Dairy & eggs
Can dogs eat cheese?
A little. Most dogs tolerate small amounts of cheese and love it as a training treat, but it is fatty and salty.
Why Lactose and fat
If your dog ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Signs to watch for
- Gas
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
How much, how often
A small cube a few times a week.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Choose low-fat, low-salt cheese such as mozzarella or cottage cheese
- Avoid blue cheeses and any with garlic, onion or herbs
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
Yes, a little. Most dogs tolerate small amounts of cheese and love it as a training treat, but it is fatty and salty.
How much: A small cube a few times a week.
Cats In moderation
A little. Many adult cats are lactose intolerant; a tiny amount of hard cheese is usually tolerated.
How much: A pea-sized piece.
Can cats eat cheese?The details
Blue cheeses such as Stilton contain roquefortine C, which can cause tremors in dogs. Dogs prone to pancreatitis should not have cheese at all.
Safer treats your dog can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can dogs eat cheese?
Yes, a little. Most dogs tolerate small amounts of cheese and love it as a training treat, but it is fatty and salty.
How much cheese can a dog have?
A small cube a few times a week.
What makes cheese risky for dogs?
Lactose and fat.
What are the signs to watch for in dogs?
gas, diarrhoea, vomiting.
What should I do if my dog ate cheese?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Is cheese safe for cats too?
A little. Many adult cats are lactose intolerant; a tiny amount of hard cheese is usually tolerated.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
More foods for dogs
Milk
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation
Yogurt
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation
Cottage cheese
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation
