Pastry Ingredient Safety

Can dogs eat cheese?

Use caution

Short answer: Only small amounts of plain cheese: it's high in fat and salt, and moldy cheese is a separate danger.

Also called or found in: cheddar, parmesan, blue cheese

Why it matters

Dairy can cause stomach upset because pets have little lactase (ASPCA).

Tufts lists cheeses among high-salt foods to limit, especially for dogs with heart conditions.

Moldy food, including cheese, can carry molds that cause tremors and seizures in dogs (Pet Poison Helpline, Merck).

If your dog ate some

If your dog ate a lot of it, or seems unwell afterward, call your veterinarian or an animal poison line: ASPCA (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661.

In the kitchen

Any treat counts toward the 10% treat budget: treats should be no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories. Cheese breads and savory scones often add garlic or onion.

Sources

  1. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Checked October 22, 2026.
  2. Does an Apple a Day Keep the Vet Away? Harmful vs Healthy Foods for Pets, Tufts Petfoodology (Cummings School). Checked October 22, 2026.
  3. Mycotoxins (moldy food), Pet Poison Helpline. Checked October 22, 2026.

Last checked against these sources: October 22, 2026.

Related guides

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Written by VanillaGoods from the cited sources. Not reviewed by a veterinarian. Not a substitute for veterinary advice.