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Can Dogs Eat Mozzarella Sticks?

Written by: Annemarie Dutton
Last updated on:
image 2 dogs

Many people have a pet dog that is fed table scraps.  Dogs are omnivores meaning they eat plants as well as animal-based foods.  But you should know which foods are safe for your canine to eat and which are not.

‘Can dogs eat mozzarella sticks?’

The short answer is yes; your dog can eat them safely.  But you should check their ingredients to ensure they will not harm your dog.

Some cheeses contain harmful pesticides and herbicides.

This article will explore the benefits and risks of mozzarella and cheese in your dog’s diet.

Nutritional Value of Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Nutritional Facts of Mozzarella Cheese Sticks – Serving Size 1 Stick (28g)

Nutrient NameAmount
Calories85
Total Fat6.3g
Saturated Fat3.7g
Polyunsaturated Fat0.2g
Monounsaturated Far1.9g
Cholesterol22mg
Sodium178mg
Potassium22mg
Total Carbohydrates0.6g
Sugars0.3g
Protein6.3g
Vitamin A3.8%
Calcium11%
Iron0.7%

For your dog to stay healthy, it must have a low-fat, low-sodium diet, which mozzarella cheese has.

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Benefits Of Dogs Eating Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

image of Dogs and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Mozzarella, also known as stretched curd cheese, does not contain much lactose. Lactose is a dairy product that can harm your dog. 

Little Lactose

The low lactose content makes it safe to feed a small amount to your dog without the risk of them developing an upset stomach or diarrhea. In addition, this type of cheese can be fed to dogs who have a casein sensitivity and can’t eat other types of cheese.

Mozzarella cheese contains less fat than many other cheeses and does not pose any health problems for your dog.

It is healthy because it does not contain additives or preservatives.  But there are potential unhealthy side effects.

Dogs snore when they overeat and can have breathing problems.  Do not feed them too many high-fat foods, such as mozzarella cheese. 

Too Much Can Make Your Doggy Friend Sick

The texture of typical stringy mozzarella cheese is hard for many dogs to digest. Cut up the cheese into bite-sized pieces.

Too much mozzarella can make your dog sick. It is not nutritious for dogs and could cause them to have an upset stomach or become constipated.

If your dog cannot digest mozzarella, do not feed it to them.

Risks When Dogs Eat Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

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Although dogs eat mozzarella cheese, its stringiness is a potential choking hazard.  Cut and break mozzarella into small pieces before feeding it to your dog.

Mozzarella is a low-fat cheese and will not make your dog obese.

High In Fat

If your dog is overweight or has a history of pancreatitis, do not feed it cheese treats. 

High In Salt

Certain cheeses (especially hard aged cheeses) have a high salt content, which can lead to sodium poisoning if overeaten. Most dogs can drink enough fresh water to dilute the salt they consume, but you need to be cautious. 

Common symptoms of sodium poisoning are extreme thirst, lack of energy, vomiting, watery diarrhea, and loss of appetite, which require a vet’s immediate attention. Kidney problems are another risk with high-salt foods.

Added Ingredients Toxic To Dogs

Garlic, onions, and chives, are commonly added ingredients which are toxic to canines.

Always check the ingredients first!

Your dog might be lactose intolerant.

If you are not sure if your dog can digest cheese well, try first feeding it a tiny piece. Observe your dog for the next 24 hours for any signs of stomach upset or bowel changes.

If your dog is lactose intolerant, skip the cheese altogether or try a very low-lactose option such as goat cheese.

Can Mozzarella Cheese be fatal to dogs?

Yes, mozzarella cheese can kill your dog. While it is generally considered a safe food for dogs, some potential risks are associated with overeating it. It may experience an upset stomach that leads to vomiting or diarrhea. If these symptoms persist, we recommend that you immediately take your dog to the vet.

The primary danger associated with feeding your dog too much mozzarella cheese is that it may develop breathing problems from being overweight or having difficulty digesting this type of food. In addition, lactose-intolerant dogs should avoid eating large quantities of mozzarella because of the lactose.

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How Many Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Can A Dog Eat?

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Even if you give your dog cheese as a treat, use it as a reward for training, or for your dog to gain weight, feed them sporadically.  

Can Puppies Eat Mozarella Cheese?

Yes, puppies can eat mozzarella cheese. 

Although puppies can digest solid food at an early age, you should consider feeding them soft food high in protein and low in fat. Feeding your puppy a diet of mozzarella cheese could lead to obesity.

Mozzarella cheese can cause choking, especially to a puppy. To avoid this risk, cut the cheese into small pieces or shred it.

Feeding your dog mozzarella cheese is not good for puppies and could lead to problems as they age.

Can Pregnant Dogs Eat Mozzarella Cheese?

Some people believe that giving their pets this type of food will help them have healthier puppies because they receive extra nutrition while in the womb.

