Can Dogs Eat Gouda Cheese?

You are preparing gouda cheese for your family and accidentally drop a piece on the floor.

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Before you clear up the mess, the dog has already gobbled up the cheese.

You know that your dog loves cheese, but you’re not sure if it’s safe for them to eat; despite dogs being versatile eaters and can digest a variety of foods, but there are some exceptions.

So, can dogs eat gouda cheese?

While it’s not toxic to them, it’s not the best food for dogs either.

Gouda cheese is high in fat and salt, which is difficult for dogs to digest.

It’s also a choking hazard due to its size and shape.

If your dog does eat gouda cheese, monitor them closely for any signs of digestive distress such as vomiting or diarrhea.

However, in moderation, gouda cheese should not cause any major problems for your dog.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and risks of feeding gouda cheese to your dog.

We’ll also provide tips on how to safely feed gouda cheese to your dog to avoid any health problems.

What is Gouda Cheese?

Gouda cheese is a yellowish-orange cheese that originated in the Netherlands.

It’s made from cow’s milk and has a sweet, nutty flavor; and one of the most popular cheeses in the world and is applicable in a variety of dishes.

Thus, in homes, it might end in dogs’ mouths more often.

Gouda cheese is available in a variety of forms, such as:

Aged
Spicy
Sweet
Smoked

What are the Benefits of Gouda Cheese to Dogs?

Gouda cheese is a high-quality protein that contains all the essential amino acids dogs need.

It’s also a good source of minerals and vitamins; read on for a detailed explanation of the benefits of gouda cheese for dogs.

Amino Acids

Dogs need 22 different amino acids to stay healthy, and gouda cheese contains all of them.

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are essential for dogs to maintain their muscles, organs, and tissues.

Dogs’ bodies can’t produce all the amino acids they need, so they must get them from their diet.

Minerals

Gouda cheese is a good source of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.

Calcium is essential for dogs to maintain strong bones and teeth.

While phosphorus helps with kidney function and energy metabolism.

Zinc is vital for a healthy immune system and skin.

Vitamins

Gouda cheese is a rich resource of vitamins A, B12, and E.

Vitamin A helps with vision and immunity, while vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell production.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

Proteins

Gouda cheese is a high-quality protein that contains all the essential amino acids dogs need.

Proteins are essential for dogs because they help build and repair their muscles, organs, and tissues.

Protein plays a role in many of the body’s processes, such as digestion, metabolism, and hormone production.

Use as a Training Tool

Gouda cheese comes in handy as a training tool for dogs.

When given as a treat, it helps reinforce positive behaviors while also providing essential nutrients their bodies need.

For instance, use it as a rewarding treat after a long walk or run; your dog will more likely associate the activity with something positive (the cheese).

Risks of Feeding Dogs Gouda Cheese

Though gouda cheese is safe for dogs to eat, there are some risks you should be aware of, such as:

Allergies

Dogs can be allergic to dairy products, and gouda cheese contains cow’s milk.

If your dog is allergic to dairy, it may experience digestive problems such as vomiting and Diarrhea (which may include mucus).

The following are other allergic reactions to look out for:

Gassiness
Hives
Difficulty breathing
Bloating
Abdominal upset
Nausea
Cramps
Constipation
Itchy, red, irritated skin
Gagging/coughing
Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.

Lactose Intolerance

Some dogs are lactose intolerant, which means their bodies can’t digest lactose, the sugar found in milk.

If your dog is lactose intolerant, it may experience digestive problems after eating gouda cheese.

Weight Gain

Gouda cheese is high in fat and calories, so give it to dogs in moderation.

If your dog overeats gouda cheese, it may gain weight.

Weight gain in dogs leads to obesity, which causes health problems such as joint pain, diabetes, and respiratory problems.

Excess Salt

Gouda cheese is also high in salt, which is harmful to dogs if consumed in large quantities.

Too much salt causes dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

It’s best to give your dog gouda cheese as a treat and not as part of their regular diet.

However, give your dog plenty of freshwater to drink after eating gouda cheese to prevent dehydration.

Choking Hazard

Although gouda cheese is safe for dogs to eat, it’s a choking hazard if given in large pieces.

Always cut gouda cheese into small pieces before giving it to your dog to prevent them from choking.

Alternatively, purchase gouda cheese that’s already in small pieces.

If your dog chokes on gouda cheese, call your veterinarian immediately.

Tips on How to Safely Feed Gouda Cheese to Dogs

Now you know dogs can have gouda cheese, but how should you feed it to them?

There are a few tips you should follow to ensure your dog has a positive experience with gouda cheese:

Always give your dog fresh gouda cheese; avoid moldy or spoiled cheese as it can cause food poisoning.
Cut the cheese into small pieces to avoid choking.
Give your dog gouda cheese as a treat and not as part of their regular diet.
Start small; give your dog only a little bit of cheese at first to see how they react.
Feed a low fat, low sodium gouda cheese to your dog.
Provide plenty of fluids, particularly water, after your dog eats gouda cheese to prevent dehydration.
Purchase lactose-free gouda cheese if your dog is lactose intolerant.
Avoid spicy or flavored gouda cheese as the spices can irritate your dog’s stomach.
Sprinkle some gouda cheese on your dog’s food to make it flavorful.

Can Dogs Eat Gouda Cheese FAQs

What is the correct amount of gouda cheese for dogs?

The correct amount of gouda cheese for dogs is a small piece as a treat.

Don’t give every day, and avoid giving large pieces to prevent choking.

Can you feed puppies gouda cheese?

You can feed puppies gouda cheese as long as it’s in small pieces and given sparingly.

Puppies are more likely to be lactose intolerant than adult dogs, so avoid giving them too much cheese or purchase lactose-free cheese.

Is it okay to feed pregnant dogs gouda cheese?

Pregnant dogs can eat gouda cheese as long as it’s in moderation, and you purchase lactose-free cheese if your dog is lactose intolerant.

Conclusion

Dogs are versatile creatures and can eat various foods, including gouda cheese.

However, it’s essential to feed your dog gouda cheese in moderation and purchase lactose-free cheese if it is lactose intolerant.

Always cut the cheese into small pieces to avoid choking and provide plenty of fluids after eating.

Gouda cheese is beneficial to dogs as it contains protein and calcium.

However, gouda cheese is high in fat and sodium, so it’s best to give it to dogs in moderation.

If your dog overeats gouda cheese, it may gain weight or experience digestive problems.

Watch your dog closely the first time they eat gouda cheese, and contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

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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.