Can dogs eat cheese?
AKC says cheese is fine in small amounts and is popular as a training treat. It is often high in fat, and some dogs don't digest dairy well (ASPCA).
How to serve it: small cubes; lower-fat types such as cottage cheese or mozzarella
How much is okay
All treats together: at most 10% of daily calories. Enter your dog’s weight:
Cheese
up to 0.55 oz a day
16 g · about 1 cube
10% of 629 kcal a day, for a spayed or neutered dog with normal activity. If your dog gets other treats too, give less.
Questions
What amount of cheese is okay for my dog?
All treats together: at most 10% of daily calories. For a spayed or neutered dog with normal activity weighing 22 lb, that’s up to 0.55 oz (16 g) (about 1 cube) a day. Work out the amount for your dog above.
Can cats eat cheese?
Better not. Cheese is a dairy product; many cats are lactose-intolerant and can develop digestive problems from dairy (Cornell, ASPCA).
Sources
- AKC – People Foods Dogs Can and Can't Eat
- AKC – Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control – People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
- Nutrition data: USDA FoodData Central (403 kcal per 100 g)
Last checked: October 2026