Dogs · Food safety
Can Dogs Eat Cheese? Safe Types, How Much and Which to Avoid
Yes, most dogs can eat a little cheese. It's a popular training reward and a handy way to hide pills. But cheese is high in fat, and many dogs are lactose-intolerant, so keep it small: about 1–2 pea-sized pieces for tiny dogs up to 7–8 small cubes for giant breeds, a few times a week at most. Choose lower-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese or soft goat cheese, never give blue cheese, and avoid cheeses with garlic, onion or chives.
| Safe for dogs? | Yes, in small amounts, if your dog tolerates dairy |
|---|---|
| Best choices | Mozzarella, cottage cheese, soft goat cheese |
| Never give | Blue cheese (roquefortine), cheeses with garlic, onion or chives |
| How much | 1–2 pea-sized pieces for tiny dogs up to 7–8 small cubes for giant breeds (see table) |
| Skip it if | Your dog has pancreatitis, is overweight or has a sensitive stomach |
Is cheese good for dogs?
Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids and B vitamins, and most dogs love it, which makes it a great high-value training treat.
The downsides: it's high in fat, and too much can cause weight gain and, more seriously, pancreatitis. And many dogs are lactose-intolerant, so too much can cause diarrhoea or an upset stomach.
Which cheeses are safe for dogs?
Lower-fat, lower-lactose cheeses are the best choices. Here's how common cheeses compare:
| Cheese | Safe? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella | Yes, in moderation | Lower in lactose and saturated fat, especially part-skim |
| Cottage cheese | Yes, in moderation | Lower in fat and sodium; good for bland diets |
| Goat cheese (soft) | Yes, in moderation | Lower in lactose and saturated fat |
| Cheddar | Occasionally | High in sodium and saturated fat |
| American cheese | Occasionally | Processed and high in sodium |
| Parmesan | Occasionally | High in sodium and saturated fat |
| Brie, gouda, cream cheese | Occasionally | High in saturated fat |
| Feta, provolone | Occasionally | High in sodium and lactose |
| Blue cheese | No | Contains roquefortine, which is toxic to dogs |
| Cheese with garlic, onion or chives | No | These ingredients are toxic to dogs |
How much cheese can a dog eat?
Keep cheese as an occasional treat and follow the 10% rule: all treats together should be no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories.
| Dog size | Weight | Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Extra-small | 2–10 lb (1–4.5 kg) | 1–2 pea-sized pieces |
| Small | 11–20 lb (5–9 kg) | 1–2 cubes (about ¼ inch) |
| Medium | 21–50 lb (10–23 kg) | 3–4 cubes |
| Large | 51–90 lb (23–41 kg) | 5–6 cubes |
| Extra-large | 91 lb+ (41 kg+) | 7–8 cubes |
Using cheese to give pills
Hiding a pill in a small piece of cheese is an easy trick for dogs who spit out medicine. For daily medication, a lower-fat, lower-salt cheese like mozzarella is the better choice. Check with your vet that the medicine can be given with dairy.
When to skip cheese
- Pancreatitis: dogs with pancreatitis shouldn't eat cheese
- Overweight dogs or dogs on a weight-loss diet
- Lactose intolerance: diarrhoea or gas after dairy
- Food sensitivities or prescription diets: ask your vet first
- Mac and cheese, pizza and cheesy snacks: too much fat and salt, and often onion or garlic
Can puppies eat cheese?
Yes, in small amounts. Introduce it slowly to make sure it doesn't upset your puppy's stomach, and use tiny pieces as training rewards.
Frequently asked questions
Is cheese bad for dogs?
Not in small amounts for most dogs. It's high in fat and many dogs are lactose-intolerant, so keep it as an occasional treat.
What cheese is best for dogs?
Lower-fat, lower-lactose cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese and soft goat cheese.
Can dogs eat blue cheese?
No. Blue cheese contains roquefortine, which is toxic to dogs.
Can dogs eat cheddar cheese?
Occasionally, in small pieces. Cheddar is high in fat and salt, so mozzarella or cottage cheese are better choices.
Can dogs eat cottage cheese?
Yes, in moderation. It's lower in fat and sodium than most cheeses.
Can dogs with pancreatitis eat cheese?
No. Dogs with pancreatitis need a bland, low-fat diet, so skip cheese.
Sources
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Every pet is different; ask your vet before changing your pet's diet or care, especially if they have a health condition, are overweight, or have a sensitive stomach.