Just as the name suggests, cheesecake is an interesting and sumptuous meal. Everyone loves cheesecake, except those with lactose intolerance, as this would be damaging to their body systems. 

The fact that cheesecake may be good for you and your friends does not, in turn, mean it will be good for your dog. 

Cheesecake was originally founded by Ancient Greece, and to date, it is still being enjoyed mainly in South Africa, Japan, the Philippines, Spain, Russia, New York, and Chicago. In theory, cheesecake is a human food and, in fact, was originally enjoyed by humans. L

In most households that traditionally enjoy cheesecake, there may be pet dogs that make their owner wonder, “Can Dogs Eat Cheesecake“? So that they can also enjoy a bite or two. 

This article serves to provide what you should know about dogs and cheesecake consumption. Will your dog love cheesecake? Let us find out.

What Is Cheesecake?

Cheesecake is a delicious and yummy dessert prepared with a variety of ingredients; Cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, sour cream, granulated sugar, butter, bread crumbs, cream, icing sugar and lemon. 

Observe closely, and one can notice the base or crust derived from blended cookies, crackers, graham, and sponge cake, and according to preference, pastry may also be used. 

Cheesecake is always served either unbaked or baked; in most cases, it is always refrigerated for preservation purposes. 

For normal cakes, eggs are essential and used in abundance to give the cake a very good rise, as well as a fluffy/light and smooth texture. However, in any traditionally prepared cheesecake, butter is used as the binding agent instead of eggs, and this, in turn, gives the cheesecake a thick and very rich texture. 

Another reason why it is observed that cheesecake is different from your regular cake is that the pastry is always baked with a leavening agent, and this leavening agent is used in every recipe worldwide. 

Cheesecake is just one of the many delicious desserts in the world that fall into the category of ending with “cake” via its name despite being entirely different from regular cake. The cheese that is used in a cheesecake recipe is one like ricotta, Neufchatel (a popular creamy French cheese) or cream cheese. 

Being different from cake, cheesecake is definitely lower in calories and cholesterol than regular cake, making it a much better choice for dessert or snacks if you are on a weight-watching program. 

Cake has lots of calories, which is why cheesecake is much healthier, and one fun fact is that a slice of cheesecake for dessert contains slightly less calory concentration than a slice of regular cake. 

Nutritional Composition Of Cheesecake And Potential Concerns For Dogs

Regarding the nutritional value of cheesecake and its health benefits / potential health complications for dogs. 

One serving or slice of cheesecake is about 100 grams, so this means that the amount of calories derived per serving is 321 calories. 

The total Fat derived from a serving of cheesecake is 23 grams (35% daily value), and the total Fat is derived from saturated Fat (10gram), which is 50% per daily value, Trans Fat (1gram), Polyunsaturated fats (2gram), Monounsaturated fats (2 grams). 

Cheesecake also contains 55 milligrams of cholesterol which is 18% per daily value, 438 milligrams of sodium which is 18% per daily value, and 90 milligrams of potassium, which is 2% daily value. 

The total carbohydrates derived from a serving of cheesecake is 26 grams (8% daily value), and the total carbohydrates is derived from dietary fiber of 0.4 grams which gives only 1% per daily value and sugar of 22 grams. Protein derived from a serving of cheesecake is 6 grams which gives 12% per daily value. 

With regard to vitamins and minerals, a dog can derive only 0% vitamin c, 3% iron, 5% vitamin B6, 2% magnesium, 5% calcium, 4% vitamin D, and 3% cobalamin from a serving of cheesecake. 

The percentage (%) per slice or serving mentioned above is referred to as the “Daily Value” of each nutrient derived from a serving of cheesecake.  

This means that the amount of required vitamins, minerals and nutrients stated above per slice or serving of cheesecake actually contributes very little to a dog’s daily diet. 

The nutrients that are high in concentration are the ones that are actually toxic to dogs. Cheesecake contains only a small amount of essential proteins, too many calories, and a high concentration of sodium, sugar and saturated fats per serving.  

Read also: Can Dogs Eat Raisin Bread? Find Out

Can Dogs Eat Cheesecake?

Now that we have made the nutritional composition of cheesecake known, we will now use it to decipher its potential health complications and health benefits to canines and then you will get an answer to the query, “Can dogs eat cheesecake”? 

Seeing as cheesecake has about 321 grams of calories, 55 milligrams of cholesterol, 438 milligrams of sodium, only 1% of dietary fibre, and only 6 grams of protein, it is safe to say that the sugar and lactose concentration in cheesecake can result in abdominal pains, bloating, and gastrointestinal tract complications due to lactose intolerance. 

