Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese?

In this research you will know the answer to the query “Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese?“.

When your dog runs into the kitchen and grabs a chunk of Cream Cheese off the spoon its likely you’re using Cream Cheese or another type of cheese. As he keeps asking for more you wonder: What are you doing? “Can a dog have Cream Cheese?” First let me give you the short answer before we get into the details. 

Can dogs eat Cream Cheese? Yes dogs can eat Cream Cheese in small quantities since it is not toxic to them. Cream Cheese is high in fat and calories however. Ensure your dogs are not lactose intolerant before giving them Cream Cheese. Dogs should keep away from cream cheeses that contain garlic onions or chives which are poisonous to them.

Can dogs have Cream Cheese?

You can give Cream Cheese to your dog in small portions and only as a rare treat. We’ll discuss lactose intolerance in detail below before you feed your canine friends Cream Cheese. 

In addition if you are trying to lose weight you should not feed your dog Cream Cheese because it is high in calories and fat.  

In order to keep your dog healthy and active their diet should be well-balanced and nutritious. This means eating protein fat and carbs in the right proportions. 

What is the maximum amount of Cream Cheese a dog can consume? Because Cream Cheese isnot essential to your furry friends’ health and it isnot a natural food for them dogs should only consume a small amount of it. If you give your pooch this treat occasionally it should be a rare treat.

Can my dog eat Cream Cheese?

You can feed Cream Cheese to your dogs but it may not be a good idea. This is because while cream cheese isnot poisonous to dogs its nutritional profile isnot the best for them. 

Cream Cheese can be harmful to dogs in some ways. Lets discuss this next.

Is Cream Cheese bad for dogs?

Cream Cheese can cause harm to dogs. Take a look at the nutritional profile of just one tablespoon or 14.5 grams of Cream Cheese to understand why. 

Nutritional Profile of Cream Cheese (1 tbsp or 14.5 grams)

Name Unit	Amount
Calories cal	50.8
Sugar g	0.545
Lactose g	0.545
Sodium mg	45.5
Carbohydrate g	0.8
Total Fat g	4.99
Protein g	0.892
Calcium mg	14.1
Iron mg	0.016
Magnesium mg	1.3
Phosphorus mg	15.5
Potassium mg	19.1
Zinc mg	0.072
Copper mg	0.003
Manganese mg	0.002
Selenium µg	1.25
Thiamin mg	0.003
Riboflavin mg	0.033
Niacin mg	0.013
Vitamin B-6 mg	0.008
Folate µg	1.3
Vitamin B-12 µg	0.032
Vitamin A µg	44.7
Beta carotene µg	8.56
Vitamin E mg	0.125

Cream Cheese contains lactose which is harmful to dogs that are lactose-intolerant

Cream Cheese contains 14.5 grams or 0.545 grams of lactose per tablespoon. Milk contains lactose a sugar. 

Despite not looking at the nutritional profile we know that Cream Cheese is a dairy product and is harmful to lactose-intolerant dogs. 

After they wean from their mothers and start eating solid food dogs no longer produce their own lactase enzyme which breaks down the lactose sugar in milk. 

The dog can not digest the lactose sugar in milk so he can not absorb it and as a result may experience nausea diarrhea bloating flatulence loss of appetite and even vomiting. Lactose intolerance is characterized by these symptoms. 

If you’re giving your dog Cream Cheese for the first time give him a tiny amount to check for any adverse reactions. It is lactose intolerance and you should not give your dog anymore Cream Cheese if he starts to show these symptoms.

Consult your dogs veterinarian if you’re not sure if he can handle dairy products before feeding him Cream Cheese.

Cream Cheese is high in fats which can lead to canine obesity

Cream Cheese contains 4.99 grams of fat per tablespoon or 14.5 grams per serving. The consumption of fat-rich food regularly is unhealthy for dogs and can lead to weight gain obesity and even acute pancreatitis. 

Obese dogs are more likely to suffer from a host of other health issues including: 

• Hypertension.
• Diabetes.
• Heart disease.
• Different types of cancer. 
• Urinary bladder stones.
• Osteoarthritis. 
• Joint pain.

