Cheese is a popular food among humans. It’s nutrient rich and easy to store—and it’s also cheap, which makes it an attractive option for many Cocker Spaniel owners who have a limited budget. But can you feed cheese to your Cocker Spaniels?
The short answer is yes; you can feed cheese to your Cocker Spaniels. However, there are lots of different cheeses, and some are better than others for Cocker Spaniels. In this blog post, we’ll answer all the questions you might have about feeding cheese to your furry friend.
Let’s dive in with the most important question:
Is cheese safe for Cocker Spaniels?
Cheese can be a safe and nutritious snack for Cocker Spaniels, as long as you keep in mind a few key points.
First, it’s important to ensure that the cheese you give your Cocker Spaniel doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients, such as xylitol (a sugar substitute), onion, or garlic.
Second, if your Cocker Spaniel has never had cheese before you should introduce it slowly, and always serve it in small pieces.
If your Cocker Spaniel is eating cheese for the first time, watch for any abnormal signs—rare though they may be, some Cocker Spaniels can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction. If you observe any abnormal symptoms, stop giving your Cocker Spaniel cheese immediately and consult with your veterinarian for advice.
Benefits of feeding cheese in Cocker Spaniels
Maybe you’ve been told that you shouldn’t feed cheese to your Cocker Spaniel because it has cheese that is too much for them, but maybe you’ve also heard that cheese is a great training tool. What’s the real deal? Here are some benefits of feeding cheese in Cocker Spaniels:
Protein: Cheese contains protein—essential for building and repairing muscles and other tissues.
Essential fatty acids: Cheese contains essential fatty acids, which are necessary for a lot of different bodily functions.
Calcium: Cheese contains calcium, which helps build bones and teeth, as well as helping with muscle function.
Vitamins: Cheese contains a lot of vitamins, including vitamin B12 and vitamin A.
Training tools: You can use small bits of cheese to train your Cocker Spaniel or lure them into positions.
Concealing pills: You can also use bits of cheese to hide pills if your Cocker Spaniel needs medication!
Do all Cocker Spaniels like cheese?
Unfortunately, no, not all Cocker Spaniels are cheese-lovers. Your Cocker Spaniels may not like cheese because they have food preferences or allergies just like humans do. Cocker Spaniels can have digestive problems when trying new foods, so don’t force your Cocker Spaniel to eat cheese and instead try other Cocker Spaniel-friendly treats like carrots, apples, or bananas. Consult with your vet before introducing a new food to your Cocker Spaniel.
Can my Cocker Spaniels have cheese every day?
It’s not recommended to feed your Cocker Spaniel cheese every day. Although it contains protein and calcium, which are essential for your Cocker Spaniel, it also contains lactose, which many Cocker Spaniels have difficulty digesting.
We suggest you vary your Cocker Spaniel’s treats. Cheese is a great occasional snack, and you can use different kinds of cheese to keep your Cocker Spaniel from getting bored or accustomed to the same treat every time. Also, different treats contain different nutrients, so be sure to mix it up.
Can Cocker Spaniel puppies eat cheese?
Puppies can eat cheese as a training tool. However, they should not eat cheese (or any other food) until they turn two months old. At that point, you can introduce small bits of cheese as a training tool or a treat.
Be careful, however: puppies have a delicate digestive system. Consult with your vet before you introduce any new food to your puppy’s diet.
How much cheese can Cocker Spaniels eat?
The amount of cheese you can give your Cocker Spaniel depends on its age, size, and lactose tolerance level. For example, puppies have sensitive stomachs and a high metabolism; adult Cocker Spaniels may be overweight or lactose intolerant. To determine the best serving size for your Cocker Spaniel, consult a veterinarian who knows your Cocker Spaniel’s health history.
Portion control is important for your Cocker Spaniel’s diet and treats. Start out with a small piece and if there are no negative reactions, you can offer more.
Always follow the 90/10 rule: 90% of your Cocker Spaniel’s diet should be high-quality kibble or other appropriate food, with only 10% coming from treats like cheese.
