PupkeeperFoods dogs can and can't eat (A–Z)
Dogs can't have chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts or alcohol: all are toxic to dogs. Of the 118 foods in the Pupkeeper guide, 28 are toxic, 56 need caution and 34 are safe in moderation, such as carrots, apples, blueberries, pumpkin, plain cooked chicken and rice. Each entry says what to do if your dog ate it, with its sources.
If your dog ate a toxic food, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI
Foods dogs can't eat: toxic 28
- AlcoholToxicToxic. Beer, wine, liquor and foods with alcohol can make a dog wobbly and vomit, and severe cases can lead to breathing trouble, coma or death.
- Bitter Melon (Bitter Gourd)ToxicToxic. Bitter melon (peria) can cause vomiting, drooling, belly pain and diarrhea in dogs, and seizures have been reported.
- CherriesToxicUnsafe. Cherry pits, stems and leaves contain cyanide, and pits can block a dog's gut. Only the ripe flesh is not toxic.
- Chewing GumToxicToxic. Sugar-free gum almost always contains xylitol, which can crash a dog's blood sugar within minutes. Call your vet if unsure.
- ChocolateToxicToxic. Chocolate can cause vomiting, a racing heart, tremors and seizures in dogs.
- Cocoa PowderToxicToxic. Cocoa powder and baking chocolate are the most concentrated forms of chocolate and the most dangerous for dogs.
- Coffee, Tea and CaffeineToxicToxic in larger amounts. Coffee grounds, beans, tea bags, energy drinks and caffeine pills can cause a racing heart, tremors and seizures.
- Fruit CakeToxicToxic. Fruit cake usually contains raisins and currants that can cause kidney failure, and rum-soaked cakes add the risk of alcohol poisoning.
- GarlicToxicToxic. Garlic is the most potent member of the onion family and can destroy a dog's red blood cells, causing anemia days later.
- GrapesToxicToxic. Grapes can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts, and no safe amount is known.
- Green Tomatoes and Tomato PlantsToxicToxic. Green parts of tomato plants, including unripe tomatoes, leaves and stems, can make dogs sick.
- HopsToxicToxic. Hops used in beer brewing, including spent hops, can cause a rapid, life-threatening fever in dogs.
- Leeks, Chives and ShallotsToxicToxic. Leeks, chives and shallots belong to the onion family and can damage a dog's red blood cells, causing anemia, even when cooked.
- Macadamia NutsToxicToxic. Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, wobbliness, vomiting, tremors and fever in dogs, usually within 12 hours.
- Marijuana Edibles (THC)ToxicToxic. THC in edibles can make dogs stumble, dribble urine, vomit and become very sleepy, and brownies may also contain chocolate or xylitol.
- Moldy Food and GarbageToxicToxic. Moldy food, garbage and compost can contain mold toxins that cause vomiting, tremors and seizures, sometimes within 30 minutes.
- NutmegToxicToxic. Nutmeg contains myristicin, which can cause disorientation, vomiting, tremors and poor coordination in dogs.
- OnionsToxicToxic. Onions in any form, raw, cooked or powdered, can damage a dog's red blood cells and cause anemia, often days later.
- Peach, Plum and Apricot PitsToxicUnsafe. Peach, plum and apricot pits can choke a dog or block the gut, and chewed pits release small amounts of cyanide.
- PecansToxicNot safe. Pecans can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, may carry tremor-causing mold, and their fat can lead to pancreatitis.
- Raisins, Currants and SultanasToxicToxic. Raisins, currants and sultanas can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts, and no safe amount is known.
- Raw Salmon and TroutToxicDangerous. Raw or undercooked salmon and trout can carry a parasite that causes salmon poisoning, which is often fatal without treatment.
- Raw Yeast DoughToxicToxic. Raw yeast dough keeps rising in a dog's stomach, causing painful bloating, and the yeast makes alcohol that can poison the dog.
- RhubarbToxicToxic. Rhubarb leaves contain soluble oxalates that can cause drooling, tremors and kidney failure.
- SaltToxicToxic. Eating a lot of salt at once, like pure salt, homemade play dough or salt dough, can cause salt poisoning, which can kill.
- Star FruitToxicToxic. Sour star fruit contains soluble oxalates that can lower blood calcium and injure a dog's kidneys.
- Tamarind (Asam Jawa)ToxicToxic. Tamarind, like grapes and raisins, can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. Call your vet now, even if your dog seems fine.
- Xylitol (Birch Sugar)ToxicToxic. Xylitol, a sweetener in many sugar-free foods, can crash a dog's blood sugar within minutes and can cause liver failure.
