Can Dogs Eat Cheese Rind? The good and the not so good

You know that the kitchen and dining area are your pup’s favorite spots if you’re a dog parent.

Contents show

Most dogs love food, especially human foods but are they always safe for their sensitive stomachs?

So, can dogs eat cheese rind?

Yes.

When given in moderation, cheese rind is unlikely to cause harm to your dog.

That said, some varieties of cheese and the amount consumed can cause digestive upset that can go from mild to severe.

This depends on your dog’s age, individual sensitivities, and overall health.

This article will look at the different cheese rinds and their effects on dogs.

It will also discuss when to avoid feeding your dog cheese rind to prevent poisoning while keeping him healthy and happy.

Are parmesan rinds okay for dogs?

While parmesan cheese rind is not toxic to dogs as it doesn’t contain wax or artificial coating materials, it’s too tough for your dog to chew.

Its rugged texture may also be incompatible with your dog’s sensitive stomach.

In addition, the rind is coated in salt, which can be toxic for your dog, especially when they ingest a significant amount.

You can remove the rind before feeding your dog parmesan cheese.

Can dogs eat camembert cheese rind?

A little pinch of the camembert rind is unlikely to cause harm for your dog.

However, expect symptoms like gas, diarrhea, and vomiting as dairy products can disrupt their digestive system.

Overall, you can feed your dog the rind of camembert as it contains a lot of water and fat that dogs can easily digest.

Can dogs eat brie cheese rind?

Brie cheese rind is commonly coated with wax making it harmful for your dog as it may contain artificial ingredients.

It also has a soft texture, making it difficult for some dogs to chew the rind.

Brie cheese also contains high amounts of salt and saturated fats that may be dangerous for your dog.

That is why you should avoid offering your dog the rind of brie cheese, as it can cause digestive issues.

If your dog accidentally eats some, you shouldn’t be alarmed.

However, keep a close eye on him for any symptoms and contact your vet if they persist.

Is the rind of Edam okay for dogs to eat?

The Edam cheese rind can be safe for your dog to ingest when given in small quantities.

It contains plenty of water and fat that are easily digested by dogs while leaving behind calcium that has healthy benefits for your dog.

Can dogs eat blue cheese rind?

You should never give your dog blue cheese rind.

This is because the fungus involved in making it, such as stilton, can produce a substance called roquefortine C, which is highly toxic to dogs.

If your dog eats the blue cheese rind, he may experience diarrhea, vomiting, high temperature, and seizures.

Contact the vet if you suspect your dog has ingested blue cheese rind.

Is cheese rind suitable for dogs?

Whether your dog can nibble on cheese rind will depend on the amount they eat, the type, and their individual dietary needs.

Cheese rind contains a good amount of water and fat, which, when digested, your dog remains with calcium in the form of calcium phosphate.

Calcium plays a vital role in your dog’s bone and teeth maintenance, proper muscle building and function, a strong heart, and a healthy nervous system.

Is cheese rind harmful to dogs?

When given in moderation, cheese rind may not be harmful to your dog.

However, you should only offer it to your dog if he’s not lactose intolerant or has other medical conditions such as kidney disease, as these may worsen his condition.

Only feed your dog cheese rind as an occasional snack, not a staple meal.

When does cheese rind become dangerous for dogs?

When fed in moderation, some cheese rinds such as camembert cannot cause harm to your dog.

However, some of them, like those found on blue cheese, contain molds that can be poisonous to your dog.

You also need to make sure that your dog is not lactose intolerant before allowing him to take a bite, as cheese rind may trigger the allergy.

If your dog becomes constipated, consult your vet immediately, as it could be a sign of lactose intolerance.

For dogs with pancreatitis and obesity, the high-fat content in most cheeses may lead to unnecessary weight gain, further worsening the condition.

Do not offer your dog cheese rind if he has kidney disease as its high salt (sodium) content may increase their blood pressure worsening the kidney damage.

Tips for feeding cheese rind to your dog

When feeding your dog cheese rind, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

These may include:

Washing the cheese rind thoroughly and ensuring it’s free of any mold
Chopping the cheese rind into bite-size pieces to avoid choking hazards
Allowing your dog to have only a tiny bite occasionally as it can be hard for them to digest
Saving the leftovers in the fridge for not more than two days if you intend to feed your dog later as a treat
Choosing the right cheese as some may be harmful to your dog’s health
Supervising your dog so that they don’t overeat or choke on the rinds

How can I serve cheese rind to my dog?

There are several ways you can serve cheese rind to your dog.
You can:
Freeze small bite-size pieces and use them as training treats
Either give your dog a tiny bit to chew on or mince and mix it with their food
Slip your dog’s medication (excluding antibiotics as they can bind to the calcium making them less effective) in the cheese rind as a trick to conceal the pill

In summary

Do not give cheese rind to overweight dogs or dogs with preexisting conditions like kidney problems, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease.

This is because cheese has very high fat, salt, and calorie content and may worsen their situation further.

You can consult your vet for healthier dog treats options that will contribute to your dog’s overall health.

Author
Recent Posts

Megan Turner

Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.

Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.