What kind of cheese can Cocker Spaniels eat?
1. Mozzarella is low in fat, which makes it a good option for Cocker Spaniels.
2. Cottage cheese is also low in fat and almost completely lactose-free, which makes it another good option for Cocker Spaniels.
3. Swiss cheese has a very low level of lactose, which makes it a healthy choice for Cocker Spaniels with digestive issues.
4. Cheddar is usually very low in salt—just make sure you check the label!
5. String cheese is not only low in both lactose and salt but also provides your Cocker Spaniel with a protein-packed snack that can satisfy their developed palate while giving them some much-needed activity to keep them from getting bored or chewing up your favorite t-shirt (again). Just make sure you break the string parts down first to prevent choking!
What types of cheese are bad for Cocker Spaniels?
Blue cheese: Contains Stilton fungus, which produces a substance called Roquefortine C, which is toxic to Cocker Spaniels.
Goat cheese: Contains more lactose than cow’s milk, and if your Cocker Spaniel has a dairy allergy or intolerance, we should avoid it.
Cheesecake: Very high fat content, and some ingredients may be toxic to Cocker Spaniels, so avoid cheesecake at all costs.
Cream cheese: High in fats, which can lead to obesity, so don’t give it to your Cocker Spaniel.
Parmesan cheese: High in sodium, which can cause problems for your Cocker Spaniel’s kidneys and nervous system. If you must give them some parmesan cheese, only give them a bit.
Cheese puffs: A lot of fat and sodium—just like humans, Cocker Spaniels need to limit the amount of these they eat!
How to serve cheese to your Cocker Spaniels?
Cheese can be a great food to feed your Cocker Spaniel, but you need to choose the right kind. Never feed your Cocker Spaniel blue cheese—it contains mold and is not safe for Cocker Spaniels. Soft cheeses like mozzarella and brie are safe for Cocker Spaniels, but they’re also high in fat, so you should only give your Cocker Spaniel small amounts of these cheeses.
There are many ways you can serve cheese to your Cocker Spaniel. You can serve it in small chunks, or use it as a food topper—just sprinkle it on top of your pup’s regular kibble or wet food. You can also combine the cheese with rice for an easy-to-digest meal that will help relieve your Cocker Spaniel’s sensitive stomach.
What are the risks of feeding cheese to your Cocker Spaniel?
If you’re considering feeding cheese to your Cocker Spaniel, it’s important to consider a few things.
First, cheese is high in fat. This can cause problems if your Cocker Spaniel has minor indigestion after eating a treat, but it can also lead to more serious issues like pancreatitis.
Second, some cheeses may contain high levels of lactose that can cause diarrhea.
Finally, some cheeses may also contain toxic additives like garlic or onion, which should always be avoided when feeding Cocker Spaniels. It is best to avoid giving your Cocker Spaniel cheese altogether as there are many other tasty treats that are much safer to feed them.
Other human foods Cocker Spaniels can eat
What other human foods can cocker spaniels eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Cocker Spaniels can eat.
So, can Cocker Spaniels eat cheese?
Yes, Cocker Spaniels can eat cheese. Cheese is rich in calcium and protein, making it an excellent treat for Cocker Spaniels. However, not all cheeses are safe for Cocker Spaniels to eat.
First and foremost, be mindful of your Cocker Spaniel’s weight. Cheese is high in calories, fat, and sodium. If your Cocker Spaniel is overweight or obese or has a heart condition, it may be best to avoid cheese altogether.
If your Cocker Spaniel is healthy, we suggest you give cheese sparingly as a treat and use the 90/10 rule. That means 90% of their diet should be healthy food (like their kibble) and only 10% can be treats (like cheese).
Pay attention to how your Cocker Spaniel reacts to foods like cheese when they eat them. Some Cocker Spaniels may have certain food allergies or sensitivities that cause uncomfortable symptoms like an upset stomach or vomiting. If this happens with any kind of food, it’s best to avoid this food in the future.