Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese?: What You Need to Know 

Cream cheese is one of the most popular types of cheese out there, and it’s no wonder why! It’s creamy and smooth, making it a perfect spread for crackers, sandwiches, and more. It’s also a great alternative to more traditional cheeses if you want to make your own dairy-free version of a favorite. So, can dogs eat cream cheese? The short answer is, yes. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when you’re considering whether your dog could eat cream cheese.

Still, many dogs love cream cheese just like people do, so let’s take a closer look at whether your dog would be able to eat cream cheese and why. 

Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese? 

Dogs can indeed eat cream cheese, but it’s important to keep in mind that the cheese itself is not a suitable food for them. The main ingredients in cream cheese are milk, cream, and a bacteria culture known as Lactobacillus. The bacteria culture is what gives the cheese a creamy texture and helps it melt easily, but it’s not what dogs eat. The bacteria culture is what’s added to the cream that makes it suitable for human consumption and doesn’t contain any nutritional value for pets, so it shouldn’t be considered part of the “cheese” itself. 

What’s in Cream Cheese? 

All cream cheese contains milk, cream, and a specific bacteria culture known as Lactobacillus. 

Milk – The main ingredient in cream cheese is milk. However, it’s important to note that some cream cheese varieties contain as few as 2% milk fat, so dogs shouldn’t consume “non-fat” varieties. 

Cream – The majority of cream cheese contains at least 25% cream. Although many dairy-free cream cheese products contain 25% or more, the majority of dairy cream cheese contains a bit more than that. Cream is simply milk fat, so it’s important to note that the fat content in cream cheese varies. 

Lactobacillus – Cream cheese is believed to contain a specific type of bacteria known as “lactobacillus”. The bacteria is added to cheeses to help the cheese ripen faster and give it a distinctive, tangy taste. 

However, the bacteria is also added to cheese to make it suitable for human consumption, so it shouldn’t be recommended as a dog food ingredient. Luckily, there are many other lactobacillus-containing foods that can be safely fed to your dog, so they’re not missing out on anything important. 

Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese With Other Foods? 

Yes, dogs can eat cream cheese with other foods. 

The bacteria culture that makes cream cheese suitable for human consumption is added to the cream, so cream cheese can be used as a spread on crackers, bread, or in sandwiches. 

You can also use it as a vegetable dip for fresh veggies, or as a topping for hot dogs and other types of sandwiches. 

The consistency of cream cheese makes it suitable for a variety of different uses, which is why it’s so popular. 

Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese? A Word On The Pros 

The biggest reason to consider giving your dog cream cheese is for its convenience. This is because many dogs enjoy the taste of cream cheese and just want a way to eat it without having to eat actual dairy. 

However, there are a few other reasons you may want to give your dog cream cheese.  

Cream cheese has less calories than full-fat milk products and contains a small amount of protein. 

Cream cheese is also a good source of vitamin A, which is important for healthy skin and coat and a strong immune system. 

Finally, cream cheese contains a special bacteria culture that gives it a distinctive taste that many dogs love. 

In Conclusion, Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese? 

Dogs can indeed eat cream cheese, but it’s important to keep in mind that the cheese itself is not a suitable food for them. The main ingredients in cream cheese are milk, cream, and a bacteria culture known as Lactobacillus. The bacteria culture is what makes the cheese a creamy texture and helps it melt easily, but it’s not what dogs eat. The bacteria culture is what’s added to the cream that makes it suitable for human consumption and doesn’t contain any nutritional value for pets, so it shouldn’t be considered part of the “cheese” itself. Still, many dogs love cream cheese just like people do, so let’s take a closer look at whether your dog would be able to eat cream cheese and why.  

As always here at candogeat.org we believe in feeding your pup a homecooked healthy meal plan. This can greatly improve the health of your dog.

We are not veterinarians though so if you have questions about your dogs health contact a veterinarian.