Can Dogs Eat Cheese? Benefits, Risks & Safe Feeding Guide

Can Dogs Eat Cheese?

Most dogs can eat cheese in small amounts as an occasional treat. While cheese is not toxic to dogs, there are risks, such as lactose intolerance and weight gain, especially if served too often or in large pieces.

Is Cheese Safe for Dogs?

• Cheese is generally considered safe for dogs if served in moderation. Most dogs can tolerate cheese, but some may have trouble digesting lactose found in dairy products. Signs of lactose intolerance include diarrhea, gas, or upset stomach after eating cheese.
• Some cheeses may have added ingredients like garlic, onions, or herbs, which are harmful to dogs. Always read labels and choose plain cheeses, such as mozzarella or cheddar, without any additives.
• Feeding cheese to dogs with known dairy allergies or sensitivities can make symptoms worse. Watch for signs of a food allergy, including itching, vomiting, or digestive issues.
• Cheese is high in fat and calories, which can add up quickly if your dog eats it often. Too much cheese may raise the risk of obesity, especially in small dogs or pets that do not get much exercise. It’s best to serve cheese only as an occasional treat and not as a regular meal.

How Much Cheese Can Dogs Eat?

• You should only give cheese to your dog in small meals or small pieces. For most dogs, cheese should not make up more than 10% of daily calorie intake. For a small dog, one or two small cubes are enough, while larger dogs can have a little more, but always in moderation.
• Break cheese into tiny bits to use as training rewards. This helps you control portions and keeps your dog from eating too much at once.
• Remember that dogs with a history of food allergies or those who are overweight need even smaller amounts or should skip cheese altogether. Keep in mind that cheese adds extra calories, so adjust meals if you offer cheese as a snack.

Health Benefits of Cheese for Dogs

Cheese can give your dog some nutrients, but it should be treated as a snack, not a meal. In some cases, cheese can be used as a helpful tool for training or giving medicine.

Nutritional Value

• Cheese contains protein, calcium, and vitamin A. These nutrients support your dog’s muscles and bones. Cheese also has B vitamins and zinc that are important for energy and a healthy immune system. Some dogs enjoy a small amount of cheese as an occasional treat.
• However, cheese is also high in fat and salt. Too much fat can lead to weight gain, and extra salt can be harmful, especially for dogs with health problems. Cheese has little fiber content, so it does not help with digestion. It does not offer a balanced diet—you should not use cheese as a regular part of your dog’s daily meals.

Training With Cheese

• Cheese is often used as a high-value reward during training. Small, bite-sized pieces of cheese are easy to carry and most dogs find them motivating. This can help you get your dog’s attention and reinforce good behavior.
• Use cheese as a reward for difficult or new commands. You can also use cheese to hide pills if your dog refuses medication. Make sure you keep the portions small to avoid feeding too many extra calories. Too much cheese, even during training, can make your dog overweight or upset their stomach.

Potential Health Risks of Cheese

Cheese can cause problems for some dogs, even in small amounts. Some of these issues include stomach upset from lactose or gaining too much weight.

Lactose Intolerance Reactions

• Many dogs are lactose intolerant, which means they have trouble digesting dairy products like cheese. If your dog is sensitive to lactose, eating cheese may lead to problems such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea. Signs often appear a few hours after eating cheese, but sometimes it can happen quicker.
• You may notice your dog feeling uncomfortable, whining, or pacing from abdominal pain. In more serious cases, diarrhea from cheese can cause dehydration, making your dog weak or sluggish. These symptoms are more common in younger puppies or older dogs, but any dog can be affected.
• Some types of cheese contain less lactose. Hard cheeses (like cheddar) are lower in lactose than soft cheeses (like cream cheese). If your dog reacts badly to cheese, you should avoid giving them any dairy treats.

Obesity and Weight Gain

• Cheese is high in fat and calories, which makes it easy for dogs to eat too much without realizing it. Even small pieces can add up, especially in small breeds.
• Giving too much cheese can lead to weight gain and even obesity. Over time, this puts your dog at risk for health problems like diabetes, joint pain, and heart issues. Obese dogs could also become weak or tired from carrying extra weight.
• If your dog already struggles with their weight, cheese is not a good option for treats. Try low-fat alternatives instead. Remember, even small amounts can make a big difference to a dog’s diet.

Types of Cheese Dogs Can Eat

Many cheeses are safe for dogs in small amounts, but not every type is a good choice. Some cheeses are easier for dogs to digest and contain less fat and salt, making them better options.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a soft, mild cheese with lower fat and salt content than many other types. It also contains less lactose, so dogs who are sensitive to dairy may tolerate it better. Because it is high in protein and calcium, cottage cheese can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet in small amounts.

Here is a quick list of benefits and precautions:

• Lower in fat than most cheeses.
• Rich in protein and calcium.
• Low lactose may reduce stomach upset.
• Serve plain, unsalted varieties only.

Avoid cottage cheese with added fruits, herbs, or seasonings, as these can be harmful to dogs. Always start with a small amount to see how your dog reacts.

Low-Fat Cheese Options

• Low-fat cheeses such as mozzarella, part-skim string cheese, and some soft goat cheeses are also suitable choices. These cheeses generally have less fat and calories, which helps reduce the risk of weight gain.
• According to pet nutrition experts, low-fat options can make convenient training treats. You can cut them into small pieces and use them during training sessions without adding too many extra calories. Mozzarella and similar cheeses are also lower in sodium, making them safer for dogs than salty cheeses like feta or processed slices.
• Always give cheese in moderation to avoid stomach upset or unwanted weight gain.

Tips for Feeding Cheese to Dogs

Cheese can be an enjoyable treat for many dogs if offered with care. Focus on small meals and smart serving sizes to help avoid common problems like weight gain, upset stomach, or food allergies.

Serving Size Guidelines

• Portion control is very important. Most dogs should get cheese as an occasional treat and not as a regular part of their diet. Stick to small pieces—about the size of a pea or a pencil eraser for small dogs, and slightly larger for bigger breeds.
• A good rule is that treats, including cheese, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Cheese is high in fat, and too much can cause weight gain or even obesity.
• Dogs with weight issues or sensitive stomachs should get less or no cheese at all. If your dog is trying cheese for the first time, give a tiny amount and wait to see how they react before offering more.

Remember: Dogs with kidney disease or who are overweight should avoid cheese to help protect their health. You can also break cheese up into tiny training treats to keep portions small.

Best Practices for Introducing Cheese

• Start slow the first time you give your dog cheese. Offer just a small piece and watch for any signs of stomach upset, such as gas, diarrhea, or vomiting. Some dogs are lactose intolerant and may not digest cheese well.
• If there are no problems after a few hours, you can give cheese as an occasional treat. Choose low-fat cheese, like mozzarella or cottage cheese, which is easier for dogs to handle and helps lower the risk of obesity. Avoid cheeses with added spices, garlic, or onion, as these can be harmful to dogs.
• Do not feed cheese as a full meal—use it in very small meals, mainly as a high-value reward during training. Always balance treats with your dog’s regular food to keep their diet healthy.