Can Dogs Eat Babybel Cheese? A Pet Parent’s Guide to Sharing Snacks Safely

You’re unwrapping a creamy, tangy Babybel cheese—its bright red wax crinkling as you pop open the tiny wheel. Suddenly, those big, soulful puppy eyes lock onto yours. “Can I have a bite?” they seem to ask. It’s a moment every pet parent knows well: the urge to share life’s little joys with our furry companions. But before you toss that cheesy morsel their way, you pause. Is Babybel cheese safe for dogs?

We get it—sharing snacks is part of the bond we share with our pups. But when it comes to human foods, “safe” doesn’t always mean “smart.” In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Babybel cheese and dogs: the risks, the (small) benefits, how much is too much, and healthier alternatives to keep snack time fun and worry-free.

Table of Contents

1. Can Dogs Eat Babybel Cheese? The Short Answer
2. Nutritional Breakdown: What’s in Babybel Cheese?
3. Potential Benefits of Babybel Cheese for Dogs
4. Risks to Watch Out For
5. How Much Babybel Cheese Can Dogs Safely Eat?
6. Healthier Alternatives to Babybel Cheese
7. FAQ: Your Babybel & Dog Questions Answered
8. Conclusion: Enjoy Snack Time Responsibly

Can Dogs Eat Babybel Cheese? The Short Answer

Yes, dogs can eat Babybel cheese—but only in very small amounts, occasionally, and with the wax completely removed.

Babybel cheese isn’t toxic to dogs, but it’s far from a “health food” for them. Its high fat and sodium content, plus the risk of digestive upset, means it should never be a regular part of their diet. Think of it as a rare treat—like a tiny slice of pizza for humans: delicious, but not something you’d serve daily.

Nutritional Breakdown: What’s in Babybel Cheese?

To understand if Babybel is dog-friendly, let’s start with what’s in it. A standard “original” Babybel cheese wheel (about 21 grams, or ¾ ounce) contains:

• Calories: ~70
• Fat: ~6 grams (3.5g saturated fat)
• Protein: ~5 grams
• Sodium: ~170 mg
• Calcium: ~150 mg (15% of a human’s daily needs)
• Lactose: Trace amounts (cheese has less lactose than milk, thanks to fermentation)
• Additives: Minimal—just milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, and annatto (a natural colorant in some varieties).

Note: Flavored Babybels (like garlic, herb, or spicy varieties) may contain ingredients like onion or garlic powder, which are toxic to dogs and should be avoided entirely. Stick to plain, original Babybel if you’re considering sharing.

Potential Benefits of Babybel Cheese for Dogs

Let’s start with the good news: In tiny doses, Babybel cheese does offer a few minor perks.

1. Protein for Muscle Health

Protein is the building block of strong muscles, and Babybel delivers about 5 grams per wheel. For active dogs, a small protein boost can support energy and recovery—though your dog’s regular kibble or wet food should already provide all the protein they need.

2. Calcium for Bones and Teeth

Calcium is crucial for healthy bones, teeth, and nerve function. Babybel contains calcium (about 150mg per wheel), which can complement the calcium in your dog’s balanced diet. Again, this is a “nice-to-have,” not a necessity—most commercial dog foods are fortified with calcium.

3. A Tasty Training Tool

Let’s be real: Dogs love cheese. Its strong aroma and creamy texture make it a powerful motivator for training. A tiny piece of Babybel (no bigger than a pea!) can be a great reward for tricks or good behavior—just don’t overdo it.

Risks to Watch Out For

Now, the not-so-good news: The risks of feeding Babybel cheese often outweigh the benefits, especially with frequent or large servings. Here’s what to watch for:

1. High Sodium: A Hidden Danger

Dogs are much more sensitive to sodium than humans. The average adult dog needs only 100–200 mg of sodium per day (depending on size). A single Babybel wheel has 170 mg—almost an entire day’s worth for a small dog (like a 10lb Chihuahua).

Too much sodium can lead to:

• Dehydration (excessive thirst, dry gums)
• Electrolyte imbalances
• In severe cases, sodium ion poisoning (symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures).

2. Fat: A Pancreatitis Risk

Babybel is high in fat (6g per wheel), and fatty foods are a leading cause of pancreatitis in dogs. The pancreas helps digest food, but when overwhelmed by fat, it can become inflamed—a painful, life-threatening condition. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain.

Pancreatitis is more common in overweight dogs, but even lean pups can develop it from a sudden fatty snack.

