can dogs eat blue cheese
Blue cheese might be a bold favourite for many humans, but it’s one food you should never share with your dog. While some cheeses are safe in small amounts, blue cheese is not one of them. It contains a substance called roquefortine C, which can be toxic to dogs—especially in larger quantities.
Even small amounts of blue cheese can trigger reactions in sensitive dogs, so it’s best to keep it completely off their menu.
Why Blue Cheese Is Dangerous for Dogs
Blue cheese is made using specific types of mould to give it that signature tangy flavour and blue-green marbling. The mould (usually Penicillium roqueforti) produces roquefortine C, a natural compound that can cause poisoning in dogs.
When ingested, it can affect a dog’s nervous system and cause symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle tremors
- Restlessness
- High fever
- Seizures in severe cases
Reactions can start within hours of eating it, and the risk increases with the amount consumed and the size of the dog. Puppies and smaller breeds are especially vulnerable.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Blue Cheese
If your dog manages to grab a bit of blue cheese—especially if it’s a large amount—call your vet immediately. Provide details about what kind of cheese it was, how much they ate, and their weight.
If caught early, your vet may recommend monitoring at home or bringing your dog in for treatment such as fluids, anti-nausea medication, or in serious cases, hospital observation. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—quick action matters.
If your dog ate a tiny crumb, chances are they’ll be fine, but it’s still worth checking in with your vet for peace of mind.
Other Risks Beyond the Mould
Even if the toxic mould weren’t an issue, blue cheese is very high in fat and salt, which can upset your dog’s stomach and lead to conditions like pancreatitis, especially in breeds prone to it.
Also, many blue cheese dishes are served with extras like garlic, onion, or strong seasoning—all of which are harmful to dogs. That makes table scraps even more dangerous.
What Cheeses Are Safe?
If your dog loves cheese, there are safer options than blue. Mild cheeses like mozzarella, plain cream cheese, or small amounts of cheddar are usually fine in moderation—as long as your dog isn’t lactose intolerant. These should still be given sparingly, as treats or training rewards, not part of their daily diet.
Dogs With Pre-Existing Conditions Are at Higher Risk
If your dog already has a sensitive digestive system, a history of seizures, or is prone to pancreatitis, even a small bit of blue cheese could tip things over the edge. High-fat cheeses like this can trigger flare-ups or make an existing issue worse.
Older dogs or those with weakened immune systems may also be less able to cope with the toxin or fat content.
Homemade Foods and Hidden Cheese
One sneaky way blue cheese can end up in your dog’s diet is through scraps, leftovers, or homemade meals that include it without you thinking twice. A bit of salad dressing, a piece of pizza crust with cheesy topping, or a fallen canapé at a party can all be dangerous. Many people aren’t aware of how much blue cheese can hide in a recipe—dogs don’t need to eat a whole block to be at risk.
If your dog is a food thief or likes to scavenge, this becomes a bigger concern.
What About Other Mouldy Cheeses?
It’s not just “blue” cheese that’s risky. Other mould-ripened cheeses like:
- Stilton
- Roquefort
- Gorgonzola
- Danish Blue
- Cambozola
…are also off-limits. All of these are made with similar mould cultures that can produce roquefortine C.
Brie and Camembert (while not blue) are also mould-ripened, but contain less of the specific toxin. Still, they’re high in fat and can cause gastrointestinal issues, so it’s best to avoid them too.
Cheese. The mould used in its production can release a toxin that affects their nervous system and causes serious illness. Even small amounts can be risky, especially for smaller dogs. If your dog eats blue cheese, contact your vet straight away. Stick to safer, mild cheeses for the occasional treat—and always skip anything with strong mould, spice, or added ingredients.
Summary
Dogs should not eat blue ch Roquefortine C: Why It’s So Serious
The mould in blue cheese produces roquefortine C, which is the real danger here. It’s a neurotoxin, meaning it can affect the brain and nervous system. In large enough quantities, it can lead to muscle tremors, twitching, seizures and even neurological damage.
Unlike other food issues that just cause a bit of vomiting or a mild upset stomach, this toxin is more serious—it’s one of the few cheese-related dangers that can result in life-threatening symptoms if enough is consumed