Dogs are enthusiastic eaters and will try eating whatever is in front of them, including what they shouldn’t. It isn’t their fault, though, as scavenging is their nature. Therefore, it becomes your responsibility as the pet owner to watch what they eat.
When it comes to blue cheese, dogs love its scent and tangy flavor. However, is it okay to let your dog have some? Keep reading to find out.
What is Blue Cheese?
This type of cheese uses mold Penicillium, which is responsible for its spotty appearance. It can be made from cow, sheep, or goat milk.
The cheese has a unique taste and strong smell that can attract dogs. This is mostly due to a fungus that produces roquefortine C, which most dogs are sensitive to.
So, is this substance safe for them? Can you let your dog eat blue cheese containing roquefortine C?
Yes. You can, but they should not. The substance produced by the bacteria as the cheese ripens, roquefortine C, is toxic to some dogs. It can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.
The symptoms of roquefortine C poisoning can be different depending on how severe your dog’s reaction is. It is more dangerous to dogs who have eaten a large portion of the cheese.
Besides, some dogs are lactose intolerant, while others have dairy allergies. It is important to ensure your dog doesn’t eat blue cheese if they fall into these categories. This means you should also keep them away from high-lactose cheese. It can cause a violent reaction in your dog regardless of the amount they eat.
Dangers of Blue Cheese to Dogs
Aside from the roquefortine C and lactose content, blue cheese, like most other cheeses, poses a danger to dogs. Some of these dangers include:
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High-Fat Content
Goat cheese and feta cheese are among the cheeses with high-fat content. Because of this, most dogs that eat the cheese are subject to health issues such as obesity.
The saturated fat content in blue cheese is high, putting your dog at risk of gaining too much weight. Pancreatitis is also a risk and can be fatal. You must monitor the amount of blue cheese you give your pup to avoid exposing them to such dangers.
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Additives and Preservatives
Blue cheese may contain preservatives and additives to prolong its shelf life and enhance its taste. The ingredients used in these additives can be toxic to dogs, endangering your dog’s life.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Blue Cheese
You have to determine how much cheese they ate; if they only ate a small amount, they will probably not experience severe health implications. Even if this is the case, you still have to keep them close and observe any of the above symptoms.
Take them to the nearest veterinary clinic if they ate a large amount. Blue cheese puts their lives at risk in high amounts because of roquefortine C. The earlier you get help, the better the chances of your dog’s full recovery.
To prevent such odd experiences, you must ensure no leftover snacks containing blue cheese are in your trash. Ensure you carefully discard any old cheese in a place your dog cannot reach. If you have the cheese in your house, store it on high shelves or in locked cupboards and other hard-to-reach areas.
What Cheese Can Dogs Eat?
You should try as much as possible to discourage your dog from eating cheese. They all contain fat that can put your dog at risk.
Nonetheless, some cheeses are considered safer than others. Examples of these include cheddar, cottage, string and mozzarella cheese. They contain healthy protein and vitamins, which can be beneficial to dogs. Regardless, you still have to be careful; give it to them in moderation and only use it as an occasional treat.
Final Thought
Dogs should not eat blue cheese because its contents can risk them. Stick to giving them a healthy balanced meal and only stick to the ‘safe’ cheeses. While at it, monitor how much they eat and observe their reaction if they overeat.
Better still, inquire from your vet before giving them any cheese. They can advise you on which one is suitable depending on your dog and how much to provide them with.
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