Can Dogs Eat Cheese? Safe Types, Risks, and Holiday Tips

Cheese is everywhere this time of year. Holiday cheese boards, cheesy casseroles, and the cracker plate on the coffee table all seem to attract one very hopeful face. So, can you share a bite with your dog?

The short answer: yes, most dogs can eat a small amount of plain cheese as an occasional treat. Cheese is high in fat, many dogs do not digest lactose well, and some cheeses are unsafe, so portion size and cheese type matter. Here is what veterinary and pet health sources say about the benefits, the risks, which cheeses to skip, and how much is too much.

Can Dogs Eat Cheese?

Yes. The American Kennel Club (AKC) says dogs can eat cheese and that it is often a great training reward, especially for puppies. The AKC also points out that some dogs are intolerant of cheese and that, even for dogs that tolerate it, cheese is best fed in moderation.

PetMD, in an article reviewed by a veterinarian, agrees that dogs can have cheese in moderation and generally tolerate many varieties. PetMD adds an important note: always check with your veterinarian before giving your dog a new people food, and dogs on veterinary diets should not get food or treats outside that diet unless your vet says it is fine.

Is Cheese Good for Dogs?

Cheese does have some nutritional value. According to the AKC, cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. Most dogs love the taste, which is why trainers often use it with treat-motivated dogs.

That high value makes cheese useful in two everyday situations:

• Training. A tiny piece of cheese can be a high-value reward for learning a new cue. If you are just getting started, our dog training tips for beginners explain how to use rewards well.
• Hiding pills. The AKC and PetMD both mention cheese as a way to conceal medication for dogs that spit out pills.

Still, PetMD notes that because many dogs can be lactose intolerant, dairy products are not the best snack for them. Cheese is a treat, not a health food.

Is Cheese Bad for Dogs? The Main Risks

Fat, calories, and pancreatitis

Cheese is high in fat. The AKC warns that feeding too much on a regular basis can cause weight gain and obesity, and, more seriously, could lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. PetMD says dogs with pancreatitis should not eat cheese at all and should stay on a bland, low-fat diet.

The ASPCA also lists fatty foods among the people foods that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis in some pets. Holiday tables are full of rich, fatty foods, which is why it pays to be careful with how many “just one bite” moments your dog gets. If your dog is already carrying extra weight, check where they land on our dog weight chart before adding cheese to the treat rotation.

Lactose intolerance

The ASPCA explains that pets do not have significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk, so milk and other dairy products can cause diarrhea or other digestive upset. PetMD goes further and says most dogs are lactose intolerant and may react to too much cheese.

Cheese contains less lactose than whole milk, according to the AKC, but dogs with severe lactose intolerance may still react to even small amounts. That is why the first taste should be tiny.

Toxic add-ins

The AKC warns that some cheeses contain herbs or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives. The ASPCA explains that these Allium vegetables can cause stomach irritation and red blood cell damage, which can lead to anemia. Herbed cheese spreads, flavored cheese balls, and garlic-and-herb soft cheeses are all common on holiday boards, so read labels before sharing anything.

Salt

Many cheeses are salty. PetMD flags American cheese, cheddar, feta, parmesan, and provolone as high in sodium. The ASPCA notes that excessive salt intake can cause increased thirst and urination, and that signs of salt toxicity can include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures.

Which Cheeses Are Safe for Dogs?

Not all cheeses are equal. Here is a summary based on PetMD’s breakdown and the AKC’s recommendations:

• Better choices (in moderation): mozzarella, especially part-skim or low-fat, cottage cheese, and soft goat cheese. The AKC says cottage cheese is lower in fat and sodium than many cheeses and lower in lactose, which reduces the chance of an upset stomach. PetMD notes cottage cheese is still fairly high in lactose, so even here, small amounts are the rule.
• Occasional only: cheddar, American cheese, brie, cream cheese, feta, gouda, parmesan, and provolone. PetMD says these are high in saturated fat, sodium, lactose, or a combination.
• Avoid: blue cheese. PetMD says it contains roquefortine and is toxic to dogs. Also avoid any cheese flavored with garlic, onion, or chives.

