Can German Shepherd Eat Cheese?

Can German Shepherd Eat Cheese?

A dog with a lot of energy needs to eat properly, this is also true for German Shepherds. Thus, the owner should not give them anything that can endanger their health.

As cheese is rich in energy, proteins, and calcium, one often wonders; can German Shepherd eat cheese?

Can German Shepherd eat cheese?

The short answer to this question is ‘yes, German Shepherds can eat cheese.’ Not only do German Shepherds eat cheese, but they also love to have it with their meals, and some people even give cheese as treats to their beloved German Shepherds.

As aforementioned, the cheese is filled with energy, proteins, and calcium.

Some other elements found in cheese are vitamin B-complex, vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin, zinc, and phosphorus. And as the cheese is made from animals that feed on grass, you can also expect the cheese to have fatty acids and vitamin K-2.

Benefits of elements in cheese:

1. Vitamin A:

Vitamin A is one of the basic vitamins that dogs need in their growth, and thus, it has much importance in their life.

Vitamin A can not only increase the eyesight of the dogs and prevent night blindness, but vitamin A is also good for the coat of dogs. Vitamin A can help in making the German Shepherd’s coat more healthy and shiny.

2. Vitamin B12:

Vitamin B12 is directly associated with the German Shepherd’s brain health and maintaining an excellent nervous system.

Vitamin B12 also plays a vital role in the formation of red blood cells that improve the oxygen level throughout the German Shepherd’s body.

Moreover, dogs need vitamin B12 for a healthy digestive system.

3. Vitamin B-complex:

This vitamin is also one of the vital vitamins that a dog needs in his daily diet. Vitamin B-complex changes carbohydrates into glucose, which provides energy to the German Shepherd. It is also essential for the assimilation of fat and proteins.

4. Riboflavin:

Riboflavin produces antibodies inside the German Shepherd’s body when it combines itself with the German Shepherd’s body’s minerals.

These antibodies are vital in fighting against diseases and keeping your furry friend healthy. Consuming riboflavin also improves the lining of the intestine.

Riboflavin can also produce red blood cells and enhance the oxygen level throughout the German Shepherd’s body. Like with the vitamin B-complex, riboflavin can also produce energy.

However, riboflavin metabolizes the amino acids, carbs, and fats to produce energy, whereas vitamin B-complex changes carbohydrates into glucose.

Another benefit of consuming riboflavin is that it helps in the absorption of iron in the German Shepherd’s body.

5. Zinc:

Zinc is an important nutrient that is an essential part of every dog’s diet, and it can contribute significantly towards making the German Shepherd’s skin and fur more healthy.

Moreover, zinc is also a vital nutrient in the immune system’s proper functioning and thyroid functions. Apart from these, zinc can also improve the metabolism function, sense of smell and taste, and heal wounds.

As zinc can also help in metabolism, it can also help the German Shepherd produce vitamins and minerals.

6. Calcium and Phosphorus:

Calcium and phosphorus work together in the bone and muscles. These both are essential in the proper functioning of the German Shepherd. As a German Shepherd is an energetic animal, he needs a lot of energy and strength to carry out the daily tasks.

Calcium is mostly found to strengthen the bone and is also located inside cartilage. Along with this, calcium is also said to play a minor role in hormone transmission.

Phosphorus is also a vital component that is present in the bone. Phosphorus is said to be the mean of transferring energy through non-skeletal muscles, and some energy-carrying molecules such as adenosine tri-phosphate also demand phosphorus.

Note: Although calcium and phosphorus are essential in the bone development and strengthening of the German Shepherd, it is important that you do not go overboard.

Giving excess calcium and phosphorus to your German Shepherd can also have a harmful effect on his health. The ideal ratio of calcium and phosphorus is said to be 1.2:1 or 1.3:1. There is also a chance that a high amount of calcium and phosphorus can also result in your dog developing kidney disease.

And so, having an optimal balance between the two will ensure a slow progression of kidney disease and a higher chance of survival.

7. Fatty acids:

Fatty acids boost components like omega-3 and omega-6, which are essential in making the German Shepherd’s coat more vibrant, and it also assists in healthy skin. Moreover, these fatty acids also play a vital role in cell growth.

If your furry friends are not getting enough fatty acids, some signs you will see are dry skin, dermatitis, dull coat, and hair loss.

One thing to keep in mind is that you do not need to give your German Shepherd pills or supplements if he is healthy. It is best to avoid any supplements and give him food that is rich in fatty acids.

Cheese for lactose intolerant German shepherd:

When a dog is suffering from lactose intolerance, it is natural that he will not absorb the dairy products efficiently.

However, some exceptions are as some dairy products have a high lactose proportion, and some have less lactose proportion. Thus, dogs can consume dairy products that have less lactose quantity.

Milk is strongly prohibited due to the lactose quantity being 11 grams in milk in a cup. In cheese, cottage cheese contains 3 grams in ½ cup, American cheese contains 1 gram in one ounce, Swiss cheese contains 1 gram in one ounce, and cheddar cheese contains 0 grams ounce.

This means that German Shepherds can eat some cheese and some cheese that German Shepherds cannot eat. Some people say that German Shepherd with lactose intolerance should avoid every cheese.

While others say that German Shepherd can eat cheese, however, cottage cheese is to be avoided.

Conclusion:

German Shepherds are creatures that love to roam around their owners and try their best to make their owners happy and make them protected. German Shepherds are among some top dog breeds out there. With their handsome looks and striking personality, it is impossible not to fall in love with this dog.

Thus, feeding something that can put German Shepherd’s health at risk is something that every dog lover wants to avoid, and he asks; can German Shepherd eat cheese? And the answer is simple, ‘yes, German Shepherds can eat cheese.’ This article has thoroughly discussed everything that cheese provides and touched on German Shepherds’ having lactose intolerance eating cheese.

What do you think of this article?

Have you ever fed cheese to your German Shepherd, and what are some changes you noticed?

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