Can dogs eat cheese?
Maybe — small amounts of plain, low-fat cheese are safe for most dogs and make excellent training treats. However, many dogs are lactose intolerant, and high-fat cheeses can trigger pancreatitis. Avoid blue cheese, cheese with garlic/herbs, and processed cheese products.
Dairy · 350 kcal per 100 g
Benefits and risks
Benefits
- Good source of protein and calcium
- Contains vitamin A, B12, and zinc
- Highly motivating as a training treat
- Useful for hiding pills and medication
- Cottage cheese is lower in fat and lactose than aged cheeses
Risks
- Many dogs are lactose intolerant — causes gas, diarrhea, and bloating
- High-fat cheeses can trigger pancreatitis
- Blue cheese contains roquefortine C — toxic to dogs
- Cheese with garlic, chives, or onion herbs is dangerous
- Very high in calories and sodium — easy to overfeed
Recommended serving size
Adjust portions based on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. Treats and snacks should make up no more than 10% of daily calories.
| Dog size | Weight range | Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Small dog | Under 20 lbs (9 kg) | 1-2 small cubes (pea-sized) |
| Medium dog | 20–50 lbs (9–23 kg) | 2-3 small cubes |
| Large dog | Over 50 lbs (23 kg) | 3-4 small cubes |
How to prepare and serve
Preparation
Use plain, low-fat varieties: cottage cheese, mozzarella, or plain Swiss are the safest options. Cut into tiny cubes for treats. Avoid blue cheese (Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton), cheese with herbs, garlic, or chives, processed cheese products (Velveeta, cheese spray), and high-fat cheeses (brie, cream cheese). Introduce slowly to test for lactose intolerance. String cheese torn into small pieces works well for training.
Frequency
A few times per week in very small amounts — treat only.
Key nutrients
- Protein
- Calcium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B12
- Zinc
- Phosphorus
Frequently Asked Questions
- The safest cheeses for dogs are plain, low-fat varieties with minimal lactose content. Cottage cheese is often the top recommendation — it's lower in fat and lactose than most cheeses and provides good protein. Mozzarella is another safe option due to its relatively low fat and sodium content. Plain Swiss cheese has very low lactose levels because of its aging process. Small amounts of plain cheddar are generally tolerated well. Avoid all blue cheeses, soft ripened cheeses (brie, Camembert), cheese with herbs or garlic, and processed cheese products which contain additives and excess sodium.
- Blue cheese — including Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton — contains a substance called roquefortine C, a mycotoxin produced by the Penicillium mold used to create the blue veins. In dogs, roquefortine C can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, muscle twitching, seizures, and hyperthermia. Small dogs are particularly vulnerable because it takes less toxin to reach dangerous levels. If your dog eats a significant amount of blue cheese, contact your veterinarian or pet poison helpline immediately. Even small amounts can cause GI upset in sensitive dogs.
- Like many adult mammals, a significant percentage of dogs produce insufficient lactase — the enzyme needed to digest lactose (milk sugar). Signs of lactose intolerance appear within a few hours of dairy consumption and include gas, bloating, loose stools or diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and sometimes vomiting. To test your dog's tolerance, offer a tiny amount of plain cheese or yogurt and observe over 12-24 hours. If any digestive symptoms appear, your dog is likely lactose intolerant and should avoid most dairy products. Aged cheeses and yogurt contain less lactose and are often better tolerated.
Related dairy
Milk
CautionMost adult dogs are lactose intolerant — cow's milk causes gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Small amounts won't harm most dogs, but there are better options.
Yogurt
SafePlain, unsweetened yogurt is safe and provides probiotics. Always check for xylitol in flavored varieties — it's fatal to dogs.
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