Can Dogs Eat It? Food Safety Lookup for Dogs
This lookup collects the everyday foods people most often ask about for dogs. Each page gives a plain verdict, how to offer the food if it is suitable, what to remove, the main risks and the signs that mean a call to the vet. The facts come from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the American Kennel Club, and each page lists its sources.
Human food should stay a small extra next to a complete and balanced dog food. If your dog has a health condition, a sensitive stomach or a prescription diet, ask your vet before adding anything new.
Toxic: keep these away
- ChocolateChocolate is toxic to dogs.
- GarlicGarlic is toxic to dogs.
- GrapesGrapes are toxic to dogs.
- Macadamia NutsMacadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and should be kept well out of reach, including cookies and mixes that contain them.
- OnionsOnions are toxic to dogs in every form: raw, cooked, dried and powdered.
- RaisinsRaisins are toxic to dogs, just like grapes, and their small size makes them easy to eat in quantity.
Better avoided
- AlmondsAlmonds are not toxic in the way macadamia nuts are, but they are hard to digest and can cause choking.
- AvocadoAvocado is a much bigger problem for birds, rabbits, horses and grazing animals than for dogs, but the pit, skin and fat still make it a poor choice.
- CherriesCherry flesh is not the problem; the pits, stems and leaves are, which makes cherries a poor choice for dogs.
- HamA tiny piece of ham will not usually hurt a dog, but it is salty and fatty, so it should not be a habit.
- MarshmallowsMarshmallows offer dogs nothing but sugar, and some sugar-free versions contain xylitol, which is dangerous.
- PecansPecans are best kept away from dogs: they are fatty and moldy nuts can carry harmful toxins.
- PicklesPickles are not toxic in themselves, but they are very salty and often flavored with garlic or onion.
- PistachiosPistachios are not considered toxic to dogs, but their fat, salt and shells make them a poor snack.
- WalnutsWalnuts are best kept away from dogs: they are fatty, and moldy walnuts can carry toxins that affect the nervous system.
Only plain, small amounts, with care
- BreadA small piece of plain baked bread is not harmful to most dogs, but raw dough and some breads are.
- CashewsA few plain, unsalted, roasted cashews are OK for most dogs, but nuts are fatty.
- CheeseMany dogs can have a small piece of plain cheese, but dairy and fat do not agree with every dog.
- CinnamonCinnamon is not toxic to dogs (ASPCA lists the cinnamon plant as non-toxic), but it is not a good treat ingredient.
- CoconutSmall amounts of coconut flesh are unlikely to cause serious harm, but the oils can loosen stools.
- CornPlain corn kernels are fine for most dogs in small amounts; the cob is the real danger.
- HoneySmall amounts of honey are generally nontoxic to healthy adult dogs, but it is mostly sugar.
- MushroomsPlain store-bought mushrooms are generally considered fine for dogs, but wild mushrooms can be deadly.
- OlivesPlain, pitted olives are not toxic to dogs, but most olives are salty, so keep it to an occasional one.
- OrangesA few segments of peeled orange are unlikely to cause more than a mild stomach upset, but the peel, seeds and plant parts should be kept away.
- PeachesFresh peach flesh in small pieces is fine for dogs, but the pit and leaves must stay out of reach.
- Peanut ButterPlain peanut butter is a common dog treat, but always read the label: some brands contain xylitol, which is dangerous for dogs.
- PeanutsPlain, unsalted peanuts are not toxic to dogs, but they are fatty, so keep it to a few.
- PopcornPlain, air-popped popcorn without salt or butter is acceptable now and then; most movie and microwave popcorn is not.
- PorkPlain, fully cooked pork with the fat trimmed is fine for most dogs in small amounts; processed pork is not.
- PotatoesPlain cooked potato is fine for most dogs in small amounts; raw potatoes and green parts are not.
- SalmonFully cooked, boneless salmon is fine for most dogs; raw or undercooked salmon can make them very sick.
- ShrimpA few plain, fully cooked shrimp with the shell removed are fine for most dogs now and then.
- SpinachSpinach is not toxic to dogs, but it is high in oxalic acid, so it is not the best vegetable to offer often.
- TomatoesSmall amounts of ripe red tomato flesh are generally fine for dogs (ASPCA notes ripe fruit is non-toxic), but the green parts of the plant are a different story.
- TunaA little cooked or canned tuna is fine for most dogs once in a while, but it should not become a regular habit.
- TurkeyPlain, cooked turkey meat without skin, bones or seasoning is fine for most dogs; holiday turkey with all the trimmings is not.
- YogurtPlain, unsweetened yogurt is acceptable for many dogs in small amounts, but not every dog handles dairy well.
Yes, in small amounts
- ApplesApple flesh is safe for dogs as an occasional snack once the core, stem and seeds are removed.
- AsparagusPlain cooked asparagus is not toxic to dogs; the asparagus fern houseplant is a different matter.
- BananasPeeled banana is safe for most dogs in small amounts; it is high in sugar, so it is a treat rather than a staple.
- Bell PeppersPlain bell peppers of any color are safe for dogs in small amounts.
- BlackberriesPlain blackberries are safe for dogs in small amounts.
- BlueberriesBlueberries are safe for dogs and make a small, easy treat.
- BroccoliPlain broccoli is safe for dogs as a small part of their food, raw or cooked.
- Brussels SproutsPlain cooked Brussels sprouts are fine for dogs in small amounts, though they are known for causing gas.
- CabbagePlain cabbage, raw or cooked, is safe for dogs in small amounts.
- CantaloupeCantaloupe flesh is safe for dogs in small portions.
- CarrotsCarrots are safe for dogs raw or cooked and are a popular low-calorie snack.
- CeleryPlain celery is safe for dogs; cut it small because the stringy stalks can be a choking risk.
- CranberriesPlain fresh or dried cranberries are not toxic to dogs in small amounts.
- CucumbersPlain cucumber is safe for dogs and is a low-calorie, crunchy snack.
- EggsFully cooked plain eggs are safe for most dogs; raw eggs are not recommended.
- KiwiPeeled kiwi in small pieces is safe for most dogs.
- MangoPeeled mango flesh is safe for dogs in small amounts once the pit is removed.
- PearsPear flesh is safe for dogs once the core and seeds are removed.
- PeasGreen peas, snow peas and sugar snap peas are fine for most dogs in small amounts.
- PineappleFresh pineapple in small, bite-size pieces is safe for most dogs.
- RicePlain cooked white or brown rice is safe for most dogs.
- StrawberriesPlain fresh strawberries are not toxic to dogs and can be an occasional treat.
- Sweet PotatoesCooked, plain sweet potato is safe for most dogs in small portions.
- WatermelonSeedless watermelon flesh is safe for dogs and is mostly water.
- ZucchiniPlain zucchini is safe for dogs, raw or cooked.
When to call your vet
If you think your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control line straight away, before signs appear. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply).
Emergency signs: go now
- Collapse, seizures or trouble breathing
- Repeated vomiting or a swollen, painful belly
- Pale, gray or blue gums
Book an appointment soon
- Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
- Not eating, or drinking much more than usual
- Lethargy or acting unlike themselves
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