Cheese is one of the most popular foods among humans, and for good reason. It’s nutrient-rich, inexpensive, and delicious! So it’s no surprise that many Chihuahua owners often wonder whether they can share cheese with their pups as well.
The short answer is yes—you can feed cheese to your Chihuahuas! But there are lots of factors you should consider when doing so. In this article, we’ll answer every question you could have about feeding cheese to your canine companions. Let’s start with the most important question:
Is cheese safe for Chihuahuas?
Yes, for most Chihuahuas, cheese is a safe treat in moderation. If you are giving your Chihuahua cheese for the first time, it is best to offer a small amount and watch for any signs of an allergic reaction or food intolerance. Some symptoms of an adverse reaction include hives, swelling of the face or ears, vomiting or diarrhea, breathing difficulties and a swollen belly. If you observe any abnormal symptoms, it is best to consult your veterinarian.
Cheese can be a good source of calcium and protein for your canine companion. However, some cheeses are high in fat, so it is best to give as an occasional treat rather than an everyday snack. In addition, some cheeses may contain ingredients that are unhealthy for Chihuahuas such as garlic and onion powder. As with any food that you give your Chihuahua, make sure it does not contain any ingredients that are toxic to canines such as raisins, macadamia nuts or grapes.
When serving cheese to your Chihuahua, always break into small pieces to prevent choking. And remember that while cheese can be a delicious treat for many pups, others simply dislike the taste.
Benefits of feeding cheese in Chihuahuas
Cheese is a great way to add some flavor and nutrition to your Chihuahua’s diet! Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect when you incorporate cheese into your feeding routine:
Protein: cheese is a great source of protein, which helps keep your Chihuahua’s muscles strong
Essential fatty acids: cheese also has essential fatty acids, which aid in brain function, and are good for your Chihuahua’s eyesight
Calcium: cheese has calcium, which helps keep bones strong
Vitamins: cheese also has vitamins A & B, which help cells regenerate and boost the immune system
Training tool: cheese makes a great training tool—treats made with cheese can be used as rewards for good behavior during training sessions
Concealing pills: need to get a pill down your Chihuahua’s throat? Cheese can help! Roll the pill up in some cheese and watch it disappear!
Do all Chihuahuas like cheese?
Chihuahuas are funny creatures—they have their own unique personalities, individual preferences, and quirks that help us identify them as distinct individuals. And just like with people, what one Chihuahua will find delicious another may not be so fond of! The same goes for cheese. Some Chihuahuas love cheese and will do anything for it; others prefer a wide variety of other treats.
If you’re wondering whether your Chihuahua might enjoy cheese, there’s a simple way to find out: offer him/her/them some! If your Chihuahua is hesitant or uninterested in the cheese you have on offer, he/she/they may not be a big fan. But if your Chihuahua absolutely loses their mind over the cheese you’ve offered them, well then, they’re likely to be a big fan! Unfortunately, it isn’t always that easy to figure out what your Chihuahua might enjoy eating.
When it comes to cheese, there is no rule that says all Chihuahuas like it—just like there is no rule that says all people do either! If you have found that your Chihuahua doesn’t enjoy eating cheese as much as they do other treats, don’t force it! In fact, we recommend consulting with your vet before introducing any new food into their diet.
Can my Chihuahuas have cheese every day?
We don’t recommend feeding your Chihuahua cheese every day.
Chihuahuas should have a varied diet just like humans, and there are many kinds of treats to choose from. While certain cheeses are harmless to Chihuahuas, not all are! Cheese also has high amounts of fat, which can cause weight gain if given in excess.
It’s best to vary the treats you give your Chihuahua. If you have a food-motivated Chihuahua, try giving him or her lots of toys that dispense food. Another option is to make the treats yourself.
Can Chihuahua puppies eat cheese?
Cheese makes a great training tool for puppies. However, puppies should be on a specialized diet until the age of two months. You can introduce small bits of cheese into your Chihuahua’s diet. However, Chihuahuas have a delicate digestive system, so I would recommend consulting with your vet before introducing any new food to your puppy’s diet.
How much cheese can Chihuahuas eat?
