Can My Dog Eat This?
Search 116 everyday foods, from fruit and vegetables to cheese, bones and snacks. See at a glance what’s safe, what to give only in small amounts, and what’s toxic, with serving tips and what to do if your dog already ate it.
Last updated October 2026
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116 foods
The most dangerous foods for dogs
These cause the most poisonings. Keep them out of reach and call your vet or a poison hotline straight away if your dog eats any of them:
- Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas: can cause sudden kidney failure. See can dogs eat grapes?
- Chocolate and cocoa: check the risk with our chocolate toxicity calculator.
- Onions, garlic, leeks and chives: damage red blood cells, raw, cooked or powdered.
- Xylitol: in sugar-free gum, candy, some peanut butters and baked goods. Even small amounts can be life-threatening.
- Macadamia nuts, alcohol, caffeine, raw yeast dough and cooked bones.
Pet poison hotlines (fees may apply): USA: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · USA/Canada: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 · UK: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509000
Safe, caution and toxic foods: the full list
⛔ Toxic: do not feed
| Food | Why |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Even small amounts can cause vomiting, collapse and breathing problems. |
| Bones (cooked) | Cooked bones splinter easily and can cause choking, broken teeth, and tears or blockages in the gut. |
| Bread dough (raw) | Raw yeast dough expands in the stomach and produces alcohol. |
| Caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks) | Caffeine overstimulates a dog’s heart and nervous system. |
| Chocolate | Contains theobromine and caffeine. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. |
| Garlic | From the same family as onions and even more potent. It damages red blood cells. |
| Grapes | Grapes can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. There is no known safe dose. |
| Macadamia nuts | Can cause weakness, tremors, vomiting and fever. |
| Mushrooms (wild) | Some wild mushrooms are deadly to dogs and hard to identify. |
| Nutmeg | Contains myristicin, which can cause disorientation and a racing heart in larger amounts. |
| Onions | Damages red blood cells and can cause anemia, whether raw, cooked or powdered. |
| Raisins | Like grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas can cause kidney failure. |
| Rhubarb | Contains oxalates, especially in the leaves, which can cause tremors and kidney problems. |
| Salmon (raw) | Raw salmon and trout from the Pacific Northwest can carry a parasite that causes “salmon poisoning disease”, which can be fatal. |
| Salt | Large amounts (playdough, rock salt, salty snacks) can cause dangerous salt poisoning. |
| Star fruit | Contains soluble oxalates that can harm the kidneys. |
| Walnuts | Black walnuts and moldy walnuts can cause tremors and seizures; other walnuts are hard to digest. |
| Xylitol (sugar-free gum, candy) | A sweetener that causes a sudden drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. |
⚠️ Caution: small amounts or avoid
| Food | Why |
|---|---|
| Almonds | Not toxic, but hard to digest, a choking risk and often salted. |
| Apricots | The flesh is fine, but the pit, stem and leaves contain cyanide compounds and the pit can cause blockages. |
| Asparagus | Not toxic, but raw spears are tough and hard to chew. |
| Avocado | Contains persin, which can upset a dog’s stomach, and the large pit is a choking and blockage hazard. Guacamole often contains onion and garlic. |
| Bacon | Very fatty and salty; can trigger pancreatitis. |
| Beets | Safe in small amounts but rich in sugar and oxalates. |
| Blue cheese | The molds can produce a toxin (roquefortine C) that dogs are sensitive to. |
| Broccoli | Healthy in small amounts, but too much can irritate the stomach. |
| Brussels sprouts | Nutritious but cause a lot of gas. |
| Butter | Not toxic, but very fatty; large amounts can cause pancreatitis. |
| Cashews | Plain cashews aren’t toxic but are fatty. |
| Cereal | Plain cereals like Cheerios are OK as an occasional treat, but many are sugary or contain chocolate or raisins. |
| Cheese | Most plain cheese is fine in small amounts, but it’s fatty and some dogs are lactose intolerant. |
| Cherries | Pits, stems and leaves contain cyanide compounds, and pits can cause blockages. |
| Chicken (raw) | Risk of Salmonella and Campylobacter for your dog and your family. |
| Chips and crisps | Salty, fatty and often flavored with onion or garlic. |
| Cinnamon | Not toxic, but can irritate the mouth and stomach in larger amounts. |
| Coconut | The flesh is safe in small amounts but high in fat; the hard shell is a hazard. |
