Cheese is a popular food among humans. It’s nutrient-rich and low-cost, which is why many Dachshund owners wonder if they can feed it to their pets.
The short answer is yes—you can certainly feed cheese to your Dachshunds. But you need to be careful. Some types of cheese can actually cause serious health problems for your furry friend, while others are perfectly safe. In this article, we’ll answer every question you could have about feeding cheese to Dachshunds, including the most important question:
Is cheese safe for Dachshunds?
Yes, cheese is safe for Dachshunds to eat in moderation.
You should note that some cheeses can contain ingredients that are harmful to Dachshunds, so it is important to ensure that the cheese you feed your Dachshund does not contain any of these ingredients.
Cheese can cause diarrhea and gas in Dachshunds, and you should introduce cheese into your Dachshund’s diet slowly and always serve it in small pieces.
If you are feeding cheese to your Dachshund for the first time, watch for signs of an abnormal reaction, as some Dachshunds can have food intolerances or allergies. If you observe any abnormal symptoms, discontinue feeding your Dachshund cheese immediately.
Benefits of feeding cheese in Dachshunds
Benefits of Feeding Cheese to Dachshunds
Protein: Cheese is rich in protein, which is necessary for healthy muscles and tissue.
Essential fatty acids: Cheese is also rich in essential fatty acids, which help keep your Dachshund’s coat shiny and skin healthy.
Calcium: Calcium is an essential mineral that helps maintain strong bones and teeth. Cheese can be an excellent source of calcium in a well-balanced diet.
Vitamins: Cheese contains vitamins A & D, which are important for healthy eyesight, a strong immune system, and more.
Training tools: The cheesy taste of cheese makes it an excellent snack to use as a training tool or reward. It’s especially helpful when you need your Dachshund to stay focused on you!
Concealing pills: If you have a picky pup who won’t take their medication, cheese can help get the job done. Just tuck the pill into a little ball of cheese, and you’re good to go!
Do all Dachshunds like cheese?
Unfortunately, no. Just as different people have varied food preferences and dietary restrictions, Dachshunds are the same way. Some may love cheese in all forms, while others may not enjoy it at all. Some Dachshunds may even have lactose intolerance, which can cause intestinal discomfort and stomach upset if they eat dairy products.
Dachshunds have food preferences, just like people do. They also have unique genetic makeup and health histories that can determine whether a particular food is appropriate for them to consume. If your Dachshund does not like cheese, don’t force him to eat it. Instead, try other Dachshund-friendly treats he may enjoy more. Before you give your Dachshund any new type of food, consult with your vet to determine if it is safe for him to consume.
Can my Dachshunds have cheese every day?
We don’t recommend it because cheese is high in fat, and you should vary your Dachshund’s treats so they don’t get bored. Varying treats also ensure that your Dachshund is getting all the nutrients they need; different treats have different nutritional profiles!
Can Dachshund puppies eat cheese?
Cheese is a great training tool for puppies, but you should wait until they’re at least two months old to try it. Until then, they should be on specialized puppy food (check with your vet to make sure you’re feeding them the right kind).
Once your puppy is old enough, give them a small bite of cheese as a treat or reward. Be careful—puppies have delicate digestive systems, so it’s important not to overwhelm them with too much new food at once.
How much cheese can Dachshunds eat?
When it comes to your Dachshund and cheese, the first thing to do is consult your vet.
Depending on the size, age and lactose tolerance level of your Dachshund, the amount of cheese they can eat will vary.
As a general rule of thumb, start with a small piece and see if there are any negative reactions. If not, you can offer more—but always be sure to follow the 90/10 rule: 90% of your Dachshund’s diet should be made up of healthy food and treats with only 10% being “extras” like cheese (or anything else that isn’t part of their regular diet).
What kind of cheese can Dachshunds eat?
1. Mozzarella: low in fat and a good source of calcium and protein
2. Cheddar: low levels of salts and a good source of calcium and protein
3. Cottage cheese: also low in fat and a good source of calcium and protein
4. Swiss cheese: low in lactose and a good source of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, protein, and vitamins A, B2, B12
5. String cheese: low levels of lactose and salt. Stringiness could cause trouble swallowing, so break it down to avoid choking.
What types of cheese are bad for Dachshunds?
-Blue cheese is bad because it contains Stilton fungus, which produces a substance called Roquefortine C. This substance can cause vomiting and diarrhea in Dachshunds.
-Goat cheese is discouraged because it has more lactose than cow’s milk, and so it can cause problems for Dachshunds with lactose intolerance.
-Cheesecake has a very high fat content, which can lead to pancreatitis in your Dachshund.
-Cream cheese is dangerous for your Dachshund because of its high fat content, which can lead to obesity and other problems.
-Parmesan cheese is bad because it has a high sodium content, which will dehydrate your Dachshund and cause vomiting or other symptoms.
-Cheese puffs are dangerous for your Dachshund because they have a lot of fat and sodium, both of which can be terrible for your Dachshund if they eat too much of them.
How to serve cheese for your Dachshunds?
You can serve your Dachshund cheese as a treat in small pieces.
Another way to serve cheese is to mix it with your Dachshund’s regular food. A sprinkle of cheese makes a nice food topper for Dachshunds.
A third way is to make a cheese sauce from a finely shredded, low-fat cheese and pour it over harder Dachshund foods which need softening. You can also use this for elderly Dachshunds who have trouble chewing their food.
Yet another way is to mix equal parts of cooked white rice and cottage cheese, which are easily digestible and may soothe your Dachshund’s sensitive stomach.
What are the risks of feeding cheese to your Dachshund?
There are several risks that come with feeding cheese to your Dachshund. Cheese is a high-fat food, and giving your Dachshund a high-fat diet can lead to pancreatitis, which can be dangerous or even fatal. Additionally, some cheeses may contain high levels of lactose, which can cause gas and diarrhea in Dachshunds who are lactose intolerant. Finally, some cheeses may contain other toxic herbs like garlic or salt, which can also cause diarrhea or vomiting if your Dachshund has eaten too much.
Other human foods Dachshunds can eat
What other human foods can dachshunds eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Dachshunds can eat.
So, can Dachshunds eat cheese?
Yes! Dachshunds can eat cheese. So, what kinds of cheese are safe for Dachshunds? Mostly, Dachshunds can eat the same cheeses that humans can, but there are some exceptions. Soft cheeses like feta, cotija, and blue cheese have not been pasteurized, and they may contain listeria, which can be deadly to both humans and Dachshunds. In addition, hard cheeses like parmesan contain high amounts of sodium. Cottage cheese is the safest option of the three—your Dachshund should be fine eating cottage cheese in moderation.
All other types of cheese are safe for your Dachshund to eat, but you should always be careful about how much you feed them. You should also make sure that you don’t feed them any pieces of cheese that could be a choking hazard—stick to slices or cubes instead of feeding them a whole block of cheddar.
Cheese is rich in protein and calcium, making it an excellent treat for Dachshunds. However, you should never give your Dachshund over 10% of their daily calories in treats.