The high concentration of sodium(salt) in cheesecake can result in hypernatremia, high blood pressure, stroke, heart diseases, lack of proper vision, calcium loss, muscle twitching, seizures, confusion, coma, possible loss of memory and possible death. 

The high concentration of cholesterol can result in the development of unwanted fat deposits in a dog’s blood vessels, pains while walking, seizures, stroke, diabetes, chest pains, wheezing, unnecessary barking, increased panting, lack of sleep, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and death. 

The fat deposits can possibly grow, resulting in difficulties for enough blood to flow through the dog’s arteries. 

It is also very possible for the fat deposits to break down and form a dangerous clot which will result in a stroke or a heart attack. 

The high concentration of sugar in cheesecake can cause your canine to develop unnecessary weight gain, heart diseases, cancer, depression, skin ageing, type 2 diabetes, indigestion, bloating, vomiting, metabolic acidosis, diarrhoea, high blood sugar, dental cavities, tooth decay and increased risk of bleeding in female dogs. 

All of these potential health complications are not worth the 3% of iron, 1% of dietary fibre, 6 grams of protein, 2% of magnesium, 4% of vitamin D, 5% of vitamin B6 and 2% of the potassium that cheesecake has to offer to your dog. 

Risks Of Feeding Dogs Cheesecake

Making a slice or two of cheesecake available for your dog can pose several health complications.

Firstly, cheesecake contains sugar in a very high concentration and fat in a very high concentration, which, as stated above, can result in obesity and possible weight gain. 

Obesity in dogs can contribute to various health deteriorations, such as diabetes, joint pain, and heart problems. 

Secondly, most cheesecake recipes consist of ingredients like raisins, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, and xylitol. These ingredients can contribute to various health deteriorations, which will be explained extensively below. 

Ingredients In Cheesecake That Are Very Toxic To Canines

Below we will describe some ingredients that are commonly found in most cheesecake recipes that are detrimental and toxic to the health of all dogs: 

Chocolate:

Any household that traditionally enjoys cheesecake and would like to serve some to their canine should avoid using chocolate in the cheesecake recipe. 

Typically, a chocolate cheesecake has the potential to put your canine at risk for high toxicity levels, as chocolate contains a compound that is poisonous to dogs called theobromine. 

Cream Cheese

The high concentration of fat in cream cheese will basically cause very challenging health complications for your pooch as well, Your dog may find it hard to metabolize properly, and this may contribute to excessively stored body fat. 

Additionally, regular consumption of foods that are high in fat, just like cream cheese, can lead to health issues brought about by weight gain/obesity, such as hip displacement, pancreatitis, back pain and strained joints. 

Fruit Topping

For some households, a cheesecake recipe can never be complete without compote, fruit toppings, or berry sauce. These are to be placed atop the traditionally prepared cheesecake and consumed immediately. 

Some fruit toppings can contain an artificial sweetener that is detrimental to a dog’s health, known as xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that can pose dangerous hazards to a dog’s overall health.

Xylitol is also often used as a sweetener in commercial peanut butter brands, which is why dogs must avoid unhealthy peanut butter consumption. 

A dog can be at risk for neurological issues and, in some cases, kidney failure if it consumes cheesecake with xylitol. 

Graham Crackers

An artificial sweetener called xylitol is also used as an artificial sweetener in the crusts of graham crackers. The preservative and artificial sweetener used for these graham crackers could result in severe muscle tremors and seizures in the body of a canine. 

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts, asides from peanut butter and xylitol are extremely harmful to a dog. As a dog owner, if you accidentally leave a cheesecake containing macadamia nuts within a dog’s reach and the dog eats it, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian or the pet poison control hotline with immediate effect so that medical care can be administered to the poisoned dog. 

Macadamia nuts prove to be hazardous to dogs’ health because dogs cannot tolerate the nuts and, therefore, will show signs of nut toxicity. Some common symptoms when it comes down to poisoning are lack of coordination, dizziness, light-headedness, gradual loss in vision, trembling, confusion and unconsciousness. 

Raisins

The artificial sweetener in graham crackers and fruit toppings, the tartaric acid found in grapes followed by a raisin full cheesecake can all result in the development of severe gastrointestinal tract complications, such as diarrhoea and vomiting to dogs and other furry friends. 

Additionally, macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins can cause choking hazards in your canine, so it is best to avoid using such ingredients to prepare a traditional cheesecake for your dog. 

Sugar

Most sizes, breeds and dogs of young ages are more vulnerable to experiencing digestive deterioration after consuming some human-made food like sugar and sugary desserts can result in a dangerous stomach upset. 

