Yellow: with caution
Yes, but only in small pieces. The American Kennel Club describes cheese as a popular training treat and advises moderation. The ASPCA notes that dairy products can cause diarrhoea and digestive upset in dogs.
Why cheese gets a yellow rating
According to the ASPCA, dogs produce little lactase, the enzyme that breaks down milk sugar. Although cheese contains much less lactose than milk, the AKC says even small amounts can affect dogs with a marked intolerance. Then there is the fat: regularly eating a lot of cheese leads to weight gain. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists large amounts of table scraps and unsuitable food as a common risk factor for pancreatitis in dogs.
How to serve cheese
- Choose lower-fat varieties: The AKC recommends lower-fat options such as mozzarella or cottage cheese. Cottage cheese also contains less salt and lactose.
- No herbs: Cheese with garlic, onion or chives should stay on your own plate. According to the ASPCA, these alliums can damage red blood cells.
- Tiny cubes: Pea-sized pieces are enough for training.
- The tablet trick: A piece of cheese works well for hiding medicine.
- Try a little first: Offer a small amount the first time and watch for wind or soft stools.
What if your dog steals some cheese?
A large piece from the table usually results in a rumbling stomach or soft stools. Provide water, make the next meal smaller and keep an eye on your dog. If they vomit repeatedly, have abdominal pain or stop eating, call your vet. If herb cheese containing garlic or onion was involved, mention that straight away.
If you suspect poisoning, go straight to your vet or an emergency veterinary service.
Check whether your dog is getting the right amount of food in just a minute with our feeding calculator. Our book takes a closer look at feeding: “Hundeernährung und Futterplan” (book in German). For those first weeks with a puppy, try our free Puppy Starter Pack, and for a picture of your dog to hang on the wall, explore dog portraits from your own photo or choose a single portrait.
Further reading
- Calculating your dog’s food portions
- Is my dog overweight? How to assess body condition and ideal weight
- Puppy training: the 5 rules that really work
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (Milk/Dairy; Onion, Garlic, Chives); American Kennel Club, Can Dogs Eat Cheese?; Merck Veterinary Manual, Pancreatitis and Other Disorders of the Pancreas in Dogs.
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