Last updated: June 16, 2026 · 6-minute read
Can Dogs Eat Cheese? The Short Answer
Yes — most dogs can safely eat cheese in small amounts, and it makes a fantastic high-value training reward. The keys are choosing low-fat, low-sodium varieties, watching portion size, and skipping cheese entirely for dogs that are lactose intolerant. For everyday chewing we still recommend pairing the occasional cheese treat with single-ingredient, fully digestible chews that contain no rawhide and are ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms.
Key takeaways
- Cheese is safe for most dogs in moderation, but it is high in fat and should stay under 10% of daily calories.
- Best picks are low-fat, low-sodium cheeses: mozzarella, cottage cheese, and plain cottage-style curds.
- Avoid blue cheeses, anything with garlic or onion, and very salty hard cheeses.
- Lactose-intolerant dogs, overweight dogs, and dogs with pancreatitis history should skip cheese.
- For long-lasting chewing, a single-ingredient bully stick is a safer daily habit than rich, fatty snacks.
Is Cheese Actually Good for Dogs?
In small amounts, cheese delivers protein, calcium, and vitamins A and B12, and most dogs find it irresistible — which is exactly why it shines as a training treat or a way to hide a pill. The flip side is fat and sodium. Too much cheese can lead to weight gain, an upset stomach, or, in sensitive dogs, a pancreatitis flare-up. Treat cheese as a once-in-a-while reward rather than a daily staple, and you get all of the enthusiasm with none of the regret.
Which Cheeses Are Safest for Dogs?
Not all cheeses are created equal. The table below shows how common options stack up so you can pick confidently.
| Cheese | Fat / Sodium | Dog-safe? |
|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella (low-fat) | Lower | Yes — a great everyday pick |
| Cottage cheese | Low | Yes — gentle and protein-rich |
| Cheddar (mild) | Moderate | Occasionally, in tiny amounts |
| Swiss | Moderate, low sodium | Occasionally |
| Blue cheese | High, can contain roquefortine | No — avoid |
| Feta / processed slices | Very high sodium | No — avoid |
How Much Cheese Can a Dog Have?
Follow the 10% rule: all treats combined, including cheese, should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories. As a rough serving guide:
| Dog size | Cheese per day (max) |
|---|---|
| Small (under 20 lb) | A pea-sized cube or two |
| Medium (20–50 lb) | 1–2 small cubes |
| Large (50–90 lb) | 2–3 small cubes |
Introduce cheese slowly the first time and watch for any digestive upset over the next 24 hours.
How Do You Make Cheese Treats for Dogs at Home?
These cheesy pumpkin biscuits use dog-friendly ingredients and bake up firm enough to carry in a training pouch. Makes about 24 small biscuits.
Ingredients: 1 cup whole wheat (or oat) flour, ½ cup shredded low-fat mozzarella, ¼ cup plain canned pumpkin, 1 egg, 2–3 tablespoons water.
- Preheat: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix: In a bowl, combine the flour, shredded mozzarella, pumpkin, and egg until a stiff dough forms, adding water a tablespoon at a time as needed.
- Roll & cut: Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick and cut into small bite-sized squares or shapes.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden and firm.
- Cool & store: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer.
What Are Better Everyday Alternatives to Cheese?
Because cheese is rich, it is best saved for special moments. For the daily chew your dog craves, reach for single-ingredient, fully digestible options with no rawhide and no mystery ingredients:
- 6-inch standard bully sticks — the classic everyday chew.
- 12-inch monster bully sticks — for big chewers who want a longer session.
- Beef cheek rolls — a satisfying rawhide-free alternative.
- Cow ears — light, crunchy, and easy to portion.
- Beef trachea tubes — a natural source of chondroitin.
- Beef tendons — chewy and protein-rich.
- 10-inch tripe twist sticks — a flavor-packed novelty chew.
Browse the full lineup in our natural dog treats and chews collection.
Related reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Can puppies eat cheese?
Puppies can have tiny amounts of low-fat cheese once they are weaned, but their stomachs are sensitive, so introduce it gradually and keep portions very small.
Is cheese safe for lactose-intolerant dogs?
No. Dogs that get gassy or loose stools from dairy should avoid cheese. Hard, aged cheeses are lower in lactose but still risky for sensitive dogs.
What cheese is the healthiest for dogs?
Low-fat mozzarella and cottage cheese are the best picks because they are lower in fat and sodium while still delivering protein and calcium.
Can cheese give my dog an upset stomach?
It can if you feed too much or your dog is dairy-sensitive. Stick to the serving guide above and watch for vomiting, gas, or diarrhea.
Is string cheese okay for dogs?
Plain low-moisture mozzarella string cheese is fine in small pieces, but check the label for added salt and flavorings.
Can dogs eat cheese every day?
It is better as an occasional reward. Daily cheese adds up in fat and calories quickly — choose a single-ingredient chew for the everyday habit instead.
Which cheeses should I never give my dog?
Avoid blue cheeses, very salty cheeses like feta, and anything seasoned with garlic or onion, which are toxic to dogs.
What if my dog ate a lot of cheese?
A single large helping usually just causes a stomachache. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of pancreatitis, and call your vet if symptoms persist.
Preston Smith is the co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. He started BSC because he couldn't find single-ingredient, fully digestible chews he trusted to give his own dogs — no rawhide, no chemicals, no mystery ingredients. He writes about dog nutrition, safe chews, and the practical side of feeding dogs well. Read more about Preston →
This post was last updated at June 22, 2026 19:14