3. Lactose Intolerance: Tummy Troubles Ahead

While cheese has less lactose than milk, many adult dogs still struggle to digest it. Lactose intolerance occurs when dogs lack enough lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose), leading to:

• Gas and bloating
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps

Puppies have more lactase than adult dogs, but even they can get an upset stomach from dairy.

4. The Wax: A Choking or Blockage Hazard

This is non-negotiable: Never let your dog eat the red wax wrapper. The wax is indigestible and can get stuck in their throat (choking hazard) or intestines (blockage). Intestinal blockages require emergency surgery and can be fatal if left untreated. Always unwrap the entire Babybel and break off a tiny piece—never hand them the wheel with wax intact!

How Much Babybel Cheese Can Dogs Safely Eat?

If you decide to share a tiny bite, portion control is key. Here’s a general guideline based on your dog’s size:

Rules to follow:

• Occasional only: Limit to once every 1–2 weeks.
• No substitutes for meals: Treats should make up ≤10% of your dog’s daily calories. For a 30lb dog, that’s ~100 calories per day—one Babybel wheel is 70 calories, which would take up most of their treat budget!
• Watch for reactions: After feeding, monitor for 24 hours. If they get diarrhea, gas, or seem lethargic, skip future servings.

Healthier Alternatives to Babybel Cheese

If you want to treat your dog to dairy (or a cheesy flavor) without the risks of Babybel, try these safer options:

1. Plain Greek Yogurt (Unsweetened)

Greek yogurt is lower in lactose than cheese, packed with protein, and contains probiotics for gut health. Look for unsweetened, unflavored varieties (no added sugar or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs).

Serving: 1–2 tablespoons for small dogs, ¼ cup for medium/large dogs, once or twice a week.

2. Cottage Cheese (Low-Fat)

Cottage cheese is low in fat, high in protein, and easy to digest. It’s a great source of calcium and casein (a slow-digesting protein that keeps dogs full).

Serving: 1–2 tablespoons (small dogs), ¼ cup (medium), ½ cup (large), a few times a week.

3. Cheddar or Mozzarella (Plain, Low-Sodium)

Hard cheeses like cheddar have even less lactose than Babybel and are lower in sodium. Mozzarella is mild and low in fat—both make great training treats.

Serving: Same as Babybel guidelines, but opt for 1/3 the amount (since they’re denser in calories).

4. Veggie “Cheese” (For Lactose-Intolerant Pups)

If your dog can’t handle dairy, try pureed pumpkin or sweet potato mixed with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast (which has a cheesy, umami flavor). Nutritional yeast is rich in B vitamins and protein—win-win!

FAQ: Your Babybel & Dog Questions Answered

Q: My dog ate an entire Babybel wheel (with the wax!). What do I do?

A: First, don’t panic. If they ate the wax, monitor for 24–48 hours for signs of blockage: vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or lethargy. If any occur, call your vet immediately. For the cheese itself, watch for pancreatitis symptoms (vomiting, abdominal pain) and offer plenty of water to dilute sodium.

Q: Is low-fat Babybel safer for dogs?

A: Low-fat Babybel has slightly less fat (~4g per wheel vs. 6g), but the sodium content is similar (~170mg). It’s marginally better, but still high in salt—stick to the same strict portion limits.

Q: Can puppies eat Babybel cheese?

A: Puppies have sensitive tummies and are more prone to lactose intolerance. It’s best to avoid dairy treats until they’re at least 6 months old, when their digestive systems mature. If you must share, offer 1/16 of a wheel (smaller than a pea) and watch for upset tummies.

Q: My dog has diabetes. Can they have Babybel?

A: No. Babybel is high in fat and calories, which can spike blood sugar levels. Opt for low-calorie, low-fat treats like green beans or carrots instead.

Conclusion: Enjoy Snack Time Responsibly

Sharing a tiny piece of Babybel cheese with your dog can be a sweet moment—if you do it safely. Remember:

• Remove the wax always.
• Stick to tiny portions,偶尔.
• Prioritize their health over the urge to share.

When in doubt, consult your vet—they know your dog’s unique needs (allergies, weight, health conditions) and can help you make the best choice.

At the end of the day, the best treat for your dog is your time and love. But if you do share that Babybel? Cherish the tail wags—and maybe save a little for yourself, too.

Sources:

• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). “People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.” aspca.org
• American Kennel Club (AKC). “Can Dogs Eat Cheese?” akc.org
• VCA Hospitals. “Pancreatitis in Dogs.” vcahospitals.com
• PetMD. “Lactose Intolerance in Dogs.” petmd.com