Can Dogs Eat Cheese? Complete Safety & Nutrition Guide

Quick Answer: Yes, dogs can eat cheese in small amounts, but many dogs are lactose intolerant. According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and American Kennel Club (AKC), plain, low-fat cheese can be a high-value training treat, but it should be fed sparingly due to high fat and lactose content. Monitor your dog for signs of digestive upset. This comprehensive guide is based on veterinary nutrition research and digestive health studies.

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Is Cheese Safe for Dogs?

The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and American Kennel Club (AKC) confirm that plain, low-fat cheese is generally safe for dogs when fed in small amounts as an occasional treat. Cheese is often used as a high-value training reward because most dogs find it very appealing.

However, many dogs are lactose intolerant, and cheese is high in fat, which can cause digestive issues or contribute to obesity and pancreatitis.

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Nutritional Value of Cheese

According to the USDA FoodData Central database, 100g of low-fat mozzarella cheese contains:

Source: USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov)

Cheese is particularly useful because it is:

• High-value treat - Most dogs find cheese very appealing
• Good source of protein - Contains essential amino acids
• Rich in calcium - Supports bone health
• Easy to portion - Can be cut into small pieces for training

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How Much Cheese Can Dogs Eat?

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends that cheese should be fed only as an occasional treat, not as a regular part of the diet.

Recommended Serving Sizes

Important: These are general guidelines. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice, especially if your dog has health conditions.

Frequency

Most veterinarians suggest feeding cheese only occasionally (1-2 times per week) and primarily as a training reward, not a regular treat.

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Potential Risks and Precautions

⚠️ Lactose Intolerance

Many dogs are lactose intolerant. According to the VCA Animal Hospitals and PetMD:

• Lactose intolerance - Dogs lack sufficient lactase enzyme to digest lactose
• Symptoms - Diarrhea, gas, bloating, vomiting
• Varies by dog - Some dogs tolerate small amounts, others cannot
• Aged cheeses better - Lower lactose content (cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella)

Start with tiny amounts and monitor for digestive upset.

⚠️ High Fat Content

Cheese is high in fat, which can cause:

• Pancreatitis - Inflammation of the pancreas, can be life-threatening
• Obesity - High calorie content contributes to weight gain
• Digestive upset - Too much fat can cause diarrhea

Choose low-fat options like mozzarella or cottage cheese, and avoid high-fat cheeses like cream cheese or brie.

⚠️ High Sodium Content

Many cheeses are high in salt, which can:

• Cause excessive thirst - Leads to increased urination
• Contribute to dehydration - In severe cases
• Affect dogs with heart conditions - May worsen existing problems

Choose low-sodium options when possible.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

While less common than lactose intolerance, some dogs may be allergic to dairy. The ASPCA recommends watching for:

• Itching or skin irritation
• Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea)
• Swelling (especially around the face)
• Difficulty breathing (seek emergency care immediately)

⚠️ Toxic Ingredients

Never feed cheese with added ingredients that may be toxic:

• Onions or garlic - Toxic to dogs, can cause anemia
• Herbs and spices - May contain toxic compounds
• Artificial sweeteners - Xylitol is extremely toxic

Feed only plain, unseasoned cheese.

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Safe Types of Cheese for Dogs

✅ Best Options (Low-Fat, Lower Lactose)

1. Mozzarella - Low fat, lower lactose content
2. Cottage Cheese - Low fat, lower lactose, high protein
3. Swiss Cheese - Aged, lower lactose content
4. Cheddar - Aged, lower lactose, but higher fat

⚠️ Use Caution

1. Cream Cheese - Very high fat, use sparingly
2. Blue Cheese - May contain mold that some dogs are sensitive to
3. Feta - High sodium content

❌ Avoid

1. Cheese with added ingredients - Onions, garlic, herbs, spices
2. Processed cheese products - Often high in sodium and additives
3. Cheese spreads - May contain xylitol or other toxic ingredients

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Safe Ways to Feed Cheese to Dogs

