Squeeze cheese, also known as cheese spread, cheese whiz, or cheese in a can, is a popular snack for both humans and dogs. But is it actually safe and healthy for dogs to eat?
What is squeeze cheese?
Squeeze cheese is a processed cheese product that comes in an aerosol can. It has a smooth, spreadable texture and is typically made from ingredients like cheddar, milk, whey, milkfat, proteins, emulsifiers, and preservatives.
Some of the most popular brands of squeeze cheese include Cheez Whiz, Easy Cheese, and Snack Mate. While the ingredients vary slightly between brands, most squeeze cheeses are not 100% real cheese. They contain less than 51% actual cheese and the rest is made up of other dairy products, oils, thickeners, and chemical preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium phosphate.
Is squeeze cheese safe for dogs?
In moderation, squeeze cheese is generally safe for dogs to eat as an occasional treat. The biggest risks of giving dogs squeeze cheese are weight gain and digestive upset.
Here are some things to consider regarding the safety of squeeze cheese for canines:
- It’s high in fat – Like most dairy products, squeeze cheese is high in saturated fat and calories. Too much can lead to obesity in dogs.
- It could cause gastrointestinal upset – The lactose and added emulsifiers may cause diarrhea or vomiting in some sensitive dogs.
- It contains preservatives – While thorough testing has deemed preservatives like sorbates and phosphates safe in small amounts, dogs who consume a lot may experience adverse effects.
As long as you feed squeeze cheese in moderation and monitor your dog for signs of digestive upset, it is unlikely to pose any serious risks or toxicity. The fat and sodium content may be a concern for dogs who are overweight or have certain medical conditions like heart disease, in which case it would be best to avoid giving squeeze cheese.
Benefits of squeeze cheese for dogs
Here are some of the benefits dogs can get from eating small amounts of squeeze cheese:
- It provides protein – Dairy products like cheese contain complete, high-quality protein to support strong muscles.
- It’s energy dense – The high fat content provides concentrated calories and energy for active dogs.
- It has calcium for healthy bones – Cheese is a good source of calcium and phosphorus for bone health.
- It promotes dental health – The sticky, gooey texture helps scrape off plaque and tartar as dogs chew.
- It’s palatable – Most dogs find the rich, savory flavor of cheese irresistible.
In moderation, squeeze cheese can be a tasty training treat, an easy way to administer pills, or an appetizing topping on dog food for fussy eaters. Just be mindful of portion size, as the calories and fat can add up quickly.
Risks and precautions for feeding dogs squeeze cheese
While small amounts are fine for most dogs, there are some precautions to be aware of when feeding squeeze cheese:
- Don’t give dogs who are lactose intolerant dairy products, as it can cause diarrhea.
- Limit intake for overweight dogs or dogs with pancreatitis.
- Start with very small servings to check for digestive upset.
- Make sure your dog chews thoroughly and slowly instead of inhaling large chunks.
- Don’t leave a large open can within reach, as dogs may help themselves to too much.
- Wipe your dog’s face after eating to prevent smearing cheese everywhere.
It’s also best to avoid generic, low-quality squeeze cheese brands with artificial flavors, colors and excess sodium. Stick to reputable national brands and check the label for any questionable ingredients.
Healthier squeeze cheese alternatives for dogs
If you want to avoid some of the risks and unhealthy ingredients in traditional squeeze cheese, some healthier alternatives include:
- Low-fat or reduced fat cheese spreads
- Squeeze tubes of all-natural, additive-free cream cheese or goat cheese
- DIY pureed cheese mixed with plain yogurt for a lower-fat option
- Cottage cheese pureed until smooth
- Veggie-based cheese squeezes made from carrots, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower
These options contain less fat, fewer preservatives, and fewer artificial additives than regular squeeze cheese. Just check that any purchased product is specifically formulated to be safe for dogs.
How much squeeze cheese can dogs eat?
When feeding squeeze cheese, moderation is key. Most experts recommend limiting squeeze cheese (or any high-fat human foods) to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
As a general guideline, here are suggested serving sizes of squeeze cheese based on your dog’s weight:
| Dog Weight | Squeeze Cheese Serving Size |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | 1 teaspoon |
| 10 lbs | 1 tablespoon |
| 25 lbs | 2 tablespoons |
| 50 lbs | 3 tablespoons |
| 75+ lbs | 4 tablespoons |
These are just general guidelines for healthy adult dogs. Very small amounts should be fed to puppies, seniors, or dogs with medical conditions. And remember that cheese should always be just an occasional treat in a balanced diet, not a daily indulgence.
Monitoring your dog after eating squeeze cheese
When first introducing squeeze cheese, it’s a good idea to monitor your dog for signs of an upset stomach or allergic reaction. Things to look out for include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive gas or abdominal discomfort
- Itchy skin, hives, wheezing or swelling around the face
- Unusual lethargy or changes in behavior
If you observe any of these signs after feeding cheese, discontinue use and see your veterinarian. Some dogs may be intolerant or even allergic to the ingredients in squeeze cheese.
Conclusion
Overall, occasional small servings of squeeze cheese are unlikely to harm most healthy dogs. Just be sure to get a vet-approved brand, stick to moderate portions, watch for signs of intolerance, and offer it sparingly as a special treat. With a little caution and common sense, letting your dog lick the squeezable cheese nozzle could be a fun way to bond during snack time. But the healthiest diets for dogs should always emphasize whole, natural foods rather than too many fatty, processed human foods like cheese in a can.