Cheesecake’s high concentration of lactose and sugar can result in bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea.

Additionally, cheesecake’s smooth, rich, ecstatic, and creamy nature can upset a dog’s digestive system, causing possible stomach effects, pancreatitis, and diarrhea.

It is always best to stick to your dog’s regular diet, the cheesecake will pose very harmful detriments to the dog’s health, but if you stick to a balanced, dog-friendly, dog-specific diet to ensure that the dog grows properly and ensure their overall wellness, there would be no health complications. 

Consult the dog’s veterinarian before you agree to introduce any new food to your dog’s regular diet. 

Read also: Can Dogs Eat Couscous? What You Should Know

Alternatives To Cheesecake For Dogs

Dog Owners should always remember that dogs require a balanced, nutritious and complete diet, which can be obtained through a well-prepared meal and eating a complete feed. 

A dog’s complete feed is referred to as a feed through which a pet dog obtains all of its required nutrients; the required nutrients are derived from the source of feed alone. 

The intention of feeding a dog with complete feed is to supply the required nutrients for an average, healthy canine to have a prolonged life and a healthy lifestyle. There is a total difference between what a dog can and should consume.

Technically canines “can ” consume traditionally prepared cheesecakes in moderation. But, as we all know, some ingredients prove to be hazardous to a dog’s health in cheesecakes, and the dessert has no nutritional value or benefits in it for dogs, so dogs should not eat cheesecake as it is not worth it. 

Regarding human foods that are safer alternatives to cheesecake for dogs, here is a description of some of them below: 

1. Frozen Treats: 

A dog owner can prepare homemade frozen treats with pureed fruits like pineapple, banana, strawberry, plain yoghurt, and a very small amount of honey for sweetening. Get them ready by freezing them in different moulds, serve them to your dog and allow it to enjoy the cool and refreshing treat. 

2. Peanut Butter Treats: 

Regardless of their toxicity, dogs love the taste of delicious peanut butter. To help your canine buddy stay happy, search for dog-friendly and dog-specific peanut butter options, preferably those without added sugars, preservatives and artificial sweeteners. 

You can serve this to your dog by spreading a small amount on a homemade dog-friendly treat or using peanut butter as a condiment in homemade dog biscuits. 

3. Carrot Sticks: 

Vegetables such as carrots are sufficiently low in calories and high in dietary fibre, making them a healthy and crunchy snack for dogs. 

Cut the carrot into small sizes and serve as your dog’s crunchy and healthy snack. 

4. Apple Slices: 

Apples are tasty, nutritious, and healthy to use as a safer alternative to cheesecakes. Dogs of any breed, whether young or old, obese or fit, can enjoy a healthy slice of apple on any given day, serve a slice of apple to your dog by removing the seed and core, then slice the apples into small pieces and serve to your dog. 

A slice or two of apples can give a dog more nutrients than a slice of cheesecake can. 

5. Fish:

It is very beneficial when dog owners feed fish to their dogs. Fish can provide dogs with a new protein that is particularly beneficial in managing food allergies.  Fish is an excellent and natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for your dog’s skin.

Omega-3 fatty acids provide your dog with a natural anti-inflammatory component of dog food, which can be very beneficial for dogs suffering from inflammatory bowel disease or joint conditions such as arthritis. 

Fish skin is also a valuable source of collagen, which is especially important for bone and skin health in older dogs. Fish is a good source of protein for both humans and dogs.

7. Fried Or Roasted Chicken

Chicken can be healthy for dogs if it is prepared properly. It’s a great source and choice for protein, as it contains several nutrients that can help support your dog’s overall health, including vitamin B6, vitamin B3 and zinc.

Just make sure any chicken you feed your dog is thoroughly cooked to avoid the risk of salmonella and other foodborne illnesses. 

Watch out for other ingredients that could make them sick, such as garlic and onions, and remove any bones as they can cause choking or indigestion.

8. Watermelon

Watermelon is a healthy fruit for humans and dogs as well. The fruit 

itself is a powerhouse of healthy nutrition, low in calories and full of nutrients – vitamins A, B6 and C and potassium. 

Plus, fruit is only about 50 calories per cup and 92% water, so it’s great for hydration on a hot day. It also contains no fat or cholesterol.

9. Rice (Basmati Or Plain)

Rice is a great addition to your puppy’s diet. It is a complex carbohydrate rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals. It is low in fat, making it an excellent alternative to other grains such as corn and wheat.

Rice is also easier to digest than other grains and is a great source of energy for your pup.

Feeding your pet a small portion of this rice can help them feel full and satisfied and relieve stomach upset. In addition, feeding your pup a good amount of rice can help with diarrhoea.

