Can Dogs Eat Mozzarella Sticks? A Look at Cheesy Treats

If you’ve ever wondered whether or not you can give your dog a bite of your delicious mozzarella sticks, you’re not alone. Mozzarella cheese is one of the safer cheeses for dogs to eat in small amounts because it has lower levels of fat and sodium than other cheeses. However, mozzarella sticks are breaded and fried, which means they have high levels of fat, calories, and potential allergens that can hurt your dog.

In this evidence-based article, we’ll cover the potential risks and benefits of giving your dog mozzarella sticks, drawing on the most recent veterinary studies and advice from dog nutritionists. We’ll also talk about the healthiest ways to give your dog cheesy treats every once in a while while still making sure they have a well-rounded diet. Finally, we’ll discuss other treats that will satisfy your dog’s cravings without putting their health at risk.

Nutritional Value of Mozzarella Cheese for Dogs

When given in moderation, mozzarella cheese can have some nutritional value for dogs. It is a good source of protein, and it contains all of the essential amino acids, the American Kennel Club notes. Mozzarella also has calcium, which is important for healthy bones and teeth, and essential fatty acids, which help maintain healthy skin and coat.

That said, mozzarella is high in fat and calories, which can lead to obesity in dogs if it's given to them in excess. Even though it has less fat than many other cheeses, the fat and calorie content can still add up for dogs. To reduce the risk of obesity, it's best to give dogs part-skim or reduced-fat mozzarella.

Mozzarella also contains lactose, which can be hard for some dogs to digest. While it has less lactose than milk, PetMD warns that it can cause gas, bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting in dogs that are lactose intolerant. As a result, it's best to introduce mozzarella to dogs slowly and watch for any signs of intolerance. Because it's high in calories and can cause digestive upset, it's important to give mozzarella to dogs in moderation.

Dangers of Giving Mozzarella Sticks to Dogs

Mozzarella sticks are typically breaded or battered and deep-fried, which means they're high in fat and calories and not a healthy option for dogs. Per CanDogsEatAnswered, the breading or batter used in mozzarella sticks can also include ingredients like garlic or onions, which are toxic to dogs and can cause negative side effects. The marinara sauce that comes with mozzarella sticks also often contains onions and garlic, which are toxic to dogs and should be kept away from them.

Dogs who eat too many mozzarella sticks can end up with pancreatitis, obesity, and other health problems due to the high fat and calorie content of the food. Hepper points out that mozzarella has less lactose than other cheeses, but it's still best to introduce it to a dog's diet slowly and watch for signs of lactose intolerance, such as diarrhea and vomiting.

While eating a mozzarella stick once in a while may not have an immediate negative impact, it's still best to avoid giving them to dogs on a regular basis. As with any new food, it's important to talk to a vet before giving mozzarella sticks to a dog to make sure it's safe for them based on their individual dietary needs and health.

Everything in Moderation: How to Add Mozzarella Cheese to Your Dog's Diet

While mozzarella cheese can be a healthy treat for dogs, it should be fed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. BeChewy explains that while cheese isn't poisonous to dogs, they don't have the enzyme lactase, which means they're lactose intolerant from birth. This means that you should be careful when introducing mozzarella cheese to your dog, starting with small amounts and watching for signs of lactose intolerance or other digestive issues.

According to Modern Dog Magazine, mozzarella and other soft cheeses are safe for dogs in moderation, especially if they're low-fat. However, due to its high fat and calorie content, mozzarella cheese should not be a regular or daily part of a dog's diet.

To make sure that mozzarella cheese is safely added to your dog's diet, it's best to talk to your vet or a professional dog nutritionist. We Feed Draw suggests that you start by giving your dog small pieces of mozzarella cheese and slowly increase the amount while watching for any negative reactions. This will help you figure out how much and how often you should give your dog mozzarella cheese based on their unique needs and health.

Better Alternatives to Mozzarella Sticks for Dogs

Instead of mozzarella sticks, you can give your dog healthier, dog-safe treats like carrots, apples, or plain cooked chicken. CanDogsEatAnswered says that these whole foods are great alternatives that are safe and healthy for dogs.

For a cheese-based treat, you can give your dog small amounts of low-fat cheese, like cottage cheese or part-skim mozzarella, mixed in with their regular food. MiniMe Pet says that mozzarella and cottage cheese are the best cheese options for dogs because they have lower fat content than other types of cheese.

You can also look into dog treats that are available for purchase that are made with natural, dog-friendly ingredients and don’t have too much fat, salt, or preservatives. Bully Sticks Central recommends checking the labels to make sure they meet your dog’s dietary requirements.

In the end, it’s always a good idea to talk to your vet or a dog nutritionist to find out what treats are best for your dog’s specific health and dietary needs. This way, you can make sure that you’re giving your dog treats that are healthy and safe and that will satisfy their cravings without impacting their health.

How to Tell If Your Dog Is Lactose Intolerant or Having an Adverse Reaction

Dogs can show signs of lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivity, including vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, or gas, after eating mozzarella cheese or other dairy products. JustAnswer explains that even if a dog eats a decent amount, they may only have a mild case of vomiting and/or diarrhea that should go away on its own in a couple of days.

If a dog eats a large amount of mozzarella cheese or mozzarella sticks, they may become constipated, which can be treated with over-the-counter medications like Miralax, although in severe cases, a vet may need to be consulted. JustAnswer also states that constipation can be quite severe with mozzarella cheese, so pet parents should look for signs of straining to go to the bathroom or no bowel movements for 3-4 days.

In more extreme cases, eating too much mozzarella cheese or mozzarella sticks can lead to pancreatitis or bloat, both of which require immediate veterinary care. The Blue Cross explains that while many dogs love cheese, it should be used as a high-value training treat sparingly because of the risk of digestive issues.

Always make sure to keep a close eye on your dog after introducing new foods, including mozzarella cheese, and consult a vet if you notice any worrisome symptoms.

Conclusion: Moderation and Responsible Feeding for Happy, Healthy Dogs

While mozzarella cheese can be a safe and occasional treat for dogs, it should be given in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Mozzarella sticks, due to their high fat, calorie, and potential allergen content, are generally not recommended for dogs and should be avoided.

When introducing any new food, including mozzarella cheese, to a dog's diet, it's essential to monitor for signs of lactose intolerance or adverse reactions and consult with a veterinarian if any concerns arise. Ultimately, responsible pet owners should prioritize their dog's overall health and well-being by providing a balanced, nutritious diet and offering treats and snacks in moderation.