Can Dogs Eat It?

Search any human food to see if it’s safe or toxic for your dog. Every verdict is vet-sourced, with the toxic dose, symptoms to watch for, and what to do if it’s eaten.

Browse all 89 foods by risk level, or search above.

Lethal

(4)

LethalChocolateToxic — can be fatal, especially dark and baking chocolate.LethalXylitolHighly toxic — even a small amount can be fatal.LethalGrapes & RaisinsToxic — can cause sudden kidney failure, even in small amounts.LethalOnion & GarlicToxic — destroys red blood cells and can cause severe anemia.

Dangerous

(14)

DangerousMacadamia NutsToxic to dogs — causes weakness and neurological signs. Dogs are the only species known to be affected.DangerousAlcoholToxic — dogs are far more sensitive to alcohol than humans, and it can be fatal.DangerousCaffeineToxic — affects the heart and nervous system like theobromine.DangerousCooked BonesDangerous — cooked bones splinter and can puncture or block the gut.DangerousRaw Salmon / TroutDangerous — raw Pacific salmon/trout can carry a fatal parasite.DangerousNutmegToxic — can cause hallucinations and seizures; classified as toxic by ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline.DangerousHopsDangerous — can trigger a fatal malignant hyperthermia. Especially risky for homebrewers’ dogs.DangerousIbuprofenDangerous — common human painkiller that poisons dogs. Never give Advil/Motrin to a dog.DangerousAcetaminophenDangerous — the active drug in Tylenol. Never give it to a dog without a vet’s instruction.DangerousWalnutsDangerous — moldy walnuts can cause seizures. Black walnuts and fallen nuts are the main risk.DangerousMoldy Food & CompostDangerous — mold on spoiled food or compost can cause tremors and seizures in dogs.DangerousVitamin D OverdoseDangerous — vitamin D (cholecalciferol) in rodenticides or human supplements causes fatal high calcium.DangerousPennies & Batteries (Zinc)Dangerous — US pennies (post-1982) and some batteries are nearly pure zinc, which destroys red blood cells.DangerousGarlic PowderDangerous — MORE toxic than fresh garlic. The concentrated powder in seasoning is an easy accidental overdose.

Use caution

(37)

Use cautionAvocadoMostly a stomach and obstruction risk for dogs — the pit is the real danger, not the flesh.Use cautionPeanut ButterSafe in small amounts — but ALWAYS check for xylitol first.Use cautionCheeseSafe for most dogs in small amounts — many dogs are lactose intolerant.Use cautionBreadSafe but offers little nutrition — plain, fully-cooked bread only.Use cautionAlmondsCaution — not truly toxic, but vets recommend avoiding them.Use cautionCherriesCaution — only the pitted flesh is safe. The pits, stems, and leaves are toxic.Use cautionTomatoCaution — ripe flesh is fine in small amounts, but the green parts (leaves, stems, unripe) are toxic.Use cautionMushroomsCaution — store-bought mushrooms are safe, but wild mushrooms can be deadly.Use cautionPopcornCaution — plain air-popped only; skip salt, butter, and toppings.Use cautionMilkCaution — many dogs are lactose intolerant and get diarrhea.Use cautionIce CreamCaution — high in sugar and dairy; many dogs can’t tolerate it.Use cautionTunaCaution — plain cooked tuna in small amounts; watch the sodium and mercury.Use cautionHamCaution — very high in salt and fat; not recommended.Use cautionCinnamonCaution — not toxic, but irritating in quantity and risky if inhaled.Use cautionPecansCaution — vets advise against them: high fat plus a mold-toxin risk.Use cautionPistachiosCaution — not toxic, but vets don’t recommend them: high fat, choking, and mold risk.Use cautionSaltCaution — a little is fine, but large amounts cause salt poisoning and can be fatal.Use cautionSugarCaution — not toxic, but bad for teeth and waistline. Watch for xylitol in sugar-free sweets.Use cautionLemon & LimeCaution — a little flesh is harmless, but the peel, pith, and oils can cause problems.Use cautionCoffee GroundsCaution — used coffee grounds are concentrated caffeine; dogs raiding the trash can be poisoned.Use cautionButterCaution — very high in fat; a chunk can trigger pancreatitis.Use cautionSoy SauceCaution — extremely high in sodium; even a spoonful can be too much for a small dog.Use cautionPeachCaution — the flesh is fine, but the pit is dangerous.Use cautionPearCaution — the flesh is safe, but remove the seeds and core.Use cautionOrangeCaution — the flesh is safe in small amounts, but peel and seeds should be removed.Use cautionCantaloupeSafe in moderation — high in sugar, so keep portions small.Use cautionBroccoliCaution — safe only in small amounts, ideally cooked.Use cautionSpinachCaution — high in oxalic acid, so best given rarely.Use cautionPotatoCaution — only cooked, ripe potatoes. Raw or green potatoes are unsafe.Use cautionLiverCaution — safe in small amounts, but excess causes vitamin A toxicity.Use cautionRaspberriesCaution — safe, but they contain trace natural xylitol, so keep to small amounts.Use cautionSunflower SeedsCaution — safe only if unsalted and shelled, in small amounts.Use cautionChia SeedsCaution — safe in small amounts, but they swell; always soak first.Use cautionApricotCaution — the flesh is safe, but the pit, stem, and leaves are toxic.Use cautionPlumCaution — pitted flesh is fine, but the pit is toxic and a choking hazard.Use cautionPapayaCaution — the flesh is safe in small amounts; remove the seeds and skin.Use cautionPomegranateCaution — the seeds (arils) are safe but very tart and may upset the stomach.