| Corn | Kernels are fine, but corn cobs are a common cause of intestinal blockages. |
| Cream cheese | High in fat; flavored versions may contain garlic or onion. |
| Dates | Very high in sugar and the pit is a hazard. |
| Eggs (raw) | Risk of Salmonella, and raw egg whites can interfere with biotin over time. |
| Fat trimmings | Fatty scraps are a common trigger for pancreatitis. |
| Figs | Fresh figs can irritate the mouth and stomach, and fig plants are toxic to dogs. |
| Grapefruit | Very acidic; the peel and pith contain compounds that can upset dogs. |
| Ham | Very salty and fatty. |
| Honey | Natural, but very high in sugar. Raw honey isn’t recommended for puppies or dogs with weak immune systems. |
| Hot dogs and sausages | High in salt and fat, often with garlic or onion. |
| Ice cream | High in sugar and fat, many dogs are lactose intolerant, and some flavors contain chocolate, raisins or xylitol. |
| Jam and jelly | Sugary; grape jelly and sugar-free jams with xylitol are dangerous. |
| Kale | Nutritious, but contains compounds that can upset the stomach in large amounts. |
| Ketchup and sauces | Sugary and salty; many sauces contain onion and garlic. |
| Kiwi | Safe in small amounts but the fuzzy skin and size can be a choking risk. |
| Lemons and limes | Too acidic, and the peel and plant contain irritating oils. |
| Marshmallows | Pure sugar, and some contain xylitol. |
| Milk | Many adult dogs are lactose intolerant and get diarrhea. |
| Mushrooms (store-bought) | Plain supermarket mushrooms are generally safe, but they’re often cooked with onion, garlic or butter. |
| Oranges | Peeled segments are OK in small amounts, but they’re sugary and acidic. |
| Peanut butter | Plain peanut butter is a popular treat, but some brands contain xylitol, which is very toxic. |
| Peanuts | Plain, unsalted peanuts are OK in small amounts, but fatty. |
| Pecans | Can carry molds that produce tremor-causing toxins. |
| Persimmons | The seeds and pit can cause intestinal blockages. |
| Pistachios | Fatty, often salted, and the shells are a hazard. |
| Pizza | Usually contains garlic, onion, cheese and fat. |
| Plums | The pit contains cyanide compounds and can cause blockages. |
| Pomegranate | Often causes stomach upset in dogs. |
| Popcorn | Plain, air-popped popcorn is fine; butter, salt and unpopped kernels aren’t. |
| Pork (cooked, lean) | Plain cooked lean pork is fine in small amounts, but pork products are often fatty, salty or seasoned. |
| Potatoes | Plain cooked potato is fine; raw or green potatoes contain solanine. |
| Pretzels and crackers | Too salty, and some contain garlic or onion. |
| Spicy food | Chili and hot spices cause stomach upset, and spicy dishes often contain onion and garlic. |
| Spinach | Nutritious but high in oxalates. |
| Sunflower seeds | Shelled, unsalted seeds are OK; shells are a hazard. |
| Tofu | Not toxic but not very useful for dogs and can cause gas. |
| Tomatoes | Ripe red tomato flesh is fine, but green tomatoes, stems and leaves contain solanine. |
| Tuna | Not toxic, but tuna contains mercury. |
| Yogurt (plain) | Plain, unsweetened yogurt is OK in small amounts. Flavored or “light” yogurts can contain xylitol. |
✅ Safe in moderation
| Food | Why |
|---|---|
| Apples | Crunchy, low-fat and a good source of fiber and vitamin C. |
| Bananas | A sweet, potassium-rich treat, but high in sugar. |
| Beef (cooked, lean) | Plain cooked lean beef is a good protein treat. |
| Bell peppers | Crunchy and full of vitamins; red peppers have the most. |
| Blackberries | Low in calories and packed with antioxidants. |
| Blueberries | One of the best fruit treats: small, low-calorie and rich in antioxidants. |
| Bread | Plain white or wheat bread is safe but offers little nutrition. |
| Cabbage | Fine in small amounts; can cause gas. |
| Cantaloupe | Hydrating and full of vitamins, but sugary. |
| Carrots | A crunchy, low-calorie chew that’s good for teeth. |
| Cauliflower | Fine in small amounts; may cause gas. |
| Celery | Very low in calories and hydrating. |
| Chicken (cooked) | Plain, boneless cooked chicken is one of the best high-value treats. |
| Cottage cheese | Lower in fat and lactose than most cheeses and high in protein. |
| Cranberries | Fine in small amounts, plain. Very tart, so many dogs aren’t keen. |
| Cucumber | Low-calorie, crunchy and hydrating. |
| Eggs (cooked) | A great source of protein. Boiled or scrambled eggs without butter or salt are fine. |
| Ginger | Small amounts of fresh or ground ginger are safe. |
| Green beans | A filling, low-calorie snack, popular for weight loss. |
| Lettuce | Mostly water and fiber; harmless in small amounts. |
| Mango | A vitamin-rich treat once the skin and pit are removed. |
