Can dogs eat cheese? And cats?
Small amounts are fine for most dogs, but it is fatty and many dogs are lactose intolerant.
Most adult cats are lactose intolerant. A tiny cube occasionally, at most.
Cheese is not toxic, and low-lactose hard cheeses in small amounts are a popular training treat and pill-hider for dogs. The trouble is volume: it is calorie-dense, salty and fatty, and many pets digest lactose poorly. Skip blue cheeses (the mold can produce roquefortine C, which is toxic to dogs) and anything mixed with onion or garlic.
Signs to watch for
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Vomiting
- Weight gain over time
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control people-foods guidance, Merck Veterinary Manual, Pet Poison Helpline. Verdicts are conservative by design: where evidence is thin we choose the stricter rating.
This is general educational information, not veterinary advice. When in doubt about your own pet, ask your veterinarian.
If your pet just ate something risky, act now: call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (consultation fees may apply).