Foods to limit or avoid: caution 56
Some are fine in small amounts and others are best avoided: each entry says which.
- AlmondsCautionNot recommended. Almonds aren't as toxic as some nuts, but they are hard for dogs to digest, high in fat, and can block the throat or gut.
- Apple Cores and SeedsCautionCaution. Apple flesh is safe, but the seeds contain cyanide compounds and the tough core and stem can cause choking or a blockage.
- AvocadoCautionCaution. Avocado flesh is only mildly toxic to dogs, but the pit can cause a blockage and guacamole often has onion and garlic.
- BaconCautionNot recommended. Bacon is very fatty and salty and can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes fatal illness.
- BreadCautionPlain bread is okay in small amounts but adds only empty calories.
- BroccoliCautionCaution. Plain broccoli is a healthy treat in small amounts, but the florets can irritate a dog's stomach and stalks can be a choking risk.
- Brussels SproutsCautionCaution. A few cooked plain Brussels sprouts are nutritious but can give dogs a lot of gas and, in larger amounts, an upset stomach.
- CashewsCautionCaution. Cashews aren't toxic, and a few plain, unsalted ones now and then are OK, but they're high in fat, and salted or mixed nuts add risks.
- Cat FoodCautionCaution. A little cat food now and then is unlikely to harm a dog, but it can cause vomiting or diarrhea and shouldn't be a regular meal.
- CheeseCautionSafe in small amounts for most dogs. Cheese is high in fat and can upset the stomach, and blue or herb cheeses can be harmful.
- Chicken and Turkey SkinCautionNot recommended. Poultry skin is very fatty and may be seasoned, and fatty scraps can cause vomiting, diarrhea or pancreatitis.
- CinnamonCautionNot toxic, but not a treat. Cinnamon can irritate a dog's mouth and stomach, and inhaled powder can cause coughing and breathing trouble.
- Citrus Fruits and PeelsCautionCaution. A bite of citrus fruit usually causes only mild stomach upset, but peels, seeds and plant parts contain oils that irritate dogs.
- CoconutCautionCaution. Small pieces of coconut flesh are fine, but it is high in fat and can cause diarrhea, and the shell and husk are dangerous.
- Cooked BonesCautionCaution. Cooked bones are dangerous: they splinter easily and can cause choking, mouth injuries, or blockages and tears in the gut.
- Cooked Dishes and LeftoversCautionCaution. Fried rice, noodles, curry, burgers and many leftovers are often cooked with onion, garlic or shallots, which harm dogs even when cooked.
- Cooked Potatoes and FriesCautionCaution. Plain cooked potato is fine in small amounts, but fries and buttery mash are fatty and can trigger pancreatitis, and garlic or onion in mash is toxic.
- Cookies, Cakes and PastriesCautionCaution. Cookies, cakes and pastries can hide chocolate, raisins, macadamia nuts or xylitol, all toxic to dogs, and their sugar and fat can upset the stomach.
- Corn on the CobCautionCaution. Corn cobs are dangerous: dogs can't digest them, and swallowed pieces can cause a serious intestinal blockage that may need surgery.
- Cottage CheeseCautionCaution. Small amounts are okay: cottage cheese is lower in fat and sodium than most cheeses, but lactose-sensitive dogs may get an upset stomach.
- CranberriesCautionCaution. Plain cranberries are safe in small amounts, but too many upset the stomach, and dried mixes, sauces and juices can hide raisins or grapes.
- Dragon Fruit (Pitaya)CautionCaution. Dragon fruit (pitaya) is listed as non-toxic to dogs.
- Fat Trimmings and Greasy FoodCautionCaution. Fatty scraps and grease are not safe: they can cause vomiting and diarrhea and can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes fatal illness.
- HamCautionCaution. Ham is very salty and fatty, and too much can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst or pancreatitis.
- HazelnutsCautionCaution. Hazelnuts aren't toxic, but they're fatty, their very hard shells can choke a dog or block the gut, and moldy fallen nuts can cause seizures.
- HoneyCautionSafe in small amounts for healthy adult dogs.
- Hot DogsCautionNot recommended. Hot dogs are very salty, may contain garlic or onion powder, and can be a choking hazard for dogs that gulp.
- Ice CreamCautionNot recommended. Ice cream is high in sugar and fat and many dogs can't digest lactose; chocolate and sugar-free flavors can be toxic.
- Jelly and JamCautionNot recommended. Sugar-free jams can contain xylitol, which is toxic, and grape jelly may carry grape risk. Check the label.
- KaleCautionCaution. A little kale is probably harmless for most dogs, but it can irritate the stomach and may contribute to bladder or kidney stones.
