What’s your favorite kind of cheesecake? New York? Cherry? Oreo? Turtle? Mmmm cheesecake…oh, sorry, got a little distracted there. Who doesn’t love cheesecake? It’s cheesy, it’s sweet, it’s definitely cakey, and it’s one of the most iconic desserts of all time. People love cheesecake so much, that you can find it in almost any American grocery store, lots of restaurants, and the famous “Factory,” of course.

But, can dogs eat cheesecake? 

To help you keep track of what dogs can and can’t eat, we’ve covered everything from edamame to white chocolate, and here, we’re diving into whether dogs can eat cheesecake, or if you should save this sweet treat for yourself. 

Can Dogs Eat Cheesecake?

Yes! In theory, dogs can eat cheesecake. As long as it doesn’t contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs, cheesecake is safe in moderation. This is a good time to mention that just because a food is safe doesn't mean it’s good for you. 

What To Know About Giving Your Dog Cheesecake

Before you run off to whip up some cheesecake for your dog, there are a few things you need to know!

First of all, cheesecake should only be given to dogs in moderation. Like most desserts, cheesecake contains plenty of ingredients that, while safe, are not good for dogs. Sugar, dairy, and cream are some of the most common and unhealthy ingredients in this delicious dessert. Cheesecake also contains high amounts of fat, which can cause excessive weight gain.

Never give your dog cheesecake if it contains xylitol. This natural sweetener is a common ingredient in sweets as a sugar substitute. Humans can easily digest it, but even small amounts can kill a dog. Mass produced cheesecakes are most likely to contain xylitol, but it’s worth checking with your local bakery, too. 

Can Dogs Eat Cheesecake If They’re Lactose Intolerant?

No! If your dog is lactose intolerant, you should not feed them cheesecake. Due to its high dairy content, cheesecake can cause digestive problems for dogs with lactose intolerance issues.

How To Feed Your Dog Cheesecake

As with any new treat, you should give your dog an extremely small amount of cheesecake when you’re first starting. After you do this, keep a close eye on your dog. Monitor your pup for at least 24 hours.

Rocky Kanaka

Rocky Kanaka is an entrepreneur, pet rescue advocate and dog dad to a rescue boxer named Flip, a blind Cane Corso called Kobe, and a terrier mix named Zoey. He's also a pet chef and owner of The Dog Bakery, which specializes in dog birthday cakes and fresh baked dog treats. His three dogs can't get enough of the dog cakes and treats!

Lorna Ladd

Lorna Paxton Ladd is a passionate dog lover and enthusiast of The Dog Bakery. She loves spoiling her 3 rescue dogs with dog cakes and jerky. A 15 year veteran in the pet industry, her aim is to educate pet parents on the best recipes, products, tips and tricks to optimize the human/canine bond. Her favorite product at The Dog Bakery are the customizable dog birthday cakes.