Can dogs eat cheese?
Quick answer: Yes, in moderation — dogs can have cheese in small amounts as an occasional treat.
Quick verdict
In moderation
Recommended amount
A small cube of low-fat cheese now and then.
Why
A little plain cheese is fine for most dogs as a treat.
Can dogs eat cheese, and why?
A little plain cheese is fine for most dogs as a treat. High in fat and salt and some dogs are lactose intolerant; avoid blue cheese.
Dogs are omnivores, so most of their diet should be a complete, balanced dog food, with treats on top. They cope with a wide range of foods, but rich, fatty or sugary ones can cause stomach upset and, over time, weight gain or pancreatitis.
How to feed cheese to dogs
- •How much: A small cube of low-fat cheese now and then.
- •How often: An occasional treat, not a daily food. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of a dog’s daily calories.
- •Young pets: Puppies have more delicate tummies and specific growth needs, so introduce any new food in tiny amounts and check with your vet.
- •Preparation: Always wash fresh produce, remove any pips, stones, seeds, peel or tough skin where relevant, and serve it plain — never with salt, sugar, oil, butter or seasoning.
More foods dogs might eat
Make treat time better
Handy kit for feeding dogs well:
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat cheese?
In moderation. A little plain cheese is fine for most dogs as a treat.
How much cheese can a dog have?
A small cube of low-fat cheese now and then.
Can dogs eat cheese every day?
It’s best as an occasional treat rather than a daily food. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of a dog’s daily calories.
Can puppies eat cheese?
Puppies have more delicate tummies and specific growth needs, so introduce any new food in tiny amounts and check with your vet.
Free printable: safe & toxic foods for dogs
cheese is just one food — get the full one-page checklist of what’s safe, fine in moderation, or dangerous for dogs. Vet-sourced, yours to print and keep.
Check cheese for another pet
Sources
Our verdict on whether dogs can eat cheese draws on established UK and US veterinary and welfare organisations. Individual pets, quantities and preparation vary — always confirm with your own vet.