- KetchupCautionNot recommended. Ketchup isn't toxic, but it is salty and sugary and often contains onion or garlic, which can harm dogs.
- Marshmallows and Gummy CandyCautionCaution. Plain marshmallows and gummy candy aren't toxic but are mostly sugar and can upset the stomach.
- Milk and DairyCautionCaution. A little milk is okay for some dogs, but many are lactose intolerant and get gas, vomiting or diarrhea from dairy.
- MustardCautionNot recommended. Mustard can upset a dog's stomach and cause vomiting, so keep it off any food you share.
- OrangesCautionCaution. In small amounts: Peeled, seedless orange pieces are an okay occasional treat, but too much can upset a dog's stomach.
- Other Sugar SubstitutesCautionUsually mild. Erythritol, stevia, sucralose and similar sweeteners may cause diarrhea, but always check the label for xylitol, which is toxic.
- Peanut ButterCautionCaution. Most peanut butter is fine in moderation, but some brands contain xylitol, which can kill dogs. Check the label.
- PicklesCautionNot recommended. Pickles are very high in salt, and sweet or spicy kinds may contain garlic, onion or hot spices that harm dogs.
- PistachiosCautionCaution. Pistachios are high in fat and salt, shells can choke a dog or block the gut, and moldy nuts can carry aflatoxin.
- PopcornCautionCaution. Air-popped popcorn with no butter or salt is a safe occasional treat, but buttered, salted or flavored popcorn is not.
- Raw EggsCautionNot recommended. Raw eggs can carry Salmonella, and raw egg whites can block a vitamin dogs need. Cook eggs before sharing.
- Raw MeatCautionNot recommended. Raw or undercooked meat can carry Salmonella, E. coli and parasites that can make dogs, and the people around them, sick.
- Raw or Green PotatoesCautionCaution. Raw potatoes shouldn't be fed to dogs, and green potatoes contain more solanine, a natural toxin that can make dogs sick.
- Ripe TomatoesCautionCaution. Ripe red tomato flesh isn't toxic and is OK as a small treat, but too much can upset the stomach, and the plant's green parts are toxic.
- Salty Foods (Chips, Salted Fish)CautionCaution. Salty foods in moderation shouldn't cause salt poisoning, but a lot at once, like a whole bag of chips or salted fish, can, especially in small dogs.
- SardinesCautionCaution. Plain sardines canned in water are fine as a small treat, soft bones and all, but sardines in oil or sauce can upset a dog's stomach.
- Seeds, Pits, Peels and ShellsCautionCaution. Fruit seeds, pits, cores, husks, peels and rinds, and shrimp shells, can choke a small dog or block its gut.
- Soy SauceCautionCaution. Soy sauce is very high in salt, and a dog that drinks or eats a concentrated amount can get salt poisoning.
- Spicy FoodCautionNot recommended. Spicy food may not be toxic, but it is almost certain to upset a dog's stomach, so keep hot peppers and sauces away.
- SpinachCautionCaution. A little plain spinach is usually fine for healthy dogs, but its oxalic acid can strain the kidneys in larger amounts.
- Store-Bought MushroomsCautionCaution. Washed, plain mushrooms from a grocery store are usually fine, but skip mushroom dishes with butter, oil, onion or garlic.
- SushiCautionCaution. Sushi made with raw fish can carry parasites and bacteria, including the cause of salmon poisoning, and soy sauce is very salty.
- TofuCautionCaution. Plain cooked tofu isn't toxic and is OK as a small occasional snack, but it often causes gas, and dogs prone to bloat should avoid it.
- TunaCautionNot recommended. Tuna isn't toxic, but it is high in mercury, so a small bite is unlikely to hurt but it shouldn't be a regular treat.
- WalnutsCautionCaution. Walnuts are high in fat and can upset the stomach, and moldy walnuts can cause tremors and seizures. Don't feed them.
- YogurtCautionCaution. Small amounts of plain, unsweetened yogurt are fine for many dogs, but some can't digest lactose and some yogurts have xylitol.
Foods dogs can eat: safe in moderation 34
Plain, in small pieces, as a treat: each entry says how to serve it.
- ApplesSafe in moderationSafe in moderation. Plain, washed apple slices make a good low-fat treat; remove the core, stem and seeds first.
- BananasSafe in moderationSafe in moderation. Peeled banana is a healthy, low-calorie treat, but its natural sugar means small amounts only.
- BeefSafe in moderationSafe. Plain, lean, cooked beef with no seasoning is a good protein treat; trim the fat and skip bones.
- Bell PeppersSafe in moderationSafe. Plain bell peppers are a healthy, non-toxic snack in moderation; remove seeds and stems, and never share spicy peppers.
