Can Dogs Eat Babybel Cheese? Vet-Approved Safety Guide

Can dogs eat babybel cheese? Yes, dogs can eat Babybel cheese – but only sometimes and in tiny pieces. Many dog owners use this small, round cheese as a tasty snack for training or to hide medicine. Babybel cheese is safer than some other cheeses because it has less lactose (a sugar in milk that can upset dog tummies).

This article will explain:

• Why a little Babybel cheese might be okay for your dog
• How much is safe to give based on your dog’s size
• What risks to watch for (like the wax coating or too much salt)
• Better options if you’re worried about cheese

We’ll keep it simple and clear, so you can decide if Babybel cheese fits your pup’s diet. Let’s get started!

What is Babybel Cheese?

Babybel cheese is a small, round snack cheese wrapped in red wax. It’s made from pasteurized milk mixed with salt and special bacteria that help turn milk into cheese. The main ingredients are simple: milk, salt, and natural enzymes (proteins that help the cheese form).

Here’s why it might work for dogs:

• Low lactose: Babybel cheese is lactose-free, meaning it has almost none of the milk sugar that upsets some dogs’ stomachs.
• High protein: Each piece gives dogs 4-5 grams of protein, which helps build strong muscles.
• Rich in calcium: The cheese contains calcium, good for dogs’ bones and teeth.

Dogs love Babybel cheese because:

1. Strong smell: The cheese’s creamy, milky scent makes it extra tempting to dogs.
2. Soft texture: It’s easy to chew and doesn’t crumble like hard cheeses.
3. Portable size: The small wheels are easy to break into training treat-sized pieces.

Important note: Always remove the red wax coating before giving it to your dog. The wax won’t poison them but could cause choking or stomach blockages if swallowed.

Babybel cheese comes in different flavors (like Original and Swiss), but plain varieties are safest for dogs. While it’s not made for pets, its simple ingredients make it a possible occasional treat for healthy dogs.

Benefits of Babybel Cheese for Dogs

Nutritional Value for Dogs

Babybel cheese has some nutrients that can be good for dogs when given in small amounts:

• Protein: Babybel cheese is rich in protein, which helps dogs build strong muscles and stay active. Protein is an important part of a healthy diet for dogs.
• Calcium: This cheese contains calcium, which helps keep your dog’s bones and teeth strong. It’s especially helpful for growing puppies or older dogs with weaker bones.
• Low Lactose: Unlike many other dairy products, Babybel cheese has very little lactose. This makes it easier for most dogs to digest, especially if they are sensitive to milk.

Practical Benefits

Babybel cheese is also useful for dog owners because of its size and texture:

• Perfect Size: The small, round shape makes it easy to cut into tiny pieces, which are great for training treats. Dogs love the taste, so it works well as a reward during training sessions.
• Portion Control: Each Babybel cheese is already portioned, so it’s easy to give your dog just the right amount without overfeeding.
• Hiding Medications: The soft texture of the cheese makes it perfect for hiding pills or tablets. If your dog doesn’t like taking medicine, wrapping it in a small piece of Babybel cheese can make things much easier.

While Babybel cheese can be a tasty and useful treat, remember to give it only in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. Too much cheese can lead to weight gain or upset stomachs in dogs.

Is Babybel Cheese Safe for Dogs?

Possible Dangers of Babybel Cheese

Too Much Fat

Babybel cheese is fatty. While dogs need some fat, too much can:

• Make dogs gain weight quickly
• Cause stomach pain or vomiting
• Lead to pancreatitis (a serious pancreas infection) in some dogs
• Small dogs are at higher risk. If your dog has had pancreatitis before, avoid cheese treats.

Salt Problems

This cheese contains salt. Too much salt can:

• Make dogs very thirsty
• Hurt their kidneys over time
• Be dangerous for dogs with heart issues
• Fun fact: A small piece has about as much salt as a dog should eat in half a day.

Tummy Troubles

Some dogs can’t handle milk sugar (lactose). Even though Babybel has less lactose than regular milk:

• Puppies and older dogs are more sensitive
• Watch for loose poop, gas, or throwing up
• If this happens, stop cheese treats and try pumpkin puree to settle their stomach.

The Wax Problem

Always take off the wax first! While not poisonous:

• The red wax coating can get stuck in their throat
• If swallowed, it might block their belly (like a toy stuck in a hose)

What to do if wax is eaten:

1. Check if they’re choking (pawing at mouth)
2. Offer water to help pass it
3. Call the vet if they seem sick

Quick Safety Tips

• Safe serving = pea-sized piece for small dogs, bean-sized for big dogs
• Only give cheese 1-2 times a week
• Never feed the wax wrapper
• Watch for itching (might mean dairy allergy)

How Much Babybel Cheese Can Dogs Safely Eat?

Serving Size Guidelines by Dog Size

Dogs can eat Babybel cheese, but portion size matters. The safe amount depends on your dog’s weight. Here’s a simple guide:

• Small dogs (under 10 pounds): Give a piece smaller than a pea once a week.
• Medium dogs (10-25 pounds): A piece the size of a bean twice a month.
• Large dogs (over 25 pounds): Up to half a thumb-sized piece once a week.

Always start with tiny amounts to test how your dog reacts. If they get diarrhea or gas, stop feeding cheese. Remove the red wax coating first, as it can block their stomach.

The 10% Rule for Treats

Treats like Babybel cheese should never fill your dog’s belly. Follow the 10% rule:

1. Find your dog’s daily calorie needs (ask your vet or check food labels).
2. Multiply that number by 0.10 to get the treat allowance.
3. One Babybel cheese has about 70 calories – use this to calculate portions.

Example: A 20-pound dog needs 400 calories daily. Their treats should be under 40 calories – that’s half a Babybel piece per week.

