Cheese is a popular and nutrient-rich food that’s low-cost, which is why many German Shepherd owners wonder if it’s safe to feed cheese to their furry friends.
The short answer is: yes, you can feed cheese to your German Shepherd! But there are lots of reasons you might not want to do this. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about feeding cheese to your German Shepherd—from the risks involved, to how much you should give with each feeding, and how you should store any leftover cheese. Let’s get started with the most important question:
Is cheese safe for German Shepherds?
Yes, cheese is safe for German Shepherds, but a little goes a long way.
Cheese is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and vitamins A and B12. It also contains fatty acids, which help keep your German Shepherd’s coat shiny and healthy. In moderation, it makes a great treat.
However, like with any type of food you feed your German Shepherd, ensure it has no harmful ingredients added to it (such as xylitol). If you are serving cheese for the first time to your German Shepherd, watch for any abnormal signs (eg. increased thirst/urination) as some German Shepherds can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction.
If you observe any abnormal symptoms after feeding cheese to your German Shepherd or have any concerns about the amount of cheese being fed to your German Shepherd, then it is recommended that you contact your veterinarian for further advice.
Benefits of feeding cheese in German Shepherds
Protein: Cheese contains about 25% protein, making it a great source of energy for German Shepherds.
Essential fatty acids: Cheese contains essential fatty acids that can help your German Shepherd’s coat stay shiny and healthy.
Calcium: Cheese is a great source of calcium, which is essential for bone health in German Shepherds.
Vitamins: Cheese contains vitamins A, D, E and K (also called the fat-soluble vitamins) and vitamin B12. These vitamins are helpful for your German Shepherd’s metabolism and nervous system.
Training tools: You can use cheese as a high-value treat to train your pup! Just make sure you adjust meal quantities accordingly so they don’t get too much cheese in their diet.
Concealing pills: German Shepherds are always trying to avoid taking medication, even if it’s just a pill. If you have trouble getting them to take their prescription, try giving them some cheese! You can wrap the pill in cheese or put the pill in some cheese sauce, so they’re getting their medicine without even knowing it.
Do all German Shepherds like cheese?
Although it’s widely believed that all German Shepherds like cheese, some German Shepherds would rather avoid it entirely. Your German Shepherd might not like cheese, and that’s okay.
German Shepherds have individual food preferences just like people do, so it’s not surprising that some don’t enjoy certain foods. If you’ve tried feeding your German Shepherd cheese and they’ve turned their nose up at it, don’t force them to eat it—it can upset their stomachs if they’re not used to digesting dairy products.
If you’re looking for a new treat to give your German Shepherd, consider trying other German Shepherd-friendly foods like carrots or watermelon instead. You should always consult with your vet before introducing a new food into your German Shepherd’s diet and make sure you’re only giving them safe foods.
Can my German Shepherds have cheese every day?
Not every day. You can give your German Shepherd cheese as a treat, but it’s best not to give them too much. A bit of cheese isn’t bad for German Shepherds, but if you give them too much, they could get sick.
Cheese is high in fat, which can lead to weight gain and pancreatitis in German Shepherds if they eat too much of it. Cheese also contains lactose, which many German Shepherds are sensitive to or intolerant of. If your German Shepherd has stomach issues after eating cheese, cut back on the amount you give them and talk to your vet about other safe things you can use as a treat.
Can German Shepherd puppies eat cheese?
Yes, German Shepherd puppies can eat cheese. In fact, it’s a great training tool! But you should wait until your puppy is two months old before introducing him or her to cheese. Puppies have a delicate digestive system, so they should be on a specialized puppy diet during the first two months of their lives.
When you do start introducing cheese, just give them a small bite. If you notice any negative reactions (like diarrhea), consult with your vet to make sure there’s no underlying reason for your puppy to avoid cheese.
How much cheese can German Shepherds eat?
German Shepherds can eat cheese, but it’s best to consult with your vet first. They’ll be able to give you a good estimate of how much cheese your German Shepherd can consume based on their age and size, as well as their tolerance for lactose.
Portion control is important for your German Shepherd’s diet and treats, so start out with a small piece of cheese and see if you notice any negative reactions. If there aren’t any negative reactions, you can offer more.
Always follow the 90/10 rule: 90% of their diet should comprise high-quality German Shepherd food, while 10% can comprise treats like cheese.
As always, be sure to monitor your pet after they’ve eaten something new to make sure they’re not experiencing any adverse effects.
