Cheese is a popular food among humans, and it’s easy to see why. It’s nutrient rich, tasty, it’s low-cost, and it doesn’t go bad quickly. That’s why many Rottweiler owners consider whether they can feed their Rottweilers cheese.
So…can you feed cheese to your Rottweilers? The short answer is “Yes,” but there’s more to it than that. In this post, we’re going to answer all of your questions about feeding cheese to your Rottweiler—and we’re going to start with the biggest one:
Is cheese safe for Rottweilers?
In moderation, cheese is safe for Rottweilers.
Just make sure you’re feeding them a type with no harmful ingredients added—like raisins, avocados, onions, or grapes.
If you’re feeding your Rottweiler cheese for the first time, be sure to introduce it in small pieces and watch for any abnormal signs. It’s rare, but some Rottweilers can have an intolerance or allergic reaction to certain foods.
Benefits of feeding cheese in Rottweilers
Cheese offers incredible benefits to your furry friend, like:
Protein: Cheese is packed with protein, which is a vital nutrient for enabling growth and maintenance of muscle tissue.
Essential fatty acids: Cheese contains essential fatty acids that help maintain healthy skin and shiny fur.
Calcium: Cheese also has calcium, which helps grow stronger bones and teeth.
Vitamins: Cheese is full of vitamins A, B12, D, K2 and riboflavin. Vitamin A helps in bone growth, cell development and vision; B12 keeps the nervous system healthy; D helps with bone growth; K2 promotes blood clotting; and riboflavin aids in the conversion of food into energy.
Training tools: And if those benefits weren’t enough, cheese makes an excellent training tool for Rottweilers. When used as a treat when training your Rottweiler to obey a new command or trick, cheese can be irresistible.
Concealing pills: And lastly—if you have a finicky Rottweiler who refuses to take their medicine—cheese can help you conceal it in something else they enjoy eating!
Do all Rottweilers like cheese?
No, not all Rottweilers like cheese.
Rottweilers have food preferences, just like humans do. Cheese is a common ingredient in many Rottweiler foods, but if your Rottweiler has never tried it, he may not be receptive to it the first time you offer it to him. And that’s okay! There are plenty of other delicious ingredients you can use to make healthy homemade treats for your pup.
Don’t just force feed your Rottweiler cheese—this will only make him fearful, and could end up causing more harm than good. Instead, try other Rottweiler-friendly treats like peanut butter and pumpkin puree (both have great nutritional benefits for Rottweilers, as well). Consult with your vet before introducing a new food to your Rottweiler’s diet to make sure it won’t pose any health risks.
Can my Rottweilers have cheese every day?
No, we don’t recommend it because cheese is not a healthy daily treat for Rottweilers.
If your Rottweiler likes cheese, then feed them some—they’ll love it! However, just like with human snacks, it’s best to vary what you give your Rottweiler as a treat so they don’t get bored with their treats and end up not eating them or losing interest in the whole concept of “treats.” You should especially avoid giving the same snack every day if that snack contains extra fat or salt.
Also, different treats contain different nutrients, so it’s good to switch up which foods you give your Rottweiler each day.
Can Rottweiler puppies eat cheese?
Yes, Rottweiler puppies can eat cheese! It’s not only okay, but it actually makes a great training tool. Just wait until your puppy is at least two months old before introducing cheese and other people’s foods. They should be on a specialized puppy diet for the first two months of their lives, so you don’t want to confuse that with actual human food.
Once they’re ready to try new things, start with just a small bite, since puppies have a delicate digestive system. You want to introduce new foods slowly and track how they’re reacting to avoid any problems and keep them healthy. Check with your vet before giving your puppy any new food.
How much cheese can Rottweilers eat?
When it comes to feeding your Rottweiler, you’ll want to make sure that you’re consulting with your vet first. They’ll be able to help you determine the ideal serving size based on the age, size and lactose tolerance level of your furry friend. Even though some Rottweilers may show no signs of intolerance, a diet high in dairy can lead to digestive upset and other health issues.
