Food safety · Dogs
What Can Dogs Eat? Safe and Toxic Foods, A to Z
Every food here has a clear verdict for dogs — safe, safe in moderation, caution, or toxic — with the reasons, the signs to watch for, and what to do if your dog already ate it. Toxic foods are listed first. Filter by verdict or food type.
Educational information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or ate something worrying, call your veterinarian or a pet poison line now. Emergency steps.
27 of 27 foods
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic — do not feedNo. Chocolate is toxic to dogs because it contains methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine).
- Can dogs eat garlic?Toxic — do not feedNo. Garlic is toxic to dogs — the Merck Veterinary Manual says it is 3–5 times more toxic than onion.
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic — do not feedNo. Grapes are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney damage.
- Can dogs eat macadamia nuts?Toxic — do not feedNo. Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs.
- Can dogs eat onions?Toxic — do not feedNo. Onions are toxic to dogs.
- Can dogs eat raisins?Toxic — do not feedNo. Raisins are dried grapes and are toxic to dogs; they can cause kidney damage.
- Can dogs eat xylitol?Toxic — do not feedNo. Xylitol, a sweetener in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste, is toxic to dogs.
- Can dogs eat milk?CautionMilk often upsets dogs' stomachs. The ASPCA explains that pets don't make much lactase, the enzyme that digests milk sugar, so milk and other dairy can cause diarrhea or other digestive upset.
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe in moderationYes, dogs can eat apples in moderation. The ASPCA lists apples as okay for pets, and VCA says crunchy fruits like apples can help scrape food off teeth.
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe in moderationYes, dogs can eat bananas in moderation. The ASPCA lists bananas as okay for pets and VCA names them among good fruit options.
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe in moderationYes, dogs can eat blueberries in moderation. The ASPCA lists them as okay for pets, and VCA names blueberries among good fruit choices.
- Can dogs eat cheese?Safe in moderationYes, most dogs can have a small piece of cheese occasionally. The ASPCA says a small cube makes a good snack or pill disguise, but too much can cause digestive upset.
- Can dogs eat peanut butter?Safe in moderationYes, most dogs can have a little peanut butter — but check the label first. The ASPCA warns that a limited number of peanut butters contain xylitol, which can be lethal to dogs.
- Can dogs eat pineapple?Safe in moderationYes, dogs can eat fresh pineapple in moderation. The ASPCA lists pineapple as okay for pets and VCA names it among good fruit options.
- Can dogs eat popcorn?Safe in moderationPlain, air-popped popcorn is okay for dogs in small amounts. The ASPCA calls air-popped popcorn a healthy shared snack because it avoids excess fat and salt.
- Can dogs eat raspberries?Safe in moderationYes, dogs can eat raspberries in moderation. VCA lists raspberries among good fruit options and among foods dogs often enjoy.
- Can dogs eat strawberries?Safe in moderationYes, dogs can eat strawberries in moderation. The ASPCA lists strawberries as okay to give pets, and VCA counts them among foods dogs often enjoy.
- Can dogs eat turkey?Safe in moderationYes, a little plain cooked turkey is okay for dogs. The ASPCA says small amounts of lean cooked turkey without bones or seasoning are fine.
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe in moderationYes, dogs can eat seedless watermelon in moderation. VCA lists watermelon among yummy options and names seedless watermelon among foods dogs often enjoy.
- Can dogs eat broccoli?SafeYes, broccoli is safe for dogs in small amounts. The ASPCA lists broccoli as a good snack and VCA names it among good vegetable choices.
- Can dogs eat carrots?SafeYes, carrots are safe for dogs. The ASPCA lists carrots as a good snack, VCA names them among yummy options, and VCA notes crunchy veggies like carrots can help scrape food off teeth.
- Can dogs eat celery?SafeYes, celery is safe for dogs. The ASPCA lists celery as a good snack, and VCA names it among good vegetable choices that some dogs enjoy.
- Can dogs eat chicken?SafeYes, plain cooked chicken is safe for dogs in small amounts. The ASPCA says small amounts of lean cooked chicken free of bones and seasoning are okay.
- Can dogs eat cucumber?SafeYes, cucumber is safe for dogs. The ASPCA lists cucumbers as okay for pets — even suggesting them in water as a summer treat — and VCA names cucumbers among good options.
- Can dogs eat eggs?SafeYes, dogs can eat cooked eggs. VCA lists cooked eggs among foods that are safe and often enjoyed by dogs.
- Can dogs eat green beans?SafeYes, plain green beans are safe for dogs. The ASPCA lists them as a good snack and VCA names green beans among good vegetable options.
- Can dogs eat pumpkin?SafeYes. Plain cooked pumpkin is safe for dogs: VCA calls cooked pumpkin an excellent low-calorie, high-fiber treat, and the ASPCA lists cooked (canned) pumpkin as a good snack.