Some dogs beg for treats. Others bark at squirrels. Mabel, a dachshund with very specific breakfast standards, won’t touch her food unless it comes with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Her owner, Megan, @meganbl, shared the now-viral TikTok video, and the internet couldn’t get enough.
Parmesan cheese wasn’t always on the menu. Mabel first got a taste when she refused to eat during a hot week. Megan tossed in a bit of cheese to see if it’d help—and sure enough, it did the trick. She tried the same thing the next morning, and just like that, breakfast had a new requirement.
At first, it was just a little extra. Now? If the cheese isn’t there, Mabel barks at her bowl like Megan forgot the most important part. That sprinkle turned into a must.
@meganbl Ive created a monster 😂🤍 #sausagedog #cheesetax #dachshund #sausagedogsoftiktok ♬ Clumsy Situations - Eitan Epstein Music
Once the video was posted with the caption “I’ve created a monster” on July 2, the internet lit up. The video amassed 200,000 views and 28k+ likes. Hundreds commented, many with their own stories. One person said their dachshund expects Greek yogurt every night.
"We love girlie who knows what she wants🥰🥰," one top commentor joked.
It is essential to note here that parmesan cheese isn’t just tasty. It smells strong. That is a big part of the appeal. According to Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer at the American Kennel Club in Chicago, dogs are especially drawn to foods with a big scent. Parmesan fits that bill, which helps explain Mabel’s excitement.
Dogs rely heavily on smell to judge food. Even a tiny amount of a strong-scented topping can make plain kibble more interesting. That is why cheese, cooked meats, and even eggs can suddenly make boring meals worth barking for.
Cheese is safe for most dogs in small doses. Dr. Klein says it can be part of a healthy diet if used wisely. Parmesan cheese, as it is salty and rich, should be limited. But a sprinkle here and there, like Megan uses, is fine for dogs that tolerate dairy.
It is not a free-for-all, though. Too much cheese can cause stomach issues, especially for lactose-sensitive dogs. It also adds calories fast. A little can help picky eaters, but more isn’t better.
Freepik / Many trainers use cheese for high-reward commands. It works well because dogs go crazy for the smell.
After all, it is easy to carry, doesn’t crumble like biscuits, and feels like a real treat.
Food routines form quicker than people expect. What feels like a one-off reward becomes a rule by day three. That is what happened with Mabel. Two cheesy breakfasts later, she refused to touch plain kibble.
Dachshunds like consistency. Once something becomes part of the pattern, it becomes a habit. Even if you skip it once, they will notice, and they will let you know.