Feeding your dog human foods can feel like a treat, but not every food is safe for them. Eggs, cheese, and milk are common in many households, and it’s natural to wonder whether your dog can enjoy them too. These foods contain nutrients that might benefit dogs, but they can also cause digestive upset or other problems in some cases.
This guide explains the benefits, risks, preparation methods, and feeding tips for each food so you can make informed decisions.
Eggs and Dogs
Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
Yes, dogs can eat eggs. Eggs are a source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that can complement your dog’s diet. However, they should be cooked before serving to reduce the risk of foodborne illness and fed in moderation.
Nutritional Value of Eggs for Dogs
Eggs contain:
- Protein – Supports muscle repair and growth.
- Fatty acids – Contribute to skin and coat health.
- Vitamins – Includes vitamin A, vitamin D, and some B vitamins.
- Minerals – Such as iron, selenium, and phosphorus.
A large egg contains about 70 calories, 6 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat.
Benefits of Eggs for Dogs
- Muscle support – High-quality protein helps maintain lean muscle.
- Skin and coat health – Fatty acids promote a healthy coat.
- Digestibility – Cooked eggs are easy for most dogs to digest.
- Low-cost nutrient boost – Easy to prepare and widely available.
Risks of Feeding Eggs to Dogs
- Salmonella risk – Raw eggs may contain bacteria that cause illness.
- Biotin deficiency – Feeding raw egg whites over a long period can interfere with biotin absorption.
- Allergies – Some dogs develop egg allergies, leading to skin or digestive symptoms.
- Calorie overload – Too many eggs can cause weight gain.
How to Safely Feed Eggs to Dogs
- Cook them fully – Boiled, scrambled, or poached without oil, butter, or seasoning.
- Avoid additives – No salt, onions, garlic, or spices.
- Cool before serving – Prevents burns and improves palatability.
Serving Size Guidelines for Eggs
- Small dogs – ½ egg a few times per week.
- Medium dogs – 1 egg up to three times per week.
- Large dogs – 1–2 eggs a few times per week.
These amounts should be adjusted based on your dog’s size, calorie needs, and activity level.
When Eggs Should Be Avoided
- Dogs with pancreatitis or on low-fat diets may not tolerate eggs well.
- Dogs with confirmed egg allergies should avoid them entirely.
- Puppies can eat eggs in small, cooked portions, but their primary nutrition should come from a balanced puppy diet.
Cheese and Dogs
Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
Yes, many dogs can eat cheese in small amounts. Cheese contains protein and calcium but also has a high fat content and can be difficult to digest for dogs that are lactose intolerant.
Nutritional Value of Cheese for Dogs
Cheese contains:
- Protein – Supports tissue maintenance.
- Calcium – Helps maintain bone health.
- Vitamin A and B12 – Supports immune function and metabolism.
- Fat – Provides energy but can lead to weight gain in excess.
Benefits of Cheese for Dogs
- Training treat – Small cubes work well as high-value rewards.
- Medication helper – Can hide pills inside soft cheese.
- Palatability booster – A small sprinkle can encourage picky eaters to finish their meal.
Risks of Feeding Cheese to Dogs
- Lactose intolerance – Can cause gas, diarrhea, and bloating.
- High fat content – Increases the risk of weight gain and pancreatitis.
- High sodium content – Certain cheeses contain a lot of salt, which can be harmful in large quantities.
- Additives – Some cheeses contain herbs, garlic, or onions, which are toxic to dogs.
Safe Cheese Types for Dogs
- Low-fat cheeses – Cottage cheese, mozzarella, part-skim varieties.
- Low-sodium cheeses – Choose plain, unseasoned cheese.
- Pasteurized cheese – Reduces the risk of bacterial contamination.
Cheese Types to Avoid
- Blue cheese – Contains mold that can be toxic to dogs.
- Flavored cheeses – May contain garlic, onion, or chives.
- Very salty cheeses – Such as feta or processed cheese spreads.
Serving Size Guidelines for Cheese
- Small dogs – About a pea- to bean-sized piece per serving.
- Medium dogs – A small cube or slice.
- Large dogs – 2–3 small cubes.
Limit cheese to occasional treats rather than daily feeding.
