As a dog owner, it’s important to know what foods are safe for your furry friend to eat. While dogs can eat some human foods, not all are suitable for them. One such food that dog owners often wonder about is spray cheese. In this article, we’ll explore whether dogs can eat spray cheese and what factors you should consider before giving it to your pup.
What is Spray Cheese?
Spray cheese is a processed cheese product that comes in a can with a nozzle that allows the cheese to be sprayed out. It’s often used as a convenient topping for snacks like crackers, pretzels, and vegetables. When you think of spray cheese, most often than not you will think of the brand, Easy Cheese.
Ingredients and Nutritional Value of Spray Cheese
Spray cheese is typically made with a combination of cheese, water, whey protein concentrate, and other artificial ingredients such as preservatives and stabilizers. It’s high in fat, with some brands containing up to 8 grams of fat per serving. The nutritional value of spray cheese is minimal, with each serving containing only a small amount of protein and almost no fiber.
Can Dogs Eat Spray Cheese?
Overall, spray cheese can be a fun treat for your dog if you give it to them in moderation. Even then, there are several factors to consider before doing so.
Dairy Sensitivity and Lactose Intolerance
Many dogs are sensitive to dairy products and can experience digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and gas if they consume them. Additionally, some dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme needed to digest lactose, the primary sugar found in milk products.
High Fat Content
Spray cheese is high in fat, which can lead to obesity, pancreatitis, and other health issues in dogs if consumed in excess.
Artificial Ingredients
Spray cheese contains several artificial ingredients, including preservatives and stabilizers, which may not be beneficial for your dog’s health.
How Much Spray Cheese Should You Give To Your Dog?
If you do decide to feed spray cheese to your dog, it’s essential to do so in moderation. The American Kennel Club recommends that treats should not make up more than 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake. Too much spray cheese can lead to an upset stomach and other health issues.
Also Read: Can Dogs Drink Yakult?
Can Dogs Eat Easy Cheese?
Easy Cheese, a type of spray cheese, is another product that some dog owners may consider feeding to their dogs. Easy Cheese is a cheese-flavored spray that is often used as a topping or dip for snacks like crackers and chips.
While Easy Cheese is similar to other spray cheese products, it’s important to consider its specific ingredients and nutritional value. Easy Cheese contains various types of cheese, as well as other ingredients like whey protein concentrate, sodium phosphate, and artificial flavors. It is also high in fat, with 6 grams of fat per 2 tablespoon serving.
While Easy Cheese is okay for dogs in moderation as a treat, it’s important to consider the risks associated with feeding high-fat, processed foods to dogs. Additionally, like other spray cheese products, Easy Cheese can contain artificial ingredients that can potentially cause adverse reactions in dogs.
Is Easy Cheese Okay For Puppies?
For puppies, it’s especially important to be cautious when feeding human foods. Puppies have specific dietary needs and feeding them the wrong types or amounts of food can lead to serious health problems. While Easy Cheese may be safe for adult dogs in small amounts, it’s generally not recommended for puppies.
Easy Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese
Easy Cheese and cheddar cheese are both types of cheese, but they differ significantly in terms of their nutritional content and suitability for dogs. Easy Cheese, as we discussed earlier, is a processed cheese product that comes in a can with a spray nozzle, while cheddar cheese is a natural cheese made from cow’s milk.
In terms of nutritional value, Easy Cheese and cheddar cheese have some similarities and differences. While cheddar cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, it is also high in fat and calories, which can lead to obesity and other health problems in dogs if given in excess. On the other hand, Easy Cheese is lower in fat and calories compared to cheddar cheese, but it also contains more artificial ingredients and preservatives, which can be harmful to your dog’s health in the long run.
Overall, if you had to choose between the two, cheddar cheese would be the better nutritional choice but would still need to be given in small amounts. Like Easy Cheese, it may not be suitable for dogs with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivity.
Easy Cheese vs Kong Cheese
Kong Cheese and Easy Cheese are both processed cheese products that come in a can with a spray nozzle. However, there are some key differences between the two products.
The Kong Cheese is called Kong Easy Treat (aff link) and it also comes in different flavors: Bacon & Cheese, Liver, Peanut Butter, and Pepperoni. These are made specifically for dogs and to use on Kong toys. Kong Cheese might be a better choice if your dog likes the other flavors better. Just like with the Easy Cheese, moderation is key.
Also Read: Can Dogs Eat Doritos?
Bottom Line
While spray cheese and Easy Cheese may be tempting options for dog owners looking to treat their furry friends, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with these products. Dairy sensitivity, lactose intolerance, high fat content, and artificial ingredients are all factors to consider when deciding whether to feed these products to your dog.
It’s also important to follow recommended guidelines for feeding spray cheese or Easy Cheese, and to avoid overfeeding or using them as a substitute for a balanced dog diet.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that there are alternative treats and snacks that can provide similar flavor and nutritional benefits without the added risks. As responsible dog owners, it’s important to do your research and make informed decisions when it comes to your dog’s diet and overall health. By doing so, you can ensure that your furry friend stays happy, healthy, and well-fed.
