Can dogs eat milk or cheese?
A little plain cheese or a few tablespoons of milk now and then is fine for most dogs, but many dogs don't digest dairy well, and blue cheese and cheese with garlic, onion or chives should be skipped.
Raw, cooked and other forms of milk or cheese
- A littlePlain milk (cow's or goat's) Many dogs are lactose intolerant. A few tablespoons once in a while, never a full bowl.
- A littleLow-fat cheese (mozzarella, soft goat cheese, cottage cheese) The better picks. Lower in fat; mozzarella and goat cheese are also lower in lactose.
- A littleHigh-fat cheese (cheddar, brie, cream cheese, gouda, parmesan, provolone) Higher in fat, which can lead to weight gain and pancreatitis. Keep it tiny and rare.
- ToxicBlue cheese Contains roquefortine, which PetMD lists as toxic to dogs.
- ToxicCheese with garlic, onion, chives or herbs Garlic, onion and chives are toxic to dogs.
- Skip itAny cheese for a dog with pancreatitis Dogs with pancreatitis need a bland, low-fat diet.
A safe amount of milk or cheese, by dog size
- 2-10 lb1-2 pea-sized pieces of cheese, a few times a week at most
- 11-20 lb1-2 small cubes (about 1/4 inch), a few times a week at most
- 21-50 lb3-4 small cubes, a few times a week at most
- 51-90 lb5-6 small cubes, a few times a week at most
- 91+ lb7-8 small cubes, a few times a week at most
Cheese amounts are PetMD's guidance for healthy-weight dogs; treats should stay under 10% of her daily diet. For milk, AKC suggests a few tablespoons now and then, with no weight-based amounts. Try a tiny bit first and watch for tummy upset.
What to know about milk or cheese
Lactose (milk sugar), which many dogs can't digest well, and fat, which can lead to obesity and pancreatitis. Blue cheese contains roquefortine, and some cheeses are mixed with garlic, onion or chives, which are toxic to dogs.
Signs to watch for after she eats milk or cheese
Loose stools or diarrhea, gas, bloating, vomiting and belly pain. Too much milk can cause vomiting and diarrhea even in dogs that aren't lactose intolerant. Over time, too much cheese can mean weight gain.
What to do if your dog ate too much milk or cheese
If she gets a mild upset tummy after plain milk or cheese, stop the dairy and choose a different treat. If she ate blue cheese or cheese with garlic, onion or chives, or a large amount of rich cheese, call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Check with your vet before giving cheese to a dog with pancreatitis, obesity, food sensitivities or a prescription diet.
Sources: AKC: Can Dogs Drink Milk?, AKC: Can Dogs Eat Cheese?, PetMD: Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
Reviewed by Adam Polosetski, DVM · Oct 20, 2026