Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
Caution — a small piece of plain, low-salt cheese is safe for most dogs and handy for giving pills. But keep portions small because of the fat and salt, and never give blue cheeses.
Last reviewed: July 24, 2026
Which cheese, how much?
Low-fat, low-salt types — cottage cheese, curd, mild fresh cheeses — work well as small cubes. Cheese has less lactose than milk, but sensitive dogs can still get gas or loose stool. Soaking salty white cheese in water reduces the salt.
Blue cheeses (Roquefort, Gorgonzola) can contain roquefortine, which is risky for dogs — never give them. Rich, fatty cheeses raise pancreatitis risk; for overweight dogs it is best to drop cheese from the treat list.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wrap pills in cheese?
Yes — a small piece of plain cheese is one of the most practical pill-giving tricks. Just confirm the medication is not meant for an empty stomach.
Which cheeses are off-limits?
Blue cheeses (Roquefort, Gorgonzola), garlic or spiced cheeses, and heavily brined salty types. When unsure, stick to plain and low-salt.
How much cheese is too much?
The treat rule: under 10% of daily calories. Cheese is calorie-dense, so in practice one or two sugar-cube-sized pieces are plenty.
Related answers
Sources
This guide is based on publications from the following veterinary bodies. Where sources differ, we take the more cautious position; the final decision is always your veterinarian's.