Can dogs or cats eat blue cheese?

May 4, 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat blue cheese?

Is your dog jonesing for some blue cheese? Avoid sharing. Not only is blue cheese chock full of fat which can contribute to weight gain, but it also contains a substance called roquefortine C, which can cause severe toxicity in dogs if ingested.

Symptoms of blue cheese poisoning in dogs include diarrhea, vomiting, muscle tremors, seizures, and even death in extreme cases. The severity of these symptoms depends on the amount of blue cheese that your dog has consumed as well as their size and overall health condition. Moldy or spoiled blue cheeses are even more dangerous for your dog to consume than fresh ones, as they contain higher levels of toxins. Yikes!

If your dog eats blue cheese and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, dog insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat blue cheese?

Keep blue cheese away from your cat (even if it makes them feel blue).

Blue cheese is made from milk that has been fermented with specific types of mold, such as penicillium roqueforti or penicillium glaucum. While these molds are harmless to humans, they can be toxic to cats.

Blue cheese also contains a substance called Roquefortine C. This toxin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, seizures and even death in cats.

And if those weren't enough reasons to steer clear of the stinky cheese, blue cheese typically contains high levels of salt and fat, which can also lead to health problems for felines down the road.

If your cat eats blue cheese and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, cat insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Information Purposes Only

The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Pet Poison Emergency Protocol

If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

Food Safety Statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet