Most dogs can eat brie rind safely. However, before feeding brie rind to your dog, it is best to consider several important factors, such as the dog’s age and the amount of brie rind. Be sure to monitor your dog for symptoms of digestive discomfort (including loose stools and diarrhea) for up to 12 hours after introducing them to brie rind.
Has your dog been eyeing that piece of brie rind longingly? Are you wondering if brie rind is safe to share with your furry best friend? It is a good idea to learn the facts about brie rind before deciding to add it to your dog’s diet of treats.
YOUR DOG AND BRIE RIND – THE PROS
Virtually every dog owner has experienced soulful eyes, whining, drooling, perhaps even unprompted tricks from a dog who wants a treat. Dogs may resort to these and other strategies to get a bite of whatever their humans are eating. The good news is that many of the foods you enjoy are okay for your dog, too. Brie rind:
- Is non-toxic for dogs,
- Has a somewhat nutty flavor most dogs love, making it a high-value reward treat, and
- Has a malleable texture, making it a perfect cover for heartworm pills and other medicines your dog might otherwise be reluctant to take.
YOUR DOG AND BRIE RIND – SERVE WITH CAUTION
Brie rind consists mainly of several naturally occurring bacteria which enhance the flavor of the cheese it surrounds. While brie rind is not, strictly speaking, “good” for your dog (it won’t make them stronger or live longer), it’s not “bad” for them, either. Nevertheless, there are some important things to keep in mind before serving brie rind to your dog.
CHECK WITH YOUR VET FIRST
Before you give your dog brie rind, check with your dog’s vet. Every dog is unique, and your dog’s vet will know best if brie rind is safe for your dog. It is even more crucial to check with your vet if your dog is:
- Pregnant
- Nursing
- Elderly, or
- Has a known health condition.
CHECK THE LABEL
You would never serve expired food to your human friends or family, so do not serve them to your dog, either! Check the expiration labels, appearance, and smell before giving brie rind to your dog.
It is also important to check the label on your brie rind for added ingredients, such as herbs, onions, or garlic. These ingredients are toxic to dogs and should never be given to them.
SERVE THE RIND BUT HOLD THE CHEESE
Anyone who has ever taken the rind off a piece of brie knows that it is virtually impossible to do so without taking at least a little of the cheese with it. While this is not a big deal for humans, it could have a negative impact on your dog.
Many dogs are lactose intolerant, so cheeses like brie may prove indigestible. While brie cheese does contain Vitamin A, calcium, and other healthy components, it is also high in salt and saturated fat, which are not recommended for dogs. Be sure to remove as much cheese as possible from the brie rind before feeding it to your dog.
LESS IS MORE
When it comes to brie rind and your dog, less is more. Adding too much salt and fat to your dog’s diet puts them at risk for serious health issues, such as obesity and pancreatitis. No matter how much your dog begs for it, brie rind is not a replacement for their regular diet!
To avoid giving your dog too much brie rind, measure out the treat first. Try to give no more than 10 calories of brie rind per day. That is about a 1 gram serving (about 1 cubic inch). Once you have measured your dog’s serving, you can break it into smaller pieces for training or treat purposes.
If you serve much brie rind too often, it will become an expectation for your dog instead of a treat! Consider saving brie rind as a treat for something special, such as mastering a difficult trick or graduating obedience school. That way, you will not be hurting your dog with too much junk food.
KEEP AN EYE OUT
Thinking of introducing your dog to brie rind for the first time? Give only a small amount and monitor your dog’s reaction for up to 12 hours after feeding. Some common side effects of indigestion you might notice are:
- Bloating and gas
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Loose stools or diarrhea
- Decrease in appetite
- Increased water intake
- Vomiting
If your dog develops a fever, seizure, or if the above symptoms persist for more than a day, seek out your veterinarian right away. Do not attempt to feed your dog brie rind again if it makes them unwell.
MY DOG ATE WAY TOO MUCH BRIE RIND – NOW WHAT?
Dogs can be naughty, and accidents happen. If your dog got into some brie rind behind your back, do not panic! This is unlikely to harm your dog permanently, though they may become ill if they managed to ingest a lot of brie rind at once. Watch for the symptoms described above, proceed accordingly, and be more careful next time.
MY DOG REACTED BADLY TO BRIE RIND – NOW WHAT?
If your dog shows signs of discomfort after eating brie rind, it is best to discontinue the treat. Fortunately, there are many other human foods that dogs can eat safely. You might try switching to a low-fat cheese with little to no lactose, such as cheddar or mozzarella. As always, keep an eye out for any symptoms that develop.
If you already know that your dog is lactose intolerant, avoid feeding them brie rind and other forms of dairy. Remember that dogs do not need dairy to be healthy, and other foods contain as much or more calcium and vitamins.
CONCLUSION
Your dog is like a member of your family, so it is natural to want to feed them what the rest of the family is eating. Just keep in mind that even though they might be eyeing your plate, dogs do not know what is good for them what it comes to human food. It is up to you to make smart and informed choices on behalf of your dog, including feeding them a proper diet and keeping them away from harmful foods.
Do you have lingering questions or concerns about feeding brie rind or other foods to your dog? Check-in with your veterinarian about these concerns. No one knows your dog better than you and your vet. Together you can keep your dog happy and healthy for many years.
