Can Dogs Eat Cheese? Which Types Are Safe and Which Aren't

If there's one food that turns every dog into an obedient little angel, it's cheese. The fridge opens, the cheese comes out, and suddenly your dog is sitting perfectly, making intense eye contact, and maybe even trembling with excitement. The good news? Most dogs can eat cheese in moderation. But the type of cheese and the amount matter more than you might think.

Why Dogs Go Crazy for Cheese

It's not just your dog — almost every dog I've ever met is obsessed with cheese. And there's a reason: cheese is high in fat and protein, both of which are extremely appealing to a dog's palate. The strong smell doesn't hurt either. Dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors (compared to our 6 million), and the pungent aroma of cheese is basically a siren song for their noses.

The Best Cheeses for Dogs

Not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to feeding them to your dog. Here are the safest options:

Mozzarella

Low in fat and sodium compared to most cheeses. It's mild, easy to digest, and perfect for dogs who might be a bit sensitive to richer dairy products.

Cottage Cheese

This is my top recommendation for dogs. It's lower in fat and sodium than hard cheeses, high in protein, and the soft texture makes it easy to mix into food. Many vets recommend cottage cheese as a protein supplement for dogs on bland diets.

Plain Cheddar

A small cube of plain cheddar is fine as an occasional treat. It's higher in fat than mozzarella, so keep portions small. Aged cheddar is actually lower in lactose than young cheddar, which can be better for sensitive dogs.

Swiss Cheese

Low in lactose and relatively low in sodium, Swiss cheese is another safe option for dogs. The mild flavor is well-tolerated by most pups.

Cheeses to Avoid

Some cheeses are genuinely dangerous for dogs. Keep these off the menu:

Blue Cheese

Cheese with Garlic or Herbs

Many flavored cheeses contain garlic, onion, or chives — all of which are toxic to dogs. Always check the ingredient list, and when in doubt, stick with plain varieties.

Brie and Camembert

These soft-ripened cheeses are very high in fat and can trigger pancreatitis in susceptible dogs. The rich, creamy texture might be delicious, but it's not worth the risk.

Cheese Spreads and Processed Cheese

Processed cheese products often contain additives, preservatives, and excessive sodium. Some cheese spreads also contain garlic powder or onion powder. Skip them entirely.

Lactose Intolerance in Dogs

Here's something many dog owners don't realize: many adult dogs are lactose intolerant to some degree. Just like some humans, many dogs lose the ability to efficiently digest lactose (the sugar in milk) as they mature.

Signs of lactose intolerance in dogs include:

• Gas and bloating
• Loose stool or diarrhea
• Stomach gurgling
• Vomiting (in more sensitive dogs)

The good news is that aged, hard cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss contain very little lactose because the aging process breaks most of it down. These are better choices for dogs who are mildly lactose intolerant.

How Much Cheese Is Too Much?

Cheese is high in fat and calories, so portions need to be small:

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): A few small cubes per day (about 1/2 oz total)
• Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): 1–2 oz per day maximum
• Large dogs (50+ lbs): Up to 2 oz per day, but less is better

Cheese and Weight Gain

One ounce of cheddar cheese contains about 110 calories. For a 20-pound dog who needs roughly 400 calories per day, that single ounce of cheese represents more than 25% of their daily caloric intake. That adds up fast.

If your dog is overweight or on a diet, consider switching to cottage cheese (about 25 calories per ounce) or using very tiny pieces of harder cheese as high-value training rewards.

For more healthy treat ideas, check out our guides on blueberries for dogs, apples for dogs, and rice for dogs.