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Dogs love to eat almost anything they see their pet parents eating. Your fur baby may beg for a piece of pizza (don’t give in!), a slice of apple, or even some American cheese. It’s hard not to give in when your pup is sitting there begging with large, puppy eyes! But can dogs eat American cheese?
Has your dog eaten American cheese? Are you worried that American cheese will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about American cheese and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is American Cheese?
American cheese is a processed cheese that was first developed in the 1910s. It’s made from cheddar, Colby, and other cheeses, and American cheese has a creamy, salty flavor. Many people love the fact that American cheese has a low melting point; in other words, it melts easily. That makes the cheese great to use on hamburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and more!
Did you know that the official name of American cheese is “pasteurized process cheese food?” The cheese is made with other ingredients besides cheese, including acidifying ingredients, water, salt, artificial color, emulsifying agents, spices, and artificial flavors.
American cheese is both healthy and not. For instance, cheese is a great source of calcium, phosphorous, vitamins D & A, and zinc. However, American cheese is also high in fat and salt.
While American cheese is safe for humans (in moderation), what about dogs? Can American cheese make a dog sick?
American Cheese & Dogs
There’s some good and bad news. Let’s start with the good news! American cheese is not toxic and dogs can eat it in small amounts. However, the cheese also contains preservatives, artificial flavorings and color and is high in fat and salt.
So, a dog should only have a small amount of American cheese as a rare treat; otherwise, the cheese could make him sick. American cheese eaten in large amounts can make a dog sick.
Dogs that are allergic to dairy should avoid eating American cheese.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of American Cheese Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten American cheese:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
These symptoms may last between 12 to 24 hours after your dog eats American cheese. However, if they last longer, it’s time to call the vet. The concern is that persistent diarrhea and vomiting could cause dehydration in your dog.
Treatment of American Cheese Ingestion in Dogs
The vet has medications that can stop diarrhea and vomiting. They may also give your fur baby medications to relieve upset stomach and nausea.
If your dog has become dehydrated, the vet may also give your dog IV fluids to help him rehydrate.
The good news is that most dogs will make a full recovery after eating American cheese! If this cheese makes your dog sick, it’s best not to feed it to him in the future. In small amounts, American cheese can make a safe, healthy snack for healthy dogs.
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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