What kind of cheese can German Shepherds eat?
– Mozzarella: With a low fat content and a strong flavor, mozzarella is a great treat for your pup.
– Cottage cheese: Just like mozzarella, cottage cheese is also low in fat and makes for an excellent treat.
– Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese is low in lactose, making it safe for your German Shepherd to eat. However, it contains tyramine, which can be unsafe in large doses. Feed your German Shepherd small portions of swiss cheese.
– Cheddar: Cheddar has a high fat content, but its low levels of salt make it safe for your German Shepherd to eat. Just make sure you do not give your German Shepherd too much cheddar! A small piece will go a long way.
– String cheese: String cheese is a great option for German Shepherds with lactose sensitivities or on a low-sodium diet because it contains less lactose and salt than other cheeses. Be careful though—stringy cheese can cause problems when swallowing. To avoid this, break the string cheese into smaller pieces before feeding it to your German Shepherd.
What types of cheese are bad for German Shepherds?
Blue cheese: This funky, delicious cheese contains Stilton fungus. While this fungus is great for us, it produces a substance called Roquefortine C which is toxic to German Shepherds. This can cause seizures and tremors in your German Shepherd.
Goat cheese: Goat cheese is not recommended for German Shepherds, because it contains more lactose than cow’s milk, so it’s discouraged for German Shepherds who are lactose intolerant.
Cheesecake: Cheesecake has a very high fat content, and if consumed in large amounts, it could lead to pancreatitis, which is potentially fatal.
Cream cheese: Cream cheeses are high in fats—and while these fats may not be toxic to your German Shepherd’s health, they can lead to obesity and other issues related to being overweight.
Parmesan cheese: German Shepherds should avoid this high-sodium food because of their limited kidney function.
Cheese puffs: Cheese puffs are loaded with both fat and sodium—while they aren’t toxic to German Shepherds, too much of them can lead to serious weight problems.
How to serve cheese to your German Shepherds?
Mostly, German Shepherds can eat cheese in moderation with no problems at all. It is a high-protein food that is full of vitamins and minerals. The problem with cheese is that it comes in many forms, and each form has different health benefits.
The best way to serve cheese to your German Shepherd is as small pieces, either by themselves or mixed with their regular food. Just be sure to watch out for the ones that are too salty or spicy for them.
You can also serve it as a sauce, but be sure to use low-fat cheeses so they don’t get too much fat in their diet. Pour some over their regular German Shepherd food, or mix it with cooked white rice, equal parts of cottage cheese, and a little water to make a creamy sauce that will coat the kibble and make it more palatable for them.
What are the risks of feeding cheese to your German Shepherd?
While some German Shepherds may tolerate a small amount of cheese experiencing no adverse effects, there are several risks associated with feeding your German Shepherd this popular dairy product.
High fat: One of the biggest drawbacks associated with feeding your German Shepherd cheese is its high-fat content. While moderate amounts of fat provide energy and help keep the coat shiny and smooth, too much can contribute to weight gain in German Shepherds. In addition, according to VCA Hospitals, high-fat foods like cheese can increase the risk for pancreatitis in German Shepherds, which is an inflammation of the pancreas that can cause serious complications if not treated swiftly by a veterinarian.
Lactose intolerance: Many German Shepherds have difficulty digesting lactose, which is a sugar found in dairy products like cheese. If you suspect your pup has trouble processing lactose, avoid giving him any foods or treats containing dairy. Some cheeses may contain high levels of lactose that can lead to gas, vomiting and diarrhea in German Shepherds.
Finally, cheese may contain other toxic herbs like garlic, onion, or salt which can cause severe illness in your pet.
Other human foods German Shepherds can eat
What other human foods can German Shepherds eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your German Shepherd can eat.
So, can German Shepherds eat cheese?
Yes, German Shepherds can eat cheese! Cheese is a great source of protein and calcium for your German Shepherd, so it’s generally safe to feed him small amounts of it. However, there are some cheeses that you should avoid feeding your German Shepherd. Avoid giving your German Shepherd blue cheese, as this type of cheese contains mold, which can be dangerous for German Shepherds.
You should also avoid feeding your German Shepherd feta cheese, as it is especially high in sodium. Instead of these cheeses, try giving your German Shepherd cheddar or mozzarella cheese. Both cheddar and mozzarella are low in salt and easy for your German Shepherd to digest. When you feed your German Shepherd cheese, make sure that you only give him small amounts at a time. If you give him too much cheese at once, he might get sick of it.