---
title: "Can My Dog Eat It? Safe & Toxic Foods List | Good Pet Day"
description: "Can dogs eat it? Search common foods marked safe in moderation, caution or toxic, each with the reason and its ASPCA or Merck Veterinary Manual source."
url: https://goodpetday.me/can-my-dog-eat/
---

# 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](tel:+18884264435) or the Pet Poison Helpline on [(855) 764-7661](tel:+18557647661) (both may charge a fee).

## The foods

- ### Chocolate
  Toxic
  Contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause vomiting, a racing heart and seizures. The darker the chocolate, the more it contains.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets), [Merck](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/chocolate-toxicosis-in-animals) · [Check a chocolate dose](https://goodpetday.me/chocolate-toxicity-calculator/)
- ### Coffee and caffeine
  Toxic
  Caffeine belongs to the same family as the theobromine in chocolate and affects dogs in the same way.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets), [Merck](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/chocolate-toxicosis-in-animals)
- ### Grapes and raisins
  Toxic
  Can 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.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets), [Merck](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/grape-raisin-and-tamarind-vitis-spp-tamarindus-spp-toxicosis-in-dogs)
- ### Tamarind
  Toxic
  Rich in tartaric acid, like grapes, and linked to kidney injury in dogs.
  Source: [Merck](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/grape-raisin-and-tamarind-vitis-spp-tamarindus-spp-toxicosis-in-dogs)
- ### Xylitol (sugar-free sweetener)
  Toxic
  Found 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.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets), [Merck](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/xylitol-toxicosis-in-dogs)
- ### Onions, garlic, leeks and chives
  Toxic
  Raw, cooked or powdered, they damage red blood cells and can lead to anaemia. Signs may take several days to show.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets), [Merck](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/garlic-and-onion-allium-spp-toxicosis-in-animals)
- ### Macadamia nuts
  Toxic
  Can cause weakness, wobbliness, vomiting, tremors and a raised body temperature in dogs.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets)
- ### Alcohol
  Toxic
  Can cause vomiting, poor coordination, breathing problems and, in larger amounts, coma and death.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets)
- ### Raw yeast dough
  Toxic
  It keeps rising in the stomach, which can bloat it painfully, and the fermenting yeast makes alcohol.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets)
- ### Avocado
  Caution
  Dogs are fairly resistant to avocado's toxin, but the large stone can block the gut. Birds and rabbits are the ones at real risk.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets), [Merck](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/avocado-persea-spp-toxicosis-in-animals)
- ### Citrus fruit
  Caution
  Peel, 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](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets)
- ### Coconut and coconut oil
  Caution
  Small amounts are unlikely to do serious harm, but the oils can loosen stools. Skip coconut water, which is high in potassium.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets)
- ### Milk and dairy
  Caution
  Dogs 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.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets), [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)
- ### Almonds, pecans and walnuts
  Caution
  High in oils and fats that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and possibly pancreatitis.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets)
- ### Salt and salty snacks
  Caution
  Too much makes a dog very thirsty; large amounts can cause salt poisoning, with vomiting, tremors and seizures.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets)
- ### Raw meat and raw eggs
  Caution
  Can carry Salmonella and E. coli, which can make both pets and people ill.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets)
- ### Bones
  Caution
  Bones can injure the mouth or gut or get stuck on the way through.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets)
- ### Bacon, ham and lunch meat
  Caution
  Fatty and salty. The ASPCA suggests skipping processed meats and sharing plain cooked meat instead.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)
- ### Buttered or salted popcorn
  Caution
  The butter, oil and salt are the problem. Plain air-popped popcorn is fine.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)
- ### Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
  OK in moderation
  Fine in small amounts, but read the label first: some brands contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. It is also high in fat.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet), [Merck](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/xylitol-toxicosis-in-dogs)
- ### Carrots
  OK in moderation
  Raw or cooked without seasoning, cut into bite-size pieces.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)
- ### Green beans
  OK in moderation
  Raw or plain cooked, in bite-size pieces.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)
- ### Broccoli
  OK in moderation
  Raw or plain cooked, in small pieces.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)
- ### Celery
  OK in moderation
  Raw or plain cooked, cut small so it is easy to chew.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)
- ### Cauliflower
  OK in moderation
  Raw or plain cooked, in small pieces.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)
- ### Pumpkin
  OK in moderation
  Cooked or plain canned pumpkin, with nothing added.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)
- ### Apples
  OK in moderation
  Remove the seeds, core and stem, and cut into bite-size pieces.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)
- ### Bananas
  OK in moderation
  Peeled, in small pieces.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)
- ### Blueberries
  OK in moderation
  Whole or halved, as a small treat.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)
- ### Strawberries
  OK in moderation
  Remove the stems and cut large ones up.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)
- ### Cucumber
  OK in moderation
  Plain, in bite-size slices.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)
- ### Pineapple
  OK in moderation
  Peel and core removed, in small pieces.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)
- ### Cantaloupe melon
  OK in moderation
  Without the rind or seeds.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)
- ### Kiwi fruit
  OK in moderation
  Peeled, in small pieces.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)
- ### Cooked chicken or turkey
  OK in moderation
  Small amounts of lean, plain cooked meat, with no bones and no seasoning.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)
- ### Cooked lean beef or pork
  OK in moderation
  Small amounts of lean, plain cooked meat, with no bones and no seasoning.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)
- ### Cheese
  OK in moderation
  A small cube now and then. More than that can upset the stomach.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet), [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets)
- ### Cottage cheese
  OK in moderation
  Can be mixed into food. Keep extras like this under a tenth of the daily food.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/general-dog-care)
- ### Cooked egg
  OK in moderation
  Cooked, not raw, with nothing added.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/general-dog-care), [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets)
- ### Plain air-popped popcorn
  OK in moderation
  No butter, oil or salt.
  Source: [ASPCA](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)

## 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](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets).
- ASPCA, [Sharing is Caring: Foods You Can Safely Share with Your Pet](https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet) (2021) and [General Dog Care](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/general-dog-care).
- Merck Veterinary Manual, Food Hazards: [chocolate](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/chocolate-toxicosis-in-animals), [grapes, raisins and tamarind](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/grape-raisin-and-tamarind-vitis-spp-tamarindus-spp-toxicosis-in-dogs), [xylitol](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/xylitol-toxicosis-in-dogs), [garlic and onion](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/garlic-and-onion-allium-spp-toxicosis-in-animals), [avocado](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/avocado-persea-spp-toxicosis-in-animals).
- WSAVA, [Guide to treats](https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/WSAVA_GuidetoTreats_Cats_251107.pdf) (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.