While cheese is one of the staples of every household, it may leave some to wonder if dogs can eat cheese.

The good news is that most dogs can eat cheese in moderation, and many absolutely love it. It’s often used as a training treat or a sneaky way to hide pills. But before you start sharing your favorite cheddar or brie, there are a few things you need to know. Some cheeses are safer than others, and too much can lead to problems such as digestive issues or weight gain.

Let’s know more about this delectable treat and see how nutritious or dangerous it can be for our pups.

Benefits of Cheese for Dogs

Cheese contains nutrients that can offer some benefits to dogs when given in moderation. While it shouldn’t replace a balanced diet, cheese can serve as an occasional treat with added nutritional value.

Here’s how cheese can be good for dogs:

Good Source of Protein

Protein is essential for a dog’s nutrition and overall health. It helps build and maintain strong muscles, supports healthy skin and coat, and is a big help in tissue repair. Cheese contains a decent amount of high-quality protein, making it a nutritious snack for dogs. However, it should still never replace primary protein sources like meat or fish, which provide more complete nutrition.

Provides Calcium

Calcium is important for maintaining your dog’s strong bones and teeth. Puppies need calcium for proper skeletal development, while older dogs benefit from calcium to keep their bones strong and prevent issues like osteoporosis. Cheese contains a natural source of calcium, but most dogs get enough from their regular diet, so it should only be given in small amounts.

Contains Essential Vitamins and Fats

Cheese provides key vitamins and healthy fats that contribute to a dog’s overall well-being. Vitamin A is crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health, while vitamin B12 supports good metabolism and energy production. Cheese also has a good amount of fats, which are great for providing energy and maintaining a shiny coat.

Useful as a Training Treat

Because dogs love cheese, it can be a highly effective training reward. Small pieces of cheese can help reinforce positive behavior, especially for dogs that need extra motivation. Since cheese is high in calories, it’s best to use small amounts and adjust your dog’s daily food intake accordingly.

Helps with Giving Medication

If your dog refuses to take pills, cheese can be a great solution. Wrapping a pill in a small piece of cheese can make medication time much easier. Just be sure to check with our vets to ensure that the medication can be taken with dairy products.

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, it’s important to know all about the risks of giving cheese.

Lactose Intolerance and Digestive Issues

Many dogs are lactose intolerant, which means they have trouble digesting dairy products. Cheese contains less lactose than milk, but it can still cause problems for some dogs. 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 like cheese.

High Salt Content in Some Cheeses

Certain cheeses, such as feta, processed cheese, and aged varieties, contain high levels of sodium. If a dog eats too much of it, it can cause dehydration and increased thirst. In extreme cases, sodium poisoning is also a possibility. 

Symptoms of excessive salt intake include:

• Lethargy

• Tremors

• Vomiting

• Seizures

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. 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:

• Itchy skin

• Ear infections

• Excessive licking or scratching

• Chronic digestive problems

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 it 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. Cottage cheese is a good choice since it’s low in fat and calories, which makes it less heavy 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 and milder 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 an easy option. 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. Cheese that are high in sodium, such as feta and parmesan cheese, are not good for dogs. These cheeses can cause dehydration and salt poisoning, which leads to symptoms such as increased thirst, vomiting, and even seizures in extreme cases.

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, cheese should be given sparingly or avoided altogether.

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 tolerate dairy better than others, and a small test portion will help you determine if cheese 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 cheese, 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 our vets 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, cheese may not be a good choice. Dogs with health problems, such as obesity, pancreatitis, and kidney disease, should not eat cheese. Similarly, if your dog has frequent ear infections, itchy skin, or digestive issues after eating cheese, it’s best to avoid giving them cheese entirely. 

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

Conclusion

While dogs can eat cheese, they should only have a small amount. Cheese has a handful of benefits that can only be achieved if the right amount of it is given. In other words, less is more.

At the end of the day, every dog is different. Some can enjoy small amounts of cheese without a problem, while others may struggle with digestion. By making informed choices, you can safely share this tasty snack with your pup while keeping their health a top priority.