Cheese is a popular and delicious food among humans. It is nutrient rich and very low in cost, which is why cheese is one of the most common foods fed to Labs by their owners. But can you feed cheese to your Labs? The answer is yes, you can feed cheese to your Labs. But there are lots of questions that need answering before we get into the specifics of cheese and Labs.
In this article, we’ll cover everything from the benefits of feeding cheese to your Labrador Retriever, to the proper way of feeding your Labrador Retriever cheese (if there even is such a thing). We’ll also cover what types of cheeses are best for your Labrador Retriever, how much cheese you should feed your Labrador Retriever, and answer some common questions about cheese and Labs. So let’s get started with the first question:
Is cheese safe for Labs?
Cheese is generally safe for Labs to eat, but it should only be an occasional treat. It’s best to serve cheese in small quantities so your Labrador Retriever doesn’t get an upset stomach or experience diarrhea because of eating too much dairy.
If you’re serving your Labrador Retriever cheese for the first time, monitor him or her for any signs of food intolerance or allergic reaction; these are rare, but they could show trouble. If you observe any symptoms after feeding your Labrador Retriever cheese, discontinue giving it and consult a veterinarian.
Benefits of feeding cheese in Labs
Cheese is good for Labs, and here’s why:
Protein: Cheese provides a good deal of protein to your Labrador Retriever, which is important for body maintenance. It also provides calcium—important for bone growth and maintenance.
Essential fatty acids: Cheese contains essential fatty acids, which are important for the skin and hair coat.
Calcium: Calcium is one of the most important nutrients in cheese—and it’s great for bone growth and maintenance.
Vitamins: Cheese contains vitamins A and B12, as well as riboflavin and selenium.
Training tools: Because cheese is delicious to your Labrador Retriever, it can be used to train him or her by using it as a treat during training sessions.
Concealing pills: Labs often have trouble taking medicine, but if you hide the pill in a piece of cheese they won’t know what hit them!
Do all Labs like cheese?
No, not all Labs enjoy cheese. Like humans, Labs have food preferences, and your Labrador Retriever may not like cheese. If you’re unsure of your Labrador Retriever’s preferences, try offering a small piece of cheese and see if they eat it—if they don’t, then they likely don’t enjoy it. Don’t force a Labrador Retriever to eat something they don’t want to; instead, try other Labrador Retriever-friendly treats like baby carrots or a small amount of peanut butter. Before introducing any new food to a Labrador Retriever’s diet, consult with their vet to make sure the food is suitable for them to eat.
Can my Labs have cheese every day?
No, we don’t recommend it because cheese is not a balanced diet for Labs. They need a diet rich in proteins and nutrients. Also, it’s important to vary the treats you give to your Labrador Retriever so that he doesn’t get bored with his diet. Different treats contain different nutritional values, so you want to make sure he gets a good balance of all of them. The most important thing is that you provide him with healthy food.
Can Labrador Retriever puppies eat cheese?
Yes, Labrador Retriever puppies can eat cheese! It’s actually a great training tool, and if you want to give your puppy some as a treat, they will probably love it.
However, before you do so, make sure that your puppy is at least two months old. Puppies have a delicate digestive system during their first two months, and they should be on a specialized puppy diet to ensure that they have all the nutrients they need to grow strong.
Once your puppy is past the two-month mark, then it’s totally fine to give them some cheese. But remember to start with just a small bite! Every Labrador Retriever has different dietary needs and sensitivities, so before you introduce any new food into your puppy’s diet, consult with your veterinarian.
How much cheese can Labs eat?
First, consult with your vet first for the best serving size for your pup. It will depend on the age, size and lactose tolerance level of your Labrador Retriever.
Second, portion control is important for your Labrador Retriever’s diet and treats. Start out with a small piece of cheese if it’s new to them and if there are no negative reactions, you can offer more next time.
