Yes — In Small Amounts, For Most Dogs
Cheese is not toxic to dogs and works well as an occasional treat or training reward. However it is high in fat and salt, and some dogs are lactose intolerant. Use sparingly and choose low-fat, low-salt varieties.
Why Owners Use Cheese for Dogs
Cheese is popular with dog trainers for a reason — it is extremely high-value, smells irresistible to dogs, and is easy to break into tiny training-sized pieces. It is also one of the most effective ways to hide medication for dogs who refuse tablets.
Best Cheeses for Dogs
✅ Best Choices (Lower Fat and Salt)
- Cottage cheese — lowest fat and salt, easiest to digest, great for sensitive stomachs
- Mozzarella — low salt, relatively low fat
- Cheddar (mild) — fine in very small amounts as a treat
- Ricotta — low salt, soft and digestible
❌ Avoid These Cheeses
- Blue cheese (Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola) — contains roquefortine C, toxic to dogs
- Brie and Camembert — very high fat, can trigger pancreatitis
- Cream cheese with additives — often contains garlic or onion powder
- Processed cheese slices — very high sodium
🚨 Blue Cheese Is Toxic to Dogs
Blue-veined cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort and Gorgonzola produce a substance called roquefortine C as they ripen. This can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperature and even seizures in dogs. Never give your dog blue cheese — even a small amount.
Lactose Intolerance in Dogs
Many dogs are lactose intolerant to varying degrees — their digestive system does not produce enough lactase enzyme to properly break down the lactose in dairy products. Signs of lactose intolerance after eating cheese include:
- Loose stools or diarrhoea
- Excessive gas and bloating
- Vomiting
- Stomach discomfort (restlessness, hunching)
If your dog shows any of these signs after cheese, dairy is not suitable for them. Stick to dairy-free treats instead.
How Much Cheese Can a Dog Have?
| Dog Size | Max Amount per Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 10kg) | A cube the size of a fingernail | Use as occasional training treat only |
| Medium (10–25kg) | 1–2 small cubes | Not daily — a few times per week maximum |
| Large (25kg+) | 2–3 small cubes | Still a treat, not a food staple |
⚠️ High Fat Dogs Beware
Dogs prone to pancreatitis (Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Yorkshire Terriers) should avoid cheese entirely — the high fat content can trigger a painful and potentially serious pancreatitis episode. When in doubt, ask your vet.
💡 Hiding Tablets in Cheese
Cottage cheese or soft mozzarella works brilliantly for hiding tablets. Use the smallest amount possible that still conceals the tablet — just enough to wrap around it. Give a plain piece first, then the medicated piece, then another plain piece so your dog does not learn to check first.