Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
4-minute read · Loyal Saints Food Safety Library
Quick answer
Yes — most dogs can eat cheese in small amounts, and it's a great high-value training treat. But it's high in fat and calories, and many dogs are lactose intolerant. Choose low-fat, low-sodium options, avoid blue cheeses, and skip it for dogs prone to pancreatitis.
Cheese is a beloved, high-value treat — its rich flavor makes it perfect for training or hiding pills, and it provides protein and calcium. Most dogs can enjoy small amounts of cheese safely.
The cautions: cheese is high in fat and calories, so overdoing it can cause weight gain or, in susceptible dogs, pancreatitis. Many dogs are also somewhat lactose intolerant and may get an upset stomach. Choose low-fat, low-sodium cheeses (like mozzarella or small amounts of plain cottage cheese), and avoid blue cheeses (Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola), which can contain a substance harmful to dogs. Skip cheese entirely for dogs prone to pancreatitis.
Key points
Verdict
Safe in small amounts for most dogs — not all.
Benefits
Protein, calcium; excellent high-value training treat.
How to serve
Small amounts of low-fat, low-sodium cheese.
Watch for
High fat (pancreatitis), lactose intolerance, blue cheeses (avoid).
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your dog has eaten something potentially harmful, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat cheese?
Most dogs can eat cheese in small amounts, and it makes a great training treat. However, it's high in fat, many dogs are lactose intolerant, and it should be avoided for dogs prone to pancreatitis. Choose low-fat, low-sodium options.
Is cheese bad for dogs?
Cheese isn't toxic, but it's high in fat and calories, and many dogs have some lactose intolerance. In small amounts it's fine for most dogs; in large amounts it can cause weight gain, digestive upset, or pancreatitis in susceptible dogs.
What cheese is safe for dogs?
Low-fat, low-sodium cheeses like mozzarella, or small amounts of plain cottage cheese, are the better choices. Avoid blue cheeses (Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton), which can contain a compound harmful to dogs, and any cheese with added garlic or onion.
Can puppies eat cheese?
Small amounts of low-fat cheese can be a useful training treat for puppies, but introduce it gradually as puppies can be sensitive to dairy. Watch for any digestive upset and keep treats to about 10% of daily calories.
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