Can dogs eat Cotija cheese?

Overview

Caution. Cotija cheese is safe for dogs in small amounts, but it’s not the healthiest choice. Its high sodium and lactose levels can upset your dog’s stomach and may lead to kidney issues if eaten too often. Treat it like an occasional snack, not a regular part of their diet.

Benefits

Cotija cheese contains protein and calcium which are essential for muscle and bone health.

Risks

Unpasteurized soft cotija cheese is prone to harmful bacteria growth.
Cotija cheese contains a high level of sodium that can be detrimental to the dog's kidney function.
Cotija cheese contains a high level of lactose; consuming cotija cheese can lead to stomach issues in lactose-intolerant dogs.

Servings

Cotija is not an ideal dog treat. If you want to share it with your dog, never overfeed as it can lead to health problems.
Dogs suffering from dairy allergies and lactose intolerance should not be given cotija cheese.