Can Dogs Eat Mozzarella Sticks? The Interesting Answer!

We all share food with our best friends sometimes, but we should also be aware of how unhealthy our food can be for our pets. There are delicious treats that we should avoid giving to dogs, not just because they’re fattening but because they’re harmful. For example, we may feel guilty for eating too much of it at Christmas, but chocolate can kill our beloved dogs. It might be a surprise that dogs can eat mozzarella sticks. However, they should not be offered to your pet frequently.

Dogs and Cheese

Cheese, in general, is safe for your dogs, but it is also high in fat; feeding your dog too much can lead to weight gain. They can also develop pancreatitis¹, which is serious and potentially fatal for dogs. That is why many pet parents will turn to low-fat cheese like cottage cheese or mozzarella.

Mozzarella has nutritional benefits and can provide good levels of vitamins A and B, protein, and calcium. Mozzarella is a good treat to use when training your dog or administering medication, although it isn’t recommended for antibiotics.

Mozzarella Sticks and Potential Risks to Your Dog

Dogs can eat mozzarella sticks, but is there anything you should be aware of? It’s best to avoid mozzarella sticks if your pet is overweight. Assuming your dog is healthy, you should cut the mozzarella sticks before serving them because they can be a choking hazard. You will also need to check the ingredients list on your mozzarella sticks. Garlic, onions, and chives are all commonly added ingredients that are toxic to dogs².

Mozzarella also has a lower lactose level than other cheeses but feeding your dog any cheese if it shows signs of lactose intolerance isn’t a wise decision.

What if You Don’t Know Whether Your Dog Can Have Cheese?

Not all dogs can digest cheese, and it’s best to introduce cheese to their diet in a safe way. Give your dog a small piece of cheese first, observe them for 24 hours, and look for signs of bowel changes or stomach upset.

The most common signs of an upset stomach are diarrhea and vomiting. If they’re feeling nauseous, they might also eat grass to soothe their stomach or try and induce vomiting. Other signs to be on the lookout for are:

How Healthy Are Mozzarella Sticks?

You don’t choose mozzarella sticks because they’re good for you, so it shouldn’t be too surprising that mozzarella sticks aren’t the healthiest choice for your canine friend. Treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s diet, and mozzarella sticks fall very much in the “treat” category. A diet made up of too many treats or yummy human food risks a nutrient and calorie imbalance in your dog’s diet and a reduced interest in actual dog food.

Final Thoughts

Before giving mozz sticks to your dog, make sure to check the ingredients for anything to which your dog may be allergic. As a pet parent, you must ensure they are eating a healthy, balanced diet. The odd mozzarella stick, if fed once in a blue moon, can serve as a nice snack for your best friend, but make sure it doesn’t become part of your dog’s regular diet!

See Also:

• Can Dogs Eat Brie? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ
• Can Dogs Eat Babybel Cheese? Vet-Approved Health Concerns

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Featured Image Credit: HandmadePictures, Shutterstock