs.

However, for a fragile pet, disorders can develop with the consumption of cheese. Other dogs might be able to consume certain types of cheese in moderation without any side effects.

For pets prone to packing on pounds, dog owners have to consider overweight issues and the risk that this could cause further health problems.

And so, a dog’s diet should be monitored and restricted, if the animal has a propensity for weight gain and if the animal has a pre-existing medical condition.

Is Cream Cheese Safe for Dogs? Is It Good For Them?

Animals are often attracted to dairy products like milk or cheese. Why? Well, these are quite tasty and very fatty and dogs won’t resist this call to gluttony.

Of course, cheese contains calcium and proteins, the composition of which is perfect for improving the bones and providing daily energy.

However, there are risks remaining due to the amount of fat and potential for lactose intolerance. This doesn’t just exist in humans because animals are also affected.

The cheese causes digestive disorders, diarrhea and gas. Digestion is less complex in milk since the lactose content is lower.

It is best to watch your dog to see if you want to consider feeding cheese or you could consider specific kinds of cheese with less possibility of digestive disorders.

Cream cheese also has high sugar content in it and dogs with existing illnesses may not benefit from consuming it.

This is especially true for a dog that already has a pulp waistline. Moreover, the sugar is not so good for the dog’s oral health.

Again, in the grand scheme of things, giving smaller portions is always the best decision.

The Alternatives

If your dog is unable to eat cream cheese as a treat, there are other options and alternative such as:

• Banana puppy treat
• Pumpkin cookies
• Diabetic dog treats
• Pumpkin Blueberry Popsicles
• Peanut Butter Dog Treats

What Kind Of Cream Cheese?

Let’s make it clear that there is no danger in consuming cheese and your dog won’t have any health repercussions in doing so.

On the other hand, cheese is not easy to digest for your dog. To limit any kind of risks to your dog’s health, it is best to choose plain cream cheese.

This is important because plain cream cheese is not as fatty as the others and it is low in salt. For this reason, weight gain wouldn’t be a serious concern.

Can Dogs Be Lactose Intolerant?

Cream cheese should be given to your dog as a treat. The greatest thing to be concerned about when it comes to your dog eating cream cheese goes to lactose intolerance.

Many dogs are not able to digest lactose and if that is the case, you should keep your furry friend from consuming cream cheese.

Here are some symptoms of lactose intolerance:

• Fatigue
• Pain in body, joints and muscles
• Lethargy
• Issues with urination

Introducing Cream Cheese To Your Dog’s Diet

If it is your dog’s first time in consuming cream cheese or any kind of cheese, you should only start with a small portion to assess how your dog reacts to it.

This is when you would make the decision whether to give your dog more or less.

For example, if you notice any diarrhea or indigestion, you should refrain from giving your dog any more of the cream cheese.

And, it is also recommended that you take your dog to see a vet and explain what you gave your dog to cause any health problems.

Final Word

The bottom line is that it is safe for your dog to consume cream cheese. However, it is to be done in moderation and in small quantities.

The American Kennel Club indicated that cheese in itself is a benefit to gods because of the calcium, protein and fatty acids it contains.

Cream cheese is a byproduct of the regular cheese and so, it is not toxic or poisonous to dogs.

image: Deposit Photos

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