Cheese Dog Treats

If your dog is always eyeing the food on your plate, you can gladly give in to their longing stare with these homemade cheese dog treats. They’re a wholesome, human and dog-friendly snack that lets you share one of the best people foods—cheese!

Made with just four simple ingredients—flour, cheddar cheese, butter and milk—this is one of our favorites dog treat recipes free from the additives and preservatives often found in store-bought snacks. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also a great way to use up leftovers from your favorite cheese recipes. Perfect for rewarding good behavior, as a quick everyday snack or as thoughtful gifts for dog lovers, these cheesy treats are a delicious way to show your furry friend some extra love.

Can dogs eat cheddar cheese?

As long as your pup isn’t lactose intolerant, cheddar cheese is generally a dog-friendly people food. Cheddar is lower in lactose than other cheeses, making it easier for most dogs to digest. However, cheddar cheese is high in fat and calories, so you should offer it only as an occasional treat, especially to young puppies or dogs prone to weight gain.

Before giving your dog new foods, it’s always best to check with your vet for advice about your pet’s specific dietary needs. And keep your dog safe by avoiding these foods you should never share with your dog.

Ingredients for Cheese Dog Treats

• Flour: Opt for plain, unbleached all-purpose flour, which provides structure without added chemicals or preservatives that could harm dogs.
• Cheddar cheese: Use real cheddar cheese and consider grating cheese yourself to avoid the anti-caking agents in pre-shredded varieties that can be less healthy for dogs when they have cheddar cheese.
• Butter: Stick to unsalted butter to control the sodium levels in the treats.
• Milk: This recipe uses whole milk for moisture, but if your dog is sensitive to dairy, you can swap in water or a dog-friendly milk alternative like goat’s milk.

Directions

Step 1: Make the dough

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In a small bowl, combine the flour and cheese.

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Stir in the butter until combined.

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Gradually add the milk just until moistened.

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Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and cohesive, 8 to 10 times.

Step 2: Cut the treats and bake

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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll the dough into a 12×9-inch rectangle. Cut the dough into 3×1-inch strips or shape with a bone-shaped cutter.

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Place on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Let stand in the oven with the door slightly open until cooled completely.

Editor’s Tip: Leaving the treats to cool in the oven ensures your dog has a nice, crunchy cookie. They’ll appreciate it, we promise.

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Recipe Variations

• Try different cheeses: Can you give dogs cheese other than cheddar? If you want to use a different cheese, choose a variety low in lactose and sodium, like mozzarella or Swiss. Always avoid blue cheese, which contains a fungus that some dogs can be sensitive to.
• Add a paw of peanut butter: Mix a tablespoon of natural, unsalted peanut butter into the dough for an extra layer of flavor. Make sure the peanut butter doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
• Bark it up with bacon: Sprinkle a little crumbled, cooked bacon into the dough for a savory twist.
• Scoop in sweet potato: Add cooked, mashed sweet potato to the dough for a nutritious, dog-friendly boost of vitamins and fiber.
• Go gluten-free: To make a gluten-free option that’s gentle on dogs’ stomachs, substitute oat flour for the all-purpose flour.

How to Store Cheese Dog Treats

Allow the treats to cool, then place them in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry, to keep them fresh and crunchy.

How long do cheese dog treats last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cheese dog treats will stay fresh at room temperature for up to one week and in the fridge for up to two weeks. You can also freeze the treats in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Simply thaw the treats at room temperature before giving them to your dog.

Cheese Dog Treats Tips

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How many cheese dog treats can you give your dog?

The rule of thumb for all dog treats is that they should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric input. You can judge your dog’s recommended caloric intake by reading the label on your dog food container. If you stick to the recipe, these cheese dog treats account for 30 calories per treat, so you should stick to just one to two per day. And if you have a smaller dog, you may want to start doling out half-treats instead.

Can you cut cheese dog treats into other shapes?

You can cut these treats into any shape you like! Because there’s nothing in these treats that humans can’t (and won’t) eat, you may want to choose cookie cutters that indicate the treats are for Fido, such as a cutter in the shape of a bone, a paw print or a fire hydrant.