Can dogs eat Blue cheese?
No - Blue cheese is toxic to dogs
No - blue cheese is toxic to dogs. The mould that ripens it produces a substance that can cause tremors and seizures. Stilton, Roquefort and Gorgonzola are all off limits, even though plain cheese can be fine.
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How much is safe?
None. Blue cheese is never safe for dogs - not even a little.
There is no safe amount of blue cheese for a dog. Unlike a small cube of plain mild cheese, which most dogs tolerate, blue cheese should be avoided completely. Take care around cheeseboards, buffets and blue-cheese sauces and dressings.
Symptoms to watch for
Signs can appear within a few hours and include vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, muscle tremors, a high temperature and, in more serious cases, seizures. The high fat content can also contribute to pancreatitis, which shows as vomiting, a painful belly and lethargy.
Think they have eaten Blue cheese?
Contact your vet if your dog eats blue cheese, particularly a large amount, or if you see tremors, twitching, a high temperature or seizures. Because the reaction can escalate, do not wait for symptoms to worsen before getting advice.
We read labels, we are not vets - in an emergency your vet is the only right answer.
What happens
Blue cheeses such as Stilton, Roquefort, Gorgonzola and Danish blue are ripened with a specific mould, and as they mature that mould can produce a compound called roquefortine C. Some dogs are sensitive to it, and it can cause tremors and seizures. This is what sets blue cheese apart from ordinary cheese, which is only a caution rather than a toxin. Blue cheese is also very high in fat and salt.
Can dogs eat these?
Common questions
Why is blue cheese toxic when other cheese is not?
The mould that ripens blue cheese can produce roquefortine C, a compound that some dogs are sensitive to and that can cause tremors and seizures. Ordinary plain cheese does not contain it, which is why a small cube of mild cheese is only a caution.
My dog ate Stilton - what should I do?
Contact your vet, especially if it was a large amount or if you see tremors, twitching or a high temperature. Blue cheese can cause tremors and seizures in sensitive dogs, so it is worth getting advice promptly.
Is a tiny bit of blue cheese safe?
It is best avoided entirely. Sensitivity varies between dogs, and blue cheese is also very high in fat and salt. Choose a small piece of plain mild cheese instead if you want to give a cheesy reward.
Sources
Veterinary and animal-welfare references behind this verdict. We are not vets - these are the published sources we read.
- Food Hazards in Animals MSD Veterinary Manual
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets ASPCA Animal Poison Control
- Foods Dogs Can't Eat Battersea
Looking for a food to feed instead? browse the directory or read the guides.
This is label analysis, not veterinary advice - if your dog has a health condition, talk to your vet before switching foods.