Americans love their cheese, and mozzarella cheese is a favorite. It’s often used on pizzas, lasagna, and other Italian dishes. You might wonder if sharing this tasty treat with your furry friend is safe.
As a pet lover, you may have already asked yourself this question. Perhaps your dog has gotten into your stash of cheese when you weren’t looking, or maybe you’re just curious if it’s safe for them to eat.
The answer is yes; dogs can eat mozzarella cheese. Cheese is generally safe for dogs to eat. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when feeding your dog cheese.
What is mozzarella cheese?
Mozzarella cheese is a type of cheese that originated in Italy. It is a soft and delicate cheese known for its mild taste. This cheese is often used in recipes because it melts well and has a good stretching consistency.
The mozzarella is produced by kneading the curd, which gives it a dough-like feel. (It almost resembles bread or cream cheese.) The term ‘Mozza’ originated from the process of being cut off or kneaded.
The cheese may have been produced as far back as the 12th century, but the term mozzarella was first utilized in an Italian cookbook from the 16th century.
What are the ingredients in mozzarella?
Real mozzarella cheese is made with just a few simple ingredients. Those ingredients include:
- Cultured buffalo milk
- Salt
- Enzymes (rennet)
- Water
Can dogs have mozzarella cheese?
Dogs can benefit from eating cheese in moderation. Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, which are important for dogs.
Protein is an essential nutrient that helps dogs grow and develop properly. It also helps to maintain muscle mass and a healthy coat.
Calcium is another important nutrient for dogs. It helps to keep bones and teeth healthy and strong. Cheese is a good source of calcium for dogs.
Trainers frequently use cheese to encourage treat-motivated dogs. This meal may be used to hide pills for canines on medication.
In addition to the nutrients above, cheese also contains fatty acids. A fatty acid is an important nutrient for dogs but should be given in moderation. Too much fat can lead to obesity and other health problems.
When can’t dogs eat cheese?
While cheese is generally safe for dogs to eat, there are a few things to remember. Cheese contains lactose, a sugar that some dogs have trouble digesting. If your dog is lactose intolerant, it may experience digestive problems after eating cheese.
Eating too much fatty acid can also lead to health problems in dogs. If you feed your dog cheese, do so in moderation and choose low-fat cheese.
Feeding your dog too much of any food can cause weight gain and other health problems. Be sure to feed your dog cheese (and any other food) in moderation to avoid these problems.
Talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns about feeding your dog cheese. They can help you determine if cheese is a good choice for your dog and how much to feed them.
How much mozzarella should I feed to my dog?
The amount of cheese you feed your dog will depend on size and weight. A good rule of thumb is to give them no more than 5% of their daily calories in cheese. For example, a 20-pound dog should eat no more than 1 ounce of cheese daily.
It’s also important to choose low-fat cheese if you feed it to your dog. High-fat cheeses can cause weight gain and other health problems in dogs.
Can my dog eat milk in cheese?
Dogs can drink milk, but some may be lactose intolerant and experience digestive problems after drinking it. If you give your dog milk, do so in moderation and choose a low-fat variety. You should also talk to your veterinarian to see if milk is a good choice for your dog.
Buffalo milk contains more lactose than cow’s milk and goat’s milk. So, if your dog is lactose intolerant, it may have more trouble digesting buffalo milk and mozzarella cheese. Cottage cheese, goat cheese, or cheddar cheese is a safer option.
Can my dog eat salt in cheese?
Salt is an important nutrient for dogs, but they should not eat too much. Dogs generally intake salt with their daily meals through regular dog food, but they may also lick salt from the ground or eat salty snacks meant for humans. A little salt is not harmful to dogs, but too much can lead to health problems.
If you are worried about the salt in the mozzarella cheese, not giving too much cheese to your dog should help. In addition, you could also choose a low-sodium cheese to give to your dog.
Low-sodium cheeses have about 30% less salt than regular cheeses. So, if you are worried about the salt content, these cheeses may be a better choice for your dog.
Can my dog eat enzymes in cheese?
Enzymes are proteins that help chemical reactions in the body. They are found in all kinds of food, including cheese. Enzymes in cheese help ripen and give the cheese its distinct flavor.
A dog would not be harmed by the two enzymes used in mozzarella cheese. However, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, you may want to avoid feeding them cheese with enzymes.
Caution: Blue-veined cheese is a no-go!
Blue-veined cheeses, such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton, should not be fed to dogs. These cheeses contain mold that can be toxic to dogs. Call your vet immediately if your dog accidentally eats any of these cheeses.
Final Words: most dogs can eat cheese
So, can dogs eat mozzarella cheese? Yes, in moderation. Just be sure to choose a low-fat variety and feed it to your dog in small amounts. Talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns about feeding your dog cheese.
We hope this article helped you learn more about adding cheese to your dog’s diet. If you have any questions or want to share your experience, please comment below.
Thanks for reading!
