Can Dogs Eat Brie? The Creamy Truth Every Pet Parent Needs to Know

Picture this: You’re unwrapping a wheel of brie for your weekend charcuterie board, its buttery aroma filling the room. Suddenly, a wet nose nudges your hand, and those big, soulful eyes lock onto the cheese. “Just a tiny bite?” you wonder. After all, dogs love cheese—right? But before you cave to those puppy-dog eyes, let’s dive into the real question: Can dogs eat brie safely?

Brie is a beloved soft cheese, but when it comes to our furry friends, not all human foods are created equal. In this guide, we’ll break down the risks, potential benefits (yes, there are a few!), and whether that creamy slice is worth sharing. Spoiler: The answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no.” Let’s get into the details.

Table of Contents

1. Can Dogs Eat Brie? The Short Answer
2. What Is Brie, Anyway?
3. Potential Benefits of Brie for Dogs (Spoiler: They’re Minimal)
4. The Risks of Feeding Brie to Dogs (Why It’s Often Not Worth It)
5. How Much Brie Is “Safe” for Dogs? (If Any)
6. Healthier Alternatives to Brie for Your Pup
7. FAQ: Your Brie-and-Dog Questions Answered
8. Conclusion: When in Doubt, Skip the Brie
9. References

Can Dogs Eat Brie? The Short Answer

No, brie isn’t recommended for dogs. While a tiny, accidental nibble (think: the size of a pea) is unlikely to harm most healthy dogs, brie comes with significant risks that make it a poor choice for treats. Its high fat content, lactose, and moldy rind can lead to stomach upset, pancreatitis, or worse. Save the brie for your platter—and keep reading to learn why.

What Is Brie, Anyway?

Before we weigh the pros and cons, let’s get to know brie. Originating from the French region of Brie, this soft cheese is made from cow’s milk (though goat’s milk versions exist) and aged for 4–8 weeks. It’s known for its creamy, buttery texture and mild, earthy flavor. The most iconic part? Its white, fuzzy rind, formed by the mold Penicillium candidum—the same strain used in Camembert.

Nutritionally, brie is dense: A 1-ounce (28g) serving contains about 95 calories, 8g of fat (5g saturated), 0.1g sugar, 6g protein, and 176mg sodium. For context, that’s more fat than a slice of cheddar (about 6g per ounce) and double the sodium of cottage cheese.

Potential Benefits of Brie for Dogs (Spoiler: They’re Minimal)

At first glance, brie has some redeeming qualities. It contains nutrients dogs need, like protein and calcium. But here’s the catch: These benefits are tiny compared to the risks, and your dog can get them much safer from their regular food or healthier treats. Let’s break down the “pros”:

1. Protein for Muscle Health

Brie has about 6g of protein per ounce, which helps support muscle growth and repair. But most high-quality dog foods already contain 18–26% protein (per AAFCO guidelines), so your pup isn’t lacking here.

2. Calcium for Bones and Teeth

Calcium is critical for strong bones and teeth, and brie has around 52mg per ounce. Again, commercial dog foods are fortified with calcium (and phosphorus, for balance), so extra calcium from brie is unnecessary and could even throw off their diet if overdone.

3. Vitamin B12 for Energy

Brie contains small amounts of vitamin B12, which aids in nerve function and energy production. But dogs get B12 from meat, fish, and eggs—staples in their diet. Brie isn’t a meaningful source.

The Risks of Feeding Brie to Dogs (Why It’s Often Not Worth It)

Now, let’s talk about the real reason to skip sharing brie: the risks. These dangers far outweigh the minimal benefits, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs, pancreatitis, or obesity.

1. High Fat Content = Pancreatitis Risk

Brie is high in fat—8g per ounce, with 5g being saturated fat. Dogs’ bodies aren’t designed to process large amounts of fat, and a sudden influx can trigger pancreatitis—an inflammation of the pancreas that’s painful and potentially life-threatening.

Pancreatitis symptoms include:

• Vomiting (especially after eating)
• Diarrhea (often greasy or bloody)
• Abdominal pain (hunched back, reluctance to move)
• Lethargy or loss of appetite
• Fever

Even small amounts of brie can be risky for dogs prone to pancreatitis (like overweight dogs, certain breeds, or seniors). In severe cases, pancreatitis requires hospitalization and can lead to organ failure.

2. Lactose Intolerance = Stomach Upset

Most dogs are lactose intolerant. Like many mammals, they stop producing large amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose) after weaning. Brie contains lactose, and undigested lactose ferments in the gut, causing:

• Gas and bloating
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps

While some dogs tolerate small amounts of dairy, brie’s lactose content (combined with its fat) makes it a double whammy for GI upset.

