So you bought a wedge of provolone cheese, and your dog is staring at you with those big puppy eyes, begging for a bite. You want to share, but you’re worried it might not suit them. Fair question. Every dog owner wants the best for their four-legged buddy. Before you toss them a chunk of that creamy, aged cheese, let’s find out if it’s safe for dogs to eat. The good news is that provolone cheese can be included in your dog’s food as part of a balanced diet.
There are a few things you should keep in mind, though. Provolone cheese should be consumed in moderation, just like any other delicacy. Dogs are not toxic to it, but too much can cause obesity or irritate the stomach. Before offering them cheese, you’ll also want to ensure your dog isn’t lactose intolerant. If they are, stick to lactose-free options.
Can Dogs Have Provolone Cheese? The Surprising Answer
Can dogs have provolone cheese? The surprising answer is yes, in moderation. Provolone cheese is generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts.
Provolone cheese is made from cow’s milk and contains nutrients like calcium, protein, and healthy fats that can benefit your dog when given occasionally and in moderation. However, since provolone cheese is high in fat, salt, and calories, too much can lead to obesity and other health issues in dogs.
As a treat, offer your dog no more than 1 ounce of provolone cheese per 10 pounds of body weight twice weekly. For example, a 50-pound dog could have up to 5 ounces of provolone cheese split into two weekly treats. Deduct these cheese treats from your dog’s average calorie intake to avoid weight gain.
Some tips for giving your dog provolone cheese:
- Choose a high-quality, natural provolone cheese with no artificial additives.
- Soft or semi-soft provolone cheese is more accessible for dogs to chew than aged, hard cheeses.
- Cut the cheese into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
- Only give provolone cheese in moderation, as too much can lead to obesity, digestive upset, or other issues in dogs.
- Avoid provolone cheese if your dog is lactose intolerant or has a dairy allergy.
- Never give provolone cheese to puppies younger than 12 weeks.
Provolone cheese can be part of a healthy dog diet in moderation. Follow the tips above and talk to your vet if you have any other questions about giving cheese to your dog. Your pup will indeed thank you for the cheesy treat!
Is Provolone Cheese Safe for Dogs?
So, can dogs eat provolone cheese? The short answer is yes, in moderation. Provolone cheese is generally safe for most dogs to eat in small amounts.
Provolone cheese contains lactose, so some dogs may be sensitive to it. If your dog is lactose intolerant, provolone cheese could cause gastrointestinal upset like vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or bloating. It’s best to introduce provolone cheese slowly in small amounts to see how your dog handles it.
Additionally, high in fat, provolone cheese can cause weight gain or pancreatitis in dogs if consumed excessively. Limit provolone cheese treats to 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For a healthy adult dog eating about 400-500 calories daily, that’s around 2 ounces of provolone cheese or less.
Watch the salt
Provolone cheese, especially aged varieties, tends to be high in sodium. Too much sodium isn’t suitable for dogs and may lead to dehydration or salt toxicity in extreme amounts. When giving your dog provolone cheese, choose a low-sodium or reduced-sodium option whenever possible.
While provolone cheese can be part of a healthy treat regimen for dogs, it should only make up a small portion of their diet. As with any treat, moderation is key. If you have additional questions about whether provolone cheese suits your dog, consult your vet. They can evaluate your dog’s unique situation and nutritional needs to determine if provolone cheese fits into a balanced diet.
The Nutritional Benefits of Provolone Cheese for Dogs
Provolone cheese can provide some nutritional benefits for dogs in moderation. Being a dairy product, provolone cheese contains:
- Protein: Providing essential amino acids for your dog. About 28 grams of protein per 100-gram serving.
- Calcium: Important for bone health, growth, and development. Around 720 mg per 100-gram serving.
- Phosphorus: helps to build teeth and bones by working with calcium. Contains around 510 mg per 100-gram serving.
- Vitamin B12: Essential for cell health, blood formation, and energy. Holds about 1.8 mcg per 100-gram serving.
However, since dogs are lactose intolerant, the lactose in provolone cheese may cause gastrointestinal upset in some dogs, especially if eaten in large amounts. It also contains a high amount of fat, around 28 grams per 100-gram serving, so you’ll want to account for the extra calories.
Moderation is key. Give your dog provolone cheese in small amounts, such as a few small cubes, as an occasional treat. Start slowly to observe how your dog reacts, and watch for any symptoms of stomach trouble or loose stools. If your dog does fine with small amounts, you can gradually increase the amount over time.