Cream Cheese is high in calories which is not good for dogs

Additionally cream cheese is high in calories which is harmful to dogs. One tablespoon of cream cheese has 50.8 calories or 14.5 grams.

It is recommended that dogs have about 25 to 30 calories per pound per day in order to maintain a healthy weight. 

There are two dogs in the household a small one and a medium-sized one so this means: 

• 250 calories a day are needed by a small 10 pound Chihuahua. 
• The daily calorie requirement for a 70 pound medium-sized Labrador is 1750 calories.  

Treats for your dog should not account for more than 10% of his daily calorie intake. 

Chihuahuas can have 25 calories from treats while Labradors can have 175 calories from treats. A tablespoon of Cream Cheese would be too much for your Chihuahua since it is twice his calorie intake limit for treats. 

If we feed our 10-pound Chihuahua 1 teaspoon of Cream Cheese on a regular basis he is at risk for canine obesity which can lead to several health issues.

Cream Cheese is high in salt which can cause sodium poisoning in dogs

In just 14.5 grams of Cream Cheese or one tablespoon there are 45.5 mg of sodium. Every 100 grams of dog food should only contain about 0.25 to 1.5 grams of salt. 

Our four-legged friends should also receive their salt from their regular dog food not from treats or snacks.

Salt poisoning occurs when your pooch consumes too much salt or eats too much cream cheese. Here are some signs of salt poisoning: 

• Drinking a lot of water is a sign of extreme thirst in dogs.
• Urinating more frequently than usual.
• Loose diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Lack of coordination.
• Unable to move or walk correctly.
• Loss of appetite.
• Convulsions.
• Muscle tremors.
• Body weakness.
• Lethargy.
• Coma (in severe cases).
• Seizures (in severe cases).
• Death (in severe cases).

Is Cream Cheese safe for dogs?

Therefore Cream Cheese is only safe for dogs who are not lactose intolerant and are relatively healthy. 

How toxic is cream cheese to dogs? Cream Cheese is not toxic to dogs but since it is a dairy product containing high levels of salt fat and calories it can be harmful to them.

Cream Cheese should not be given to obese or overweight dogs dogs with arthritis heart disease or dogs with diabetes. 

Are dogs able to eat Cream Cheese? It is ok to serve Cream Cheese to dogs in small portions and as a rare treat or as an occasional treat.

Is Cream Cheese good for dogs?

Cream Cheese is good for dogs in moderation and in small portions in some ways. 

It contains vitamins and minerals beneficial to your dogs’ health such as calcium iron magnesium potassium folate and vitamins A B and E to name a few. 

Fortunately your four-legged friends can receive these nutrients from their regular dog food or dog-friendly treats. 

While cream cheese does provide some nutrients for our furry family members its best to give it to them as a rare or occasional treat.

Are dogs allergic to Cream Cheese?

Cream Cheese may cause the following symptoms in dogs that are lactose intolerant allergic to it or sensitive to it: 

• Upset stomachs.
• Constipation.
• Diarrhea.
• Flatulence.
• Frequent trips to the restroom. 
• Ear infections. 
• Skin infections.
• Itchy skin that is scratched or licked excessively. 

The best thing to do if your dog shows the above symptoms is to call your vet as soon as possible.

Can dogs eat Philadelphia Cream Cheese?

Philadelphia Cream Cheese is safe for dogs to consume in moderation and in small amounts since it contains no toxic ingredients. As one of many popular brands of cream cheese Philadelphia Cream Cheese is enjoyed by many people. 

Before letting your dog lick the spoon filled with Philadelphia Cream Cheese make sure he or she is not lactose intolerant. A small amount can be served as a rare treat to your pooch.

Can dogs eat Cream Cheese spread?

Cream Cheese spread can be eaten by dogs in small amounts and in moderation. Be aware that the cream cheese spread was made for human consumption and not for canine consumption.

Make sure the Cream Cheese spread you offer your canine family member is plain without any added flavors such as sugar onions garlic chives or spicy peppers.

Can dogs eat whipped Cream Cheese?

Cream Cheese can be eaten by dogs in small amounts and in moderation.