- BlackberriesSafe in moderationSafe in moderation. Fresh blackberries are a healthy treat; their trace of natural xylitol is not a concern in small servings.
- BlueberriesSafe in moderationSafe. Fresh or frozen blueberries are a healthy, antioxidant-rich treat for dogs in moderation.
- CantaloupeSafe in moderationSafe in moderation. Cantaloupe flesh is a fine treat, but it is high in sugar, so limit it for overweight or diabetic dogs.
- CarrotsSafe in moderationSafe. Carrots, raw or cooked, are a crunchy, low-calorie snack for dogs; cut them into pieces to prevent choking.
- CauliflowerSafe in moderationSafe in small amounts. Plain cauliflower, cut into small pieces, is a healthy snack with fiber and vitamins.
- CelerySafe in moderationSafe. Celery is a low-calorie, crunchy snack for dogs; cut it into bite-size pieces to prevent choking.
- Cooked EggsSafe in moderationSafe. Fully cooked, plain eggs are a healthy occasional snack; skip butter, oil, salt and seasoning, and don't feed them raw.
- Cooked SalmonSafe in moderationSafe. Fully cooked, plain, boneless salmon is one of the healthiest fish for dogs. Never feed it raw or undercooked.
- Corn KernelsSafe in moderationSafe in small amounts. Plain corn cut off the cob is fine for most dogs, but never let your dog have the cob.
- CucumberSafe in moderationSafe. Cucumber is a crunchy, hydrating, low-calorie snack that works well for overweight dogs.
- Green BeansSafe in moderationSafe. Plain green beans, raw or cooked, are a low-calorie treat; avoid salted canned beans and any cooked with garlic or butter.
- LettuceSafe in moderationSafe in moderation. Plain, washed, chopped lettuce such as romaine or iceberg is fine, but don't share salads, which may contain onion.
- MangoSafe in moderationSafe in moderation. Peeled mango is a sweet treat; always remove the pit, which is a choking hazard and contains a little cyanide.
- OatmealSafe in moderationSafe in moderation. Plain cooked oatmeal made with water is a good occasional treat; skip sugary, flavored or raisin oatmeal.
- PastaSafe in moderationPlain cooked pasta is generally fine in small amounts and is easy to digest, but sauces often contain onion, garlic and salt.
- PearsSafe in moderationSafe in moderation. Fresh pear pieces are a healthy snack; remove the core and seeds, which hold traces of cyanide.
- PeasSafe in moderationSafe in small amounts. Fresh or frozen peas are fine as an occasional treat; skip canned peas, which are high in sodium.
- PineappleSafe in moderationSafe in moderation. Small pieces of fresh pineapple are a good treat; skip canned pineapple in syrup and never feed the core or skin.
- Plain Cooked ChickenSafe in moderationSafe. Plain, unseasoned cooked chicken off the bone is a good protein treat; skip bones, skin and seasoning.
- PorkSafe in moderationSafe when plain. Fully cooked, unseasoned pork is fine in small amounts; avoid raw pork, fat, bones, sauces and processed pork.
- PumpkinSafe in moderationSafe. Plain cooked or canned pure pumpkin is a healthy, high-fiber treat; avoid pumpkin pie filling, which has sugar and spices.
- QuinoaSafe in moderationSafe. Plain cooked quinoa is fine for most dogs in small amounts and is found in some dog foods; skip quinoa from your plate.
- RaspberriesSafe in moderationSafe in moderation. Raspberries are a fine occasional treat, but they contain a trace of natural xylitol, so keep portions small.
- RiceSafe in moderationSafe. Plain cooked rice is easy to digest and is often used for dogs with mild stomach upsets, in small amounts.
- ShrimpSafe in moderationSafe in small amounts. A few pieces of fully cooked, shelled, plain shrimp are fine; avoid raw, fried or breaded shrimp and shells.
- StrawberriesSafe in moderationSafe in moderation. Fresh strawberries are a good treat for dogs; cut them up and skip canned or syrup-packed berries.
- Sweet PotatoesSafe in moderationSafe when cooked. Plain, cooked, skinless sweet potato is a fine treat in small amounts, but never feed it raw.
- TurkeySafe in moderationSafe. Plain cooked turkey meat with no skin, bones or seasoning is fine as a small treat.
- WatermelonSafe in moderationSafe. Seedless watermelon flesh is a hydrating treat; remove the rind and seeds, which can upset the stomach or cause a blockage.
- ZucchiniSafe in moderationSafe. Plain zucchini, raw, steamed or cooked, is a healthy low-calorie snack; skip seasoned dishes and zucchini bread.
General information from each entry's sources, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.