1. Small Training Treats (Recommended)

Best method: Cut low-fat cheese into tiny cubes for training rewards. Steps:

1. Choose low-fat, plain cheese (mozzarella or cottage cheese)
2. Cut into very small cubes (about 1/4 inch)
3. Use as high-value training rewards
4. Limit to a few pieces per training session

2. Medication Administration

Cheese can be useful for hiding pills, but:

• Use only small amounts
• Ensure your dog doesn't have lactose intolerance
• Monitor for any digestive issues

3. Occasional Treat

As an occasional special treat, you can give your dog a small piece of low-fat cheese, but remember:

• Keep portions very small
• Monitor for digestive upset
• Don't make it a regular habit

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When to Avoid Feeding Cheese

Consult your veterinarian before feeding cheese if your dog:

• Has been diagnosed with pancreatitis - High fat content can trigger episodes
• Is lactose intolerant - Will cause digestive upset
• Is significantly overweight - High calorie content
• Has kidney disease - High sodium content may be problematic
• Has a dairy allergy - Will cause allergic reactions
• Is on a prescription diet for medical conditions
• Has digestive issues - May worsen symptoms

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can puppies eat cheese?

Yes, in very small amounts, according to the AKC. Puppies can eat small pieces of low-fat cheese as an occasional treat, but their primary diet should be high-quality puppy food. Start with tiny amounts to check for lactose intolerance.

Can dogs eat cheese every day?

Not recommended. Cheese should be an occasional treat, not a daily food. Daily consumption can lead to weight gain, digestive issues, and other health problems.

Can dogs eat cottage cheese?

Yes, cottage cheese is one of the better options for dogs. It's lower in fat and lactose than many other cheeses. Choose plain, low-fat cottage cheese without added ingredients.

Can dogs eat cream cheese?

Not recommended. Cream cheese is very high in fat and can cause pancreatitis. If you must use it (e.g., for medication), use only tiny amounts and very rarely.

Can dogs eat string cheese?

Yes, in small amounts, if it's plain mozzarella string cheese. However, check the ingredients to ensure there are no added flavors or toxic ingredients. Cut into small pieces to prevent choking.

Can dogs eat cheese with lactose intolerance?

Not recommended. If your dog is lactose intolerant, feeding cheese will cause digestive upset including diarrhea, gas, and bloating. There are many other high-value treats you can use instead.

Can dogs eat blue cheese?

Use caution. While not highly toxic, blue cheese contains mold that some dogs may be sensitive to. It's also typically high in fat and sodium. It's best to avoid it or use only tiny amounts if necessary.

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Key Takeaways

• ✅ Safe (small amounts, occasional) - Plain, low-fat cheese is ASPCA-approved when fed sparingly
• ✅ High-value treat - Excellent for training rewards
• ✅ Good source of protein and calcium - Provides essential nutrients
• ⚠️ Many dogs are lactose intolerant - Monitor for digestive upset
• ⚠️ High in fat - Can cause pancreatitis or contribute to obesity
• ⚠️ High in sodium - Choose low-sodium options when possible
• ⚠️ Feed only plain cheese - No added ingredients, flavors, or seasonings
• ⚠️ Occasional treat only - Not a regular part of the diet
• ❌ Never feed cheese with toxic ingredients - Onions, garlic, xylitol, etc.
• ❌ Avoid for dogs with pancreatitis - High fat content is dangerous

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Sources & References

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control - "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets" - aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
2. American Kennel Club (AKC) - "Can Dogs Eat Cheese?" - akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-cheese
3. USDA FoodData Central - Nutritional data for cheese - fdc.nal.usda.gov
4. VCA Animal Hospitals - "Nutrition - General Feeding Guidelines for Dogs" - vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nutrition-general-feeding-guidelines-for-dogs
5. PetMD - "Can Dogs Eat Cheese?" - petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-cheese
6. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine - "Lactose Intolerance in Dogs" - vet.cornell.edu

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Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your pet's diet, especially if they have underlying health conditions. Last reviewed: January 2026