The fibre in rice helps bind stools and can help soothe any irritation in the intestines. Rice is also easy on the digestive system and helps absorb toxins and excess fluid from the intestines. 

When feeding your puppy basmati rice, it’s important to ensure you’re giving him the right amount.

10. Cornbeef

Since it’s basically corned beef, it contains several essential vitamins, nutrients and minerals like protein, iron, and vitamin B12 that help your dog’s red blood cells. A small amount can be a tasty treat, but be careful how much you give your dog.

Although beef is a healthy treat for dogs, it is not good for them when it is soaked in salt and cooked in lots of other spices.

11. Sardines

Sardines contain nutrients such as Omega-3, vitamins D and B12, amino acids (substances that makeup proteins) and coenzyme Q10. 

Dogs can benefit from many of the healthy foods we include in our diets, and sardines are no different. 

Adding a few sardines to your dog’s regular diet once a week can help develop muscle and other connective tissue, boost their immune system, improve dental health and protect against kidney disease. 

They will also keep them sleek, as Omega-3 fatty acids help the coat stay soft and supple. Small fish, big benefits.

12. Hotdogs

Hot dogs are known to be excellent sources of protein, which is essential for the body. Protein helps build and repair body tissue and hormones and boosts immunity.

Hot dogs can help your dog meet their daily protein requirement. Ensure to include other protein sources in your dog’s diet, such as lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts.

Hot dogs can help improve gut health due to their high protein and fat content. Protein and fat help promote good growth of healthy bacteria in the gut, which improves digestion and prevents constipation. 

Hot dogs can also help protect the intestines from inflammation and infection.

13. Green Beans

Green beans are excellent sources of essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins, like calcium, iron, protein, and vitamins B6, A, C, and K. Green beans have fibres which can help both dogs and humans feel full while on a diet.

Green beans offer a nutritional alternative to dogs, and they can make us feel less guilty about leaving unhealthy treats and leftovers out of our dogs’ diets.

14. Green Peas

Green beans are excellent sources of essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins, like calcium, iron, protein, and vitamins B6, A, C, and K. Green beans have fibres which can help both dogs and humans feel full while on a diet.

Green beans offer a nutritional alternative to dogs, and they can make us feel less guilty about leaving unhealthy treats and leftovers out of our dogs’ diets.

Some Safe Homemade Alternatives To Cheesecake 

• Chicken dog treats
• Homemade Dog biscuits
• Oatmeal biscuits
• Sweet yam or potato fries
• Delicious meatballs
• Scrambled eggs 

Consulting With A Veterinarian

Before introducing courgette or any new food into a dog’s diet, a veterinary clinic visit should be made first. If you do not have the time to visit the vet with your canine, try making a phone call and extensively communicate with the doctor regarding courgettes for dogs.

When medical advice has been given, ensure to do all that the doctor has advised to ensure that every safety measure is in check. 

For the first-timers who would like to incorporate courgettes into their dog’s diet, observe him closely after the first courgette serving. You should consult your veterinarian immediately if he starts displaying unusual behavioural patterns. 

If you observe any allergic reactions due to the Courgette treatment, avoid administering dog or any kind of human medications by yourself to your allergic dog, its veterinarian will know better and administer the right kind of treatment for him. 

After treatment, the veterinarian will provide personalised kibble and treat recommendations based on the dog’s needs, health conditions, and dietary requirements.

Remember, moderation is key when giving treats to your dog. It’s always a good idea to consult your vet about specific dietary needs or restrictions for your furry friend.

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Conclusion

Can dogs eat cheesecake? Well, understanding that the positive or advantage of feeding cheesecake to your dog is low compared to the disadvantage. 

Therefore, it would be riskier to feed cheesecake to your dog than to take the alternative by looking for alternatives to cheesecake, as mentioned in this article. 

As a dog owner, you love your dog, don’t you? And you would want to do everything possible to keep them as healthy as possible. The nutrients we tend to give our dogs, stemming from the food we feed them, should be carefully analysed. 

A professional can do this. Your veterinarian is a good choice in selecting new meals and treats for your dogs; always consult them before choosing new diets for your pup.

If you have not been fully acquainted with the metabolic state of your dog, please, do not be hasty in feeding them. 

This article is meant to help you understand that whilst cheesecake can be good for humans, your dog’s health might be in danger, as humans and dogs have diverse metabolic states. We hope this article has been helpful in analysing if cheesecake is safe for your dog. 

Feel free to share this article with friends and loved ones who are dog lovers/owners. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to use the comment box, and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.