Yes, in moderation
most dogs can eat small amounts of cheese. It is a high-value training treat, but it is high in fat and many dogs are lactose intolerant. Low-fat, low-salt cheeses are best.
| Can dogs eat it? | In moderation |
| Calories | About 9 kcal per 1/2-inch cube of cheddar |
| Main benefit | Protein and calcium |
| Main risk | High fat can trigger pancreatitis in prone dogs |
| Puppies? | In tiny amounts once on solid food; puppies have sensitive stomachs |
Free · instant · based on veterinary formulas
Vets recommend keeping all treats under 10% of daily calories. One 1/2-inch cube of cheddar has about 9 kcal. The chart shows the most a typical spayed or neutered adult dog could have in a day if cheese were the only treat.
| Dog weight | Daily treat budget | Max cheese per day |
|---|---|---|
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 35 kcal | 3.5 × 1/2-inch cube of cheddar |
| 20 lb (9.1 kg) | 59 kcal | 6.5 × 1/2-inch cube of cheddar |
| 40 lb (18.1 kg) | 98 kcal | 10 × 1/2-inch cube of cheddar |
| 60 lb (27.2 kg) | 133 kcal | 14 × 1/2-inch cube of cheddar |
| 80 lb (36.3 kg) | 166 kcal | 18 × 1/2-inch cube of cheddar |
Eating more than the recommended amount usually causes nothing worse than an upset stomach: soft stool, gas or vomiting. Skip treats for the rest of the day, keep fresh water available and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours or your dog seems unwell.
Planning treats? Check your dog's full daily needs with the dog food calculator or dog calorie calculator.
Yes, most dogs can eat small amounts of cheese. It is a high-value training treat, but it is high in fat and many dogs are lactose intolerant. Low-fat, low-salt cheeses are best.
Not in small amounts for most dogs. The risks are fat, salt and lactose, so keep portions tiny.
Yes, plain mozzarella string cheese in small pieces is one of the better options.
A few tiny pieces within the 10% treat allowance is fine for most healthy dogs.
Yes, in very small amounts once they are eating solid food. Puppies have sensitive stomachs, so offer a tiny piece and stop if you see loose stool. Most of their calories should come from a complete puppy food.
Browse lists: human foods dogs can eat · foods dogs can't eat
This guide is general information for healthy adult dogs. Dogs with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.
In moderation
Yes, most dogs can eat small amounts of cheese. It is a high-value training treat, but it is high in fat and many dogs are lactose intolerant.