Can Dogs Have Brie Cheese? What Owners Should Know

A wheel of brie on the coffee table is hard for a dog to ignore. It's soft, it smells amazing, and it's sitting right at nose height. If a little piece ends up in your dog's mouth, here's what you need to know.

The Short Answer

Yes, dogs can have a small piece of plain brie now and then. It isn't toxic. PetMD rates brie as safe "occasionally," with one clear caveat: it's high in saturated fat and lactose, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea when a dog eats too much.

So brie works as a rare taste, not a regular snack. The bigger risk usually isn't the cheese itself but what sits next to it on the board. Our main guide on whether dogs can eat cheese covers the wider picture.

Why Brie Can Be Safe or Risky for Dogs

Cheese has real upsides. The AKC says it contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. Most dogs love it, which is why it's such a handy training reward.

Brie's downsides come from how rich it is.

Fat

The AKC notes that cheese is high in fat. Eating too much of it regularly can cause weight gain, and it could lead to pancreatitis, a serious and potentially fatal illness in dogs. Brie is a creamy, high-fat cheese, so keep portions small.

Lactose

Dogs don't make much lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose. The ASPCA explains that this is why milk and other dairy can cause diarrhea or other digestive upset. PetMD flags brie specifically for its lactose, so a sensitive dog may react even to a small piece.

Calories

PetMD also points out that the calories in cheese can throw off a balanced diet and lead to weight gain. Treats of every kind should stay within 10% of your dog's daily diet, and a rich cheese uses up that allowance quickly.

Watch the Cheese Board, Not Just the Brie

Brie rarely shows up alone. It's usually served with crackers, fruit, nuts, and spreads, and some of those are far more concerning than the cheese. The ASPCA warns about several common pairings:

• Grapes and raisins. These can lead to kidney damage in dogs.
• Garlic, onions, and chives. These Allium vegetables can irritate the stomach and damage red blood cells. The AKC also notes that some cheeses contain these as flavorings, so skip herbed or garlic brie.
• Macadamia nuts. These can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and overheating.
• Other nuts. Almonds, pecans, and walnuts are high in oils and fats, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis in some pets.

Baked brie brings its own problems. It's often wrapped in buttery pastry and topped with honey, jam, or nuts, which piles more fat and sugar onto an already rich cheese. If your dog grabbed a piece of baked brie, check the toppings first. Our toxic foods for dogs list can help you sort out what matters.

Safe Amount and How to Serve

PetMD's cheese chart for healthy-weight dogs is a sensible guide. Offer these amounts a few times per week at most, and lean toward the low end with a rich cheese like brie:

A few habits keep it safe:

1. Start slow. PetMD suggests starting with a small amount the first time and watching for a reaction.
2. Serve it plain. No herbs, garlic, fruit, nuts, honey, or pastry.
3. Cut it small. Tiny pieces go further than a smear on a cracker.
4. Use it with purpose. PetMD notes that a small amount of cheese works well for hiding a pill your dog would otherwise spit out.

If your dog loves cheese, the AKC suggests lower-fat options like mozzarella, cottage cheese, and soft goat cheese. Our guides to mozzarella, cottage cheese, and goat cheese show how to serve them.

Signs of a Problem to Watch For

PetMD lists these reactions to watch for after a dog eats cheese:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Gas

If even a small piece gives your dog an upset stomach, brie isn't the right treat for them. A little gas after a stolen bite usually isn't an emergency, but keep an eye on your dog's energy and appetite. Our guide on how to tell if your dog is sick can help you judge what's normal.

When to Call Your Vet

Call your vet if your dog ate a large amount of brie, or if vomiting or diarrhea doesn't settle. Check with them before offering any cheese if your dog:

• Has a history of pancreatitis
• Is overweight
• Has a sensitive stomach or lactose intolerance
• Eats a veterinary diet

PetMD says dogs with pancreatitis shouldn't eat cheese, and dogs on veterinary diets shouldn't get extra food unless the vet approves it. If your dog also ate grapes, raisins, garlic, onion, or macadamia nuts from the board, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Note what they ate and roughly how much before you call.