Can Dogs Eat It?

Search any human food to see if it’s safe or toxic for your dog. Each verdict covers the toxic dose, symptoms to watch for, and what to do if it’s eaten.

Browse all 180 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

(17)
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.DangerousYeast DoughToxic — raw yeast dough expands in the stomach and ferments, producing alcohol.DangerousAcornsDangerous — acorns can cause stomach illness, kidney injury, and intestinal blockage.DangerousCorn CobsDangerous — corn cobs can block a dog’s intestines and may require surgery.

Risky

(10)
RiskyBaconAvoid — bacon is very high in salt and fat and can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis.RiskyMustardAvoid — mustard seeds and prepared mustard can irritate a dog’s stomach and may cause vomiting.RiskyFrench FriesAvoid — fries are high in fat and salt, and seasonings can add further risks.RiskyPizzaAvoid — pizza commonly combines fat, salt, cheese, onion, garlic, and unsafe toppings.RiskyPepperoniAvoid — pepperoni is salty, fatty, and often seasoned with garlic or onion.RiskySalamiAvoid — salami is a cured meat high in salt, fat, and often garlic or other seasoning.RiskyRaw ChickenAvoid — raw chicken can carry bacteria, and bones can choke or obstruct the gut.RiskySausageAvoid — sausage is usually high in salt and fat and may contain garlic, onion, or spices.RiskyNutsAvoid mixed nuts — the safety depends on the nut, and some are toxic or pose a choking, mold, salt, and fat risk.RiskyHot DogsAvoid — hot dogs are high in salt and fat and may contain garlic, onion, or other seasoning.

Use caution

(84)
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 cautionMintCaution — common garden/spearmint is safe in tiny amounts, but pennyroyal mint is toxic.Use cautionTurmericCaution — safe in a tiny amount and may have anti-inflammatory effects, but too much causes digestive upset.Use cautionPastaCaution — plain cooked pasta is not toxic, but it is high in carbs and calories with little nutritional value for dogs.Use cautionCabbageCaution — safe in small amounts, but causes gas and bloating.Use cautionLentilsCaution — cooked lentils are safe in small amounts, but the FDA flagged legume-heavy diets as a possible heart-disease risk in dogs.Use cautionChickpeasCaution — safe as an occasional treat, but carry the same FDA/DCM concern as other legumes.Use cautionDiphenhydramine (Benadryl)Use caution — only give diphenhydramine if your veterinarian has advised it for your dog.Use cautionAspirinUse caution — do not give aspirin unless a veterinarian has specifically directed it.Use cautionBismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)Use caution — ask a veterinarian before giving Pepto-Bismol or another bismuth-salicylate product.Use cautionCetirizine (Zyrtec)Use caution — cetirizine should only be used when a veterinarian confirms it is appropriate for your dog.Use cautionFigsCaution — ripe fig flesh is not usually toxic, but it is sugary and can upset the stomach.Use cautionEggshellsCaution — eggshells should only be used when clean, thoroughly cooked, and finely ground.Use cautionSeaweedCaution — plain seaweed in a tiny amount may be tolerated, but salty or wild seaweed can be dangerous.Use cautionBlack BeansCaution — plain, fully cooked black beans are okay in a small amount, but can cause gas.Use cautionPretzelsCaution — plain pretzels are not toxic, but they are salty and offer no nutritional benefit.Use cautionSalmon SkinCaution — a small piece of fully cooked, unseasoned salmon skin is usually okay, but it is fatty.Use cautionTangerinesCaution — a little peeled, seedless tangerine flesh is okay, but it is sugary and acidic.Use cautionTofuCaution — plain tofu is not toxic, but it is not a necessary protein for dogs and can upset some stomachs.Use cautionAlmond ButterCaution — plain, xylitol-free almond butter is not toxic, but it is very fatty and calorie-dense.Use cautionBlack PepperCaution — a trace in food is not usually toxic, but black pepper can irritate the nose and stomach.Use cautionDatesCaution — pitted dates are not toxic, but they are very high in sugar and fiber.Use cautionEggplantCaution — plain, fully cooked eggplant can be offered in a small amount, but raw plant parts are not a treat.Use cautionPersimmonsCaution — ripe, pitted persimmon flesh is not toxic, but the seeds and pit can obstruct the gut.Use cautionPlantainsCaution — plain cooked plantain is generally fine in a small amount, but fried plantain is too fatty.Use cautionSauerkrautCaution — plain sauerkraut is not toxic in a tiny taste, but it is usually too salty for dogs.Use cautionSourdough BreadCaution — a small piece of fully baked plain sourdough is usually okay; raw dough is dangerous.Use cautionWhipped CreamCaution — a tiny lick is not usually toxic, but whipped cream is sugary, fatty, and often contains dairy.Use cautionWhite ChocolateCaution — white chocolate has little theobromine, but its fat and sugar can still make a dog sick.Use cautionAvocado OilCaution — a small accidental lick is unlikely to be toxic, but avocado oil is fatty and unnecessary for dogs.Use cautionCream CheeseCaution — a small plain taste is usually okay, but cream cheese is fatty and many dogs do not tolerate dairy.Use cautionRosemaryCaution — a small amount of culinary rosemary is usually okay, but concentrated oil is not a dog treat.Use cautionMarshmallowsCaution — regular marshmallows are not toxic, but they are sugary and can be a choking hazard.Use cautionOlivesCaution — one or two plain, pitted olives are usually okay, but brined olives are salty and fatty.Use cautionPicklesCaution — plain pickle flesh is not toxic, but pickles are usually too salty and may contain unsafe seasoning.Use cautionCheeriosCaution — a few plain original Cheerios are not toxic, but they are not a nutritious dog treat.Use cautionCrabCaution — a small amount of plain cooked crab meat is usually okay, but shells and seasoning are not.Use cautionGrapefruitCaution — grapefruit flesh is acidic, while peel and oils can cause more significant stomach irritation.Use cautionGrassCaution — occasional grass eating is common, but treated grass, sharp blades, and repeated vomiting are concerns.Use cautionMayonnaiseCaution — a tiny lick is not usually toxic, but mayonnaise is fatty and offers no benefit to dogs.Use cautionMozzarella CheeseCaution — a small piece of plain mozzarella is usually okay, but dairy and fat can upset some dogs.Use cautionPancakesCaution — a tiny piece of plain pancake is not toxic, but toppings and rich ingredients can be unsafe.Use cautionApplesauceCaution — unsweetened applesauce is okay in a small amount; sweetened or flavored products are not a good dog treat.Use cautionCheez-ItsCaution — a few plain Cheez-Its are not usually toxic, but they are salty, fatty processed food.Use cautionChicken BrothCaution — only plain, low-sodium chicken broth with no onion or garlic is suitable in a small amount.Use cautionMaple SyrupCaution — pure maple syrup is not toxic in a tiny lick, but it is concentrated sugar and not a dog treat.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.Use cautionRaw PotatoUse caution — raw potato contains solanine, which is toxic; cooked plain potato is generally tolerated.Use cautionCatnipCaution — catnip is not usually toxic to dogs, but it can cause stomach upset or unusual behavior in larger amounts.

