Can dogs eat it?
Can dogs eat cheese?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Most dogs can eat small amounts of plain cheese without any problem, and many find it irresistible. Hard cheeses such as cheddar are very low in lactose. Cheese is high in fat and salt, though, so keep it to small pieces, and avoid blue cheese and any cheese flavored with garlic, onion, chives, or herbs.
Why cheese is so useful
Cheese is soft, smelly, and valued by almost every dog, which makes it ideal for training and for hiding tablets. A 1 cm (half inch) cube of cheddar weighs about a gram and carries only 4 to 5 calories, so pea-sized pieces go a long way. A full slice, on the other hand, can be 80 calories.
Low-fat mozzarella and cottage cheese are lighter options.
Lactose in different cheeses
During cheesemaking, most lactose drains away with the whey, and aging breaks down what is left. Aged hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and gouda contain almost no lactose. Soft fresh cheeses like ricotta and cream cheese contain more. Dogs that get gas or loose stools from milk often tolerate hard cheese well.
Processed cheese slices and spray cheese contain added salts and emulsifiers.
Cheeses to avoid
Blue cheeses such as Stilton, Roquefort, and gorgonzola are made with molds that can produce a substance called roquefortine C, to which dogs appear sensitive. Cheeses with garlic, chives, onion, or herb mixes should be avoided too. Very salty cheeses like feta and halloumi are best kept for people.
Cheese on pizza or in sauces often comes with garlic.
When cheese is not a good idea
Dogs with a history of pancreatitis, overweight dogs, and dogs with kidney disease on a controlled diet should have cheese only if your vet approves. For a dog on a weight plan, use tiny pieces and subtract them from the daily food allowance.
Key takeaways
- Plain hard cheese in tiny pieces is a safe and useful treat.
- Aged cheeses contain very little lactose.
- Avoid blue cheese and cheeses flavored with garlic, onion, or chives.
- Cheese is high in fat and salt, so portions matter.