Parmesan cheese is an Italian cheese that is low in lactose but high in salt content. It's commonly grated or sprinkled on top of pasta. Dog owners frequently want to feed their dog a piece what they are eating and you may be thinking of letting your dog try some parmesan cheese. But can dogs eat parmesan cheese? Is parmesan cheese safe for dogs?

In short, parmesan cheese is safe for dogs to eat as a treat every once in a while. Exercise moderation when letting your dog try parmesan cheese, too much can cause an upset stomach. If your dog is lactose intolerant, don't give him any form of cheese.

In this article, we will cover how parmesan cheese is made, the effect it may have on your dog, and what to do if your dog tried some parmesan cheese and does not feel well.

Can Parmesan Cheese Be Bad For Dogs?

While parmesan cheese is not toxic to dogs and can be given to your dog every once in a while as a treat, you should not give it often. Parmesan cheese does not contain any nutritional benefit to dogs and should be viewed as a treat given very rarely. Parmesan cheese can have a range of negative affects on your dog if given often:

Upset Stomach

In general, any new food has the potential to cause intestinal distress, and parmesan cheese is no exception. Vomiting, diarrhea, gassiness, a loss of appetite, and abdominal pain are all indicators of an upset stomach in your dog.

Sodium Toxicity

Parmesan cheese has a lot more sodium in it than dogs require. Salt sensitivity is higher in dogs with heart problems, high blood pressure, and kidney difficulties than in healthy dogs. It's important to remember that too much salt can cause salt toxicity.

Pancreatitis

Overeating parmesan cheese can cause pancreatitis in dogs, a painful and complicated inflammation of the pancreas caused by the fat content. Pancreatitis can be lethal if left untreated.

Weight Gain & Obesity

Parmesan cheese's fat content can also lead to weight gain and obesity in your dog. Obesity isn't an illness in and of itself, but it does raise the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Avoid giving your dog parmesan cheese too often or in too large amounts.

Side Effects Of Giving Your Dog Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese, with its low lactose content, may be easier on your dog's digestive tract than other cheeses. However, if eaten in large quantities, your dog may have gastrointestinal distress. You may notice any of the following symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Lethargy

If your dog eats parmesan cheese, attempt to figure out how much they ate first. This may be more or less difficult to determine out precisely depending on whether you have a bottle of grated parmesan or a block of it.

If your dog ate a large amount of cheese, you should contact your veterinarian determine whether you should seek medical attention right away or wait and watch for symptoms.

How Much Parmesan Cheese Can My Dog Eat?

Moderation is the key to safety when it comes to dogs eating cheese. One teaspoon of grated parmesan cheese or one bite-sized chunk is the recommended serving size for the average dog. Any more can cause digestive issues. If you have a little dog, you should choose a smaller serving size (half a teaspoon). If your dog is on the larger side, a teaspoon and a half should be enough.

Do not offer your dog the entire parmesan portion at once if it has never had cheese before. Always start slowly and keep an eye on your dog for any signs of distress. If you want to use parmesan to entice your dog to eat their normal meal, you can sprinkle small amounts of parmesan over their food.

Review: Can Dogs Eat Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan cheese is safe for dogs to eat occasionally and in small amounts. Don't overfeed your dog Parmesan cheese - its high sodium content can cause health problems. Dogs deserve variety in their diets. Adding a little parmesan cheese to your dog's diet is an excellent method to get a fussy eater to eat while also providing important nutrients.

Because parmesan cheese is high in sodium, it should be consumed in moderation. A light sprinkle every now and again won't hurt, but you should also look into other possibilities, such as eggs, veggies, and even raw food if your dog is being picky.

It is important to note that some dogs can be allergic to parmesan cheese or even be lactose intolerant. If you give your dog a small amount of parmesan cheese and he has a negative reaction, bring your dog to the veterinarian.