Cheese is a sometimes snack, not daily food. Stick to 1-2 small pieces monthly for most dogs. Bigger dogs can handle slightly more, but fatty cheese can still cause weight gain.

Remember:

• Use Babybel cheese for training rewards or hiding medicine
• Cut pieces smaller than your dog’s nose width to prevent choking
• Always check with your vet if your dog has health issues like diabetes or allergies

By following these rules, you keep cheese treats safe and fun for your pup!

Babybel Cheese Versus Other Cheese Options for Dogs

Safer Cheese Alternatives

Cottage cheese is a better choice for dogs than Babybel in most cases. It has less fat and more protein, which helps dogs stay lean and strong. The soft texture makes it easy to mix with dog food or serve as a snack. Choose plain, low-sodium cottage cheese to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.

String cheese can work if you pick low-salt versions and tear it into tiny pieces. However, some string cheeses contain additives (like garlic powder) that are bad for dogs. Always check the ingredients list before sharing.

Other good options include mozzarella and goat cheese. These cheeses are naturally lower in fat and salt compared to Babybel. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, goat cheese is easier to digest because it has less lactose.

Cheeses to Avoid

Blue cheese (like Roquefort or Gorgonzola) is dangerous for dogs. It contains a toxin called roquefortine C, which can cause vomiting, seizures, or even death. Even small amounts are risky.

Cream cheese is too fatty for most dogs and often has added sugars or artificial flavors. While a tiny lick might not hurt, regular feeding can lead to weight gain and pancreatitis.

Cheeses with high salt levels should be avoided. Examples include feta, processed cheese slices, and aged cheddar. These can make dogs extremely thirsty, damage their kidneys, or cause salt poisoning in severe cases.

Key tip: Always remove cheese rinds, wax coatings, and flavor additives before giving any cheese to your dog. When in doubt, stick to small amounts of plain, low-fat cheeses and consult your vet.

Special Considerations for Different Dogs

Puppies and Babybel Cheese

Puppies under 6 months old should avoid Babybel cheese. Their tiny stomachs are still growing and can’t handle rich foods. The high fat and salt in cheese might give them diarrhea or upset their digestion. Wait until your puppy is at least 6 months old before trying small cheese pieces. Even then, start with a crumb-sized amount to test their reaction.

Senior Dogs and Cheese Consumption

Older dogs often have slower digestion, so cheese treats should be rare. However, Babybel’s soft texture can help with giving medicine to senior dogs. If your older dog struggles with pills, wrap the medication in a rice-sized cheese piece. Watch for weight gain, as senior dogs burn fewer calories.

Dogs with Health Conditions

Obesity

Babybel cheese is high in calories. For overweight dogs, even small amounts can slow weight loss. Swap cheese treats for green beans or carrot sticks instead.

Kidney Issues

Dogs with kidney problems need low-sodium diets. Babybel cheese has too much salt, which strains their kidneys. Avoid cheese completely if your vet recommends a kidney-friendly diet.

Pancreatitis History

Dogs that have had pancreatitis (a painful pancreas condition) must avoid fatty foods. Babybel’s high fat content could trigger another attack. Stick to vet-approved treats like plain chicken or pumpkin puree.

Always ask your vet before giving cheese to dogs with health issues. What’s safe for one dog might harm another!

Creative Ways to Serve Babybel Cheese to Your Dog

Training Reward Ideas

Babybel cheese can be a great high-value treat for training your dog. Dogs love the creamy taste, and the small size makes it easy to portion. Here’s how to use it effectively:

• Break into small pieces: Cut the cheese into tiny bits, about the size of a pea for small dogs or a bean for larger dogs. This ensures your dog gets just enough without overeating.
• Use during training: Offer a small piece as a reward when your dog learns a new trick or follows a command. The strong smell and taste make Babybel cheese extra motivating for dogs.
• Shape it creatively: You can use cookie cutters to make fun shapes, like bones or hearts, which adds excitement during training sessions.

Remember, moderation is key. Too much cheese can upset your dog’s stomach or lead to weight gain.

Medication Administration

Babybel cheese is soft and easy to mold, making it perfect for hiding pills. Here’s how:

• Wrap the pill in cheese: Take a small piece of Babybel cheese and press it around the pill until it’s completely covered. The strong flavor helps mask the taste of the medicine, making it easier for your dog to swallow.
• Test first: Before using cheese for medication, give your dog a tiny piece to ensure they don’t have any digestive issues with dairy products.

If cheese doesn’t work or your dog refuses it, try these alternatives:

• Peanut butter: Use creamy peanut butter (without xylitol) to coat the pill. Dogs love the sticky texture and sweet taste.
• Plain chicken: Wrap the pill in a small piece of boiled chicken for an easy-to-digest option.
• Wet dog food: Mix the pill into your dog’s regular wet food for a hassle-free method.

Always check with your vet before using human foods to hide medication, especially if your dog has health conditions like lactose intolerance or pancreatitis.

FAQS.

Conclusion

Babybel cheese can be a safe occasional treat for most dogs, but there are important rules to follow. Let’s recap what matters most:

1. Moderation is key – A tiny piece once a week is enough. Think of it as a special reward, not regular food.
2. Remove the wax – Always take off the red coating to prevent choking or tummy blockages.
3. Watch for problems – If your dog gets diarrhea, gas, or acts sluggish after eating cheese, stop giving it.

For dogs with health issues like allergies, kidney problems, or weight struggles, skip the cheese. Always ask your vet before sharing human foods, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach or medical history.

Found this helpful? Share your story below! Have you tried giving your dog Babybel cheese? What other safe treats does your pup love? Let’s chat in the comments – your experience could help other dog owners!

Remember: When in doubt, choose vet-approved treats over cheese. Your dog’s health always comes first!