Make sure your dog isnot eating any added sugar before feeding him whipped cream cheese. Too much sugar can lead to a whole host of health issues in dogs including diabetes metabolic changes heart disease dental problems weight gain and even pancreatitis.

Can dogs eat strawberry Cream Cheese?

Yes dogs can eat strawberry Cream Cheese in small amounts and as a rare treat. 

Is strawberry Cream Cheese safe for dogs? It is safe for dogs to eat strawberry Cream Cheese in small amounts. To make sure your k9 pals do not get sick from strawberry Cream Cheese make sure it is free of added sugar artificial ingredients and sweeteners such as xylitol.

Dogs are extremely toxic to xylitol and it can even be fatal in some cases.

It is highly recommended that you make homemade strawberry cream cheese that is dog-friendly. It is safe for dogs to eat strawberries so you can puree some fresh strawberries with plain cream cheese. 

You should only give your dogs small amounts of homemade strawberry cream cheese as a rare treat since strawberries do contain natural sugar.

Can dogs eat Cream Cheese and chives crackers?

No dogs should not eat crackers with cream cheese and chives. Captains Wafers Cream Cheese & Chives crackers are another popular cream cheese and chives cracker. In looking at the ingredients of Captains Wafers Cream Cheese & Chives we see:

Captain’s Wafers Cream Cheese & Chives Ingredients

• Niacin-enriched flour contains wheat flour reduced iron thiamine mononitrate riboflavin and folic acid.
• Palm oil soybean oil and canola oil are all vegetable oils.
• Deproteinized dairy whey is another type of vegetable oil.
• Sugar.
• Buttermilk.
• Corn syrup solids.
• We leave behind sodium bicarbonate ammonium bicarbonate and monocalcium phosphate.
• Salt.
• Corn syrup.
• Cheese made from pasteurized cream cheese cultures salt carob bean gum and guar gum.
• Sodium caseinate.
• Spices: Chives and parsley.
• Nonfat dry milk.
• Natural and artificial flavors.
• Soy lecithin.
• Peanut oil. 

Chives are one of the ingredients in Cream Cheese and Chives Crackers that is dangerous and poisonous to our dogs. 

The chives are a member of the allium family which also includes leeks garlic and onions. Dogs consuming Chives are at risk for anemia since Chives contain organosulfoxides which can damage the dogs red blood cells. 

This is why it is best to keep dogs away from crackers with cream cheese and chives.

Can dogs eat Cream Cheese frosting?

Cream Cheese frosting should not be eaten by dogs. Can dogs have Cream Cheese frosting? No dogs should not eat any frosting. 

Thats because frosting contains a lot of sugar and sugar is not healthy for dogs. It may also contain vanilla which is not healthy for dogs. 

The alcohol content of vanilla flavorings and extracts makes them poisonous for dogs. Alcohol cannot be metabolized by dogs’ bodies.

Can dogs eat bagels with Cream Cheese?

Bagels with Cream Cheese should not be consumed by dogs with wheat allergies gluten intolerances or lactose intolerances. However if your dog is healthy a small piece of plain bagel will not harm him or her. Be sure there are no poppy seeds on the bagel. 

As bagels are high in carbs and calories it is best to eat them in moderation or in a small portion.

My dog ate Cream Cheese! What should I do?

Check your dog closely after he consumes Cream Cheese to see if any adverse reactions occur. The symptoms of flatulence bloating diarrhea or even vomiting may occur if your pooch is lactose intolerant or allergic to wheat or gluten. 

Please consult your dogs veterinarian if your dog ate a Cream Cheese wrapper or starts to act lethargic or loses appetite after eating the wrapper.

So can dogs eat Cream Cheese?

Cream Cheese is certainly edible for dogs but owners should give their pooch a small amount in moderation. Whenever possible cream cheese should be used as an occasional treat and should not be consumed regularly.

Even though Cream Cheese is safe for dogs to eat as it does not contain any toxic ingredients it is not the healthiest choice. 

Avoid giving Cream Cheese to your K9 friends if they are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy products. Stick to canine-friendly treats and snacks instead.

If you want to read more about dog food tips read here: Dog Food Tips and Tricks.

Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese? (Watch Video)