What Are the Risks of Feeding Cheese to Dogs?

While cheese can be quick, tasty, and nutritious for our dogs, it’s not suitable for every one of them. Some dogs tolerate it well, while others may experience digestive issues or long-term health problems if they eat too much. 

Before sharing this treat with your dog, read more about the potential issues and risks of this sweet treat:

Lactose Intolerance and Digestive Issues

Many dogs are lactose intolerant, which means their bodies are not fit to digest dairy. This stems from a lack of lactase, a key enzyme that breaks down lactose.

While cheese contains significantly less lactose than milk, it can still be problematic for dogs. Some of the signs of lactose intolerance in dogs include mild diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and bloating.

High in Fat and Calories

Cheese is naturally high in fat, which can contribute to weight gain if too much is given. Overweight dogs are at higher risk for serious health conditions, including joint problems, diabetes, and heart disease.

In addition to weight gain, excess fat consumption can lead to canine pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. This condition can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy. 

Dogs that are already prone to pancreatitis should avoid high-fat foods, such as cheese.

High Salt Content in Some Cheeses

Certain cheeses, such as feta, processed cheese, and aged varieties, contain high levels of sodium. Dogs should not eat salt, nor should they eat foods high in salt.

If dogs eat too much salt, they can experience dehydration and increased thirst. This can escalate into sodium poisoning, a more serious problem. Symptoms of excessive salt intake include:

• Lethargy and weakness

• Tremors and seizures

• Vomiting

If you choose to give your dog cheese, opt for lower-sodium varieties and always provide fresh water.

Potentially Toxic Additives

Not all cheeses are safe for dogs. Some cheese-based products contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, including:

• Garlic and onions. These toxic ingredients are common in flavored cheeses and can damage your dog’s red blood cells, causing anemia.

• Herbs and spices. Some seasonings, like chives and certain peppers, can upset a dog’s stomach or cause toxicity.

• Moldy or blue cheeses. Certain moldy cheeses contain a toxin called roquefortine C, which can cause tremors, vomiting, and seizures in dogs.

Risk of Allergies

Some dogs have dairy allergies, which are different from lactose intolerance. A dairy allergy triggers an immune response, which can be problematic. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to cheese include:

• Itching, redness, and skin irritation

• Vomiting, diarrhea, and gas 

• Coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing

If your dog shows any of these symptoms after eating cheese, they may have a dairy allergy and should avoid it completely.

Types of Cheese: Safe vs. Unsafe

Not all cheeses are created equal when feeding them to your dog. While some cheeses can be a safe and tasty treat, others contain ingredients that can be harmful or difficult for dogs to digest. Let’s take a closer look at which cheeses are safe and which ones you should avoid.

Safe Cheeses for Dogs to Eat

If you decide to share some cheese with your dog, opt for these safer choices that are lower in fat, salt, and additives.

• Cottage Cheese. Dogs can eat cottage cheese, and it’s a good choice since it’s low in fat and calories, making it lighter for your dog. It also has probiotics that support digestion and has a lower amount of lactose.

• Mozzarella. Low-fat mozzarella is a good option as well because it is lower in lactose compared to other choices. It also has a good amount of protein and calcium while also being lower in fat.

• Plain Cheddar. Cheddar is always available, which makes it accessible. While it’s not the best option, it also has a good amount of protein and calcium. Opt for smaller portions since it has relatively higher fat.

• Swiss Cheese. Swiss cheese has lower lactose, which is easier for dogs to digest. It also has a mild flavor with just minimal additives. 

Cheeses to Avoid for Dogs

Some cheeses are unsafe for dogs due to their high fat, salt, or toxic ingredients. Avoid feeding your dog the following types of cheese.

• Blue Cheese. Blue cheeses are toxic, mainly because they contain a roquefortine C. This causes vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures.

