What is Caprifeuille?
Caprifeuille is a soft cheese made from goat's milk that belongs to the so-called "bûches". These are elongated cheeses in the shape of a tree trunk or a goat. The name Caprifeuille means "goat's leaf" and refers to the shape of the cheese. Caprifeuille is made from pasteurized or raw goat's milk, which is mixed with rennet and lactic acid bacteria. The cheese mass is filled into moulds and sprinkled with wood ash, which gives the cheese its characteristic grey color. The molds are then stored in maturing chambers, where the cheese matures for at least ten days. During this process, a natural rind of yeasts and molds forms, which gives the cheese its aroma.
How does Caprifeuille affect dogs?
Caprifeuille can have both advantages and disadvantages for dogs.
The benefits include:
- Caprifeuille is a good source of protein, calcium and phosphorus, which are important for building muscle, bone and teeth.
- Caprifeuille contains less lactose than cow's milk cheese, which makes it more tolerable for dogs that are sensitive to lactose.
- Caprifeuille has a high fat content of around 38%, which can be beneficial for dogs that need a lot of energy or are underweight.
The disadvantages include:
- Caprifeuille may cause gastrointestinal upset or skin rashes in dogs that are allergic to goat's milk or molds.
- Caprifeuille can cause health problems in dogs that are prone to obesity or pancreatitis, as it contains a lot of fat and calories.
- Caprifeuille can contribute to tooth decay or tartar formation in dogs if it is not fed in moderation or if the teeth are not cleaned regularly.