| Oatmeal | Plain cooked oats are a good source of fiber. |
| Papaya | Fine in small amounts once peeled and seeded. |
| Pasta | Plain cooked pasta is fine in small amounts. |
| Peaches | The flesh is a healthy treat; the pit is dangerous. |
| Pears | Juicy and full of fiber. |
| Peas | Green peas, snow peas and sugar snaps are fine plain. |
| Pineapple | Fresh pineapple is a sweet, hydrating treat. |
| Pumpkin | Plain pumpkin is high in fiber and can help with mild digestive upsets. |
| Pumpkin seeds | Plain, roasted pumpkin seeds are fine in small amounts. |
| Quinoa | A nutritious grain, fine when cooked plain. |
| Raspberries | A low-sugar berry that’s fine in small amounts. |
| Rice | Plain white or brown rice is easy to digest and often used for upset stomachs. |
| Salmon (cooked) | Rich in omega-3 fatty acids. |
| Sardines | Small, oily fish packed with omega-3s. |
| Shrimp | Cooked, peeled shrimp are a low-calorie treat. |
| Strawberries | A vitamin C-rich treat in moderation. |
| Sweet potatoes | Cooked sweet potato is a nutritious, fiber-rich treat. |
| Turkey (cooked) | Plain, boneless turkey breast is a lean protein. |
| Watermelon | About 92% water: a great summer treat once the seeds and rind are removed. |
| Zucchini | Low-calorie and easy to digest. |
How to give your dog human food safely
- Keep it plain: no salt, butter, oil, sauces, onion or garlic.
- Remove hazards: pits, seeds, cores, rinds, bones and skins.
- Cut to size so small dogs can’t choke.
- Start small and try one new food at a time. Watch for vomiting or diarrhea over the next day.
- Follow the 10% rule: treats should be under 10% of daily calories. Our dog food calculator shows your dog’s needs.
- Ask your vet if your dog has diabetes, kidney disease, pancreatitis, allergies or a special diet.
This checker is general information based on guidance from veterinary poison control services. It isn’t a substitute for advice from your vet, who knows your dog’s health.
Frequently asked questions
What human foods can dogs eat?
Many plain, unseasoned foods are safe in small amounts: cooked chicken, turkey and lean beef, cooked eggs, plain rice and pasta, carrots, green beans, cucumber, pumpkin, apples (no seeds), blueberries, bananas, watermelon (no seeds or rind) and plain cottage cheese. Treats, including human food, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
What foods are toxic to dogs?
The most dangerous are grapes and raisins, chocolate and cocoa, onions, garlic, leeks and chives, xylitol (in sugar-free gum, candy and some peanut butters), macadamia nuts, alcohol, caffeine, raw yeast dough, cooked bones and wild mushrooms. If your dog eats any of these, call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away.
What fruits can dogs eat?
Apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, mango, pineapple, pears and peaches are safe in moderation, as long as you remove seeds, pits, cores and rinds. Never feed grapes, raisins or currants, and avoid cherries and other fruits with pits.
What vegetables can dogs eat?
Carrots, green beans, peas, cucumber, zucchini, celery, bell peppers, cauliflower, cabbage, plain cooked sweet potato and plain pumpkin are good choices. Avoid onions, garlic, leeks and chives, wild mushrooms, rhubarb and green tomatoes or tomato plants.
My dog ate something toxic. What should I do?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline immediately, even if your dog seems fine: many poisons take hours to show symptoms. Have the packaging ready and note how much was eaten and when. Don’t make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to, because it can do more harm with some substances.
How much human food can I give my dog?
Keep all treats, including fruit, vegetables and other human food, under 10% of your dog’s daily calories, and introduce new foods one at a time in small amounts. Our dog food calculator shows your dog’s daily calorie needs.
Tool and guide written with AI assistance. Last updated: October 2026.How we create our content
Related guides
Can Dogs Eat Bananas? Yes, in Moderation: How Much Is Safe
Yes, dogs can eat bananas in small amounts. How much banana to give by dog size, benefits and risks, whether peels are safe, and simple banana treat ideas.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Yes, Here’s How Much Is Safe
Yes, dogs can eat watermelon: it’s hydrating and low in calories. How much to give by dog size, why to skip the seeds and rind, and easy frozen treat ideas.
Can Dogs Eat Grapes? No: Why Grapes Are Toxic and What to Do
No, dogs can’t eat grapes or raisins: they can cause sudden kidney failure. Why grapes are toxic, symptoms to watch for, and what to do if your dog ate one.
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