Can Dogs Eat Cheese? Lactose Guide & Best Cheese Types
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by a licensed veterinary professional.
Most dogs can eat cheese in moderation, but some are lactose intolerant. Learn which cheeses are safest and how to use cheese for training and hiding pills.
The Quick Answer: Yes, Most Dogs Can Eat Cheese
Cheese is safe for most dogs and makes an excellent high-value training treat. However, there are two important considerations: some dogs are lactose intolerant, and cheese is high in fat and calories.
The key is moderation and choosing the right type of cheese. Low-fat, low-sodium options are best.
✅ Vet Verdict
The American Kennel Club confirms cheese is safe for dogs without lactose intolerance and recommends it as a high-value training reward.
Is Your Dog Lactose Intolerant?
Like humans, many dogs have difficulty digesting lactose (milk sugar) as adults. Signs of lactose intolerance include:
- Gas and bloating
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Vomiting
- Stomach gurgling
- Discomfort after eating dairy
💡 How to Test
Give your dog a small piece of cheese (pea-sized) and wait 24 hours. If no digestive upset occurs, they can likely tolerate cheese in moderation. If symptoms appear, avoid dairy products.
Best & Worst Cheeses for Dogs
| ✅ Best Choices | Why |
|---|---|
| Mozzarella | Low fat, low sodium, low lactose |
| Cottage Cheese | Low fat, high protein, low lactose |
| Swiss Cheese | Very low lactose (aged cheese) |
| Cheddar (aged) | Low lactose, but higher fat |
| Parmesan | Very low lactose, use sparingly (high sodium) |
| ❌ Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Blue Cheese | Contains roquefortine C - toxic to dogs |
| Brie & Camembert | Very high fat, can cause pancreatitis |
| Cheese with Herbs/Garlic | Garlic and onion are toxic |
| Processed Cheese | High sodium, artificial additives |
| Cream Cheese | Very high fat, high lactose |
🚫 Never Feed Blue Cheese!
Blue cheese contains roquefortine C, a substance produced by the mold that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and high temperatures in dogs.
How Much Cheese Can Dogs Eat?
| Dog Size | Max Per Day |
|---|---|
| Extra Small (under 10 lbs) | 1-2 small cubes |
| Small (10-25 lbs) | 2-3 small cubes |
| Medium (25-50 lbs) | 1 oz (about 1 slice) |
| Large (50-80 lbs) | 1-2 oz |
| Giant (80+ lbs) | 2 oz maximum |
Remember: treats should be max 10% of daily calories. Use our Pet Nutrition Calculator for personalized guidance.
Best Uses for Cheese
1. Hiding Medication 💊
Cheese is the #1 choice for hiding pills. The strong smell masks medicine taste, and the sticky texture holds pills inside. Pro tip: give a cheese "decoy" first, then the one with medicine!
2. High-Value Training Treats
Cheese is extremely motivating for dogs. Use small pieces for:
- Recall training (coming when called)
- Teaching difficult commands
- Distraction in challenging environments
3. Kong Stuffing
Mix cottage cheese with kibble, stuff in Kong, freeze. Long-lasting entertainment!
4. Food Topper for Picky Eaters
A sprinkle of shredded cheese can entice dogs who've lost appetite or are transitioning foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can puppies eat cheese?
Yes, puppies over 8 weeks can have small amounts. Start tiny to test for lactose intolerance.
Can cheese cause pancreatitis?
High-fat cheeses (brie, cream cheese) can trigger pancreatitis, especially in prone dogs. Stick to low-fat options.
Is string cheese okay?
Yes! String cheese (mozzarella) is actually one of the best choices—low fat and easy to portion.
My dog ate a lot of cheese—what now?
Watch for digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea). If severe or your dog ate blue cheese, contact your vet. Use our Symptom Checker if concerned.
The Bottom Line
- ✅ Most dogs can eat cheese - test for lactose intolerance first
- ✅ Low-fat cheeses are best - mozzarella, cottage cheese, Swiss
- ✅ Avoid blue cheese - contains toxic substance
- ✅ Great for training & pills - high-value reward
- ✅ Moderation is key - high in fat and calories
Pair cheese with peanut butter in a Kong for the ultimate treat!
Sources:
Quick Safety Check: Cheese
Get a quick overview of cheese safety, benefits, risks, and serving guidelines for your pet.
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