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Can Dogs Eat Cheese?

Can Dogs Eat Cheese? 

Updated on July 18, 2024
Reviewer Profile Photo
Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care
Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

Yes, dogs can eat cheese but only in moderation and if it’s appropriate for their unique health status. You should always consult your vet before adding any new food item to your dog’s diet—and that includes snacks. If your dog experiences any adverse reactions to eating cheese, contact your veterinarian or pet poison control immediately.

Whether you’re offering a charcuterie board to houseguests, throwing around some mozzarella while making a pizza or handing out cheese cubes as a snack to your children, you may have plenty of this dairy product in your household. If you also have dogs, you may be wondering,”Can dogs eat cheese?”  

In short, yes. It’s fine for most dogs to enjoy some plain, low-fat cheese as a tasty occasional snack or consume some scraps that have fallen on the floor. However, there are some exceptions for dogs who experience food sensitivities, and you’ll need to know some essential facts about what cheeses are safe for dogs. How much cheese can a dog eat? That’s another question we’re here to answer.

Is cheese good for dogs? 

Cheese is well known for containing plenty of calcium, protein, essential fatty acids and vitamins A and B12. Many dogs love the taste of cheese, and many pet parents find it to be a highly effective reward during training. But while the answer to the question, “Can you give dogs cheese?” is yes, the answer to, “Should you give dogs cheese?” is a little more complicated.

While cheese contains many nutrients, it is also notoriously high in fat, and some cheeses contain as many as100 calories per ounce. If your dog is fed cheese too often, it can lead to health conditions like obesity and pancreatitis. Dogs also don’t naturally produce as much lactase as humans do, meaning that almost all dogs are at least a little lactose intolerant. Too much cheese can result in moderate to severe gastrointestinal issues.

How to feed cheese to your dog 

Now that you know that dogs can eat cheese but very sparingly, here are some feeding tips. Offer cheese in small bites—crumbles are preferred, but pea-sized bits are also acceptable.

How much cheese can a dog eat? Start small, and remember that treats should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s total daily calories. While your pet will likely jump at the opportunity to eat as much cheese as they can, introducing small portions and monitoring their reaction can help them avoid digestive problems.

Featured dog food or treats with cheese, cheese flavors or cheese alternatives  

FAQs About Feeding Your Dog Cheese

A few different outcomes are possible depending on your particular pup and the amount of cheese they eat. In canines with average lactase production, small amounts of low-fat cheese aren’t likely to cause any adverse reactions, and your dog will be able to enjoy a tasty treat.

Suppose your dog finds a way to consume a large amount of cheese, however. In that case, they may experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and diminished appetite. Dogs with high lactose intolerance may experience these symptoms after just a small amount of dairy.

Some cheeses should never be fed to dogs as they can cause serious adverse reactions that could necessitate immediate medical attention. Read on to find out more about the types of cheeses that are safe and unsafe for dogs to consume.

Since many cheeses are high in lactose—which can cause stomach upsets—and fat—which can lead to obesity or pancreatitis—some cheeses are better for canines than others. What kind of cheese can dogs eat relatively guilt-free? Your veterinarian will know what’s best for your dog, but here are some common options that are relatively low in lactose and fat.

  • Mozzarella
    •  
  • Cottage cheese
    •   
  • Swiss 
  • Cheddar 
  • Parmesan 

    • It is important to note that while many kinds of cheese are unlikely to harm your dog, those that contain added flavoring are strictly off-limits. Herbs, garlic and raisins are all toxic to canines, and blue cheeses must be avoided because they contain a dangerous mycotoxin called roquefortine C. Off-limits cheeses include:

  • All flavored cheese
    •   
  • Goat's milk cheese 
  • Brie 
  • Feta 
  • Gorgonzola 
  • Roquefort 
  • Stilton 

    • How much cheese can a dog eat? While table scraps of approved cheeses are typically harmless, crumbles that are no larger than pea-size are ideal. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian to recommend an appropriate portion size for your particular pet. Remember, treats should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s total daily calorie count.

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