Can My Dog Eat This? Food Safety Guide
Search or browse common human foods to see whether your dog can eat them, what to watch out for, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Quick lists: Fruits dogs can and can’t eat · Vegetables dogs can and can’t eat
- No
Chocolate
No. Chocolate is toxic to dogs. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.
- No
Grapes and raisins
No. Grapes and raisins can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, and there is no known safe amount.
- No
Onions
No. Onions in any form can damage a dog's red blood cells and cause anemia.
- No
Garlic
No. Garlic is in the onion family and can damage a dog's red blood cells. It is considered more potent than onion.
- No
Xylitol (birch sugar)
No. Xylitol is extremely dangerous for dogs. Even a small amount can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar.
- No
Macadamia nuts
No. Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause weakness, tremors and fever.
- No
Coffee and caffeine
No. Coffee and other sources of caffeine are toxic to dogs.
- No
Pecans
No. Pecans are not a safe treat for dogs. They are very fatty, can carry mold toxins, and whole nuts and shells can cause choking or blockages.
- No
Nutmeg
No. Nutmeg is toxic to dogs in large amounts, so do not add it to their food, although a bite of a baked good with a pinch of nutmeg rarely causes more than mild stomach upset.
- With care
Avocado
Avocado is best avoided for dogs. A little plain avocado flesh is unlikely to poison a dog, but it is very fatty and the pit is a serious hazard.
- With care
Cheese
Yes, most dogs can eat cheese in small amounts. Choose low-fat, plain cheese and use it as an occasional treat.
- With care
Milk
Dogs can have milk only in small amounts, and only if your dog tolerates it. Many adult dogs cannot digest lactose well.
- With care
Peanut butter
Yes, dogs can eat peanut butter as long as it contains no xylitol. Plain, unsalted peanut butter is fine in small amounts.
- With care
Cherries
Dogs can eat only the flesh of cherries, and with care. The pits, stems and leaves are dangerous.
- With care
Tomatoes
Ripe, red tomato flesh is generally fine in small amounts. Green tomatoes, stems and leaves should be avoided.
- With care
Turkey
Yes, dogs can eat turkey if it is plain, cooked, boneless and skinless. Keep turkey skin, bones, gravy and stuffing away from your dog.
- With care
Ham
Dogs can have only a sliver of ham, and not often. Ham is not toxic to dogs, but it is very salty and fatty, and ham bones are dangerous, so it is better to pick another treat.
- With care
Corn
Yes, plain corn kernels are fine in small amounts. Never give your dog a corn cob, which can cause a dangerous intestinal blockage.
- With care
Mashed potatoes
Dogs can have only plain mashed potatoes, in small amounts. Mashed potatoes made with butter, cream, cheese, garlic or onion are not good for dogs, and raw or green potatoes should never be given.
- With care
Tuna
Tuna is not a good treat for dogs. It is not toxic, and a bite stolen from a plate will not cause harm, but tuna is high in mercury, so it should never be a regular part of a dog's diet.
- With care
Yogurt
Yes, most dogs can eat a little plain, unsweetened yogurt. Yogurt still contains lactose, so start small, and never give a dog yogurt that contains xylitol.
- Yes
Carrots
Yes. Carrots are a healthy, low-calorie treat for most dogs, raw or cooked.
- Yes
Apples
Yes. Apple slices make a good treat, as long as you remove the core and seeds.
- Yes
Blueberries
Yes. Blueberries are a low-calorie treat that most dogs can enjoy.
- Yes
Bananas
Yes, in moderation. Bananas are safe but high in sugar, so keep portions small.
- Yes
Watermelon
Yes. Watermelon flesh is a refreshing treat, as long as you remove the seeds and rind.
- Yes
Strawberries
Yes. Fresh strawberries are a healthy treat in small amounts.
- Yes
Pumpkin
Yes. Plain cooked or canned pumpkin is safe and a good source of fiber.
- Yes
Sweet potatoes
Yes, dogs can eat sweet potatoes when cooked and plain. Do not feed raw sweet potato.
- Yes
Eggs
Yes. Fully cooked eggs are a nutritious treat for dogs.
- Yes
Rice
Yes. Plain cooked rice is safe and easy to digest.
- Yes
Cucumber
Yes. Cucumber is a crunchy, very low-calorie treat.
- Yes
Cranberries
Yes. Plain fresh or cooked cranberries are safe for dogs in small amounts. Skip cranberry sauce, juice blends and dried fruit mixes.
- Yes
Mango
Yes. Fresh mango is safe for dogs as an occasional treat, as long as you peel it and remove the pit first.
- Yes
Pineapple
Yes. Fresh raw pineapple is safe for dogs in small amounts, as long as you remove the skin, crown and tough core.
- Yes
Oranges
Yes. Peeled orange segments are safe for dogs in small amounts. Remove the peel and seeds, and skip orange juice.
- Yes
Pears
Yes. Fresh pear slices are safe for dogs, as long as you remove the core, seeds and stem.
- Yes
Peaches
Yes. Fresh peach flesh is safe for dogs in moderation, but the pit, stem and leaves are not.
- Yes
Kiwi
Yes. Kiwi is safe for dogs in small amounts if you peel it and cut it into small pieces.
- Yes
Papaya
Yes. Ripe papaya is safe for dogs in small amounts, as long as you remove the skin and seeds.
- Yes
Chicken
Yes. Dogs can eat chicken that is plain, fully cooked and boneless. Skip raw chicken, cooked bones, fried chicken and anything seasoned with garlic or onion.
- Yes
Shrimp
Yes. Dogs can eat shrimp that is fully cooked, plain and peeled, with the shell, tail and vein removed. Keep it to one or two pieces as an occasional treat.
- Yes
Dragon fruit
Yes. Dragon fruit is safe for dogs as an occasional treat, as long as you peel it and offer only small pieces of the plain flesh.
How to read the results
- No Toxic or dangerous. Keep it away from your dog and contact a vet if it is eaten.
- With care Not toxic in itself, but only safe in some forms or small amounts. Read the details.
- Yes Safe for most healthy dogs when prepared plainly and given in sensible amounts.
Treats, including human foods, should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
If your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. Do not wait for symptoms. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).