Can Dogs Eat It?
Food safety notes for dog owners — the A–Z guide to which foods are safe, risky or toxic for your dog. Read the preparation notes and sources on each page; individual dogs may need different advice.
Toxic — never feed
These foods are dangerous — seek veterinary help immediately if ingested.
TOXIC
Can Dogs Drink Alcohol?
Alcohol is toxic to dogs — even small amounts can cause coma and death.
TOXIC
Can Dogs Drink Coffee or Tea?
Coffee, tea and anything with caffeine are toxic to dogs.
TOXIC
Can Dogs Eat Chocolate?
Chocolate is toxic to dogs.
TOXIC
Can Dogs Eat Garlic?
Garlic is toxic to dogs — it damages red blood cells and can cause anemia.
TOXIC
Can Dogs Eat Grapes and Raisins?
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs — even a single grape can be dangerous.
TOXIC
Can Dogs Eat Macadamia Nuts?
Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs — they cause weakness, tremors and fever.
TOXIC
Can Dogs Eat Onion?
Onions are toxic to dogs — they damage red blood cells and can cause life-threatening anemia.
TOXIC
Can Dogs Eat Raw Bread Dough?
Raw bread dough is a life-threatening emergency for dogs — it expands in the stomach and ferments into alcohol.
TOXIC
Can Dogs Eat Xylitol?
Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs — it causes a rapid drop in blood sugar and can destroy the liver.
TOXIC
Can Dogs Eat Yeast or Raw Dough?
Raw yeast dough is dangerous for dogs — it rises in the stomach and produces alcohol.
Caution — avoid or limit
A little may be fine, but there are real risks. Read before feeding.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Asparagus?
Asparagus is not toxic to dogs, but it is often too tough raw and is not a necessary treat.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Drink Milk?
Milk is not toxic to dogs, but many dogs are lactose intolerant — it can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Almonds?
Almonds aren't toxic to dogs, but they're a choking hazard and hard to digest — they can cause stomach upset or blockage.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Avocado?
Avocado is risky for dogs: persin in the skin and pit, a choking hazard from the pit, and high fat that can trigger pancreatitis.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Bones?
Cooked bones are dangerous for dogs — they splinter and can cause choking or intestinal blockage.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
Cheese is safe for most dogs in small amounts — but many dogs are lactose intolerant.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemons, Limes)?
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and limes can cause stomach upset in dogs.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Ham?
Ham is not toxic to dogs, but it's very high in salt and fat.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Ice Cream?
Ice cream is not recommended for dogs — lactose intolerance, sugar, fat and toxic ingredients like xylitol make it risky.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Salt?
Too much salt is dangerous for dogs — it can cause salt poisoning with tremors, seizures and even death.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Sugar?
Sugar is not toxic to dogs, but it's very unhealthy.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Tuna?
Tuna is safe for dogs only in small amounts — it contains mercury.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Cherries?
Whole cherries are best avoided.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Spinach?
Spinach is not needed in a dog’s diet.
Safe — in moderation
Fine as an occasional treat when prepared properly.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts?
A small amount of plain cooked Brussels sprouts may be offered to healthy dogs.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Apples?
Apples are a safe, healthy treat for dogs — but remove the seeds and core first.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
Bananas are safe for dogs in moderation — they're rich in potassium, but high in sugar.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Beans?
Most plain cooked beans are safe for dogs, but raw kidney beans are toxic and refried or baked beans should be avoided.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Blueberries are safe and healthy for dogs — a low-calorie treat full of antioxidants.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Bread?
Plain bread is safe for dogs in small amounts — but it's empty calories.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?
Broccoli is safe for dogs in small amounts — but the florets contain isothiocyanates that can upset their stomach.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Carrots?
Carrots are a safe, crunchy, low-calorie treat for dogs — raw or cooked.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Chicken?
Plain, cooked chicken is safe and healthy for dogs — it's a staple of many dog diets.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?
A small amount of cinnamon is safe for dogs, but large amounts, cinnamon oil and cinnamon sticks are dangerous.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Corn?
Corn is safe for dogs in moderation — but always off the cob.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
Cooked eggs are safe and nutritious for dogs — a great source of protein.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Honey?
Honey is safe for healthy adult dogs in tiny amounts, but raw honey can be dangerous for puppies.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Lentils?
Cooked plain lentils are safe for dogs in moderation.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Mint?
Fresh mint leaves are safe for dogs in small amounts, but mint essential oil and candies with xylitol are dangerous.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?
Store-bought mushrooms are safe for dogs, but wild mushrooms can be deadly.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Oats?
Plain cooked oatmeal is safe and healthy for dogs — a source of soluble fiber.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Pasta?
Plain cooked pasta is safe for dogs in small amounts — but it's empty calories.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
Peanut butter is safe for dogs only if it's xylitol-free.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?
Plain air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs in tiny amounts, but butter, salt and unpopped kernels are dangerous.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes?
Plain cooked potatoes are safe for dogs, but raw, green or fried potatoes can be harmful.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Rice?
Plain cooked rice is safe for dogs — it's the classic food for upset stomachs.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Salmon?
Cooked salmon is safe and healthy for dogs — rich in omega-3.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
Strawberries are safe for dogs in small amounts — they're rich in vitamin C but high in sugar.
CAUTION
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Ripe tomatoes are safe for dogs in moderation, but green tomatoes and tomato plants contain tomatine.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Watermelon is safe for dogs — the seedless flesh is hydrating and low-calorie.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Yogurt?
Plain yogurt is safe for most dogs in small amounts — it has probiotics and calcium.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe?
A little ripe cantaloupe flesh can be an occasional treat.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Celery?
Small pieces of plain celery can be offered as an occasional crunchy treat.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Cranberries?
Small amounts of plain cranberries can be suitable, though their tartness may not appeal to dogs.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Cucumber?
Fresh cucumber is suitable for many healthy dogs as a small, plain snack.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Green Beans?
Plain green beans can be an occasional snack for healthy dogs.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Mango?
Small pieces of ripe mango flesh can be offered occasionally.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Peaches?
Fresh ripe peach flesh is suitable in small amounts only after the pit and other plant parts are removed.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Pears?
A few small pieces of fresh pear flesh can be an occasional treat.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Peas?
A few plain peas can be suitable for healthy dogs, but dogs with kidney problems need individual advice.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
A little ripe pineapple flesh can be a treat for healthy dogs.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?
Plain cooked pumpkin or 100% canned pumpkin can be offered in a small amount.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Raspberries?
A few plain raspberries can be offered occasionally to many healthy dogs.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?
A little plain, fully cooked sweet potato can be an occasional treat.
SAFE
Can Dogs Eat Turkey?
Plain, thoroughly cooked turkey meat can be shared in a small amount when all bones and skin are removed.
About this guide
Curious whether your dog can share your snack? We answer the most-asked "can dogs eat…?" questions with clear verdicts: Safe, Caution or Toxic. Each food page explains why, lists symptoms to watch for, and tells you exactly what to do in an emergency.
In an emergency: call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.