Safe

(65)
SafeHoneydew MelonSafe — a little seedless, rind-free honeydew flesh is fine as an occasional treat.SafeDragon FruitSafe — the soft flesh is fine in small amounts after the peel is removed.SafeCilantroSafe — a small sprinkle of fresh cilantro is fine for most dogs.SafeOkraSafe — plain cooked or raw okra is fine in a small amount for most dogs.SafeCauliflowerSafe — plain cooked cauliflower is fine in a small amount, though it can cause gas.SafeBasilSafe — a small amount of plain fresh basil is fine for most dogs.SafeGritsSafe — plain cooked grits are fine in a small amount, but they are mostly starch.SafeSesame SeedsSafe — a light sprinkle of plain sesame seeds is fine for most dogs.SafeBrussels SproutsSafe — plain cooked Brussels sprouts are fine in a small amount, but can cause gas.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.SafeDuckSafe — plain cooked duck with skin and bones removed.SafeBisonSafe — lean, protein-rich game meat when cooked plain.SafeVenisonSafe — lean game meat popular in elimination diets for food allergies.SafeRabbitSafe — a very lean, hypoallergenic novel protein.SafeHerringSafe — an excellent omega-3 fish; choose cooked or water-packed with no added salt.SafeMackerelSafe — an oily fish high in omega-3s; choose water-packed, no salt added.SafeCottage CheeseSafe — low-fat cottage cheese is mild, easily digestible, and a good calcium source.SafeBarleySafe — a whole grain providing digestible energy and soluble fiber.SafeMilletSafe — a gluten-free grain; a good option for dogs sensitive to wheat.SafeParsleySafe in small amounts — a nutrient-rich herb that may freshen breath.SafeGingerSafe in small amounts — may ease nausea and support digestion.SafeOlive OilSafe — a small drizzle supports healthy skin, coat, and digestion.SafeParsnipsSafe — a mild root vegetable that can be served raw or cooked.SafeButternut SquashSafe — cooked butternut squash is easy to digest and rich in vitamins A and C.SafeAsparagusSafe — but cook it first; raw asparagus is too tough and hard to digest.SafeSweet PotatoSafe cooked — a nutrient-dense root vegetable with vitamins A and C.SafeZucchiniSafe — low-calorie hydrating vegetable, raw or cooked.SafeBell PepperSafe — red peppers are highest in vitamins A and C.SafeSardinesSafe — one of the best omega-3 sources for dogs; choose plain water-packed, no salt added.SafeLambSafe cooked — lean lamb is a quality protein and common in novel-protein elimination diets.SafeKaleSafe in small amounts — nutrient-dense leafy green; large quantities may irritate the stomach.SafeBeetsSafe in small amounts — cooked beets are fine occasionally; raw beets may cause gas.

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.

More dog food safety guides

Foods Dogs Cannot Eat

Review toxic foods, warning signs, and what to do if your dog eats something dangerous.

Read the toxic food guide →

Safe Fruits & Vegetables for Dogs

Find dog-safe produce, preparation tips, portion guidance, and foods to avoid.

See the safe produce guide →

Know other dog owners? 🐾

Share this so a friend with a dog sees it before their pup eats the wrong thing.

Still choosing a breed?

Our ranked breed guides for the questions owners ask most.

More dog calculators

All tools →
← All dog calculators