Safe

(34)

SafeBananaSafe — a healthy treat in moderation.SafeAppleSafe — remove the seeds and core first.SafeCarrotSafe — a low-calorie, teeth-cleaning snack.SafeBlueberriesSafe — a low-calorie superfood treat rich in antioxidants.SafeCooked EggSafe — a good protein source when fully cooked.SafePlain Cooked ChickenSafe — plain, cooked, boneless, and unseasoned.SafePlain PumpkinSafe — good for digestion in small amounts.SafeGreen BeansSafe — a low-calorie, filling snack.SafeStrawberrySafe — a sweet, fiber-rich treat in moderation.SafeWatermelonSafe — hydrating and low-calorie, but remove seeds and rind.SafeMangoSafe — sweet and vitamin-rich, but remove the pit first.SafePineappleSafe — remove the prickly skin and crown first.SafeCranberrySafe — but only in small quantities.SafeCucumberSafe — an especially good low-calorie snack.SafeCelerySafe — a crunchy, low-calorie snack that may even freshen breath.SafePeasSafe — fresh or frozen only, not canned (added sodium).SafeCooked SalmonSafe — fully cooked salmon is a great omega-3 source. Never raw.SafeTurkeySafe — plain, cooked, boneless, unseasoned turkey.SafeBeefSafe — plain, cooked, lean beef with fat and bones removed.SafeShrimpSafe — fully cooked, with shell, head, tail, and legs removed.SafeRiceSafe — plain cooked white rice is easy on the stomach.SafeOatmealSafe — a good source of soluble fiber, served plain.SafeCornSafe — off the cob, in moderation.SafeQuinoaSafe — a protein-rich grain alternative, served plain and cooked.SafeCoconutSafe — coconut and coconut oil are fine in small amounts.SafePeanutsSafe — plain, unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts in moderation.SafeCashewsSafe — plain, unsalted cashews in small amounts.SafeHoneySafe — a small amount of raw honey is fine.SafeYogurtSafe — plain, unsweetened yogurt with live cultures.SafePorkSafe — plain, cooked, lean pork with fat removed.SafeKiwiSafe — a vitamin-rich treat, peeled and chopped.SafeBlackberriesSafe — a low-sugar, antioxidant-rich treat in moderation.SafePumpkin SeedsSafe — plain, roasted, unsalted pumpkin seeds (pepitas).SafeFlax SeedSafe — ground flax in small amounts adds omega-3s and fiber.

How we judge “safe”

Each food gets one of five risk levels: Lethal (known to kill dogs), Dangerous (toxic, sometimes fatal), Use caution (fine in moderation or with prep), and Safe (fine in normal treat amounts). Verdicts are cross-checked against the Merck Veterinary Manual, ASPCA Animal Poison Control, Pet Poison Helpline, and VCA Hospitals — and we always err toward caution.

If your dog ate something

Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. If you think your dog swallowed something toxic, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Note what and how much was eaten, and when — that sets the risk. For chocolate, grapes, or xylitol, treat any amount as an emergency.

⚠️ For general guidance, not veterinary advice. Toxicity depends on your dog’s size, the amount eaten, and individual sensitivity. Always confirm with your vet for health decisions.

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