Why
Cheese can be a high-value treat, but some dogs are lactose intolerant. The AKC suggests lower-fat types such as mozzarella or cottage cheese.
How to serve cheese
- Tiny cubes of mozzarella or a spoon of cottage cheese.
- Use it to hide pills.
Watch out for
- High-fat cheese adds calories fast.
- Skip cheese with onion, garlic, herbs or chives.
- Stop if it causes gas or diarrhea.
How much cheese can a dog eat?
Treats of every kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories, says the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Here is that daily treat budget by size, and how much cheese it buys if cheese is the only treat that day. Cheese has about 254 kcal per 100 g; 1 oz (28.4 g) is about 72 kcal.
| Dog size | Daily treat budget | Max cheese a day |
|---|---|---|
| Small (10 lb) | 26 kcal | 10 g (a third of oz) |
| Medium (30 lb) | 59 kcal | 23 g (three quarters of oz) |
| Large (60 lb) | 100 kcal | 39 g (about one and a half oz) |
| Giant (90 lb) | 136 kcal | 54 g (about 2 oz) |
Less is better for small, overweight or diabetic dogs. Work out your own dog's numbers with the dog food calculator. Calories: USDA FoodData Central, Cheese, mozzarella, part skim milk.
Other dairy: quick answers
| Food | Verdict | Short answer |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | Small amounts | A little is OK for some dogs, but many are lactose intolerant. |
| Yogurt | Small amounts | Yes, plain yogurt with no sugar or sweeteners, if your dog handles dairy. |
Rules for any new food
- Plain is the rule: no salt, butter, oil, onion, garlic, sugar or sweeteners. Most of the danger in human food comes from what is added to it.
- Keep all treats under 10% of your dog's daily calories (WSAVA). The rest should come from a complete dog food.
- Check labels for xylitol, raisins, chocolate and macadamia nuts, which turn up in baked goods, snacks and spreads.
- If your dog has a health condition, such as diabetes, pancreatitis or kidney disease, ask your vet before adding any new food.
Frequently asked questions
Is cheese safe for dogs?
Yes, in small amounts, if your dog handles dairy well. Lower-fat cheeses are better.
How much cheese can a dog eat?
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories (WSAVA). For a 30 lb dog that is about 59 kcal a day, or roughly 23 g of cheese if it is the only treat that day.
Sources
- American Kennel Club, "Human Foods Dogs Can and Can't Eat" (updated Aug 17, 2026)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control, "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets"
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee, "Feeding treats to your dog"
- USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy (April 2018 release)
Checked October 17, 2026. We are a reference, not a vet: if in doubt, call yours. How we check.