Vet settles debate on whether your dog can eat cheese

Many dog owners will share the same experience of their four-legged friend jumping up and trying to get a nibble of some food off of their plate, and while some can't resist but treat their pet, there are many who remain anxious that certain foods could be dangerous for their pups.

Now, experts at Blue Cross, an animal charity that offers advice and veterinary services to pet owners, have revealed whether dogs should eat a specific dairy product that many people use and eat every day. It is not a secret that dogs love cheese, which is why it is often used as a reward during training. However, whether you should feed it to your dog or not is a question some dog owners have.

According to the experts, whether your dog can or cannot eat cheese really depends on the individual dog.

They wrote: "Cheese itself isn't poisonous or toxic to dogs (except blue cheese). But some cheeses do have added ingredients that could cause a dog harm, such as onion, garlic, herbs, or other additions."

Blue Cross says that cheese can be given to you dog as "an occasional treat" but it should be done in moderation and alongside a healthy balanced diet. In contrast if your dog happens to get their paws on a whole block or large amount of cheese, this could be an issue.

They added: "They may vomit. Keep an eye on them, and call your vet for advice if they become unwell."

However, some cheeses, including blue cheeses such as Stilton, are unsafe for dogs. The fungus used to make them produces a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be sensitive to.

Blue Cross explained: "This substance can cause vomiting diarrhoea, high temperatures and even seizures. The risk of these symptoms is higher if your dog eats a large amount of cheese. If you notice any of these signs after your dog eats blue cheese, call your vet urgently.

"High fat cheese can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if your pet eats a lot of them. Call your vet if you are worried."

Dogs who are overweight, lactose intolerant, experience upset tummies, and kidney problems should not be fed cheese, according to the experts.