Is cheese good for dogs?
Cheese isn't toxic to dogs, and most dogs love it. It contains protein, calcium and some vitamins. That makes it one of the most popular training rewards there is, and a handy way to hide a tablet.
But your dog doesn't need cheese. A complete dog food already covers protein and calcium. The case for cheese is that dogs will do almost anything for it, not that it's healthy. So think of it as a high-value treat, used in small bits.
Why cheese needs care
Fat
Most cheese is high in fat. Too much fat can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. In some dogs, a rich, fatty meal can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes serious inflammation of the pancreas. Dogs that are overweight or have had pancreatitis before are most at risk.
Salt
Many cheeses are salty, especially hard and processed ones. A little salt won't hurt a healthy dog, but regular salty snacks aren't a good habit, and dogs with heart or kidney problems may need to avoid them.
Lactose
Many adult dogs make less of the enzyme that digests lactose, the sugar in milk. In those dogs, dairy can cause gas, bloating and diarrhoea. Hard, aged cheeses usually contain less lactose than soft, fresh ones, so some dogs cope with a sliver of cheddar but not a spoon of soft cheese.
Calories
Cheese is calorie-dense. A cube the size of a dice can be a big share of a small dog's treat allowance.
Cheeses to avoid
Garlic, onion and chives are toxic to dogs, even in dried or powdered form.
- Blue cheese: Stilton, Roquefort, gorgonzola and other blue cheeses are made with moulds that can produce roquefortine C. Dogs seem to be sensitive to it, and large amounts can cause vomiting, tremors or seizures. Leave blue cheese off the menu.
- Cheese with garlic, onion, chives or herbs: including flavoured cream cheese, garlic and herb roulade and cheese spreads. See why onions are toxic to dogs.
- Very fatty cheeses: brie, camembert, mascarpone and cream cheese are rich enough to upset many stomachs.
- Cheese snacks and sauces: cheese crackers, pizza and nacho cheese often bring salt, fat, garlic or onion along with them.
Good choices
| Cheese | Why it works | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella | Lower in fat and salt than many cheeses | Pizza mozzarella with toppings |
| Cottage cheese | Lower in fat, soft and easy to spread | Some brands are fairly salty |
| Low-fat cheddar | Firm, easy to cut into tiny cubes, lower in lactose | Full-fat versions add up fast |
| Swiss-style cheese | Aged, so usually lower in lactose | Still fatty, so keep it small |
Always choose plain cheese with no added flavours.
How much cheese can my dog eat?
Vets often follow the 10% rule: treats, including cheese, should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories. Because cheese is so rich, that allowance goes quickly.
As a rough guide for a healthy adult dog:
- Small dogs: one or two pea-sized pieces
- Medium dogs: a few small cubes
- Large dogs: a small handful of small cubes
If you're using cheese for training, cut it tiny and take some food out of the next meal to balance it. Try a small piece first and watch for loose stools over the next day.
Cheese as a pill pocket
Wrapping a tablet in a small piece of cheese is one of the easiest ways to give medicine. A few tips:
- Use as little as possible, just enough to hide the pill.
- Give a "decoy" piece first with no pill in it, then the real one, then another plain piece.
- Check with your vet or pharmacist first. Some medicines shouldn't be given with dairy, and some need an empty stomach.
- Skip cheese for dogs on a low-fat diet. Ask your vet for an alternative.
Signs cheese didn't agree with your dog
- Gas, bloating or a gurgling tummy
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Vomiting
- A hunched back, a painful belly or refusing food, which can be signs of pancreatitis
If your dog has tremors after eating blue cheese, or shows signs of pancreatitis, call your vet straight away.
What about other dairy?
Cheese isn't the only dairy food dogs get offered. Here's how the others compare:
- Milk: contains more lactose than most cheese, so it's more likely to cause diarrhoea. Water is all your dog needs to drink.
- Plain yogurt: unsweetened, plain yogurt is fine in small amounts for many dogs. Avoid flavoured, sweetened and "light" yogurts, which can contain sugar or xylitol.
- Ice cream: sugary and milky, and some flavours contain chocolate, raisins or xylitol. A dog-specific frozen treat is a safer choice.
- Butter and cream: almost pure fat, and a common trigger for stomach upsets. Skip them.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, introduce any new dairy food in a very small amount and wait a day before giving more.
Other treats to try
If cheese doesn't suit your dog, try a slice of apple without the core, a piece of banana, or a lick of xylitol-free peanut butter. Check any other food in the Dog Food Checker.
FAQ
Can puppies eat cheese?
A tiny piece of plain, mild cheese is fine for most puppies as a training reward. Their stomachs are sensitive, so keep it very small and stop if you see loose stools.
Can dogs eat cream cheese?
Plain cream cheese is very high in fat, so only a smear now and then. Avoid flavoured versions, which often contain garlic, onion, chives or sugar.
Is cheese OK for dogs with pancreatitis?
No. Dogs that have had pancreatitis usually need a low-fat diet, and cheese can trigger a flare-up. Ask your vet before giving any.
Can dogs eat cheese every day?
A small cube as part of the daily treat allowance is fine for many healthy dogs. A daily handful is not, because the fat and calories add up quickly.
Why does my dog get diarrhoea after cheese?
Your dog may be lactose intolerant, or the fat may be too rich for its stomach. Stop giving cheese, and call your vet if the diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your dog seems unwell.
This article is general information, not a replacement for advice from your vet.