For small breed dogs, limit provolone cheese to no more than 1 ounce per week. For medium to large-breed dogs, 2 ounces per week at most is a good rule of thumb. Don’t offer your dog too much because the high-fat content might cause obesity and other health problems in them.
As with any treat, provolone cheese should comprise at most 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Remember that too many treats and people’s food can lead to nutritional deficiencies, so provolone cheese should be given in strict moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Check with your vet for recommendations specific to your dog.
How Much Provolone Cheese Can Dogs Have?
When giving provolone cheese to your dog, moderation is key. While provolone in small amounts is typically safe for most dogs, too much can lead to an upset stomach or other issues.
Also Read: The 25 foods dogs can’t eat and 15 foods they should eat in 2023 research
How much is too much?
Generally, don’t give your dog more than 1 ounce of provolone cheese for every 20 pounds of body weight. For a 40-pound dog, that’s about 2 ounces of cheese at most. Any more than this, and you risk digestive upset or obesity since provolone, like all cheese, is high in fat.
It’s best to only give provolone cheese in moderation and as an occasional treat. Please don’t make it a regular part of your dog’s diet. Also, avoid provolone cheese sticks, slices, or chunks that could present a choking hazard. When giving cheese, opt for small cubes or shreds instead.
Some signs your dog has had too much provolone cheese include:
- Diarrhea or loose stools: Too much dairy, fat, or salt (found in provolone) can irritate a dog’s stomach and lead to diarrhea.
- Vomiting: Ingesting too much provolone cheese, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs, may result in vomiting.
- Gas: Excessive cheese consumption can produce more gas in dogs, leading to flatulence and discomfort.
- Pancreatitis: High-fat foods like cheese, especially in large amounts, may trigger or worsen pancreatitis in susceptible dogs.
- Obesity: Regularly consuming a lot of cheese, which is heavy in calories and fat, can make dogs gain weight and become obese.
- Salt toxicity: Huge amounts of provolone cheese could lead to salt toxicity in dogs due to its high sodium content. This is unlikely with average amounts, but be aware and check with your vet.
So while provolone cheese in moderation is fine for most dogs as an occasional treat, too much of a good thing can be harmful. Be sure to only give your dog provolone cheese in moderation according to their size and dietary needs. Moderation and balance are essential for your dog’s health, nutrition, and happiness.
Alternatives to Provolone Cheese for Dogs
While provolone cheese can be part of a healthy human diet, it may not be the best choice for your dog. Here are some alternatives to provolone cheese that are safer and more nutritious for your pup.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a soft, mild cheese made from curds and whey. It’s high in protein but low in fat, so it’s an excellent dog alternative. Cottage cheese can be a tasty topper for kibble or given as an occasional treat in moderation. Look for plain, unsalted cottage cheese with no added herbs or seasonings.
Plain Yogurt
Plain yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, is an excellent dairy alternative for dogs. Yogurt provides protein, calcium, and beneficial probiotics for digestive health. Make sure to choose plain yogurt with no sugar or artificial sweeteners added. Yogurt can be given directly or used as a mix-in for kibble.
Eggs
For a high-protein treat, eggs are a perfect option for dogs. Eggs are also a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. Eggs should be cooked entirely before being given to your dog. Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs are easy for dogs to eat. Only give your dog a few eggs per week to avoid obesity.
Carrots
For a crunchy treat, carrots are a nutritious choice. Carrots are low in calories but high in vitamins A, C, and K. They help promote eye health and a healthy coat. Wash, peel, and cut carrots into bite-sized pieces your dog can safely chew. Carrots can be given as a treat on their own or paired with a source of protein like cottage cheese, plain yogurt, or eggs.
While provolone and other cheeses may seem like tempting treats for your dog, choose alternatives that provide more nutritional benefits. Cottage cheese, yogurt, eggs, and carrots are healthy, natural options your dog will surely enjoy. Before introducing new meals to your dog, always consult your veterinarian to be sure they’re healthy and acceptable.
Also Read: Why does my dog look at me when he eats?
Conclusion
So while provolone cheese in moderation won’t hurt your pup, it’s not the healthiest snack option. Cheese should only make up a small amount of your dog’s diet, just like any human meal. Focus instead on high-quality dog food, meat-based treats, and lots of exercise. Your dog depends on you to keep them happy and healthy. Next time you’re enjoying a provolone-topped burger, give your furry friend a scratch behind the ears instead – they’ll surely appreciate your love and care more than any snack ever could.
4 thoughts on “Can dogs have provolone cheese?”