Can dogs eat cheese?

Why

Cheese is high in fat and lactose, which can cause stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea in many dogs, especially if they are lactose intolerant. Additionally, some cheeses contain high levels of salt or added ingredients that are not suitable for pets.

If you do feed it

• Offer only a tiny piece of low-fat, plain cheese as an occasional treat, not a meal.
• Avoid all cheeses with added onions, garlic, chives, or xylitol, as these are toxic.
• Monitor your dog closely after feeding to ensure no signs of stomach upset occur.
• Skip cheese entirely if your dog is overweight or has a history of pancreatitis.

Watch out for

• Sweetened or flavored cheeses
• Cheeses with onion or garlic powder
• Blue cheese (contains Roquefortine C)
• High-salt varieties like feta or processed cheese slices

Better choices