Ask any dog trainer about their secret weapon and there’s a good chance it’s cheese. So can dogs eat cheese? Yes, most dogs can have small amounts of plain, low-fat cheese like mozzarella or cottage cheese. The catch is fat, salt and lactose, plus a few cheeses that are genuinely risky, such as blue cheese. Here’s which cheeses to choose, how much to give and when to skip it entirely.
Yes, in moderation. Small cubes of low-fat, low-sodium cheese are fine for most dogs. Avoid blue cheese, cheese with garlic, onion or herbs, and big portions of rich cheeses. Skip cheese entirely for dogs that are lactose intolerant or prone to pancreatitis.
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Is Cheese Good for Dogs?
Cheese offers protein, calcium, vitamin A and B vitamins, and most dogs find it irresistible. That’s why the American Kennel Club notes it’s a popular training reward and a handy way to hide pills. Nutritionally, though, a complete dog food already covers those nutrients. Cheese earns its place as a high-value treat, not as a supplement.
Best and Worst Cheeses for Dogs
| Cheese (1 oz) | Approx. calories | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-fat cottage cheese | ~20 kcal | Best | Low fat, lower lactose; see cottage cheese |
| Part-skim mozzarella | ~72 kcal | Good | Lower fat and salt than most |
| Swiss | ~111 kcal | Occasionally | Low lactose, low sodium, but fatty |
| Cheddar | ~114 kcal | Occasionally | Fatty and fairly salty |
| American slices | ~100 kcal | Rarely | Processed, high sodium |
| Parmesan, feta | ~110 / ~75 kcal | Rarely | Very salty |
| Brie, cream cheese | ~95 / ~99 kcal | Rarely | High fat |
| Blue cheese, Roquefort | ~100 kcal | Avoid | Mold can produce roquefortine C |
| Cheese with garlic, onion, herbs | Varies | Avoid | Garlic and onion are toxic to dogs |
Approximate values from USDA FoodData Central; brands vary.
PetMD flags blue cheese specifically because the mold that gives it its veins can produce roquefortine C, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and even seizures in dogs.
Can Dogs Be Lactose Intolerant?
Yes. Many adult dogs make less lactase, the enzyme that digests milk sugar, so dairy can cause gas, loose stool or vomiting. Hard, aged cheeses like Swiss and cheddar contain very little lactose, and cottage cheese has less than milk, so many dogs handle small amounts fine. Start with one tiny cube and wait a day. If you see gas or diarrhea, cheese isn’t for your dog.
How Much Cheese Can a Dog Eat?
Treats belong in about a tenth of daily calories, per the WSAVA. Cheese is dense, so we’d stay well under that with cheddar-type cheese:
| Dog’s weight | Suggested daily amount | Approx. calories |
|---|---|---|
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 1 to 2 pea-size bits | ~5-10 kcal |
| 25 lb (11 kg) | 1 half-inch cube | ~17 kcal |
| 50 lb (23 kg) | 2 half-inch cubes | ~34 kcal |
| 75 lb (34 kg) | 3 half-inch cubes | ~50 kcal |
| 100 lb (45 kg) | 3 to 4 half-inch cubes | ~50-68 kcal |
Our estimates for cheddar at roughly 17 calories per half-inch cube (about 4 g). Part-skim mozzarella runs about a third lower.
Smart Ways to Use Cheese
- Training: cut pea-size bits; your dog only needs a taste. See homemade dog training treats for lighter options.
- Pill pockets: a small piece of soft cheese hides a tablet, as long as your vet says it’s okay to give with food.
- Toppers: a teaspoon of low-fat cottage cheese tempts a picky eater; see dog food toppers.
- Stuffed toys: a thin smear of cottage cheese frozen inside a rubber toy lasts a long time.
My dog ate a whole block of cheese or a cheese plate. Expect gas or diarrhea, and watch for 24 to 48 hours. Call your vet if your dog vomits repeatedly, has a painful hunched belly or seems lethargic, which can signal pancreatitis after a fatty binge. Call right away if the cheese was blue cheese, contained garlic or onion, or came with grapes, raisins or crackers with onion. Wax, rinds and wrappers can also cause a blockage.
When to Skip Cheese
- Pancreatitis or a low-fat diet: skip it; see low-fat foods for dogs with pancreatitis.
- Kidney or heart disease: cheese adds sodium and phosphorus, so ask your vet.
- Overweight dogs: swap cheese for green beans or cucumber.
- Dairy allergy: dairy is a known trigger; see dog food allergies.
- Puppies: tiny bits for training are fine; watch for loose stool.
Is cheese OK for a dog with a sensitive stomach? Many dogs get gas or loose stool from dairy. Start with a tiny piece. Lower-lactose options like mozzarella or cottage cheese are often easier to handle.
Can I hide pills in cheese? Usually yes, in a small bite. Ask your vet first if the pill is an antibiotic, because calcium can lower how well some of them are absorbed.
— Dr. Sarah Miller, DVM
Cheese for Dogs: Quick Serving Guide
✓ Do
- Pick mild cheeses like mozzarella
- Cut tiny cubes for training
- Start with one small piece
- Count cheese in the treat allowance
✕ Don't
- Share blue cheese or moldy cheese
- Give cheese with garlic or onion
- Offer big slices or cheese dips
- Feed it to lactose-sensitive dogs
Ask your vet before hiding antibiotics in cheese, or if your dog has pancreatitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs have cheese every day?
A pea-size piece a day is fine for many dogs if it fits their calorie budget. Larger daily portions add fat and salt.
Can dogs eat string cheese?
Yes, part-skim mozzarella string cheese is one of the better choices. Tear it into small pieces.
Can dogs eat cheese puffs or Cheez-Its?
Not a good idea. They’re salty, fatty and often seasoned with onion or garlic powder.
Can dogs eat cheese pizza?
No. The sauce often contains garlic and onion, and the crust and cheese are rich and salty.
Is cheese good for dogs with diarrhea?
No. Dairy can make it worse. Use a bland diet like chicken and rice instead.
Checking another food? See our What Can Dogs Eat? A-Z list of safe and unsafe foods.
The Bottom Line
Can dogs eat cheese? Yes, small bits of low-fat, low-salt cheese like mozzarella or cottage cheese. Skip blue cheese and anything with garlic or onion, keep portions tiny, and leave it out for dogs with pancreatitis or lactose trouble. Find more answers in our Can Dogs Eat…? library or start with Start Here. This article is general information, not veterinary advice; see our Veterinary Disclaimer.
References & Sources
Written by CPD Nutrition Desk using the sources below. We are not affiliated with these organizations, and this guide is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.
- American Kennel Club (AKC) — Can dogs eat cheese
- USDA — USDA FoodData Central
- PetMD — Can dogs eat cheese
- WSAVA — WSAVA guidetotreats dogs 251107