When Cheese Should Be Avoided
- Dogs with pancreatitis, obesity, or lactose intolerance should avoid cheese.
- Dogs on low-fat or low-sodium diets should not have cheese without vet approval.
Milk and Dogs
Can Dogs Drink Milk?
Some dogs can drink milk in small amounts without problems, but many dogs are lactose intolerant and may experience digestive upset after consuming dairy.
Nutritional Value of Milk for Dogs
Milk contains:
- Protein – Supports muscle maintenance.
- Calcium – Contributes to bone health.
- Vitamin D – Helps with calcium absorption.
- Fat – Energy source but can be excessive for sedentary dogs.
Benefits of Milk for Dogs
- Hydration with nutrients – Contains water and essential nutrients.
- Calorie boost – Helpful for underweight dogs needing extra calories (vet guidance recommended).
- Puppy milk replacement – Specially formulated puppy milk replacers are available for orphaned or nursing puppies.
Risks of Feeding Milk to Dogs
- Lactose intolerance – Can cause diarrhea, gas, bloating, and vomiting.
- High fat content – Can lead to weight gain or trigger pancreatitis.
- Allergies – Some dogs develop dairy allergies.
- Not suitable for puppies – Cow’s milk is not an adequate replacement for mother’s milk.
How to Safely Offer Milk to Dogs
- Test tolerance – Offer a teaspoon and watch for digestive upset.
- Choose lactose-free options – Special lactose-free dog-safe milk is available.
- Avoid flavored milk – Chocolate and sweeteners like xylitol are toxic to dogs.
Serving Size Guidelines for Milk
- Small dogs – 1–2 tablespoons occasionally.
- Medium dogs – ¼ cup occasionally.
- Large dogs – ½ cup occasionally.
Milk should not be a regular part of the diet for most dogs.
When Milk Should Be Avoided
- Dogs with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
- Dogs prone to pancreatitis or weight gain.
- Puppies (unless using a commercial puppy milk replacer).
Comparing Eggs, Cheese, and Milk for Dogs
| Food | Main Benefit | Main Risk | Best Form | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs | Protein, fatty acids, vitamins | Salmonella, allergies | Cooked, plain | Few times/week |
| Cheese | Training treat, calcium | Lactose intolerance, fat | Low-fat, plain | Occasionally |
| Milk | Hydration, nutrients | Lactose intolerance, fat | Lactose-free, plain | Occasionally |
Signs Your Dog May Not Tolerate Dairy or Eggs
Watch for:
- Loose stools or diarrhea
- Gas or bloating
- Vomiting
- Itchy skin or ear infections
- Loss of appetite
If you notice any of these signs after feeding eggs, cheese, or milk, stop offering the food and contact your veterinarian.
Vet Recommendations for Feeding Eggs, Cheese, and Milk
Most veterinarians agree:
- Eggs are generally safe when cooked and fed in moderation.
- Cheese can be a useful occasional treat for healthy dogs.
- Milk is best avoided unless your dog tolerates it well.
- Dogs with certain health issues should avoid these foods.
- Treats, including human foods, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
Safe Alternatives to Dairy and Eggs
If your dog cannot tolerate these foods, consider:
- Lactose-free dog milk
- Commercial egg-based dog treats
- Low-fat meat or fish treats
- Fruits and vegetables safe for dogs, such as carrots or blueberries.
Final Thoughts
Eggs, cheese, and milk can be safe for many dogs when fed in moderation and prepared correctly. Eggs offer a solid protein source, cheese works well as an occasional training treat, and milk is best reserved for dogs that tolerate dairy without issues. Always introduce these foods slowly, monitor for signs of intolerance, and keep overall calories in mind. Your veterinarian can provide guidance based on your dog’s age, breed, and health status.
FAQs
Can dogs eat raw eggs?
It’s safer to feed cooked eggs to avoid salmonella risk.
Can puppies have cheese?
Small amounts are fine if they tolerate dairy, but it should not replace balanced puppy food.
What type of milk is safest for dogs?
Lactose-free, unflavored milk is safest for occasional use.
Can cheese cause pancreatitis?
Yes, especially in dogs prone to the condition due to high fat content.
Is goat’s milk better for dogs than cow’s milk?
Goat’s milk has less lactose, but it can still cause problems in sensitive dogs.
