Expert warns viral ‘cheese tax’ trend could affect dogs’ digestive health

The viral ‘cheese tax’ trend on TikTok, where dog owners jokingly hand over cheese whenever they open the fridge, may be entertaining millions online, but experts warn it could be affecting dogs’ digestive health.

The trend has gained widespread attention across social media, with many owners sharing videos of their dogs expecting a piece of cheese as a “tax”. However, specialists say the habit may lead to digestive discomfort for some animals.

Alyssa Ralph, Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Canine Nutritionist at Years.com, said cheese is among the foods most commonly linked to gas, bloating and stomach upset in dogs.

She said many dogs struggle to digest lactose and that frequent feeding of cheese could lead to digestive problems.

“Around 40-60% of dogs are lactose intolerant," says Canine Nutritionist Alyssa Ralph, "meaning that giving them cheese can result in gas, discomfort, and diarrhoea. Cheese also tends to be high in saturated fats, which can promote health concerns like obesity and pancreatitis. Whilst a little cheese is usually okay, it's easy to feed too much - especially for smaller dogs."

Ralph explained that cheese contains both lactose and fat, which can be difficult for some dogs to process efficiently. When lactose is not properly broken down, it can ferment in the gut.

“When lactose isn’t broken down properly, it ferments in the gut,” she says. “That fermentation produces gas and the more frequently dogs are given cheese, the more likely owners are to notice strong-smelling flatulence.”

She added that cheese is also calorie-dense, meaning frequent treats can contribute to weight gain, particularly in smaller breeds.

Ralph said cheese is part of a broader pattern of human foods that can trigger digestive issues in dogs. Dairy products such as milk and yoghurt, fatty table scraps including bacon and sausages, legumes and pulses often found in high-fibre or grain-free dog foods, and certain grains or allergens can all contribute to increased flatulence in some animals.

“Flatulence is rarely ‘just a dog being a dog’,” Ralph explains. “It’s often a sign the gut isn’t coping with something it’s being fed.”

She noted that lactose intolerance affects roughly half of dogs, with some breeds and older dogs appearing more prone to it.

"Lactose intolerance only affects around half of dogs, with some breeds and older dogs seeming more prone to it. Those that are intolerant of lactose don't have the enzymes required to break it down, leading to gas and digestive distress when they eat it."

“Occasional gas is normal,” says Ralph. “But if it’s frequent, foul-smelling or new, it’s usually diet-related.”

Ralph advises owners to give cheese only in small amounts, or avoid it entirely if a dog reacts poorly. She also recommends sticking to treats known to be safe, introducing new foods gradually and monitoring any digestive changes.

“If digestive issues persist, owners should speak to their vet,” Alyssa Ralph, Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Canine Nutritionist at fresh dog food brand Years.com adds. “Trends come and go, but gut health has long-term effects on a dog’s wellbeing.”