“What is cheese?” you ask. Cheese is a popular food among humans. It is nutrient rich and low cost and tasty, which is why many Pug owners are tempted to share this beloved food with their furry friends.
But can you feed cheese to your Pugs? The short answer is “Yes”, but there are lots of additional questions surrounding the topic that you need to consider before feeding cheese to your Pug. Let’s start with the most important question:
Is cheese safe for Pugs?
Yes, cheese is safe for Pugs to eat. In moderation, cheese can be an excellent source of protein and calcium, and most Pugs love the taste. Make sure not to feed your Pug cheese that contains xylitol or any other ingredients that are toxic to Pugs. Serve cheese in small pieces to avoid choking and watch out for symptoms of lactose intolerance in case your Pug has a rare food allergy.
Benefits of feeding cheese in Pugs
Protein: Cheese is rich in protein, which helps to support your Pug’s muscles and skeletal structure. It also carries the amino acids that help your Pug’s body absorb and use other nutrients.
Essential fatty acids: Cheese contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy coat and brain development. Omega-3 fatty acids help with inflammation, joint health, and cognitive health. Besides omega-3s, cheese also contains linoleic acids, which help your Pug maintain a healthy coat.
Calcium: Cheese has high levels of calcium, which helps to keep your Pug’s bones strong and teeth healthy!
Vitamins: Cheese contains vitamins A, B12, D, E, K2 and folate. These vitamins help your Pug with eye health as well as enhancing their immune system function.
Training tools: Some owners use small bits of cheese as treats when they are training their Pugs. Many Pugs absolutely love cheese and will work hard for a treat!
Concealing pills: If you need to give your Pug medicine but have trouble getting them to swallow it whole or crushed up in food, cheese is a great way to disguise the pill. Wrap the pill in small pieces of cheese and offer them.
Do all Pugs like cheese?
Unfortunately, not all Pugs enjoy the taste of cheese. Some Pugs may have an intolerance for dairy products. This is because of a lack of an enzyme that breaks down lactose, which is found in milk products. Pugs who are lactose intolerant may experience diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset after eating cheese.
Your Pugs may not like cheese because they dislike the taste, or they may be allergic to it. There are many other Pug-friendly treats out there! If your Pug doesn’t enjoy the taste of cheese, don’t force it on them. Instead, try other Pug friendly treats like peanut butter or applesauce. Consult with your vet before introducing a new food to your Pug’s diet.
Can my Pugs have cheese every day?
We don’t recommend feeding your Pug cheese every day because it can lead to weight gain, and also it can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems.
We do recommend having some cheese on hand as a special treat, but make sure that you vary the treats so your Pug doesn’t get bored and so they’re getting all the different nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Can Pug puppies eat cheese?
Yes, Pug puppies can eat cheese, but it’s important to wait until they’re at least two months old before introducing it to their diet. You’ll also want to consult with your vet first to make sure it won’t negatively interact with any medications they may be on.
Cheese is a great treat to use when you’re training your puppy, since most Pugs really love it and associate it with the reward of doing something right. But puppies have a delicate digestive system and adding new foods too early can cause stomach upset or other digestive problems. It’s best to wait until they’re older, and even then to introduce the food slowly and in small amounts—just a bite or two at a time.
How much cheese can Pugs eat?
There’s no exact answer here, but there are definitely some best practices you can follow.
First, always consult with your vet. They’ll be able to give you an idea of the best serving size for your Pug. The amount of cheese that’s safe for your Pug to eat depends on the age, size, and lactose tolerance level of your Pug. If your Pug is a puppy or is smaller, then less cheese would suffice. If your Pug is older or has a higher lactose intolerance, then less cheese is needed to prevent the possibility of an upset stomach.
Portion control is essential for your Pug’s diet and treats. Start out with a small piece and if there are no negative reactions, you can offer more. Also, always follow the 90/10 rule: 90% of what your Pug eats should be their regular diet and 10% should be treats, like cheese.
What kind of cheese can Pugs eat?
1. Mozzarella: Low in fat, making it a safe choice for your pooch!
2. Cottage cheese: Also low in fat, great for Pugs who need an extra protein boost!
3. Swiss cheese: Low lactose levels make it a safe choice for pups with sensitive tummies.
4. Cheddar: Low level of salts make this a good choice for Puggos on a low-sodium diet!
5. String cheese: Low levels of lactose and salt make this a good option, but be sure to break it up before giving it to your Pug—the stringiness could cause trouble swallowing!
What types of cheese are bad for Pugs?
Blue Cheese: This cheese contains the Stilton fungus, which produces a substance called Roquefortine C, which is toxic to Pugs.
Goat’s Cheese: Goat’s cheese contains more lactose than cow’s milk and is therefore not recommended for Pugs.
Cheese Cake: The high fat content of cheese cake can cause pancreatitis in Pugs.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is high in fat and calories. Eating too much can lead to obesity in Pugs.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is high in sodium, which can lead to sodium ion poisoning in your Pug if consumed in excess.
How to serve cheese to your Pugs?
Cheese is a great treat for your Pug, but you should always remember to serve it in moderation. No matter how much they beg, you don’t want to overindulge your furry friend and make him sick.
There are many ways to serve cheese to your Pug. You can feed it to him as it is in small pieces, or you can mix it with his regular food. A sprinkle of cheese makes a nice food topper for Pugs. Another idea is to pour some cheese sauce over harder Pug foods. Alternatively, you could also mix equal parts of cooked white rice and cottage cheese if you’re looking for a way to relieve your Pug’s sensitive stomach.
What are the risks of feeding cheese to your Pug?
While it may seem like a treat to offer your Pug some cheese from your plate, there are certain risks associated with feeding cheese to your Pugs.
First and foremost, cheese contains high amounts of fat that can lead to obesity in Pugs. This is especially true if a Pug is regularly fed cheese, as it can easily become an addiction for them, and they will continue asking for more. Obesity can lead to other health complications, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Second, many Pugs are lactose intolerant, meaning the lactose in milk products such as cheese can cause stomach problems for Pugs. These stomach problems may include diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence, and bloating. Even Pugs who are not lactose intolerant may experience intestinal discomfort from eating too much cheese.
Finally, some cheeses contain other toxic herbs like garlic or onion salts, which can cause serious illness or even death in Pugs.
Other human foods Pugs can eat
What other human foods can Pugs eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Pug can eat.
So, can Pugs eat cheese?
Yes, Pugs can eat cheese. But, to keep your Pug safe, you should only feed him the cheeses that are safe for canines.
The best cheeses for Pugs are cottage cheese, cheddar, mozzarella cheese, and Swiss cheese. These cheeses are relatively low in fat compared to other cheeses, which makes them a healthier option for your Pug.
Avoid feeding your Pug feta, brie and Parmesan. These cheeses have high salt content and can make your Pug sick if he eats too much of them.
Cheese is rich in calcium and protein, making it an excellent treat for Pugs. However, you should not overfeed your Pug with cheese because it contains fat.