Cholesterol in Humans and Pets: Important Differences
It is widely believed that high cholesterol is linked to cardiovascular disease, arterial hardening, and stroke in humans. This association has strongly influenced public perception, and it is understandable that people often transfer these concerns to their companion animals.
However, the physiology of dogs and cats differs significantly from that of humans. Cholesterol in pets serves the same essential biological functions—it is required for the synthesis of steroid hormones, bile acids, vitamin D, and cellular membranes. Every cell in the body is capable of producing cholesterol, underlining its importance in normal health and function.
Unlike humans, dogs and cats rarely develop cardiovascular disease as a direct result of elevated cholesterol. As carnivores, they are naturally adapted to diets high in animal fat and cholesterol without the adverse effects seen in people. For this reason, high cholesterol in pets is not considered a direct risk factor for heart attack or stroke.
That said, abnormal cholesterol levels in pets should not be ignored. In veterinary medicine, elevated cholesterol is often viewed as a clinical marker rather than a disease in itself. It can indicate the presence of underlying conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s disease, pancreatitis, liver dysfunction, kidney syndromes, or cholestasis (bile flow obstruction). Conversely, reduced cholesterol levels may occur with malnutrition, malabsorption, chronic intestinal or pancreatic disease, hyperthyroidism, Addison’s disease, or certain cancers.
Cholesterol-Rich Foods for Dogs
While excessive cholesterol intake is discouraged in human diets, many cholesterol-rich foods are both safe and beneficial for dogs when fed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. These foods support hormone production, cell structure, nutrient absorption, and energy metabolism.
Examples of suitable cholesterol-containing foods for dogs include:
Grass-fed butter – a source of cholesterol and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Best fed in very small amounts.
Eggs (especially yolks) – one of the richest natural sources of cholesterol, as well as protein, choline, and essential fatty acids.
Grass-fed meats with moderate fat – provide balanced cholesterol, energy, and essential fatty acids. Grass fed have a more favourable omega 6:omega 3 ratio between 1:1 and 4:1 compared to grain fed at 10:1 and higher.
Organ meats (liver, kidney, brain, heart) – exceptionally nutrient-dense and high in cholesterol. They supply vitamins A and B12, iron, and other key micronutrients but must be fed in controlled portions (e.g., liver should not exceed ~5% of the diet).
Full-fat dairy (yoghurt, kefir, cheese, goat’s milk) – moderate cholesterol with added probiotics and calcium. Tolerance varies, as some dogs are lactose sensitive.
Shellfish (mussels, oysters) – naturally high in cholesterol and valuable trace minerals such as zinc and copper.
These foods reflect the natural, species-appropriate diet of carnivores and can be rotated into meals to provide variety and essential nutrients. The key is moderation and balance, avoiding excessive fat that could trigger digestive upset or metabolic strain.
Important Considerations
The aim of this article is to reduce the fear around feeding foods that are considered high in cholesterol to your pet. In saying this, the type and amount of fat in the diet must be carefully managed. Excessive dietary fat can increase calories which may lead to weight gain and, in some dogs who have are not on a whole foods diet or are predisposed, excessive dietary fat may lead to pancreatitis. Cholesterol-rich foods should therefore form part of a balanced, species-appropriate diet, not be the central focus.
Raw-fed dogs generally tolerate these foods well, as their digestive systems adapt to processing higher levels of animal fats. By contrast, dogs fed primarily dry food may be less accustomed to handling large amounts of fat, so additions should be introduced gradually and with care. For these dogs, it is often more appropriate to prioritise foods that supply antioxidants, enzymes, probiotics, essential fatty acids, and essential vitamins before focusing on cholesterol-dense ingredients.
Maintaining dietary variety and balance across protein sources, fats, and micronutrients remains the most effective way to ensure long-term health.
Conclusion
While it is believed that high cholesterol in humans increases cardiovascular risk, in dogs and cats cholesterol does not pose the same dangers. Instead, cholesterol levels act as an important marker of overall health and can provide clues to underlying endocrine, metabolic, or organ-related conditions.
For pets, cholesterol-rich foods such as eggs, organ meats, and grass-fed animal products are not harmful when fed as part of a balanced diet. In fact, they provide essential building blocks for normal cellular and hormonal function. The key is moderation, dietary balance, and consideration of each dog’s existing diet and tolerance. Routine blood testing by veterinarians remains the most effective way to monitor cholesterol levels and ensure they reflect health rather than disease.