Is cheese harmful to dogs? According to the ASPCA, “because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other dairy-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.” The takeaway: Don’t give your dog cheese as part of their regular meal plan or as a frequent treat.
How much cheese is OK for dogs? “Your dog should get no more than a few small bites of cheese each day,” Robinson says. This will depend on your dog’s lactose tolerance and size, of course. She continues, “Some dogs cannot handle cheese at all. Larger dogs can handle a little more, and small dogs can handle less.”
Are dogs allowed any cheese? Cheese is high in salt and fat, so it is best fed only in small amounts. Choose lower-fat types of cheese to limit the calorie intake of your dog. Unflavoured cheeses such as Gouda or Edam, Cheddar or Red Leicester are excellent choices for dogs. Cream cheese is fine to feed to dogs but choose the plain varieties.
Can I give my dog a slice of cheese? While cheese is not toxic to dogs, they lack the digestive enzyme lactase, meaning they’re born with lactose intolerance. As long as you’re feeding cheese to your dog as an occasional treat and avoiding fatty cheeses — sorry, pups, no brie for you! — cheese is usually safe. And it can be good for them, too!