• Flavored Cheese. Flavored cheeses often contain garlic, onions, chives, or leeks, which are toxic to dogs. These substances can cause anemia, digestive problems, and poisoning.

• Processed Cheese. Processed cheese contains high amounts of salt, preservatives, artificial flavors, and other additives that are toxic to dogs. It also includes oils and fillers that can upset a dog’s stomach. 

• High-Sodium Cheese. Cheeses such as feta, Parmesan, and Romano cheese are high in sodium, making them bad for dogs. These types of cheese can result in dehydration and salt poisoning, presenting as increased thirst, vomiting, and even seizures. 

Can Dogs Eat Macaroni and Cheese​?

No, dogs should not eat macaroni and cheese. While plain macaroni is safe for dogs, the other components in mac and cheese can be hazardous to their health. It has a high sodium and fat content, which can lead to some serious health issues. 

Vet Tips: Guidelines for Feeding Cheese to Dogs

Cheese can be an option for a treat for your dog, but it’s important to feed it the right way to avoid health issues. Here are some ways to prepare and feed cheese to your dog.

Feed Cheese in Moderation

Cheese should be treated as an occasional snack, not a regular part of your dog’s diet. Even low-fat cheeses contain calories and fat that can add up quickly. If your dog is overweight or prone to pancreatitis, it’s much better to avoid giving cheese entirely. 

A good rule of thumb is:

• Small dogs. No more than a few small bites (a teaspoon or two).

• Medium dogs. A few small cubes or a tablespoon-sized serving.

• Large dogs. Slightly more, but still in moderation.

Start with a Small Amount

If your dog has never had cheese before, introduce it slowly. Watch for any signs of digestive problems like gas, diarrhea, or vomiting. Some dogs will tolerate cheese better than others, and the way to test it is to provide small amounts slowly. See if the food agrees with their stomach. 

Choose the Right Type of Cheese

Stick to low-fat, low-sodium, and unflavored cheeses. These can be cottage cheese, mozzarella, Swiss cheese, or plain, mild cheddar. Avoid cheeses that contain garlic, onions, chives, blue mold, or excessive salt, as these can be harmful or even toxic to dogs.

Use Cheese for Training or Medication

Because dogs love cheese, it can be an effective training treat. Use tiny pieces as a reward for good behavior, but be mindful of the extra calories. Cheese is also helpful for hiding pills if your dog refuses to take medication. 

Simply wrap the pill with a small amount of cheese to make it more appealing. Just check with your vet to ensure the medication is safe to take with dairy.

Watch for Lactose Intolerance or Allergic Reactions

If your dog shows symptoms of lactose intolerance, you should avoid giving cheese. Dogs with health problems, such as obesity, pancreatitis, and kidney disease, should not eat cheese.

Similarly, if your dog experiences frequent rashes, itchy skin, irritation, or even digestive issues, avoid giving cheese altogether. Your dog might be allergic to it. 

Alternatives to Cheese for Dogs

It’s essential to explore other alternatives to this special treat, ones that provide more nutrition but with the same satisfaction. 

For meat-based alternatives, consider providing chicken, beef liver, and turkey breast. These provide good amounts of protein while also having good flavor. 

If you want to provide some fruits or vegetables, apples, bananas, watermelons, cucumbers, green beans, and carrot sticks are options worth considering. These are great sweet treats that also provide plenty of nutritional benefits. 

If you prefer some easy treats, commercial treats are also available. These include dried meat treats and dental chews. 

"A well-fed dog isn’t just one with a full belly, but one with a balanced diet that fuels their health, energy, and happiness."

- Dr. Nenad Misura

Final Thoughts

While dogs can eat cheese, they should only have a small amount. Cheese provides a handful of benefits that can only be achieved through tiny amounts. In other words, less is more. 

At the end of the day, dogs can benefit more from other food sources. These can be better for your dog’s health, while also not being too much for their tummy. By knowing what you can give to your dog, you can safely share the right treats for your best friend.