Why only in moderation for dogs
Cheese is rich in protein and calcium, and hard cheeses contain less lactose than milk, so a small piece is fine for a dog. Cheese is a handy treat for training.
It is fatty and salty, though. Fatty food can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and inflammation of the pancreas, and a dog has no need for salt. The moulds in blue cheeses can be harmful to dogs, and some cheeses contain garlic, onion or herbs.
How to give it
- Choose a mild, less salty hard cheese with nothing added.
- Cut it into very small pieces.
- Give it only now and then or during training, a small piece at a time.
What to watch out for
- Fatty cheese can cause vomiting, diarrhoea or inflammation of the pancreas.
- Cheese is high in salt and calories.
- In some dogs lactose causes diarrhoea or bloating.
- Blue cheeses can be harmful to dogs.
- Cheeses with garlic, onion or herbs are not suitable for a dog.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
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Mild hard cheese
In moderationA small piece of mild hard cheese is fine as an occasional treat.
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Blue cheeses
Not safeThe moulds can be harmful to dogs, so do not give this kind of cheese.
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Cheeses with garlic or onion
Not safeGarlic and onion are dangerous for dogs, so these cheeses must not be given.
What to give instead
- Cottage cheese Yes, in moderation: a little low-fat, unsweetened cottage cheese is a fine treat, but sweetened curd desserts and glazed curd bars are not. In moderation
- Eggs Yes, well-cooked eggs without salt or seasoning are a nourishing treat for a dog, but do not give raw eggs. Safe
- Chicken Yes, plain cooked chicken without bones, skin or seasoning makes a good treat for a dog, but do not give bones or raw meat. Safe
Looking for a treat?
The "Dog treats" category compares prices for 10,433 products across shops. It is a product category, not a recommendation of what to give.