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No, dogs should not eat cheeseburgers. Cheeseburgers have no nutritional value for your dog and adding them to your pup’s diet can put them at risk of developing gastrointestinal problems and serious diseases such as pancreatitis.

Cheeseburgers
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caution

Caution: This food is generally considered risky by the veterinary community. Dogs should not eat this food and should be monitored for adverse effects.

Food Safety  Caution
Nutritional Issues  Fat, cheese, salt in seasoning and sauces
Potential Risks  Gastrointestinal problems, obesity, pancreatitis, sodium poisoning
Symptoms  Vomiting, diarrhea, weight gain, dehydration
Every dog is different. For specific feeding guidelines, including quantities and beneficial foods that are best for your dog, please consult your vet.

How Much Cheeseburger is Bad for Dogs?

Cheeseburger itself is not considered toxic for dogs as long as it doesn’t contain toppings such as onions and tomatoes; hence, a few small bites of the burger shouldn’t be harmful. However, some dog owners find it hard to deny their little pooch and feed them cheeseburgers as regular meals which can be extremely harmful in the long run.

Cheeseburgers contain bread, fat, and dairy – all of which can put your pup at risk of developing serious digestive issues. Therefore, it’s best not to feed your fur baby cheeseburgers.

Common Ingredients in Cheeseburgers

  • Meat Patty: While meat in general is healthy for dogs, the meat patty in cheeseburgers is heavily seasoned with salt, which is dangerous for dogs and can lead to sodium poisoning. Moreover, meat patties in cheeseburgers are also very high in fat which can lead to obesity and pancreatitis.
  • Cheese: Some people may consider cheese safe for dogs, but it’s important to note that most dogs cannot digest dairy well. Intake of dairy products like cheddar cheese from cheeseburgers can therefore result in digestive issues. In addition, American cheese is highly processed and full of artificial ingredients and should be avoided altogether.
  • Sauces: Artificially made sauces contain artificial flavors, toxic ingredients like garlic or onion, and high levels of sodium. All of these components can be harmful to your dog’s health.
  • Toppings: Many cheeseburgers include toppings like onions that can be toxic for your pup.
  • Oil: When cheeseburger patties are fried in vegetable oils, they absorb high amounts of fat which is unsafe for dogs.

TIP: If your pup loves sharing a cheeseburger with you, you can make them a dog-friendly cheeseburger using unseasoned cooked meat and safe cheeses.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No, cheeseburgers are not good for dogs. They contain unhealthy ingredients that can result in long-term effects on their health.

  • In case of excessive intake of cheeseburgers, your dog is likely to show signs of distress such as stomach ache, vomiting, and diarrhea. In serious cases, they can develop life-threatening pancreatitis.

  • Cheeseburgers are made using fried and seasoned meat patties that can cause sodium poisoning and pancreatitis in your pup. Moreover, most dogs are lactose intolerant so cheese intake can trigger digestive problems.

photo of vet holding a pup
About the Writer
Dr. Hillary Wolfe , Veterinarian & Certified Food Therapist

Dr. Wolfe holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University and holds nutrition certifications from the NAVC and CIVT. Her business, Tula Veterinary Nutrition, hosts online courses that teach owners how to cook for their pet for optimal health and longevity. Follow her on Instagram at @doctorwolfe.dvm for dog nutrition tips, recipes and insights.