✓ Reviewed against PDSA, Blue Cross & Animal PoisonLine guidance · Last reviewed: 2026-07
Can dogs eat cheese?
The full picture
Cheese is a useful high-value training treat because most dogs love it, but it should be used sparingly. Dogs don't produce much lactase, so dairy can cause digestive upset. Harder, lower-lactose cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella are better tolerated than soft cheeses. Blue cheese (stilton, roquefort, gorgonzola) must be avoided — it contains a mould that produces roquefortine C, which is toxic to dogs. Cheese is also high in fat and salt, so small amounts only, especially for dogs prone to pancreatitis.
If your dog ate more than a safe amount
If your dog has eaten a large amount of rich or flavoured cheese, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy over the next 6–12 hours. Pancreatitis is the main risk — call your vet if symptoms appear or your dog is listless.
Risks to watch for
- Lactose intolerance causing diarrhoea
- Pancreatitis from high fat
- Toxicity from blue cheeses specifically
- Weight gain
Potential benefits
- Calcium and protein
- High-value training treat
- Useful for hiding tablets
Safe portion size
A small cube for small dogs, a larger cube for big dogs. Occasional treat only.
Safer alternatives
- plain Greek yoghurt (small amount)
- cooked chicken pieces
And while you're thinking about what's good for your dog, keeping on top of flea and parasite prevention is just as important as diet.
Which cheeses are better choices — and why fat matters more than lactose here
Not all cheese carries the same risk profile. Hard, low-moisture cheeses (cheddar, parmesan, Swiss-style cheeses) are naturally low in lactose because most of it's removed with the whey during production, making them the more digestible choice for a lactose-sensitive dog. The bigger practical concern with cheese generally isn't lactose, though — it's fat content. Cheese is calorie-dense and high in fat, and regularly feeding meaningful amounts can contribute to weight gain or, in dogs prone to it, trigger pancreatitis — a genuinely serious and painful condition. Breeds known to be more susceptible to pancreatitis (Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels) warrant particular caution with cheese as a regular treat.
Cheeses to avoid entirely
Blue cheeses (Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola) contain a compound called roquefortine C, produced by the mould used in their production, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperature, and in more serious cases tremors or seizures in dogs — this is a genuine, named toxicity risk, not just a "richer food, be cautious" caution. Cheeses containing garlic, onion, or other alliums (some flavoured cheese spreads and specialty cheeses) carry the same allium toxicity risk as those ingredients do on their own. Stick to plain hard cheese in small amounts, and skip flavoured or blue-veined varieties entirely.
Common questions
Is cheese safe for dogs?
How much cheese can a dog eat?
What are the risks of cheese for dogs?
What should I do if my dog eats too much cheese?
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