Pawscessories is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
Learn more.
Do you have a dog that loves cheese?
Anytime I mention cheese, my dog comes running. It does matter what kind, provolone, swiss, cheddar, you name it.
Most cheeses are somewhat similar in terms of their health benefits and risks, but some are considered safer than others for dogs to eat.
Is parmesan cheese one of the safe ones for dogs to eat?
Can dogs have parmesan cheese?
Yes, dogs can technically eat parmesan cheese, but it’s not the best choice. Parmesan cheese is high in sodium which puts dogs at risk of salt poisoning when eating too much. It does have lower levels of lactose, though, so it can be easier on a dog’s stomach than other cheeses.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- Why Provolone cheese can be good or bad for dogs
- The dangers & benefits associated with dogs eating provolone
- What to do if your dog eats too much cheese
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Can Dogs Have Parmesan Cheese?
Parmesan cheese is a hard, dry cheese that makes it low in lactose compared to other soft cheeses.
This makes it easier to digest for some dogs with lactose-sensitive stomachs.
However, being an aged cheese, it’s also high in sodium since salt is used to help preserve the cheese.
For dogs, this can be dangerous because when dogs eat too much salt, they can develop a condition called salt poisoning.
So can dogs eat parmesan cheese?
The short answer is yes, but in small amounts. Parmesan is a hard, aged cheese that is high in sodium. High sodium levels can be poisonous to dogs, especially for dogs with certain health conditions.
So while dogs can eat small amounts of parmesan cheese without issue, it’s not the best choice. Instead, opt for cheese with lower sodium, like cottage cheese.
Related Reading: Can Dogs Eat Babybel Cheese? Risks & Tips If They Ate The Wax
Should I Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese On Dog Food?
If you’re looking to add some extra flavor to your dog’s food, sprinkling a bit of parmesan cheese onto their food can be okay.
While a little bit can provide some benefits to dogs, the high sodium content is something you need to keep track of if you decide to feed them parmesan.
Is Parmesan Cheese Good For Dogs?
While too much parmesan cheese can be detrimental to a dog’s health, a small amount can be suitable for dogs every so often.
Parmesan cheese is a good source of protein and fat.
It’s high in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin A, vitamins B6 and B12, phosphorus, zinc, and copper. All of these nutrients are essential for a dog’s overall health.
So, a small amount of parmesan cheese as a treat can benefit your dog, but make sure not to overdo it.
How Much Parmesan Cheese Can Dogs Eat Safely?
The amount of parmesan cheese that is safe for dogs to eat will vary depending on the size of the dog and lactose tolerance.
A small dog can only handle a bit of cheese, while a large dog can eat a little more.
As a general rule of thumb, you should only feed small breeds half a teaspoon, and for medium to large dogs, about one teaspoon or one and a half teaspoons of parmesan cheese.
Any more than that, and you’re risking salt poisoning.
Related Reading: Can Dogs Eat Grilled Cheese? 4 Dangers & Tips If They Do
Dangers Of Dogs Eating Parmesan Cheese
While parmesan cheese can be a healthy treat for dogs in moderation, there are some dangers to consider before feeding it to your dog.
Risk For Dogs With Health Conditions
Dogs with certain diseases are more at risk when feeding them parmesan cheese.
This is because the high sodium content can worsen symptoms like:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
Dogs already struggling with these health conditions should avoid eating foods high in sodium like parmesan cheese.
High Salt Content
One of the dangers of dogs eating parmesan cheese is its high salt content. Parmesan is an aged cheese that has been preserved with salt. And when dogs overeat salt, they can develop a condition called salt poisoning.
Symptoms of salt poisoning include:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- lethargy
- tremors
- seizures
- coma
- weakness
- tongue swelling
- confusion
- extreme thirst and urination
- breathing issues
- increased heart rate
If you think your dog may have salt poisoning, immediately take them to the vet.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If A Dog Eats Parmesan Cheese?
In most cases, nothing will happen if your dog eats parmesan cheese.
The biggest concerns are the high levels of salt which can cause issues when overeating.
Most of the time, dogs that overeat cheese end up with diarrhea and stinky farts for a day or two, and that’s about it.
Are Dogs Allowed Parmesan?
Yes, dogs are allowed to have parmesan cheese. You just need to be careful about the amount they eat because of the high salt levels.
Parmesan cheese can be a good treat for dogs in small amounts.
Final Thoughts
Dogs can eat parmesan cheese only in small amounts because of its high salt content. If you decide to feed your dog parmesan cheese, monitor their sodium intake.
Parmesan cheese can be a good source of protein and fat for dogs, plus it is lower in lactose than other cheeses. So dogs with sensitive stomachs could digest this easier than other cheese varieties. However, the high sodium content is something to be aware of.
The last thing you want is for your dog to develop salt poisoning.
Other posts you may find interesting:
Can Dogs Eat Boba? What You Need To Know (We Asked Vets)