Watch Moment Sneaky Golden Retriever Steals Cheese from Sleeping Owner’s Hand! (+ Can Dogs Eat Cheese?)
Everyone knows that dogs love cheese and will do just about anything for the possibility of eating it. But can dogs eat cheese? Sure! Most dogs can handle it, but like all good things, too much cheese can lead to a little belly trouble.
One adorable Golden Retriever named Teddy has left the internet howling with laughter after tactfully stealing a block of cheese from his owner’s hand. The comical clip — posted on the dog owner’s TikTok account @ aguyandagolden — shows the owner pretending to be asleep on the couch while holding a small block of cheese in his hand. A sleepy Teddy can be seen lying lazily on the floor, but his alertness level quickly shoots from 0 to 100 as soon as he notices the savory possession in his owner’s hand.
“The cheese tax must be paid,” reads the hilarious caption accompanying the video.
The now-viral clip — which has racked up over 5 million views so far — captures sweet Teddy literally drooling at the sight of the cheese; it’s obvious he was trying to fight the temptation in front of him. Unfortunately, his taste buds cheered him on too hard, and Teddy did what almost any dog in his position would have done: gulped down the cheese block in one bite.
Watch the funny video below:
@aguyandagolden The cheese tax must be paid. #dog #goldenretriever ♬ original sound – AGuyandAGolden
Is Cheese Good for Dogs? Nutrition and Health Facts
If you’re a big fan of cheese, we can already guess the top reason why you’ve settled into a long-lasting relationship with this creamy delight: The taste of cheese itself just takes any dish to a whole new level!
It’s no wonder our four-legged besties often go gaga whenever they’re handed a slice of cheese. But as we all know by now, not every staple human food that dogs find irresistibly mouthwatering is good for them. This begs the question, can dogs eat cheese?
The short answer is, yes, but in moderation. It also depends on the type of cheese in question, and whether or not your dog is lactose intolerant.
Generally speaking, cheese is a nutritional powerhouse. This sinfully delicious household staple is packed with essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamins and various minerals such as calcium that are of great health benefit to humans and dogs alike. However, since your dog’s regular diet is already nutritionally complete, this cheesy snack is simply an extra source of these nutrients and vitamins.
In other words, cheese can be a healthy treat for dogs when fed in moderation. It shouldn’t be a regular part of your dog’s diet but rather, an occasional treat.
Cheese contains fat and sodium, which, if consumed excessively and regularly, puts your pup at risk of several unwanted health issues, among them obesity and pancreatitis. While there are types of cheese that are naturally low in fat and sodium, excessive consumption can still pose a health risk to your furry friend.
“Cheese may sound like it has many benefits for your dog’s diet because it is filled with protein, calcium, and vitamins that are all good for your dog’s health,” veterinarian Sean McCormack of Tails.com told DoorCounty Daily News. “But it’s important to remember that cheese can be extremely high in fat, and feeding it to your dog regularly can lead to a number of health issues, including unwanted weight gain or pancreatitis — an illness that can be fatal to dogs.”
If your dog is already overweight, has kidney problems (the sodium content in cheese may worsen their condition), or is recovering from a health issue like pancreatitis, it’s best if you don’t feed them cheese at all.
Can Cheese Make Your Dog Sick?
When it comes to dairy products like cheese, it’s important to remember that every dog is different as far as how their bodies react to these products. While some dogs can tolerate lactose, others dogs may be lactose intolerant, which means they lack the enzyme needed to break down the lactose in dairy products.
So, if your dog is lactose intolerant, consuming cheese — whether in small or large amounts — may make them sick.
“As well as potentially being harmful to your dog’s health, you should try to avoid feeding them lots of milk-based products like cheese because many canines are actually lactose intolerant, and struggle to digest dairy products properly,” Dr. Sean explained.
According to experts at the VCA Animal Hospitals, some of the common symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Upset stomach
- Excess gas
If you’re not sure whether your dog is lactose intolerant and are thinking of giving them cheese as a treat for the first time, it’s advisable to first offer them a very small amount and monitor them for any side effects.
It’s also worth mentioning that the quantity of cheese you offer your dog matters. Consuming large amounts of cheese in one sitting — even the dog-safe cheese varieties — can make your dog unwell. So, as you offer cheese to your dog, be keen on the quantity.
What Type of Cheese Can Dogs Eat?
