food
Cheese
NOT RECOMMENDED
Small amounts of plain mild cheese are not toxic, but cheese is fatty and salty and blue cheese should be avoided.
What to do
Keep portions tiny or use a dog-safe treat instead. If your dog has eaten blue cheese or a large amount of fatty cheese, contact your vet for advice.
When to contact a vet: Contact a vet if your dog has eaten blue cheese, is trembling, or has repeated vomiting, a painful belly or is very quiet after a fatty meal.
Symptoms to look for
- wind
- loose stools
- vomiting
- abdominal discomfort
- tremors after eating blue cheese
Why
Cheese is not toxic to most dogs and a small cube is often used to hide tablets. It is however high in fat and salt, and rich or repeated portions can cause stomach upset or contribute to pancreatitis, particularly in dogs prone to it. Many dogs are poor at digesting lactose, so cheese can cause wind and loose stools. Blue cheeses such as stilton can contain roquefortine C, which has been linked to tremors and seizures in dogs, so they should be avoided completely.
- Substances of concern
- roquefortine C in blue cheese, high fat, salt, lactose
- Safer parts
- A small amount of plain, low-salt, mild cheese for dogs that tolerate it.
- Parts to avoid
- Blue cheese, very salty or processed cheeses, and cheese in seasoned or onion-containing dishes.
- Preparation
- Cut a small cube of plain mild cheese. Do not add it to meals routinely.
- How much matters
- A single small cube occasionally at most. Avoid it altogether in overweight dogs, dogs on a low-fat diet or dogs with a history of pancreatitis.
- Severity
- Low to moderate
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlPrimary authoritative — Nutrition
- PetMDVeterinary information — Nutrition
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.