Tilsiter cheese

What is Tilsiter?

Tilsiter is a cheese that originally comes from East Prussia. It was invented in the 19th century by Swiss cheesemakers who were working in Prussia and improving the art of cheesemaking there. They experimented with different types of cheese and came up with the idea of making a semi-hard cheese with red smear. Red smear is a mixture of salt water and bacterial cultures that gives the cheese a reddish color and a piquant taste. Tilsiter is made from raw or pasteurized milk and has a fat content of 30 to 60 percent in the dry matter.

Today, Tilsiter is mainly produced in Switzerland and Germany, but also in other countries such as Russia and Poland. There are different varieties of Tilsiter, which differ in shape, ripening time and taste. Swiss Tilsiter is round and has a yellowish rind; it tastes mild to strong. Holsteiner Tilsiter is rectangular with a brown rind and tastes rather spicy. Altmecklenburger or North Sea cheese is a milder version of Tilsiter, reminiscent of Edam.

What are the benefits of Tilsiter for dogs?

Cheese is a popular snack for dogs because it contains many nutrients such as protein, calcium, iodine and vitamin B2. These are important for building muscles, bones, teeth and fur. In addition, cheese simply tastes good to many dogs and can be used as a reward or treat.

Tilsiter has several advantages over other types of cheese for dogs. It is relatively hard and can therefore be chewed easily, which helps to clean the teeth. It has a high protein content of around 26 percent, which meets the energy requirements of active dogs. It also has a high calcium content of around 840 milligrams per 100 grams, which strengthens the bones.

What are the disadvantages of Tilsiter for dogs?

Despite its benefits, Tilsiter also has some disadvantages for dogs. It is very high in fat and can therefore lead to obesity or digestive problems if fed too often or too much. It also contains a lot of salt and lactose, which can be intolerable for some dogs. Salt can increase blood pressure or lead to kidney problems, while lactose can cause flatulence or diarrhea.

Tilsiter can also trigger allergies or intolerances if the dog is sensitive to certain ingredients. These include, for example, red smear bacteria, which can release histamine, or casein, a milk protein that can cause allergic reactions.

How much Tilsiter can a dog eat?

As with all foods, the same applies to Tilsiter: the quantity makes the poison. A small piece of Tilsiter from time to time can be no problem for a healthy dog as long as it has no allergies or intolerances. However, Tilsiter should not be used as a staple food, but only as a supplement or reward. As a rule of thumb, cheese should not make up more than ten percent of a dog's daily calorie intake.

Of course, the exact amount also depends on the size, weight, age and activity of the dog. A large and athletic dog can tolerate more Tilsiter than a small and calm dog. To be on the safe side, you should ask your vet how much Tilsiter you can give your dog.