If your Chihuahua has never eaten cheese before, you’ll want to start with a small amount and see if he has any digestive problems. The smaller the Chihuahua, the smaller the portion–this is important to remember.
If your Chihuahua can tolerate cheese, you can offer more. Just make sure that it doesn’t become a regular snack. Cheese is high in fat and calories, and unless your Chihuahua needs extra calories in his diet, it’s best to keep treats like this to a minimum. You should always follow the 90/10 rule: 90% of his food should be nutritious, quality Chihuahua food and 10% or less can be dedicated to treats.
What kind of cheese can Chihuahuas eat?
You know that cheesy grin on your Chihuahua’s face when you get home from work? Well, you can make that smile even wider with these five cheeses.
1. Mozzarella: low in fat, but it has a high level of protein. Also, low in lactose!
2. Cottage cheese: also low in fat, and an excellent source of protein!
3. Swiss cheese: low in lactose, but higher in sodium than some other options. It is also a great source of calcium, which means it helps build strong bones!
4. Cheddar: low levels of salt and lactose, making this a great option for most Chihuahuas! Higher levels of calcium mean this will also help your Chihuahua’s bone health!
5. String cheese: low levels of lactose and salt make this a good choice as well, but break it up into smaller pieces to avoid trouble swallowing.
What types of cheese are bad for Chihuahuas?
Blue cheese contains Roquefortine C, which is toxic to Chihuahuas
Goat cheese contains more lactose than cow’s milk, so it can cause digestive issues
Cheesecake is high in fat and may cause pancreatitis in Chihuahuas
Cream cheese is high in fat and can lead to obesity in Chihuahuas
Parmesan cheese is high in sodium, which can be dangerous for Chihuahuas with heart problems
Cheese puffs are high in fat and sodium, so too many of them can be bad for your Chihuahua
How to serve cheese to your Chihuahuas?
Cheese is a favorite food of both humans and Chihuahuas, but you should think carefully before sharing it with your pet. Cheese is a generally safe snack for most Chihuahuas, but feeding it to your Chihuahua in the right way and in the right amounts is important.
One of the best ways to give your Chihuahua cheese is as it is in small pieces, which are easy for them to digest. If you want to serve cheese more regularly, mixing it with your Chihuahua’s regular food can make it more filling and nutritious. A sprinkle of cheese makes a nice food topper for Chihuahuas. You can also pour cheese sauce over harder Chihuahua foods like kibble or biscuits. Some owners even mix equal parts of cooked white rice and cottage cheese to relieve their Chihuahua’s sensitive stomachs.
What are the risks of feeding cheese to your Chihuahua?
While some cheese is fine to feed your Chihuahua, it is important to know what kind of cheese you are feeding your Chihuahua. Cheese can be a great source of calcium and protein, but it also contains high fat content and calories. When feeding your Chihuahua cheese, be sure the amount does not exceed 10% of your Chihuahua’s daily caloric intake. Also, avoid cheese that contains toxic additives (such as garlic and onions) that could cause an upset stomach or other issues.
Many Chihuahuas are lactose intolerant, so their bodies cannot digest the lactose in milk products such as cheese. This can lead to diarrhea or other digestive issues for your Chihuahua. If you notice any signs that your Chihuahua may have an intolerance (such as vomiting or diarrhea), stop feeding them cheese immediately and contact your veterinarian for advice on how best to proceed with treatment options.
Other human foods Chihuahuas can eat
What other human foods can Chihuahuas eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Chihuahuas can eat.
So, can Chihuahuas eat cheese?
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat cheese. But few cheeses are healthy for your Chihuahua. Some types are high in fat and sodium, which can cause obesity and heart disease in Chihuahuas.
To stay on the safe side, always feed your Chihuahua low-fat cheddar or mozzarella cheese; avoid feeding them Parmesan or blue cheese. Also, keep the cheese slices small—the size of a pencil eraser or smaller.
Most Chihuahuas love cheese because it’s rich in protein and calcium, making it an excellent treat for Chihuahuas. However, don’t overfeed them with it; follow the 90/10 rule to make sure they get the right amount of nutrition they need.