Many dogs tolerate small amounts of plain cheese as an occasional treat or for hiding tablets. Low-lactose cheeses like cheddar are often better tolerated than soft fresh cheese. Stop if diarrhoea or gas develops.

Is cheese bad for dogs?

Cheese is high in fat and salt. Large amounts contribute to obesity and can trigger pancreatitis in susceptible dogs. It is fine in small portions for most healthy dogs — not as a staple food.

Can dogs eat blue cheese?

Avoid mould-ripened blue cheeses and any mouldy cheese — mould can produce toxins. Stick to plain cheddar, mozzarella, or cottage cheese in small amounts if tolerated.

Can puppies eat cheese?

A tiny piece of plain cheese for training is usually fine for puppies over weaning. Monitor for diarrhoea — puppies have sensitive digestive systems.

Dog Health

Can Dogs Eat Cheese UK? Lactose, Portions & When to Avoid

Published 25 June 2026Last updated 25 June 20263 min read

Quick answer

Most healthy dogs can eat small amounts of plain cheese occasionally. Cheddar and mozzarella are common UK choices — low-lactose options often suit dogs better. Avoid blue cheese, mouldy cheese, and garlic/onion flavoured cheese. High fat means cheese is not for daily feeding — limit portions especially in dogs prone to pancreatitis.

Can dogs eat cheese?

According to the PDSA and RSPCA, plain cheese is a popular high-value treat for UK dogs — especially for training and tablet administration. Many dogs love it; many tolerate it well in small amounts.

Cheese is not nutritionally balanced for dogs and is high in fat and salt. Treat cheese as a sometimes food, not part of the main diet.

Lactose intolerance in dogs

Some dogs lack enough lactase to digest lactose in milk products. Signs of intolerance include:

Diarrhoea or soft stools after cheese
Flatulence
Abdominal discomfort

Cheeses that often suit dogs better

Cheese	Lactose (general)	Notes
Cheddar	Lower	Common UK training treat
Mozzarella	Moderate	Plain, small cubes
Cottage cheese	Varies	Low fat option in tiny amounts
Cream cheese	Higher	More likely to upset stomach
Blue cheese	Avoid	Mould-ripened — toxin risk

If diarrhoea follows cheese, stop feeding dairy and choose non-dairy treats.

Fat, salt, and pancreatitis

Cheese — especially rich varieties — is high in fat. Fatty meals are a known trigger for pancreatitis in dogs, a painful condition requiring emergency vet care.

Dogs who have had pancreatitis, obesity, or hyperlipidaemia should avoid cheese unless your vet agrees a specific low-fat option.

Cheeses and foods to avoid

Never give:

Blue cheese, stilton, and mould-ripened cheese — mould toxins; see compost and mould poisoning
Garlic or onion flavoured cheese — onion and garlic poisoning
Cheese with grapes, chutney, or fruit — grape toxicity risk
Mouldy or expired cheese from the fridge

Safe portions

Dog size	Occasional treat
Small	Pea-sized cube
Medium	Small dice (1 cm)
Large	1–2 small cubes

Treats including cheese should stay under 10% of daily calories.

Cheese for hiding medication

A small cube can conceal tablets for dogs that refuse pills. Confirm the medication can be given with food — some must be taken on an empty stomach. Use the smallest amount of cheese that works.

Sources & further reading

Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.

PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).

Related guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat cheese?: Many dogs tolerate small amounts of plain cheese as an occasional treat or for hiding tablets. Low-lactose cheeses like cheddar are often better tolerated than soft fresh cheese. Stop if diarrhoea or gas develops.
Is cheese bad for dogs?: Cheese is high in fat and salt. Large amounts contribute to obesity and can trigger pancreatitis in susceptible dogs. It is fine in small portions for most healthy dogs — not as a staple food.
Can dogs eat blue cheese?: Avoid mould-ripened blue cheeses and any mouldy cheese — mould can produce toxins. Stick to plain cheddar, mozzarella, or cottage cheese in small amounts if tolerated.
Can puppies eat cheese?: A tiny piece of plain cheese for training is usually fine for puppies over weaning. Monitor for diarrhoea — puppies have sensitive digestive systems.