Can Dogs Eat Cheese? What’s Safe and What to Avoid

Cheese is one of those irresistible treats that dogs seem to love. But before you share your snack, it’s important to understand which types are safe and which can be harmful.

The good news? Yes, dogs can eat cheese—but only in moderation and with the right choices.


🐶 Can Dogs Have Cheese?

While many dogs can handle a little cheese without any problems, a large number are sensitive to lactose. Feeding too much can upset their stomach, potentially causing symptoms such as bloating, gas, or loose stools.

Cheese should always be treated as an occasional reward—not a daily food.


🧀 Cheese Safety Guide for Dogs (Easy Table)

Here’s a simplified and user-friendly version of the table you liked:

Cheese Type

Safe for Dogs?

Key Notes

American Cheese

✅ Occasionally

Processed and high in salt

Cheddar

✅ Occasionally

High in fat and sodium

Cottage Cheese

✅ In moderation

Lower fat, good protein source

Mozzarella

✅ In moderation

Lower lactose, easier to digest

Goat Cheese

✅ In moderation

Lower lactose but still fatty

Parmesan

⚠️ Occasionally

High sodium—limit intake

Brie

⚠️ Occasionally

High fat and lactose

Cream Cheese

⚠️ Occasionally

Very high fat

Feta

⚠️ Occasionally

High salt content

Gouda

⚠️ Occasionally

Rich and fatty

Provolone

⚠️ Occasionally

High fat and sodium

Blue Cheese

❌ Avoid

Contains toxins harmful to dogs

 

👉 This classification is based on veterinary guidance: some cheeses are safe in small amounts, while others should be avoided due to toxins, fat, or salt content.


🥗 Benefits of Cheese for Dogs

When given in moderation, cheese can provide:

  • Protein for muscle health
  • Calcium for bones and teeth
  • Vitamins A & B for overall wellness

It’s also commonly used as a high-value training treat or to hide medication.


⚠️ Risks of Feeding Cheese

Even though dogs love cheese, there are some risks:

1. Lactose Intolerance

Dogs often struggle to digest dairy, leading to:

2. High Fat Content

Too much cheese can:

3. High Sodium

Excess salt can be harmful, especially for dogs with health issues.


🍽️ How Much Cheese Is Safe?

Cheese should make up less than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

Portion guide:

  • Small dogs → tiny кус (pea-sized)
  • Medium dogs → a few small cubes
  • Large dogs → slightly more, but still limited

🐕 Best Ways to Use Cheese

Cheese can be helpful in everyday situations:

  • Training rewards
  • Hiding pills
  • Encouraging picky eaters

🚫 When to Avoid Cheese Completely

Avoid cheese if your dog:


🧠 Pro Tips for Feeding Cheese Safely

  • Start with small portions.
  • Choose low-fat, plain cheese.
  • Avoid flavored or processed options.
  • Monitor for any digestive reaction.

🐾 Final Thoughts

Cheese can be a delicious treat your dog enjoys—but only when served responsibly. The key is moderation and choosing the right type.

By following the table above, you can confidently decide which cheeses are safe and which to avoid, keeping your dog both happy and healthy.


📌 Quick Summary

  • ✔️ Dogs can eat cheese in moderation
  • 🧀 Some cheeses are safer than others (see table)
  • ⚠️ Watch for lactose intolerance and fat content
  • 🚫 Avoid blue cheese and heavily processed options

 

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Best Selling Combo

Best Selling Combo

Heartgard Nexgard Combo for Dogs Flea, Ticks & Heartworm Treatment

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 1134 reviews.

Customer photo review of Custom Duty

Fast shipping great quality and price

Custom Duty

Customer photo review of Revolution Plus For Medium Cats 5.6-11 lbs (2.6-5kg)

Two sweet girlies decided to make our deck their home. Mosquitoes are a big problem where we live and we had to get them protected. This was the best bang for the buck. I’ve ordered from 79Pets several times and while delivery is not fast it is very consistent.

Revolution Plus For Medium Cats 5.6-11 lbs (2.6-5kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Teresa!

Customer photo review of Nexgard Combo For Cats 5.5-16.5 lbs (2.5-7.5 kg)

As a retired veterinary technician I was extremely happy to finally see a flea and heartworm medication that actually does tapeworms too!!!!!!! This is a 1st to my knowledge....I live in a tropical climate where fleas never die so this is heaven sent.

Nexgard Combo For Cats 5.5-16.5 lbs (2.5-7.5 kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Kimberly.

Customer photo review of Stronghold Teal For Dogs 44-88lbs (20-40kg)

Very happy with the price of Stronghold heart worm med for my dog. Seems to be working well.

Stronghold Teal For Dogs 44-88lbs (20-40kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Dory!

Customer photo review of Simparica Trio For Dogs 22.1-44 lbs (10-20 kg)

My dog loves this product, never got any issue. Good price , deliver on time. We will definitely keep purchasing with 79 pets.com. Thanks!

Simparica Trio For Dogs 22.1-44 lbs (10-20 kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Elle!

Customer photo review of NexGard Chew For Small Dogs 10-24lbs (4-10kg)

I have 3 of these little rascals so Michigan flea/tick season can be financially brutal! Thank you for keeping NexGard so affordable.

NexGard Chew For Small Dogs 10-24lbs (4-10kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Elaine

Customer photo review of Nexgard Combo for Cats 5.5-16.5 lbs (2.5-7.5 kg)

After Seresto collars failed to get rid of fleas, I didn't know where to turn. I saw a post on a page I follow (Kentucky Kitty Cats) saying that they use Nexgard Combo for the cats they shelter. I decided to try it and IT WORKS!

Nexgard Combo for Cats 5.5-16.5 lbs (2.5-7.5 kg)

Store owner replied: Thanks Cari.. We are glad that you found treatment which works for your Cats..

Customer photo review of Revolution Plus For Large Cats 11.1-22lbs (5-10kg)

This is Lexi Marie! She was wondering why mom was so excited for buying flea medicine. I explained to her that we saved $100 and that she would understand some day when she grows up.

Revolution Plus For Large Cats 11.1-22lbs (5-10kg)

Store owner replied: Thanks Tammy!!

Customer photo review of Revolution Plus For Medium Cats 5.6-11 lbs (2.6-5kg)

Last year, I made a visit to the vet. I told them that Kattie/cat had ear mites. They gave me an ointment costing $80canadian. I used it up and purchased another bottle. $160. total not including the cost of the vet visit. No results. The ear mites have been there for a long time. Canadian vets have control of what is sold in Pet stores and you cannot purchase off the shelf products not recognized by them. I jumped at the chance to purchase your produce with a recommended 100% effectivity. I was willing to try, but was suspicions. After a month there was still a little scratching but after 6 weeks, the mites are gone and the scratching is gone. Thank you very much for this mite solution. I recommend it heartily. Harry P.S. Do not tell the Canadian vets as they will outlaw your product.

Revolution Plus For Medium Cats 5.6-11 lbs (2.6-5kg)

Store owner replied: Thanks Harry for review!!