Can Dogs Eat Cheese? Safety, Lactose & How Much Is Too Much

Bottom line: Yes, most dogs can eat cheese in small amounts. Cheese is a useful high-value treat for training and hiding medication. But cheese is high in fat and salt, and many adult dogs are lactose intolerant, so it should be an occasional treat, not a regular food. Avoid blue cheese and any cheese containing onions, garlic, or mould.

Is cheese safe for dogs?

Yes, in moderation. Many dogs love cheese, and it is a popular high-value reward for training. The main concerns are:

• Lactose: Most adult dogs produce less lactase (the enzyme that digests milk sugar) after weaning, so large amounts of cheese can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhoea. Hard, aged cheeses contain less lactose and are usually better tolerated.
• Fat: Cheese is high in fat. Regular large amounts contribute to obesity and can trigger pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which is serious. See our dog vomiting guide.
• Salt: Some cheeses (feta, halloumi, processed cheese) are very salty and are not ideal for dogs, especially those with heart or kidney issues.

Which cheeses are safest?

Safer (low fat, low lactose):

• Cottage cheese
• Mozzarella
• Low-fat cheddar
• Goat cheese (often easier to digest)

Feed only in small amounts:

• Cheddar
• Swiss
• Parmesan (very salty, tiny amounts only)

Avoid:

• Blue cheese (stilton, roquefort, gorgonzola), the mould can cause tremors, vomiting, and toxicity in dogs
• Cheese with added onions, garlic, chives, or herbs
• Very salty cheeses like feta and halloumi (high salt load)
• Processed cheese spreads (high salt and additives)

How much cheese can a dog eat?

Cheese should be a small occasional treat. A rough guide:

• Small dogs: a small cube (about the size of a pea) per treat
• Medium dogs: a couple of small cubes
• Large dogs: a small slice

Keep all treats under 10% of daily calories. For overweight dogs (see our is my pet overweight guide), use cheese only rarely or choose a low-calorie treat like blueberries instead.

What are the risks?

• Pancreatitis: High-fat foods are a known trigger. Dogs with a history of pancreatitis should avoid cheese entirely.
• Lactose intolerance: Causes gas, bloating, and diarrhoea. If your dog has these symptoms after cheese, avoid dairy.
• Weight gain: Cheese is calorie-dense; regular use contributes to obesity.
• Salt toxicity: Large amounts of very salty cheese can be harmful, especially for small dogs or dogs with kidney or heart disease.
• Blue cheese toxicity: The mould in blue cheese produces roquefortine C, which can cause muscle tremors, vomiting, and seizures in dogs.

How to feed cheese safely

• Choose low-fat, low-salt, low-lactose options (cottage cheese is a good default)
• Cut into small pieces
• Use as an occasional high-value training reward
• Use a small amount to hide medication
• Never feed blue cheese or cheese with onion/garlic

When to call the vet

Call your veterinarian if your dog:

• Eats blue cheese and shows tremors, vomiting, or seems unwell
• Eats cheese containing onion or garlic
• Develops repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhoea after eating cheese (possible pancreatitis)
• Is overweight or has kidney/heart disease and eats a large amount of salty cheese

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References

Informed by ASPCA Animal Poison Control guidance on mouldy food toxicity and small-animal nutrition references. Last clinically reviewed: August 2026.