Can Dogs Eat Cheese?

By the PawMathCalc Team · Updated October 26, 2026

Short answer: yes, most dogs can eat a little cheese. It is high in fat and calories (a half-inch cube of cheddar is about 20 kcal), and some dogs are lactose intolerant, so use it as a small reward, not a snack.

Why cheese can be good for dogs

Protein and calcium; very motivating for training and for hiding pills.
Low-fat options such as mozzarella or cottage cheese are lighter choices.

Risks of cheese for dogs

Lactose: some dogs get gas or diarrhea.
Fat: rich cheeses can trigger pancreatitis in sensitive dogs.
Salt, and cheeses mixed with garlic, onion or chives.
The AKC advises avoiding blue cheese because of molds that can make dogs sick.

How to serve it

Use tiny cubes or shreds as training rewards.
Pick plain low-fat cheese; skip flavored and spicy cheeses.
Watch the first time for loose stool.

How much per day by dog weight

Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories. For a spayed or neutered adult dog that budget is shown below, with how many half-inch cubes of cheddar (about 20 kcal each) fit in it if they are the only treat that day.

Dog's weight	Daily treat budget	Half-inch cubes of cheddar per day
10 lb	35 kcal	up to 1.7 cubes
20 lb	59 kcal	up to 2.9 cubes
30 lb	79 kcal	up to 3 cubes
50 lb	116 kcal	up to 5 cubes
70 lb	150 kcal	up to 7 cubes
90 lb	181 kcal	up to 9 cubes

Start with one or two pieces the first time and watch for an upset stomach. Your own dog's budget is in the dog food calculator (it shows a "treats budget" line).

Check any other food

Not sure about something else in your kitchen? The can dogs eat it checker lists 98 foods as safe, careful or toxic, with the reason for each.

If your dog ate something toxic, call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.

Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center; American Kennel Club food guides; USDA FoodData Central (calories); treat budget from the RER formula used in WSAVA feeding guidance (10% rule).

Try the can dogs eat it? food checker

Enter your own numbers below, or open the full can dogs eat it? food checker with the formula and more examples.

This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Your pet may differ: ask your vet. Terms

Frequently asked questions

Is cheese bad for dogs?

Not in small amounts for most dogs. Dogs that are lactose intolerant, overweight or prone to pancreatitis should skip it.

What cheese is best for dogs?

Plain low-fat cheeses such as mozzarella or cottage cheese, in small amounts.

Can dogs eat cheese every day?

A few tiny pieces as part of the 10% treat budget is fine for most healthy dogs.