The nicest showoff you’ll ever meet is pepper jack cheese. Just when you think the fiery flavor is ready to overpower your palate, it finishes with a delicate creamy flavor that leaves you wanting more. This semi-soft American cheese melts like no other, but it’s also versatile enough to serve as a side dish in chips, pizzas, casseroles, scrambled eggs, and any mac & cheese recipe. Monterey Jack, the earliest “American” cheese produced by Mexican Franciscan friars in Monterey, California, is a descendant of Pepper Jack. As the name suggests, Rosemary, sweet peppers, garlic, and other chilies are used to flavor the cheese. This open-textured, semi-soft cheese has a peppery flavor but a delicate and buttery aftertaste. Hamburgers, crackers, and quesadillas are common accompaniments for this flavorful cheese.
If you’re wondering if canines can eat cheese, yes, they can. Especially for pups, cheese is a terrific training tool. Should dogs, on the other hand, eat cheese? While some dogs can eat cheese, and most dogs do, many dogs are sensitive to it. So even if your dog can make cheese, it’s probably preferable to feed it in moderation. Protein, calcium, vitamin A, vital fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins are all in cheese. Nevertheless, cheese is a favorite of most dogs, and trainers frequently use it to motivate canines. This treatment can also be used to hide medications for dogs who need to take medication.
While feeding cheese to your dog is generally harmless, there are a few things to consider. First, cheese is high in fat, and giving your dog too much of it regularly can lead to weight gain and obesity. Even worse, it could cause pancreatitis in dogs, which is a dangerous and potentially fatal infection. Second, in addition to the issues caused by the high-fat level, some cheeses contain hazardous herbs or other ingredients for dogs, such as onions, chives, and garlic.
As a result, low-fat cheeses like soft goat cheese, cottage cheese, and mozzarella are preferable for your dog. In addition, cottage cheese has reduced fat and sodium content compared to other cheeses, which can help dogs from becoming too overweight.
Cottage cheese also has reduced lactose content, which essentially means it’s less likely to cause stomach trouble in canines. However, not all dogs digest cheese well, and while cheese contains less lactose than whole milk, dogs with severe lactose intolerance may have adverse reactions to cheese, even in tiny amounts. After giving cheese for the first time, keep an eye out for signs of intestinal discomfort in your dog, and visit your veterinarian if you have any questions about adding cheese to your dog’s diet.
Is Spicy Cheese Bad for Dogs?
Generally speaking, sharing spicy food with dogs is a bad idea, including cheeses with some spices. However, if there is any doubt, consult your vet.
While dogs do not require five-star dining, many owners enjoy catering to their dogs’ individual preferences. Many people have begun creating their dog food to provide a better-sourced, healthier diet for their pets.
Spices aren’t necessary for dogs’ health, and some herbs are hazardous to them. On the other hand, certain spices have nutritional benefits for our pets, especially those with specific health issues. Therefore, the spices listed below are a no-no, and if you find them in any cheese, remove it from your dog’s diet immediately.
- Onion
Onions and onion powder can cause diarrhea and vomiting in dogs. In addition, sulfoxides and disulfides found in onions can harm red blood cells. This can lead to anemia over time. - Garlic cloves
Garlic is controversial, and some dog owners use it to help keep fleas away from their pets. However, because garlic can be poisonous to some pets, it’s best to avoid it altogether or proceed with extreme caution and consult your veterinarian. - Too much table salt
Although we use salt in almost everything we consume as humans, this does not apply to our dogs’ diets. Salt causes dehydration by increasing thirst and urine. When consumed in high amounts, it can produce nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. - Powdered cocoa
Cocoa powder, like chocolate, can cause significant difficulties in dogs. It includes a caffeine-like chemical that is toxic to a dog’s neurological system. Cocoa powder can cause kidney and cardiac problems and should be avoided at all costs. - Nutmeg
Nutmeg can irritate the nervous system and produce severe stomach distress. After consuming nutmeg, a dog may get too excited, then fatigued and depleted. Nutmeg has been known to cause death in dogs in some situations. Hence it is considered highly toxic to them.
Is Pepper Toxic to Dogs?
Black pepper is another spice that should be used in moderation. Although tiny amounts of black pepper in any form are typically considered healthy for dogs, significant amounts of black pepper can upset their stomachs.
Of all, just because tiny doses of black pepper are probably safe for dogs to consume does not imply they enjoy it. Black pepper, when used in significant amounts, has a spicy flavor that most dogs dislike. In addition, if your dog inhales black pepper (for example, if it spills on the floor), it may create a burning feeling in his nose, causing him to sneeze uncontrollably.
You should not purposefully add black pepper to any meal you are cooking for your dog, just as you should not deliberately add salt to any meal you are preparing for your dog. Use your best judgment if you wish to share some of your food with your dog that contains salt or black pepper. If you’re eating grilled chicken breast seasoned with a pinch of salt and black pepper, it’s probably safe to share it with your dog (in moderation, of course). It’s advisable not to serve your dog a peppercorn-encrusted sirloin or other intensely seasoned meal with lots of black pepper if you’re eating it.
Can Dogs Eat Jack Cheese?
One of the few kinds of cheese that is suitable for dogs to eat is Monterey jack. This cheese has a low lactose content, making it a healthy treat for your dog. However, the general guideline is that dogs should not be fed too much cheese because too much cheese might induce gastrointestinal problems.
Cheese consumption in small amounts, whether pepper jack cheese, Swiss cheese, or Monterey jack cheese, should not harm your dog. Depending on your dog’s health history and size, consuming a lot of cheese can induce a variety of intolerances, although these are usually brief and won’t kill him. Just wait it out; if your dog doesn’t eat 5 pounds of cheese in under an hour, he should be alright.
Processed cheese, like many other forms of cheese, is safe for dogs to eat. Just make sure they only get tiny amounts of processed cheese on rare occasions.
The main picture is from Daniel Olsen, CC BY 1.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