Third, always follow the 90/10 rule: 90% of the food they eat is “real food” like chicken or beef; 10% or less should be treats like cheese.
What kind of cheese can Labs eat?
1. Mozzarella: Mozzarella is a safe choice for Labs because it is low in fat and high in protein, making it an ideal snack when your pup needs a little boost of energy. Because this cheese has so much protein, a little goes a long way! If you’re looking to treat your Labrador Retriever with a snack, that’s low in fat and lactose, but high in calcium and protein, consider giving him or her some mozzarella cheese.
2. Cottage cheese: Cottage cheese is another safe choice for labs because it is also low in fat and high in protein. However, since cottage cheese has higher levels of lactose than mozzarella, we recommend that you only feed your pet the occasional bite of cottage cheese instead of offering it as a regular snack.
3. Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese is a great option for Labs who are sensitive to lactose because it has lower levels of lactose than other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella. It also contains less salt than most hard cheeses, making it an ideal snack for Labs with gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or constipation.
4. Cheddar: Cheddar is one of the most popular cheeses among Labrador Retriever owners. Contains low levels of salts, so it’s safe in moderation.
What types of cheese are bad for Labs?
1. Blue cheese contains the Stilton fungus, which produces a substance called Roquefortine C that is toxic to Labs.
2. Goat cheese contains more lactose than cow’s milk—it can cause vomiting and diarrhea if given to Labs.
3. Cheesecake is very high in fat, which is bad for Labs’ digestive systems and can lead to pancreatitis.
4. Cream cheese is also high in fat, so it’s good to avoid feeding it to your Labrador Retriever too often, as it could lead to obesity.
5. Parmesan cheese has a high sodium content, which could be harmful for Labs over time if they eat it regularly.
6. Cheese puffs are made with a lot of fat and sodium, both of which are bad for Labs’ health if consumed in large quantities regularly.
How to serve cheese to your Labs?
If you’re going to serve cheese to your Labrador Retriever, the best way is to break it up into small pieces. This way you can make sure that it’s not a choking hazard and you can more easily control how much is being served. Another good way to serve cheese is to mix it with your Labrador Retriever’s regular food; a sprinkle of cheese makes a nice food topper for Labs. You can also make a cheese sauce by melting down some cheese, then pour it over harder Labrador Retriever foods. Finally, mix equal parts of cooked white rice and cottage cheese—you’ll have a delicious meal that will help soothe your Labrador Retriever’s sensitive stomach.
What are the risks of feeding cheese to your Labrador Retriever?
Feeding cheese to your Labrador Retriever can be a risky business. Cheese is high in fat and calories, so if your pooch eats too much of it, they may become overweight or obese. And Labs that are lactose intolerant cannot digest lactose, the primary carbohydrate in cheese and other dairy products. Signs of lactose intolerance include diarrhea, vomiting, or lack of appetite. If you have a lactose intolerant Labrador Retriever, feeding them cheese could make them very sick.
Additionally, some cheeses contain toxic additives like garlic, onion and salt that can be harmful to Labs in large quantities. Luckily, these additives are not often found in low-fat cheese varieties like cottage cheese and ricotta cheese. However, as with anything, it’s important to monitor portions when feeding your Labrador Retriever any kind of food outside their normal diet—including cheese.
Other human foods Labrador Retrievers can eat
What other human foods can Labs eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Lab can eat.
So, can Labs eat cheese?
The short answer is: Yes, Labs can eat cheese.
But, like so many things in life, the longer answer is a bit more complicated.
When deciding how much cheese to feed your Labrador Retriever, start by choosing the right kind. Some cheeses are safer than others. Harder cheeses like Mozzarella, Swiss, and Cheddar are best because they are lower in fat and can also be used as a better oral hygiene tool (especially if they’re on the harder side).
However you choose to give your Labrador Retriever cheese, make sure you’re not overfeeding them—Labs should get only 10% of their daily calories from treats like this one.