The health and well-being of the furry one or the furry ones of the house is an essential concern for the whole family, and food and snacks are a central part of what must be known so that they are well.
An issue that always has divided opinions is the use of cheese in the dog menu . For many people it must always be avoided, for others it is about taking precautions.
In short, you should know what is best for the dog and here is the information that will clear all your doubts.
The dog and the milk in the cheese: a good relationship?
Milk has a large amount of essential nutrients for development, as well as for optimal health.
One of its components is lactose, a sugar typical of this food. Given the condition of mammals, dogs from birth are equipped with a substance in their digestive system that allows them to better assimilate the presence of lactose . The concentration and amount is different according to each animal group.
The substance that puppies have to digest this sugar is an enzyme or protein called lactase . It is generated in the intestine and its task is to separate the components of lactose. In this way they become usable nutrients for the little ones.
The problem with lactase, the key that unlocks the benefits of lactose, is that it decreases with growth , not just in dogs, but in all mammals in general. Although humans have developed ways to digest it, many people cannot because they have lactose intolerance.
Something similar happens to dogs, the body no longer has a demand for milk, therefore, it stops producing lactase or produces very little. In this way, he no longer has a way to digest it and the problems begin.
So the question about cheese in dogs is answered with information on how tolerant the dog is to this dairy sugar.
What if my dog eats cheese?
For an animal that no longer has a way to transform a substance into something that its body processes, it means that it will have negative reactions. This happens with dogs as they grow or even as adults, but importantly, it doesn’t happen with all. There are many dogs that adapt as they grow and can drink milk without any problem .
Instead, in cases where it is not, there is a chance that you will experience problems with your stomach, intestines, pancreas, and other organs . They can also develop problems like allergic reactions with a whole host of different symptoms. There is a risk that it also generates rejection or intolerance to other foods.
In the same way, they can have reactions such as colic, gas, pain, decay, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea . This can lead to more delicate situations such as dehydration, which requires the intervention of the veterinarian.
In cheese there are also other elements that you should consider regarding your diet. Fat, calories, and calcium in the wrong amounts can harm your bone health and lead to being overweight , among other problems.
Now, as said before, each animal has its own adaptation mechanisms, metabolism due to many variables. Therefore, not in all cases there will be harmful consequences with the fact that the dog eats cheese.
What cheeses can my dog eat?
An advantage of cheese is that some of its presentations have lower levels of lactose, which means that they are easier for the dog to assimilate. Cow, goat or cuquear milk has higher levels so it is better to discard it.
Now, as for cheeses, there are some that have received certain treatments and processes in which the amount of lactose has decreased . In particular, cured cheeses have this characteristic, which is why they are preferable for the canine organism.
Some of the low-lactose cheeses are Gruyere, Parmesan and mozzarella, also cottage cheese is an alternative since it is one with the lowest level of this type of sugar. At the other extreme are the fresh cheeses, which do have a greater quantity.
Something you can put into practice is to check food labels. There you can check its components and discover how high the dairy elements are.
How do I know if cheese is bad for my dog?
If you take into account the health and nutritional needs of dogs, it is easy to see that, as they grow, their bodies do not require milk or cheese. And given the difficulties described, this food must be a very occasional treat .
Almost all dogs love cheese, but it’s best to limit it to small portions for your own well-being.
Now, if you want to know how your dog reacts to eating cheese, it must be said that it starts with a small taste. Give him a piece and see how he reacts. Although it also happens that, in an oversight, they catch a piece in the kitchen.
In any case, it is necessary that you observe if he has changes in his behavior, such as gas, vomiting, diarrhea or any other similar sign . If you enjoy it and have no harmful reactions, then you can tolerate dairy.
Remember that dogs need their specific diet , which should not vary to be replaced by dairy. Doing so would severely affect his health, but from time to time you can reward and cheer him up with a small bite of cheese.
Keep in mind that you can always consult your veterinarian, who will surely tell you the best options to complement your menu and be healthy.
An advantage of cheese, in addition to its nutritional contribution, is that it is perfect for camouflaging medications or supplements that you need.
Although there are no specific regulations for each breed on what they can eat, some have tendencies to suffer from certain problems more than others. For example, pancreatitis or obesity are determinants to keep cheese off your plate and your snout.
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