While it’s true that dogs get most of their nutrients from their mother’s milk while they are in the womb, this applies to artificial vitamins as well. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about giving your pet food that contains cheese during pregnancy.

Can Nursing Dogs Eat Mozzarella Cheese?

You should avoid giving your dog mozzarella cheese if they are nursing puppies. Dogs that are nursing need to be sure to get the nutrition they need from their mother’s milk, and additional food may cause them to become ill or upset the digestive balance in their body.

Can Sick Dogs Eat Mozzarella Cheese Sticks?

Do not feed a dog cheese if it has diarrhea, upset stomach, or vomiting. The excess carbs and sugar in the cheese may worsen your dog’s condition. Consult your vet for more information on what foods are safe for your sick dog.

Can old dogs eat cheese sticks?

Do not give cheese sticks to older dogs because it may cause an upset stomach and digestive problems. It can also increase the risk of kidney and bladder stones, which are common in older dogs.

Can Overweight Dogs Eat Cheese Sticks?

Yes, dogs can eat cheese sticks in moderation. Overfeeding overweight dogs can cause gastrointestinal problems.

Can Dogs Eat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks?

Dogs cannot eat Pizza Hut cheese sticks due to their high salt content. Do not feed your dog salty food, especially a young puppy.

Can Dogs Eat Taco Bell Cheese Sticks?

We do not recommend feeding dogs with cheese sticks from Taco Bell. The high salt content is potentially dangerous to your dog’s health. Stick to homemade treats. Fast food contain harmful ingredients.

Can Dogs Be Lactose Intolerant?

Do not give your pet any type of dairy product if it is lactose intolerant. This includes mozzarella cheese, made out of cow milk, which can upset their digestive system.

Even if your dog is not lactose intolerant or allergic to milk, it should be eaten in moderation. Your dog will develop constipation, diarrhea, gas, or vomiting.

If any of these symptoms occur, stop giving your dog mozzarella immediately and make sure It drinks plenty of water and contact your veterinarian for more information.

If your dog ingests large quantities of cheese, it risks pancreatitis, hypertension, and obesity. 

Cheeses To Avoid Giving Your Furry Friend.

Blue cheese, Roquefort, and other French cheeses 

Dog owners skip these cheeses because of their high-fat content and because “when blue cheese starts to get super-ripe, it can produce roquefortine, a potentially lethal toxin for dogs to consume.” In addition, they are  high in sodium.

Cheese with herbs, garlic, or other flavorings 

Many types of cheese, such as Havarti and cream cheese, contain herbs or garlic to enhance the flavor. Keep these out of your dog’s reach since garlic and onions, common additives. are toxic for dogs.

Brie, goat cheese, and feta cheese 

Avoid these, even though they are delicious to humans. They also contain some of the highest saturated fat levels of any cheese. Excessive amounts of fat in a dog’s diet can lead to pancreatitis, a severe and often life-threatening condition.

How To Know What Treat Your Dog Likes Best

image of 2 dogs eating

Treats are meant to be a tasty little reward for your pup. Some dogs are food fanatics and enjoy every treat you give them, while others are more particular. Determining the type of treat your dog prefers is a trial-and-error adventure.

Step 1

Test your treat theories out on a hungry dog. Work with him before he eats his normal rations. If your dog has a full belly, he may be less likely to pick out a particularly delicious treat.

Step 2

Add a few different treats to individual sandwich bags and zip the bags closed.

Include a wide range of treats such as pieces of carrot, little dog biscuits, a handful of dry kibble, small bits of cheese, and chunks of fresh-cooked meats to give your dog a variety to choose from.

Step 3

Sit the dog by your side and offer him a piece of the lowest-value treat. Low-value treats are common or less desirable, such as normal kibble or the same dog biscuits he’s had every day for the past few months. If he gobbles it up, keep that bag in your lap. If he disregards it with a sniff, set that bag aside.

Step 4

Offer the dog a treat from another pack, working your way through all the treats. Some dogs are very food-motivated and will eat anything you give them, while others are more selective. Pay close attention to the dog as you give him each treat; if he whimpers or whines as you pull out a particular morsel, he may favor that treat.

Step 5

Take a small piece of each of the treats your dog seemed to enjoy and place them side by side on the floor. Lead the dog to the treats and point them out with your fingers. Turn the dog loose and allow him to sniff the treats at his leisure. The treat he gobbles up with the most enthusiasm is the one he likes best.

Final Thought

We have seen that moderation is the key to everything. Feed your dog mozzarella in small quantities and small pieces. Over-indulgence could lead to health problems.

Also, start introducing it into your dog’s diet carefully, looking for any symptoms of allergic reactions. If so, stop feeding cheese to your dog.

Always remember to consult with your veterinarian before you introduce new food to your dog

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