Can I Feed My Dog Cheese? Why the viral 'cheese tax' TikTok trend could be bad for your loving pup - according to experts

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According to Alyssa Ralph, Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Canine Nutritionist at fresh dog food brand Years.com, you should be careful of putting even small pieces of cheese of the menu.

Here’s her advice to dog owners.

Why is cheese not good for dogs?

Cheese is one of the most common foods linked to excessive gas, bloating and stomach upset in dogs.

Around 40-60 per cent of dogs are lactose intolerant meaning that giving them cheese can result in gas, discomfort, and diarrhoea. Cheese also tends to be high in saturated fats, which can promote health concerns like obesity and pancreatitis. Whilst a little cheese is usually okay, it's easy to feed too much - especially for smaller dogs.

When lactose isn’t broken down properly, it ferments in the gut. That fermentation produces gas and the more frequently dogs are given cheese, the more likely owners are to notice strong-smelling flatulence.

Cheese is also calorie-dense, which can contribute to weight gain when given frequently as a ‘treat tax’, particularly in smaller breeds.

What other foods cause flatulence in dogs?

Here are the other smelly culprits for canines:

• Dairy products such as milk and yoghurt
• Fatty table scraps like bacon and sausages
• Legumes and pulses often found in high-fibre, grain-free, and vegetarian dog foods
• Grains and common allergens that dogs with sensitivities struggle to digest

Why is it bad for a dog to have flatulence?

Flatulence is rarely ‘just a dog being a dog It’s often a sign the gut isn’t coping with something it’s being fed.

Lactose intolerance only affects around half of dogs, with some breeds and older dogs seeming more prone to it. Those that are intolerant of lactose don't have the enzymes required to break it down, leading to gas and digestive distress when they eat it.

Occasional gas is normal but if it’s frequent, foul-smelling or new, it’s usually diet-related.

What’s the advice for dog owners?

Here are Alyssa’s tips:

• Only give cheese in very small amounts - or never if your dog reacts poorly to it
• Stick to treats you know are safe for your dog and support healthy digestion
• Transition foods gradually to protect gut health
• Monitor changes in digestion after treats

If digestive issues persist, owners should speak to their vet. Trends come and go, but gut health has long-term effects on a dog’s wellbeing.

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