With the endless kinds of cheese out there, it’s essential to know which ones are safe for your dog to eat, and those to avoid entirely. But before we dig deeper into what cheese your furry friend can or shouldn’t eat, remember: “feeding in moderation” also applies to the dog-safe cheese varieties.
Can Dogs Eat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, dogs can consume cottage cheese in moderation as it has lower fat and sodium content (while still offering vital nutrients), and is easy on a dog’s digestive system. However, it’s advisable to stick to plain cottage cheese and avoid any flavored varieties.
“Cottage cheese is packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for your dog. It’s very low in fat and high in calcium and protein. Some dog owners even use cottage cheese as a topping to entice picky eaters to eat or to help with administering medications that they need, since this cheese is very easy on the stomach,” Dr. Lindsay Butzer of Clint Moore Animal Hospital explained in a TikTok video.
So, if you’re thinking of new ways to add flavor to your dog’s food from time to time, reward them during training, or make them take their medication, cottage cheese is a good option.
Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese?
Yes, dogs can eat cream cheese in small amounts occasionally. However, you should check the ingredient list before feeding your pup cream cheese. Always opt for the plain variety.
Can Dogs Eat Mac and Cheese?
No, it’s not advisable to feed your dog mac and cheese because of the high fat, sodium, dairy, and wheat content in this food. Not to mention, most mac and cheese recipes contain additional ingredients and additives (especially store-bought mac and cheese) that can be toxic to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Mozzarella Cheese?
Yes, dogs can eat plain mozzarella cheese in moderation as an occasional treat. Just like cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese is low in fat, sodium, and lactose, making it a healthy treat for dogs.
“This is one of my favorites, and also one that I recommend to pet owners. This cheese is not only mouth-watering, but also a great source of protein for your furry friend. It’s an excellent option for dogs with lactose intolerance since it contains very low levels of lactose. It’s known to be one of the cheeses with less fat,” explained Dr. Lindsay.
Can Dogs Eat String Cheese?
Yes, dogs can eat string cheese as it’s low in sodium, calories, and lactose. However, always go for plain string cheese. You should also consider cutting the string cheese into bite-sized pieces before feeding your dog to prevent any choking accidents.
Can Dogs Eat Parmesan Cheese?
Yes, Parmesan Cheese is safe for your dog to eat. However, it should be fed in small quantities as an occasional treat due to its high sodium and fat content.
Can Dogs Eat Feta Cheese?
Yes, dogs can have feta cheese as an occasional treat in small amounts, but not in large quantities as its sodium levels are high.
Can Dogs Eat Swiss Cheese?
Yes, Swiss cheese is safe for dogs to consume in moderation as it has low lactose, fat, and sodium content compared to other popular cheeses.
Can Dogs Eat Blue Cheese?
No, dogs should not consume blue cheese. This is because blue cheese contains ingredients that are harmful to dogs — such as Roquefortine C — which can cause serious symptoms, ranging from vomiting to diarrhea, body tremors and seizures, according to experts at VetsNow.
Can Dogs Eat Provolone Cheese?
Yes, dogs can eat provolone cheese in small amounts as an occasional treat since even though it’s low in lactose, it relatively has high fat and sodium content.
Can Dogs Eat Goat Cheese?
Yes, plain goat cheese is safe for dogs to eat as it has incredibly low concentration of sodium, fat, and lactose.
“A canine favorite is goat cheese. Goat cheese has been shown to be easily digested by our canine friends,” explained Dr. Lindsay.
Can Dogs Eat Cheddar Cheese?
Yes, dogs can eat cheddar cheese, provided it’s fed in small quantities as an occasional treat since it’s high in fat.
Can Dogs Eat Cheese Puffs?
No, cheese puffs aren’t safe for dogs to eat because not only do they contain a high amount of salt and fat, but also additives and preservatives that may be harmful to your dog’s health.
Can Dogs Eat Gouda Cheese?
Yes, dogs can eat Gouda cheese in small amounts as an occasional treat.
Can Dogs Eat Ricotta Cheese?
Yes, ricotta cheese is safe for dogs to consume, as long as you feed it in small quantities and not regularly.
Can Dogs Eat Pepper Jack Cheese?
No, it’s not advisable for dogs to eat pepper jack cheese, as it contains spicy ingredients that can make them unwell.
Can Dogs Eat Whole Milk Mozzarella Cheese?
Yes, dogs without lactose intolerance can eat whole milk mozzarella cheese, but in small amounts occasionally since it has a high fat content.
