What dogs can and cannot eat
A quick guide to common foods, from everyday treats that are fine to the ones that are genuinely dangerous. When in doubt, leave it out and check with your vet.
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| Food | Verdict | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carrots | Safe | Crunchy low-calorie snack, raw or cooked |
| Apple | Safe | Remove the core and seeds first |
| Banana | Safe | High in sugar, so just a little |
| Blueberries | Safe | Antioxidant-rich, good training treat |
| Watermelon | Safe | Flesh only, no seeds or rind |
| Plain cooked chicken | Safe | Skinless, boneless, unseasoned |
| Pumpkin (plain) | Safe | Aids digestion; not spiced pie filling |
| Green beans | Safe | Plain, cooked or raw |
| Sweet potato (cooked) | Safe | Plain, no butter or seasoning |
| Peanut butter | Safe | Only if it is xylitol-free |
| Plain rice | Safe | Good for an upset stomach |
| Cheese | In moderation | High fat; some dogs are lactose intolerant |
| Plain bread | In moderation | Empty calories; never with raisins or garlic |
| Popcorn (plain) | In moderation | Air-popped, no butter or salt |
| Ham and bacon | Avoid | Very salty and fatty |
| Avocado | Avoid | Persin upsets the stomach; pit is a choking risk |
| Chocolate | Never | Theobromine; can cause seizures, worse when darker |
| Grapes and raisins | Never | Can cause sudden kidney failure, even a few |
| Onion, garlic, chives | Never | Damage red blood cells and cause anaemia |
| Xylitol (sweetener) | Never | Crashing blood sugar and liver failure |
| Macadamia nuts | Never | Weakness, tremors and vomiting |
| Alcohol | Never | Highly toxic even in small amounts |
| Caffeine and coffee | Never | Toxic in the same way as chocolate |
| Cooked bones | Never | Splinter and cause internal injury |
| Raw bread dough | Never | Rises in the stomach and releases alcohol |
Frequently asked questions
What foods are most dangerous for dogs?
The big ones are chocolate, grapes and raisins, onion and garlic, xylitol (a sweetener in sugar-free gum and treats), macadamia nuts, alcohol and caffeine. Grapes and xylitol are especially dangerous because even small amounts can cause organ failure.
Can dogs eat human food at all?
Yes, many plain whole foods are fine as occasional treats, such as carrots, apple without the core, plain cooked chicken and pumpkin. Keep treats to about 10 percent of your dog's daily calories and avoid anything salty, sugary or seasoned.
My dog ate something on the Never list, what do I do?
Do not wait for symptoms. Call your vet or an animal poison control line straight away (numbers are at the top of this page) and tell them what and roughly how much was eaten. Fast action makes a big difference.
Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Plain peanut butter is fine, but check the label first: some brands contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. If it is xylitol-free, a small amount is a popular treat.