pepper jack cheese on a cheese plate

Can Dogs Eat Pepper Jack Cheese? Exploring The Dog Diet

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Cheese can be a delicious snack that many owners want to share with their dogs. There are so many different types, and not all of them are safe. So can dogs eat pepper jack cheese or is it bad for them?

Pepper jack cheese is generally not recommended for dogs. Its spicy flavor and high fat content can upset their stomach and lead to digestive issues. But there are ways to give cheese to your dog.

What defines pepper jack cheese, and what sets it apart?

This cheese is a semi-soft cheese that boasts a delightful combination of creamy textures and a mildly spicy kick. It originates from around the 19th century and is well known around the world. Its origins are speculated to be from around California, USA.

Usually, it contains cow’s milk, salt, and enzymes as the primary ingredients. What makes it different from most other types of cheese is the various peppers added that lend it its distinct flavor profile. Jalapeno, habanero, and serrano are common ingredients in this delicious snack. Another thing that makes this snack special is the lower lactose levels compared to other types.

Nutritional aspects: Is this food beneficial for dogs?

Including pepper jack cheese in dog food can come with some benefits. For example, pepper jack offers a protein boost for dogs, which is vital for muscle maintenance and overall health. It is also lower in fat and calories compared to some other cheese varieties.

It also contains a high amount of calcium, which is essential for ensuring strong bones and teeth. In fact, “Calcium is the major component of the bone, where it is present at more than 99% as calcium-phosphate complexes, and provides the skeleton strength and structure, making the bone a metabolic reservoir to maintain the intra- and extra-cellular calcium pool”, according to a study by Dr. Letizia Vannucci, et al.

Besides nutrition, this is also great as a treat due to its delicious taste. Using it in moderate amounts for positive reinforcement can do wonders for you.

Are there risks and sensitivities associated with feeding this snack?

Even though dogs can receive some benefits from eating the cheese, they can also suffer from a few side effects.

Lactose intolerance

Even though this cheese is considered to be low in lactose, it can still cause problems for dogs with intolerance. This happens because some dogs lack the enzyme to break down lactose which impairs normal digestion.

Dogs that have this condition will become gassy and bloated after eating dairy. If they ate it in the evening, the dog will have diarrhea at night. Abdominal pain and vomiting are other common symptoms.

Allergic reactions

Another reason why pepper jack cheese is not safe for dogs is due to its containing allergens. Some dogs have allergies to certain foods and react badly when ingesting some.

Typically, an allergic reaction is manifested as a rash, itching, and swelling. Usually, food-related allergies are also associated with a dog’s digestive system like diarrhea and vomiting. Even if they can sometimes be mild, these reactions can also be deadly and require treatment from a professional.

Toxic ingredients

One common ingredient in all cheeses is salt. While this seasoning gives all foods an extra delicious taste, it also harms dogs in large amounts. Dogs that eat too much salt can develop sodium toxicity. This can lead to severe dehydration if not treated. High blood pressure is also a result of a long-term high-sodium diet.

It can sometimes contain additional spices like onion and garlic powder that are known to be toxic to dogs.

Weight gain

Using pepper jack cheese for dogs as a treat for a long time and in large amounts can lead to them gaining weight. This is because cheese is known to be a calorie-dense food. Depending on their size and breed, dogs have certain daily calorie requirements. If they eat more than the strict amounts, they can start gaining weight. Ignoring this condition can lead to obesity, which in turn can cause additional complications.

The type of pepper

There are many different peppers people use to produce cheese, but some can be very bad for dogs. Usually, the spicier types create worse problems. Some pups have more sensitive palates or stomachs, making the heat from peppers less than ideal for their digestive systems. So you can see a dog suffering from digestive issues after eating moderate amounts of this delicious treat. Dogs can also be allergic to some of the peppers, which adds an additional worry.

What are the recommended cheese alternatives for dogs?

If you want to give cheese to your dog but avoid the unwanted effects, you can choose to try some alternatives to pepper jack cheese for dogs. Mozzarella, cottage cheese, and cheddar can be suitable choices for dogs. These cheese types offer a milder flavor and reduced levels of fat and sodium. Cottage cheese is also great for dogs due to its high protein amount. 

Aside from cheese, dogs can enjoy a variety of safe and healthy treats. Carrot sticks, apple slices, and plain cooked chicken are a few great options. Some foods can also have benefits for dogs. For example, pumpkin helps dogs with diarrhea.

What are the guidelines for a responsible canine diet?

A balanced diet for dogs includes a mix of high-quality commercial dog food, lean proteins, and healthy fats. You should feed grain-free dog food to decrease the amounts of carbs in their diet.

Occasional treats in moderation add variety and enjoyment to their diet. Feeding pepper jack cheese to dogs can be fine as long as you don’t give too much so it causes problems. Introducing new foods to dogs should be done carefully and patiently with a lot of monitoring.

Additionally including supplements in a dog’s diet is also very beneficial. Fish oil and chondroitin can cause a lot of good for dogs. In fact, the National Canine Cancer Foundation lists all these benefits of giving fish oil to dogs:

Supports Heart Health
Protects from dry skin and coarse coat
Supports kidney function
Joint aid or pain relief
Supports brain function
Lowers triglycerides in the blood
Supports immune system

Conclusion – Can dogs eat pepper jack cheese?

While the idea of sharing this flavored cheese with your dog might seem enticing, it’s crucial to make informed decisions about their diet. Even though this delicious treat can be fine for dogs in moderation, it is best to avoid it.

Dogs can develop digestive issues after ingestion due to the spicy content of the cheese, or the allergens found in it. Then, they might also experience dairy sensitivity problems. Becoming intoxicated from the high salt amounts in the cheese is also a big possibility. It all depends on the type of dog you have.

If you are adamant about feeding cheese to your dog, you can do it by offering some dairy products for dogs. There are also other great foods that can be delicious and healthy for your dog. Adding supplements is another great thing you can do for your pup.

FAQ

Is pepper toxic to dogs?

Small amounts of black pepper can be fine for dogs. However, larger amounts can cause digestive distress. Dogs can also inhale pepper and suffer from respiratory irritation symptoms. They may also dislike the taste of this seasoning.

Can I mix pepper jack cheese with my dog’s regular food?

Dogs can eat pepper jack cheese in moderation. So incorporating small amounts of pepper jack as an occasional treat or topping for your dog’s regular food can add variety and flavor. Just make sure you don’t overdo it.

Can puppies eat cheese?

Even though some cheeses in normal amounts won’t cause any problems, it is best to avoid giving them to puppies. Their digestive system might still not be ready to digest certain food so you will only cause additional problems.

Can dogs eat provolone cheese?

Unfortunately, dogs should avoid eating provolone cheese. It can be used from time to time as a well-earned snack, but large amounts of it will cause problems for dogs. That’s why you should substitute it with other foods.

More dog nutrition resources

Here are a few other resources talking about giving certain foods to dogs and the effect they have on their health.

You can find a lot more information on the types of food you can feed your dog on our site Dogisa!

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