Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
Yes, most dogs can eat plain cheese in small amounts, though some are lactose intolerant and cheese is high in fat. An ounce of cheddar has about 113 calories and 9 grams of fat, so a bite-sized piece—no bigger than a fingertip for a small dog—is plenty. Stick to low-lactose hard cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss, or try low-fat cottage cheese. Avoid blue cheese, which contains a mold toxin that can cause tremors, and skip any cheese flavored with garlic, onion, or chives, both toxic to dogs. Dogs prone to pancreatitis should avoid cheese entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Cheese isn't toxic to dogs, but it isn't an ideal snack either.
- Cottage cheese, which is lower in fat and lactose than aged cheeses, is often a better choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Cream cheese and cheese spreads sometimes contain chives, garlic, or onion powder—check the ingredient label before sharing, since onions are toxic to dogs in any form.
Explanation
Cheese isn't toxic to dogs, but it isn't an ideal snack either. Like humans, dogs produce less lactase—the enzyme that breaks down lactose—as they age past puppyhood, so many adult dogs get gas, bloating, or loose stools after eating dairy. The severity varies widely; some dogs handle a slice of cheddar without issue, while others get sick from a single bite. If you want a dairy option that's gentler on digestion, plain yogurt provides probiotics with less lactose than most cheeses.
The bigger concern is fat. An ounce of cheddar contains roughly 9 grams of fat and 113 calories, and richer cheeses like brie or cream cheese pack even more. For a 20-pound dog needing around 500 calories a day, a single ounce of cheddar is over 20% of daily intake. Dogs with a history of pancreatitis, or breeds prone to it like Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers, should avoid cheese entirely—high-fat foods can trigger a painful, potentially life-threatening flare-up.
Low-fat, low-lactose options are the safest choice: mozzarella, Swiss, and cottage cheese generally sit easier on a dog's stomach than soft or aged varieties. Blue cheese and Roquefort should be skipped altogether—the Penicillium mold used to ripen them produces roquefortine C, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, elevated temperature, and in severe cases tremors or seizures. Also check labels on flavored cheeses and cheese spreads, since many contain garlic or onion powder, both of which damage a dog's red blood cells.
Small cubes of plain, low-sodium cheese work well as high-value training rewards or for hiding pills, which many dogs find just as appealing as peanut butter. String cheese is a convenient option since each stick is already portion-controlled. Keep cheese to no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories, and introduce it gradually to gauge tolerance. For dogs who react poorly to dairy, plain cooked chicken makes a safer high-protein treat with none of the lactose or fat concerns.
Things to Know
- Cottage cheese, which is lower in fat and lactose than aged cheeses, is often a better choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Cream cheese and cheese spreads sometimes contain chives, garlic, or onion powder—check the ingredient label before sharing, since onions are toxic to dogs in any form.
- Puppies tolerate dairy somewhat better than adult dogs, since lactase production is highest before weaning and declines afterward.
- Cheese used to disguise medication still counts toward daily calorie limits, especially for small dogs on strict weight management.
- Moldy cheese pulled from the trash or left out is different from intentional blue cheese and may carry additional bacterial toxins—call your vet if your dog eats spoiled cheese.