Can Dogs Eat Cheese?

Hey. If you love cheese, we hear you. Sometimes nothing feels better than a toasted cheese sandwich. Sometimes there’s no pain that a cheese-laden pizza can’t heal. The question is: even if you love your cheese, can your four-legged friend indulge? Can dogs eat cheese?

Cheese for dogs is a big topic. At first glance, cheese seems like the kind of food that would be harmful to your pup. But is that true? If you fed cheese to your beloved dog, would it be a disaster? 

We have good news. We can tell you that, fortunately, cheese is safe for dogs. Yes, you read that correctly — you can give your dog cheese!

But, as with humans, cheese must be eaten in moderation. In this guide, we’ll talk about the cheesy benefits and drawbacks to help you decide if this food is right for your pup.

Cheese for dogs is often a bit of an unsung hero. Want to give your dog some medication it doesn’t like the look of? Smear it inside a chew toy like a Kong! Want to keep your dog entertained while it’s being groomed? Let it chomp on some cheddar! Is your dog suffering from separation anxiety? Calm it down with some cheese. Trainers often use cheese as a high-value treat during training sessions, as most dogs find it irresistible.

Cheese isn’t only super delicious, it’s also full of a lot of good nutrients, including:

• Protein
• Calcium
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B-complex
• Phosphorus
• Zinc
• Omega-3 fatty acids

Some cheeses even contain beneficial bacteria, such as the Bifidobacterium longum in Queso Blanco, which can help your dog’s digestion and immune response.

While it’s true that cheese is a fan favorite for most canines, and that it contains healthy nutrients, dogs still shouldn’t be eating a lot of it. And this is true for humans as well, of course. Is cheese safe for dogs? Strictly, yes, but you should be aware that this dairy product contains a lot of lactose, which can be problematic for our dogs. 

After dogs are weaned, they lack a significant amount of the enzyme lactase that breaks it down, which means that the more lactose a cheese has, the harder it is for any adult dog to digest. And if your dog is lactose-intolerant, cheese can cause diarrhea, bloating and gas, and even vomiting.

Some cheeses like Swiss, cheddar and Colby contain high amounts of fat which can cause pancreatitis, weight gain and obesity if eaten regularly by your pup. Many processed cheeses, string cheese, and aged cheeses also feature a lot of salt.

However, the cheese you should always say no to is blue cheese. This isn’t safe for dogs at all; in the right conditions, blue cheese can produce a mycotoxin called roquefortine C that can be a danger for any pup. Consuming this toxin can cause diarrhea, vomiting, pain, and even tremors and seizures. So, if you’re wondering, is cheese bad for dogs? The answer is definitely yes when it concerns blue cheeses.

So, which cheeses are the safest for dogs to eat? The best cheese for dogs is low-fat cheese such as mozzarella. Can dogs eat cottage cheese? Yes. Cottage cheese is also low in fat, and it’s lower in lactose than many other cheeses too!

How about other forms of cheese? Can dogs eat cream cheese, for example? Yes. Dogs can also eat cream cheese, but make sure you steer clear of the cream cheeses that contain additives, such as chives, onions, or garlic. While delicious, these herbs — in any form of cheese — can be toxic for dogs, and should always be avoided.

We’ve looked at different kinds of cheeses and how they are better or worse to feed your dog, but does your dog’s health make a difference? It certainly does. While healthy dogs are more likely to tolerate the components of cheese in small amounts, there are some pups who just shouldn’t be indulging in cheese at all.

These include:

• Lactose intolerant or lactose sensitive dogs
• Overweight dogs, or dogs who need to limit their fat consumption
• Dogs on antibiotics, as the calcium in cheese can interfere with their absorption
• Dogs with sensitive stomachs
• Dogs with kidney disease, heart disease, or high blood pressure who need to limit their salt intake
• Dogs who are in danger of dehydration

If you’ve got a four-legged bestie who should steer clear of cheese, try using chicken, tuna or ham chunks as high-value treats, or even homemade peanut butter treats!

Most healthy dogs can tolerate small amounts of safe cheeses, but there are certainly exceptions to the rule. For quick reference, here are some tips to help you keep your pup feeling great while enjoying this delightful food.

• Introduce cheese slowly. Giving your dog just a taste of cheese will help their bodies to digest it and reduce stomach upset, and could alert you to any potential problems before your dog eats an unhealthy amount.
• Watch for dietary side effects. Monitor your dog for any signs they are having trouble processing cheese. These can include diarrhea, vomiting, gas, excessive drooling, or a reduction or loss of appetite. If these symptoms exceed 24 hours, call your veterinarian.   
• Moderation is important. Due to the lactose, high fat and salt content of cheese, it’s best to limit your dog to cheese treats that equal no more than 10% of their calorie intake for each day. Using cheese as a high value treat once in a while is safe for most healthy dogs.
• Choose low-fat cheeses. Low-fat mozzarella, cottage cheese and even soft goat cheeses are the best cheeses for pups to consume.
• Avoid blue cheeses. Eliminate any possibility of mycotoxin poisoning by keeping blue cheeses, such as stilton, out of your dog’s diet.
• Avoid cheese additives. Be sure the cheese you feed your dog is free of herbs and other flavored ingredients to reduce any possible toxic effects.
• Talk with vet about medical issues. If your dog has a medical condition that could make cheese unsafe for them, be sure to discuss with your veterinarian if it’s alright to include it in their diet.
  
  

While cheese is sure to get your pup’s tail swinging, it should only be added to a high-quality and nutritionally complete diet as an occasional treat. As long as you moderate how much they eat, cheese can be an excellent training motivator, a tasty distraction, or just a fun treat for your canine pal. Enjoy!