Can my dog eat…?
Common foods people share with dogs, each marked safe in moderation, caution or toxic, with the reason and where it comes from.
Not on the list does not mean safe. This list covers only foods our sources describe. If your dog has eaten something and you are not sure, call your vet, or in the US the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline on (855) 764-7661 (both may charge a fee).
No food on the list matches
That does not mean it is safe. If your dog has eaten it, call your vet or a poison line.
The foods
Chocolate
ToxicContains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause vomiting, a racing heart and seizures. The darker the chocolate, the more it contains.
Source: ASPCA, Merck · Check a chocolate dose
Coffee and caffeine
ToxicCaffeine belongs to the same family as the theobromine in chocolate and affects dogs in the same way.
Grapes and raisins
ToxicCan cause sudden kidney injury. Tartaric acid is the suspected cause, and Merck warns that even one grape or raisin per 4.5 kg (10 lb) of body weight may be a risk.
Tamarind
ToxicRich in tartaric acid, like grapes, and linked to kidney injury in dogs.
Source: Merck
Xylitol (sugar-free sweetener)
ToxicFound in sugar-free gum, sweets, mints, baked goods and some peanut butters. It can make a dog's blood sugar crash and can injure the liver.
Onions, garlic, leeks and chives
ToxicRaw, cooked or powdered, they damage red blood cells and can lead to anaemia. Signs may take several days to show.
Macadamia nuts
ToxicCan cause weakness, wobbliness, vomiting, tremors and a raised body temperature in dogs.
Source: ASPCA
Alcohol
ToxicCan cause vomiting, poor coordination, breathing problems and, in larger amounts, coma and death.
Source: ASPCA
Raw yeast dough
ToxicIt keeps rising in the stomach, which can bloat it painfully, and the fermenting yeast makes alcohol.
Source: ASPCA
Avocado
CautionDogs are fairly resistant to avocado's toxin, but the large stone can block the gut. Birds and rabbits are the ones at real risk.
Citrus fruit
CautionPeel, seeds, leaves and stems hold oils that irritate. A little of the fruit itself is unlikely to cause more than a mild stomach upset.
Source: ASPCA
Coconut and coconut oil
CautionSmall amounts are unlikely to do serious harm, but the oils can loosen stools. Skip coconut water, which is high in potassium.
Source: ASPCA
Milk and dairy
CautionDogs make little lactase, the enzyme that breaks down milk sugar, so milk and dairy can cause diarrhoea. A small cube of cheese is usually fine.
Almonds, pecans and walnuts
CautionHigh in oils and fats that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and possibly pancreatitis.
Source: ASPCA
Salt and salty snacks
CautionToo much makes a dog very thirsty; large amounts can cause salt poisoning, with vomiting, tremors and seizures.
Source: ASPCA
Raw meat and raw eggs
CautionCan carry Salmonella and E. coli, which can make both pets and people ill.
Source: ASPCA
Bones
CautionBones can injure the mouth or gut or get stuck on the way through.
Source: ASPCA
Bacon, ham and lunch meat
CautionFatty and salty. The ASPCA suggests skipping processed meats and sharing plain cooked meat instead.
Source: ASPCA
Buttered or salted popcorn
CautionThe butter, oil and salt are the problem. Plain air-popped popcorn is fine.
Source: ASPCA
Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
OK in moderationFine in small amounts, but read the label first: some brands contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. It is also high in fat.
Carrots
OK in moderationRaw or cooked without seasoning, cut into bite-size pieces.
Source: ASPCA
Green beans
OK in moderationRaw or plain cooked, in bite-size pieces.
Source: ASPCA
Broccoli
OK in moderationRaw or plain cooked, in small pieces.
Source: ASPCA
Celery
OK in moderationRaw or plain cooked, cut small so it is easy to chew.
Source: ASPCA
Cauliflower
OK in moderationRaw or plain cooked, in small pieces.
Source: ASPCA
Pumpkin
OK in moderationCooked or plain canned pumpkin, with nothing added.
Source: ASPCA
Apples
OK in moderationRemove the seeds, core and stem, and cut into bite-size pieces.
Source: ASPCA
Bananas
OK in moderationPeeled, in small pieces.
Source: ASPCA
Blueberries
OK in moderationWhole or halved, as a small treat.
Source: ASPCA
Strawberries
OK in moderationRemove the stems and cut large ones up.
Source: ASPCA
Cucumber
OK in moderationPlain, in bite-size slices.
Source: ASPCA
Pineapple
OK in moderationPeel and core removed, in small pieces.
Source: ASPCA
Cantaloupe melon
OK in moderationWithout the rind or seeds.
Source: ASPCA
Kiwi fruit
OK in moderationPeeled, in small pieces.
Source: ASPCA
Cooked chicken or turkey
OK in moderationSmall amounts of lean, plain cooked meat, with no bones and no seasoning.
Source: ASPCA
Cooked lean beef or pork
OK in moderationSmall amounts of lean, plain cooked meat, with no bones and no seasoning.
Source: ASPCA
Cheese
OK in moderationA small cube now and then. More than that can upset the stomach.
Cottage cheese
OK in moderationCan be mixed into food. Keep extras like this under a tenth of the daily food.
Source: ASPCA
Cooked egg
OK in moderationCooked, not raw, with nothing added.
Plain air-popped popcorn
OK in moderationNo butter, oil or salt.
Source: ASPCA
What the labels mean
Safe in moderation means the ASPCA describes the food as fine to share as an occasional small treat, prepared the way the note says: plain, cooked where it says cooked, with seeds, cores, peel or bones removed. Caution means it can cause trouble depending on the amount, the part or the preparation. Toxic means keep it away from your dog entirely, and call your vet if it is eaten.
Treats of any kind should stay small: the ASPCA suggests snacks make up no more than 5% of a dog's daily calories, and the WSAVA advises under 10%. People food also should not replace a complete dog food. Each entry links to its source.
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- ASPCA, Sharing is Caring: Foods You Can Safely Share with Your Pet (2021) and General Dog Care.
- Merck Veterinary Manual, Food Hazards: chocolate, grapes, raisins and tamarind, xylitol, garlic and onion, avocado.
- WSAVA, Guide to treats (treats under 10% of daily calories).
Questions
My dog ate something that is not on the list. What now?
Do not assume it is fine. Call your vet or a pet poison line, tell them what was eaten, roughly how much and when, and have the packaging to hand if there is one.
Why are grapes toxic when other fruit is fine?
Grapes, raisins and tamarind are rich in tartaric acid, which the Merck Veterinary Manual names as the likely cause of the sudden kidney injury they can cause in dogs. Merck gives no safe amount, so keep them away completely.
Is this list right for cats too?
No, it is written for dogs. Some foods affect cats differently: Merck notes cats are even more sensitive than dogs to onions and garlic, while xylitol does not appear to harm cats. Ask your vet about your cat's diet.