Can Dogs Eat Brie? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ
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Although it’s hard to resist giving in to the puppy-dog eyes when you’re enjoying a snack, some human cuisine is not suitable for canines. Technically, dogs can eat Brie, but there are some caveats to giving it to them. Should you feed your dog Brie on a regular basis? Is it healthy for your canine pal? Are there other cheeses that are healthier and might be better to feed your furry friend? We’ll answer all of these questions and more below, so join us.
What Is Brie Cheese?
Brie cheese is a soft type of double cream cheese, and it’s genuinely delicious for humans and dogs alike. It’s 65 to 75% butterfat, which is the main reason it’s not an ideal snack for your pooch. The cheese is made from cow’s milk and comes in a wheel shape with a rind on the outside.
Can My Dog Have Brie Cheese?
Yes, technically, you can feed a small piece of Brie cheese to your pet occasionally. This does not mean that you should give a piece to your dog every time you eat some. The main issue with Brie is that it is very high in saturated fats.
Which Dogs Shouldn’t Eat Brie Cheese?
High fat foods such as Brie cheese can upset your dog’s tummy, causing vomiting or diarrhea and may put your dog at risk of pancreatitis ( inflammation of the pancreas). If they have it as a regular snack then it can lead to weight gain, obesity and weight related problems. Cheeses including Brie contain less lactose than milk. However, for some dogs that are lactose intolerant, even small amounts can make them poorly. Signs of lactose intolerance also include vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps.
Alternatives to Brie Cheese for Dogs
If your dog is not on a special diet and does not suffer from tummy problems or lactose intolerance you may want to give small amounts of cheese to your canine pal as a treat. While Brie tastes delicious, it’s also extremely fatty. Lower fat options include mozzarella and cottage cheese. Small cubes of cheddar or small amounts of cream cheese are also popular options, although also higher in fat.
Cheeses to Avoid Giving Your Dog Completely
Never give your dog blue cheese such as Roquefort, Stilton or Gorgonzola. These types of cheeses may contain a substance called roquefortine C which dogs are particularly sensitive to. Roquefortine C can cause vomiting and diarrhea and even tremors and seizures if eaten in large amounts. Other cheeses to avoid are ones with added ingredients such as onion or garlic which can be harmful to your dog.
Benefits of Cheese
The main benefit to cheese is that dogs usually love it! So small amounts can be great as a reward for training and useful for hiding pills! It contains protein, calcium, vitamin A and B complex vitamins, but we would recommend that your canine companion gets all their essential nutrients from a good quality, complete dog food.
Conclusion
As you can see, if you’re trying to hide medication, train your dog, or love to treat your dog on occasion, there is a place for small amounts of Brie and other cheeses in your dog’s diet. You can even use cream cheese smeared inside a kong, or small cubes of cheese stuffed inside one, which will keep your pup entertained for longer.
If your dog is overweight or prone to suffering from digestive issues or pancreatitis, we would recommend skipping the cheese and finding a lower-fat, easier to digest treat for your dog instead.
Featured Photo Credit: Jiri Hera, Shutterstock
