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Pawrennial

Can dogs eat cheese?

Yes, in small amounts.

Most dogs can have a little plain cheese as a treat, and many love it as a training reward. It's high in fat and some dogs can't digest dairy well, so keep portions small and skip cheeses with garlic, onion, or herbs.

Can dogs digest cheese?

Most adult dogs don't make much lactase, the enzyme that breaks down the sugar in milk. Cheese has far less lactose than milk, so many dogs handle small amounts fine, but some get gas, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Try a tiny piece the first time and watch your dog for the next day. If their stomach is upset, cheese isn't for them.

The best and worst cheeses for dogs

Lower-fat, plain cheeses are the best choice:

  • Good: mozzarella, cottage cheese, and mild cheddar in small amounts
  • Avoid: cheeses or spreads with garlic, onion, chives, or herbs
  • Avoid: very rich, salty, or spicy cheeses, and cheese with fruit or nuts added
  • Avoid: blue cheeses like Stilton and Roquefort, whose molds can make dogs ill

How much cheese can a dog have?

Cheese is calorie dense: an ounce of cheddar has about 115 calories, which is a big share of a small dog's day. Treats should stay under about 10 percent of daily calories, so think a few pea-sized pieces for a small dog and a small cube or two for a large dog.

Too much fat can cause an upset stomach and, in some dogs, pancreatitis. Dogs that are overweight, have had pancreatitis, or have kidney problems should skip cheese unless their vet says otherwise.

Ways to use cheese

  • Tiny cubes as a high-value training reward
  • Wrapped around a pill (ask your vet first, as some medicines shouldn't be taken with dairy)
  • A spoon of cottage cheese on their food

Helpful tools and guides

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat cheese every day?

A tiny amount as a training reward is usually fine, but larger daily portions add a lot of fat and calories. Count cheese as part of your dog's treat budget, about 10 percent of daily calories.

Can puppies eat cheese?

Small pieces of plain, mild cheese are fine for most puppies and make good training treats. Use tiny pieces and watch for stomach upset.

Can dogs drink milk?

Most dogs don't digest milk well, so it often causes diarrhea or gas. Water is all they need. If you want a dairy treat, a little plain cheese or plain yogurt is usually easier on the stomach.

Is cream cheese OK for dogs?

Plain cream cheese is very high in fat, so only a tiny lick at most. Never give flavored cream cheese with garlic, onion, chives, or sweeteners.

Sources

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