3. Moldy Rind = Mycotoxin Risk

That fuzzy white rind? It’s mold—and while Penicillium candidum is generally safe for humans, it’s not risk-free for dogs. Moldy foods can contain mycotoxins (toxins produced by fungi), which are poisonous to pets. Even if you scrape off the rind, tiny mold spores might linger in the cheese.

ASPCA warns that moldy foods can cause vomiting, seizures, or liver damage in dogs. For a dog with a sensitive system, even a small moldy piece could spell trouble.

4. Sodium Overload = Kidney Strain

Brie is surprisingly high in sodium: 176mg per ounce. Dogs need only about 100mg of sodium per 1,000 calories (per the National Research Council), so a single ounce of brie could push a small dog (e.g., a 10lb Chihuahua) over their daily limit. Too much sodium leads to:

• Thirst and excessive urination
• High blood pressure
• Kidney damage over time

How Much Brie Is “Safe” for Dogs? (If Any)

If we’re being technical, “safe” depends on your dog’s size, health, and tolerance. But here’s the truth: There’s no “safe” amount that’s worth the risk. Even a pea-sized piece could upset a sensitive dog’s stomach, and a larger chunk (say, an ounce) could trigger pancreatitis in a small breed.

If your dog accidentally snatches a bite:

• Monitor them for 24 hours. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
• If they ate more than a tiny piece (or if they’re a small dog, senior, or have health issues), call your vet immediately.

Rule of thumb: When in doubt, don’t offer it. Your dog won’t miss the brie, and their belly will thank you.

Healthier Alternatives to Brie for Your Pup

Craving to share a cheesy treat? Opt for these safer, more nutritious alternatives:

1. Cottage Cheese (Low-Fat, Low-Lactose)

Cottage cheese is a dog favorite! It’s low in fat, high in protein, and has less lactose than brie (thanks to processing). Choose plain, low-fat varieties (no added salt or flavors). Serve 1–2 tablespoons for small dogs, ¼ cup for large breeds, as an occasional topping or treat.

2. Mozzarella (Low-Moisture, Lower Fat)

Low-moisture mozzarella is mild, low in fat, and has minimal lactose. A small cube (½ inch) is safe for most dogs. Avoid fresh mozzarella (higher moisture = higher lactose).

3. Aged Cheddar (In Tiny Bits)

Aged cheddar has less lactose than young cheeses (lactose breaks down during aging). Offer a sliver (size of a dime) as a rare treat. Skip flavored cheddars (e.g., garlic, onion—those are toxic!).

4. Non-Cheese Treats (Even Better!)

For a no-risk option, try:

• Carrot sticks (crunchy, low-calorie)
• Apple slices (remove seeds!)
• Green beans (cooked or raw)
• Pumpkin (plain, canned—great for digestion)

FAQ: Your Brie-and-Dog Questions Answered

Q: Can puppies eat brie?

A: No. Puppies have sensitive digestive systems and are more prone to lactose intolerance and pancreatitis. Stick to puppy-safe treats (e.g., puppy kibble, plain yogurt in tiny amounts).

Q: My dog ate a whole wheel of brie! What do I do?

A: Panic mode: ON. A full wheel (4–8 ounces) is a massive fat overdose. Call your vet or an emergency clinic immediately. They may induce vomiting or monitor for pancreatitis.

Q: Is the rind of brie more dangerous than the cheese itself?

A: Yes. The rind contains mold, which increases mycotoxin risk. Even if you remove the rind, the cheese itself is still high in fat and lactose—so it’s best to avoid entirely.

Q: Are other soft cheeses (like Camembert or goat cheese) safer than brie?

A: No. Camembert is nearly identical to brie (high fat, mold rind). Goat cheese is lower in lactose but still high in fat. All soft cheeses pose similar risks.

Conclusion: When in Doubt, Skip the Brie

Brie is a delicious human indulgence, but it’s not meant for our pups. Its high fat, lactose, and mold risks make it a poor choice for treats—even in small amounts. Instead, reach for safer options like cottage cheese or non-cheese snacks, and prioritize your dog’s regular, balanced diet.

If you ever have questions about feeding your dog human food, consult your vet. They know your pup’s unique needs and can guide you toward treats that keep them happy and healthy.

After all, the best part of sharing snacks with your dog isn’t the food—it’s the tail wags. And those wags are just as enthusiastic for a carrot stick as they are for brie.

References

• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). “People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.” aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “Pancreatitis in Dogs.” avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/pancreatitis-dogs
• PetMD. “Can Dogs Eat Cheese? What You Need to Know.” petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-cheese
• National Research Council. “Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats.” National Academies Press, 2006.
• Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. “Dairy and Dogs: Is It Safe?” tuftscvm.org/news/dairy-and-dogs-is-it-safe