What about string cheese? PetMD says string cheese, which is usually mozzarella, is very processed and has a high milk content, which makes it a less ideal choice.

Can Dogs Eat Mac and Cheese or Cheesy Holiday Dishes?

It is best not to. PetMD does not recommend mac and cheese for dogs because the dairy and gluten can be hard for dogs to digest. We cover it in detail in our guide on whether dogs can eat mac and cheese.

The same thinking applies to cheesy casseroles, cheese-topped potatoes, and baked dips. These dishes usually combine cheese with butter, cream, salt, and often onion or garlic. If you want your dog to have a holiday treat, set aside a small plain cube of a lower-fat cheese before anything gets seasoned. Planning a full plate for your pup? Read up on turkey and ham first, and keep the cheese board’s crackers, grapes, and nuts out of reach too. Our article on pecans explains why nuts are a risk.

How Much Cheese Can a Dog Eat?

PetMD recommends cheese only as an occasional treat and points to the 10% rule: 90% of your dog’s diet should come from a complete dog food, and the remaining 10% can come from treats, snacks, and people foods combined. PetMD gives these general guidelines for healthy-weight dogs, a few times per week at most:

• Extra-small dogs (2 to 10 lbs): 1 to 2 pea-size pieces
• Small dogs (11 to 20 lbs): 1 to 2 cubes about 1/4 inch square
• Medium dogs (21 to 50 lbs): 3 to 4 cubes
• Large dogs (51 to 90 lbs): 5 to 6 cubes
• Extra-large dogs (91+ lbs): 7 to 8 cubes

The AKC puts it simply: a small cube or a few shreds is usually enough for training or as a reward. If your dog struggles with obesity or has food sensitivities, the AKC recommends checking with your vet before adding cheese at all.

What If My Dog Ate a Lot of Cheese?

If your dog raided the cheese board, watch for the signs PetMD lists for a bad reaction: vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Call your veterinarian if symptoms persist or get worse, or if your dog has a history of pancreatitis.

If the cheese contained garlic, onion, or chives, or if your dog ate blue cheese, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. The ASPCA suggests noting how much your pet ate so you can share it when you call.

How to Safely Give Your Dog Cheese

1. Pick a lower-fat, plain cheese. Mozzarella or cottage cheese are good starting points, with no herbs, garlic, or onion.
2. Start slow. PetMD recommends offering a very small amount the first time and watching for vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, or gas. If even a little gives your dog an upset stomach, cheese is not the right snack for them.
3. Cut it small. PetMD suggests small cubes or shreds.
4. Keep it occasional. Follow the 10% rule and count cheese toward your dog’s daily treats.
5. Consider dog treats instead. PetMD says the safest way to give your dog a cheese flavor is with cheese-flavored treats made for dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can puppies eat cheese?

Yes, in small amounts. PetMD says to introduce cheese slowly to make sure your puppy does not react badly, and the AKC notes cheese is often used as a training reward for puppies.

What is the best cheese for dogs?

Lower-fat, less processed cheeses. The AKC recommends mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese, and PetMD calls cottage cheese a very tolerable choice.

Can dogs eat cheddar cheese?

Occasionally. PetMD lists cheddar as safe in small amounts but high in sodium and saturated fat.

Can dogs eat blue cheese?

No. PetMD says blue cheese contains roquefortine and is toxic to dogs.

Can dogs with pancreatitis eat cheese?

No. PetMD says dogs with pancreatitis should not eat cheese and need a bland, low-fat diet.

The Bottom Line

Dogs can eat cheese, and a tiny cube of plain, lower-fat cheese makes a handy training reward or pill pocket for most dogs. Keep portions small and occasional, skip blue cheese and anything flavored with garlic, onion, or chives, and pass on cheese entirely if your dog has pancreatitis or reacts to dairy. This holiday season, keep the cheese board on the counter, offer your dog one small plain piece if you like, and save the rest for the people.

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