Can Dogs Eat Cheese?

Dogs can eat tiny amounts of plain, hard cheese, but most cheese is too high in fat and salt to be a regular treat. Excessive cheese causes obesity, pancreatitis, and digestive problems. Avoid blue cheese (contains mould toxins), processed cheese, and anything with added ingredients like garlic or excessive salt.

Why Cheese Needs Caution

Plain cheese from a nutritional standpoint isn't inherently toxic, but several properties make it problematic for dogs:

High fat content: Most cheeses contain 25-35% fat. Dogs on high-fat diets are at serious risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), particularly Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, and overweight dogs. Even a single high-fat meal can trigger pancreatitis in predisposed animals.

High sodium content: Cheeses contain significant salt—sometimes 300-400mg sodium per ounce. Excessive salt increases thirst and urination, and in dogs with heart or kidney disease, can worsen fluid retention and blood pressure.

Lactose content: Although cheese contains less lactose than milk (most is removed during production), some lactose remains. Dogs with dairy sensitivity might still experience digestive upset.

Calorie density: A single ounce of cheese contains 100-110 calories—substantial for small dogs. Regular cheese treats quickly lead to obesity without proper calorie adjustment.

Blue cheese toxicity: Blue cheeses contain Roquefortine C, a mycotoxin produced by the blue mould (Penicillium). This toxin can cause lethargy, vomiting, tremors, and seizures in dogs.

How Much Cheese Can Dogs Eat?

Safe portions are extremely small—treat cheese as a rare indulgence, not a snack:

• Small dogs (under 10 kg, e.g. Chihuahua, Pomeranian): One pea-sized cube, no more than once weekly
• Medium dogs (10-25 kg, e.g. Beagle, Springer Spaniel): A fingernail-sized piece (roughly 5g), once weekly or less
• Large dogs (over 25 kg, e.g. Labrador, German Shepherd): One small cube (roughly 1cm), once weekly maximum

These portions are calculated to provide a flavour experience without significant caloric or fat impact.

How to Serve Cheese Safely

If you give your dog cheese:

• Use only hard, plain cheese—cheddar, mozzarella, or cottage cheese (rinsed to reduce salt)
• Cut into tiny pieces much smaller than you think necessary; a single pea-sized cube is adequate
• Serve occasionally—once weekly or less, never daily
• Pair with exercise or calorie reduction elsewhere in their diet
• Avoid processed cheese, slices, and spreads—these contain added sodium, saturates, and sometimes harmful additives
• Never use as training treats regularly—opt for vegetables (carrots, green beans) instead

When to Avoid Cheese

Do not give cheese to dogs with:

• Pancreatitis (current or history of)
• Obesity or weight management plans
• Lactose intolerance
• Kidney or heart disease (salt sensitivity)
• Dairy allergies
• Sensitive digestion or inflammatory bowel disease

Completely avoid all blue cheese, processed cheese, and cheese spreads regardless of your dog's health status.

Symptoms to Watch For

If your dog ate a large amount of cheese or high-fat variety, monitor for:

Digestive upset (within 6-24 hours):

• Vomiting or retching
• Diarrhoea or loose stools
• Abdominal discomfort or reluctance to move
• Loss of appetite
• Excessive gas or bloating

Pancreatitis symptoms (appear within hours to 2 days):

• Severe abdominal pain (hunched posture, whining)
• Persistent vomiting
• Lethargy or weakness
• Diarrhoea
• Fever
• Dehydration

Blue cheese toxicity (appear within 1-3 hours):

• Lethargy or depression
• Vomiting
• Tremors or muscle twitching
• Disorientation or staggering
• Seizures (in severe cases)

If your dog shows signs of pancreatitis or blue cheese toxicity, contact your vet immediately or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000.

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