Can dogs eat
Cheese?
In moderation
Yes, in small amounts. Most plain cheeses are not toxic to dogs, but they are high in fat and some dogs are lactose intolerant, so cheese should be an occasional treat.
Why it’s fine in small amounts
Cheese is not poisonous to dogs, and many dogs will do almost anything for a cube of it, which makes it a handy training reward.
The drawbacks are fat, salt and lactose. Cheese is fat-dense, so regular helpings add weight, and excess fat can trigger pancreatitis, which the AKC describes as a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. Cheese contains little lactose compared with whole milk, but PetMD notes that most dogs are lactose intolerant, so too much can cause diarrhea or other stomach problems. Lower-fat options such as mozzarella, cottage cheese or soft goat cheese are usually the better pick.
PetMD lists blue cheese as unsafe because it contains roquefortine, a compound that is toxic to dogs. Cheeses flavored with garlic, onions or chives are also a problem. Dogs with pancreatitis should not eat cheese, and any dog with a health condition should get your vet's approval first.
Benefits
- Highly motivating training treat
- Can be used to hide pills for dogs that need them (ask your vet first)
Risks
- High in fat and calories; can contribute to weight gain or pancreatitis
- Lactose can cause diarrhea or other stomach upset in sensitive dogs
- Blue cheese contains roquefortine, which is toxic to dogs
- Cheeses flavored with garlic, onions or chives can be unsafe
How to serve it safely
Offer a small cube or a few shreds of a plain, low-fat cheese such as cottage cheese, mozzarella or soft goat cheese, and introduce it slowly to see how your dog's stomach copes. Cut pieces small enough to avoid choking, especially for little dogs.
Treats should be about 10% of daily calories or less, so keep cheese to an occasional reward. Skip blue cheese and any cheese with herbs, garlic, onions, chives or added spices.
Related forms
| Food | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cottage cheese | In moderation | A lower-fat choice; plain only. |
| Mozzarella and cheddar | In moderation | Small amounts; lower-fat mozzarella is the gentler choice. |
| Blue cheese | No | Contains roquefortine, which is toxic to dogs. |
| Cheese with garlic, onions or chives | No | These ingredients are harmful to dogs. |
If your dog already ate it
If your dog snatched a chunk of ordinary cheese, the most likely result is gas, loose stools or vomiting. Offer water and monitor.
Call your vet if there is repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, a painful belly, loss of appetite or lethargy, which can be signs of pancreatitis, especially after a large fatty meal. If the cheese was blue cheese or flavored with garlic, onions or chives, call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply). Do not make your dog vomit at home.
Frequently asked questions
Is cheese bad for dogs?
Not in small amounts for most dogs, but its fat and lactose can cause stomach upset, and too much fat can trigger pancreatitis.
Are dogs lactose intolerant?
PetMD notes that most dogs are lactose intolerant, though small amounts may be tolerated. Diarrhea and other stomach problems are the usual signs of too much.
What is the safest cheese for dogs?
Plain, low-fat options such as mozzarella, cottage cheese or soft goat cheese, in small amounts.
Can I use cheese to give my dog medicine?
The AKC notes cheese is often used to hide pills. Check with your vet first and use a small piece of plain cheese.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 25, 2026. Editorial policy