Can dogs eat provolone cheese? Taking care of your pet’s nutrition is an important part of loving and caring for them. In this post, we will discuss why you should not share Provolone Cheese with your dog and, if so, how much is safe for dogs to consume.
What is provolone cheese?
Provolone cheese is made from full-fat cow’s milk. Semi-hard cheese has a smooth rind and its flavor changes depending on the aging time and the type of enzyme used from goat or calf.
Although Provolone Cheese is now produced in many countries, including the US, it originates from Campania, Italy. This is why Provolone is called Italian Cheese.
This delicious cheese goes through the normal cheesemaking process, followed by the age-old filata pasta-making technique, in which stretched cheese curds are softened and kneaded in hot water. As a result, Provolone Cheese has a fibrous texture and structure. Can dogs eat provolone cheese?
Can dogs eat provolone cheese?
Can dogs eat provolone cheese? No, dogs should not eat Provolone Cheese, especially if they are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy products. Provolone cheese is high in calories, sodium, and fat.
If your dog is lactose intolerant, you can occasionally give him a small piece of Provolone Cheese as a treat. Avoid feeding your dog Provolone Cheese regularly or daily.
The risks of dogs eating provolone cheese
Some ingredients used to make Provolone Cheese can cause digestive problems in dogs. Below are specific risks.
Lactose intolerance
Some signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs:
- Stomach-ache
- Losing weight
- Bloating
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Extreme thirst
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Weak
If you suspect your dog is lactose intolerant, we recommend that you confirm your findings with your veterinarian to be 100% sure. Sometimes, it’s possible that your four-legged friends have a food allergy or intolerance to dairy products like Provolone Cheese.
If your Fido has never had Provolone Cheese before, we recommend introducing this mildly smoky cheese by giving him a very small bite to start.
Sodium poisoning
In fact, our dogs require an average of 0.06% sodium and 0.09% chloride from each meal. According to the National Research Council (NRC), our dogs need 13.3 mg of sodium per kilogram of body weight. This means that a 10-pound Chihuahua should only have 60.33mg of sodium.
If we look at the nutrition facts of Provolone Cheese, we will see that 1 ounce or 28 grams of Provolone Cheese contains 210mg of sodium. While it may not seem like much to us, this is considered a lot of sodium intake for our precious pups.
Consuming too much sodium can lead to sodium poisoning in dogs. Signs and symptoms of salt poisoning in dogs include:
- Thirsty
- Frequent urination
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach-ache
- Loose stools or watery diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Fast heartbeat
- Convulsion
- Fever
- Muscle spasms
- Asthenia
If you suspect your canine friends have salt poisoning, we recommend contacting your veterinarian immediately. Sodium poisoning requires immediate medical attention.
Fat
When entertaining your four-legged friends, it’s best to stick to the 90/10 rule. This means that 90% of your dog’s daily calories must come from a complete and balanced diet while only 10% of your dog’s calories must come from treats.
If we deviate from the 90/10 ratio, it can affect our dog’s overall health. That’s because too many calories from treats can contribute to weight gain in the short term and lead to obesity in dogs in the long term.
Diabetes and arthritis
If you feed your dog Provolone Cheese regularly, it can increase the risk of diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, and even pancreatitis. Avoid feeding your dog too much Provolone Cheese, especially if the dog is older because obesity can increase the risk of heart disease.
Is Provolone cheese good for dogs?
Provolone cheese is good for dogs if consumed in moderation and as an occasional treat. Looking back at the nutrition facts of Provolone Cheese, we see that it contains protein, calcium, and vitamin A. Provolone Cheese is also low in carbohydrates.
How often can you feed your dog Provolone?
If you are feeding your dog provolone or any other type of cheese for the first time, be sure to give just a little and then monitor your dog.
If your pet doesn’t seem to be suffering any ill effects like bloating, upset stomach or diarrhea, then you know they’re fine with a little cheese every now and then. While your dog may love the pungent smell of a stick of provolone cheese, you can’t make cheese treats a part of your furry friend’s daily diet.
Canines need to have a low-fat, low-sodium meal, and even if you use sodium-free, fat-free, and low-calorie provolone cheese, you still need to make sure you provide no more than one or two cubes or sticks
What other types of cheese are safe for dogs?
Cottage cheese has the lowest amount of sodium and fat. Fresh cheese can be found unsalted, low in fat, with no preservatives or additives. If you prepare home-cooked cottage cheese for your puppy, you will be doing him a favor.
Additionally, cottage cheese is quite high in protein, so your dog’s snack will be of great help in ensuring healthier bones, teeth, and heart. Furthermore, there are many different types of cheese that are low in lactose due to the way these cheeses are produced.
It can be good to let your dog taste cheese from time to time. Many times, dogs are given medication by stuffing pills inside cheese. Furthermore, training your dog becomes an easier task with a stick of hard cheese in hand.
What types of cheese should be absolutely avoided?
Any cheese or cheese spread that contains toxic ingredients such as butter, onions, and garlic should be strictly avoided. Likewise, cream cheese is also a poor choice for your pet’s snack because it contains additives and preservatives that can cause adverse reactions in dogs.
Also, avoid the following cheeses:
- String cheese (a traditional stick has about 90 calories, too much for a small dog to snack on)
- Havarti cheese (contains additives as well as harmful ingredients like onions and garlic)
- Fresh cheese (higher lactose content)
- Blue cheese (like Roquefort, Stilton) or any other ripe cheese produces harmful toxins like roquefortine that can be fatal to dogs.
- Feta and brie cheese (higher sugar and fat content)
- Herb cheese
Pay attention to the following signs. If your dog has eaten cheese and is now experiencing the following symptoms; Take him to the vet as soon as possible.
- Tremble
- Diarrhea
- Weak
- Vomiting a lot
- Symptoms of neurological disorders such as agitation, aggression, confusion
In conclusion
Can dogs eat provolone cheese? Feeding your dog Provolone cheese is not a good choice. This food contains high amounts of salt and unhealthy fats, and consuming too much Provolone can cause digestive and weight problems.
Instead, look for dog foods that have been proven safe and nutritious such as skinless chicken, heart muscle, or suitable vegetables. If you want to enjoy delicious food with your dog, consider dog treats or fruits and vegetables that are safe for them.
Always check with your veterinarian if you have any questions about your dog’s diet. Only this way can you ensure that your lovely friend will enjoy a healthy and happy diet.