Portion control is important for both your Rottweiler’s main meals and their treats. Start out with a small piece of cheese and if there are no negative reactions (like nausea or diarrhea), you can offer more. We’d also recommend following the 90/10 rule: 90% of what your Rottweiler eats should be calcium-rich foods like meat, whole grains and fruits, while only 10% of their diet should comprise cheese and treats.
What kind of cheese can Rottweilers eat?
1. Mozzarella: It’s low in fat, and has a nice, soft texture, so it’s easy for Rottweilers to chew.
2. Cottage cheese: Like mozzarella, it’s low in fat and easy for Rottweilers to eat.
3. Swiss cheese: It’s low in lactose, which is the sugar that makes up most of the carbs in cheese. Lactose can give your Rottweiler an upset stomach if he eats too much of it.
4. Cheddar: Because cheddar is aged longer than other cheeses, it has less salt and more flavor. The more intense flavor makes it a good choice for picky Rottweilers! Just make sure you give them a small amount at first—too much of something new can be hard on their stomachs.
5. String cheese: It’s low in lactose and salt and usually quite soft, so your Rottweiler should find it easy to eat. Break off pieces before giving them to your Rottweiler because the stringiness could cause trouble swallowing whole pieces.
What types of cheese are bad for Rottweilers?
1. Blue cheese: Contains Stilton fungus, which produces a substance called Roquefortine C, which is toxic to Rottweilers.
2. Goat cheese: Contains more lactose than cow’s milk, so it’s discouraged for Rottweilers.
3. Cheesecake: Very high fat content, which can lead to pancreatitis in Rottweilers.
4. Cream cheese: High in fats, which lead to obesity and heart disease in Rottweilers.
5. Parmesan cheese: High in sodium, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in Rottweilers.
6. Cheese puffs: A lot of fat and sodium, which can cause obesity and heart disease in Rottweilers
How to serve cheese to your Rottweilers?
If you want to serve cheese to your Rottweiler without worrying about their health, here are a few tips.
First, avoid serving it as large pieces. Your Rottweiler cannot digest them properly, and they could cause stomach issues. Instead, cut the cheese into small pieces and give it to your pet in moderation.
Alternatively, you could mix the cheese with your Rottweiler’s regular food. A sprinkle of cheese makes a nice food topper for Rottweilers. Another way to make your Rottweiler eat cheese is by mixing it with rice. Equal parts of cooked white rice and cottage cheese can relieve your Rottweiler’s sensitive stomach. You can also pour the mixture over harder Rottweiler foods like kibble and dry biscuits.
What are the risks of feeding cheese to your Rottweiler?
Though you may think this is an innocent treat to give your pup, there are many risks to feeding them cheese.
There are three main risks: high fat content, lactose intolerance and toxic additives that could harm your Rottweiler.
The first risk is high fat content in cheese. Though humans can handle fats in moderation, Rottweilers have a much more difficult time digesting it. These fats could lead to obesity and pancreatitis in your pup.
The second risk of feeding your Rottweiler cheese is lactose intolerance. Some Rottweilers are born with a lactose intolerance that may cause an upset stomach, diarrhea and vomiting after eating cheese.
It’s also important to consider the additives in the cheese you’re giving to your Rottweiler. Some cheeses contain garlic or onion powder that can be toxic to Rottweilers—even in small amounts.
Other human foods Rottweilers can eat
What other human foods can Rottweilers eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Rottweiler can eat.
So, can Rottweilers eat cheese?
The short answer is “yes”. Cheese is safe for Rottweilers to eat in moderation.
The longer answer is that it’s complicated. Some types of cheese are better for your Rottweiler than others, and you should always check in with a veterinarian before changing your Rottweiler’s diet or feeding them any new foods.
While cheese is safe for Rottweilers to eat, it’s important to remember that the healthiest food for your pup is a well-balanced canine diet. Adding too much cheese to a Rottweiler’s daily intake can cause them to become overweight and develop other issues related to poor nutrition.
If you do want to give your Rottweiler some cheese as a treat, choose one of the safer types mentioned here and follow the 90/10 rule: 90% of what your Rottweiler eats should be healthy and nutritious, while 10% can be treats, like cheese. And if you’re unsure what kind of cheese, give your Rottweiler, or just want an idea of how much they can safely eat, talk to a veterinarian first.