Food safety · Dogs
Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
The short answer · Cheese for dogs
Yes, most dogs can have a small piece of cheese occasionally. The ASPCA says a small cube makes a good snack or pill disguise, but too much can cause digestive upset. VCA calls cheddar and cream cheese high-calorie treats and says moldy cheeses should be avoided.
Written by VetExpenses Editorial TeamFact-checked against cited sources · Veterinary review pendingLast reviewed
Educational information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or ate something worrying, call your veterinarian or a pet poison line now. Emergency steps.
Cheese and dogs: quick facts
| Verdict | Safe in moderation |
|---|---|
| Safe parts | A small cube of plain cheese |
| Unsafe parts | Moldy cheeses (VCA); Large amounts; Cheese with garlic, onion or chives |
| Signs to watch for | digestive upset if too much is eaten (ASPCA) |
How to give cheese to your dog
Preparation
- Offer a small cube, sparingly (ASPCA).
- Save it for high-value moments like pills or vet visits (VCA).
- Skip moldy cheeses (VCA).
Benefits
- Handy pill disguise (ASPCA)
- High-value training reward (VCA)
Risks
- Too much can cause digestive upset (ASPCA)
- Milk products can cause diarrhea because pets make little lactase (ASPCA)
- High in calories and fat (VCA)
Treats, including people food, should be a small share of your dog's daily calories: the ASPCA and one VCA guide say no more than 5%, and VCA's training guide allows up to 10%. Most of your dog's nutrition should come from a complete and balanced diet.
What it could cost
If cheese upsets your dog's stomach
We publish a price range only after it is checked against named sources — our vet visit guide is in verification. A vet bill for this kind of visit is usually built from these line items:
- Exam or emergency consultation fee
- Tests: bloodwork, urine tests or imaging
- Treatment, such as decontamination or medication
- Hospital stay and monitoring, if needed
- Follow-up visits and recheck tests
Other foods dogs ask about
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat cheese every day?
It's best kept small and occasional: the ASPCA says too much can cause digestive upset, and VCA calls cheese a high-calorie treat.
Sources
- Sharing is Caring: Foods You Can Safely Share with Your Pet. ASPCA. Accessed November 8, 2026.
- Treats to skip and treats to share with your pet!. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed November 8, 2026.
- Using Food and Treats for Training Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed November 8, 2026.
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Accessed November 8, 2026.
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