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You can also search for foods that are 👍 safe or 👎 unsafe

Read the tips below before sharing any food with dogs

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👎 Açaí

Açaí contains theobromine, the primary cause of chocolate poisoning in dogs. Dogs should avoid açaí berries and any foods containing açaí.

👎 Alcohol

Beer, Champagne, Gin, Liquor, Rum, Vodka, Whiskey, Wine, etc.

All types of alcohol are toxic to dogs—including beer, champagne, gin, liquor, rum, vodka, whiskey, and wine. Dogs should not consume any amount of any type of alcohol.

👎 Cherries

Cherry pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide, which is poisonous and potentially lethal if consumed in high enough quantities. Cherry pits are also be a choking hazard and can get lodged in a dog's digestive tract and cause intestinal blockages. Dogs should not eat maraschino cherries, either, due to their high sugar content.

Caution: Dogs should avoid canned versions of foods due to their high sodium and/or sugar content, and opt for the fresh or frozen version instead. Read more.

👎 Chocolate, Cocoa

Chocolate is toxic to dogs. It contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which can speed the heart rate and stimulate the nervous system of dogs. Dogs should not eat any amount of any type of chocolate.

Caution: Foods that are high in fat can cause dogs to get gastrointestinal upset and even pancreatitis. Read more.

👎 Coffee, Tea

Coffee and tea can contain caffeine and other substances that are toxic to dogs. Caffeine stimulates dogs' nervous systems, and even a small amount can lead to a number of symptoms, including seizures, tremors, lung failure, abnormal heart rhythm, and even death. Dogs should not ingest coffee or tea in any form.

👎 Figs

A fig tree's white, milky sap, present especially in the leaves and all parts of the fruit, contains an enzyme called ficin. The ficin in fresh fig sap can spur allergic skin reactions in humans, but is also known to cause similar rashes, irritation, and itching when consumed by dogs. It's best to avoid giving containing fig to dogs.

👎 Fried Foods

Chicken Fingers, Chicken Nuggets, Chips, Clam Cakes, Corn Dogs, Crab Rangoons, Donuts, Egg Rolls, Falafel, Fish and Chips, French Fries, Hash Browns, Home Fries, Mozzarella Sticks, Onion Rings, Potato Chips, Spring Rolls, Tater Tots, Tortilla Chips, etc.

While a french fry, potato chip, chicken finger or two may seem like a harmless treat to share with your dog, even a small morsel of highly-processed fatty food can create a nightmare of digestive upset that spirals into more serious problems. High-fat foods put your dog at risk of developing pancreatitis, which can lead to an emergency veterinarian visit. These foods can also delay the emptying of a dog's stomach, making a dog prone to bloating, which can also turn into an emergency situation if the stomach bloats and twists on itself — an emergency condition called "bloat", which is more prevalent in larger breeds. Dogs should not eat fried foods of any kind.

Caution: Processed foods are unhealthy for dogs and can even conceal toxic ingredients. Read more.

Caution: Foods that are high in fat can cause dogs to get gastrointestinal upset and even pancreatitis. Read more.

👎 Garlic

Garlic and other members of the allium family, including onions, contain thiosulfate, which is toxic to dogs but not to humans. Dogs should not eat garlic, or anything containing any amount garlic.

👎 Gatorade

Gatorade has high amounts of sugar and salt, and therefore isn't safe for dogs. Dogs should always drink water instead of drinks like Gatorade. Dehydrated dogs should be taken to the veterinarian for proper fluid treatment.

👎 Grapes, Raisins

Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs, and ingestion can even be fatal. Dogs should not eat any amount of any type of grape or raisin.

👎 Hot Dogs

Dogs should not eat hot dogs. Many hot dog ingredients can be toxic to dogs, such as sodium nitrate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), sugars or artificial sweeteners, seasonings, and high amounts of salt. They're also a choking hazard, especially for big dogs that might try to swallow them without chewing them. Dogs should not eat any amount of hot dogs, cooked or uncooked.

Caution: Processed foods are unhealthy for dogs and can even conceal toxic ingredients. Read more.

👎 Hot Peppers

Chili Peppers, Jalapeño Peppers, Serrano Peppers, etc.

Dogs should never eat spicy peppers, such as jalapeño peppers. However, dogs can eat bite-size pieces of plain, unseasoned bell peppers, cooked, frozen, or raw.

👎 Citrus Fruits

Lemons, Limes, Oranges, Clementines, Grapefruit, Kumquats, Persimmons, Tangerines, etc.

Citrus fruits, including the seeds and peel, and citrus plants including the stems and leaves all contain citric acid, which can cause digestive upset and other more serious issues. Dogs should not eat citrus fruits or ingest citrus oils of any kind.

Caution: Dogs should avoid canned versions of foods due to their high sodium and/or sugar content, and opt for the fresh or frozen version instead. Read more.

👎 Marshmallows

Marshmallows are not safe for dogs and are even toxic if they contain xylitol (an artificial sugar). Xylitol can be extremely harmful, even if ingested in small quantities. Marshmallows are also full of sugar, which is not healthy for dogs. Lastly, marshmallows, especially mini marshmallows, can be a choking hazard. Dogs should not eat any amount of marshmallows or foods containing marshmallow.

Caution: Processed foods are unhealthy for dogs and can even conceal toxic ingredients. Read more.

👎 Bones

Beef Bones, Chicken Bones, Ham Bones, Lamb Bones, Meat Bones, Pork Bones, Pork Chop Bones, Steak Bones, Turkey Bones, etc.

Contrary to popular belief, dogs should not be given bones. Not only can meat bones carry bacteria like salmonella or e-coli, they are also likely to splinter and crack when your dog chews on them—regardless of whether they are cooked or uncooked. They can become a choking hazard and cause also dogs digestive upset, fractured teeth, or gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation. Though giving dogs the most natural option always seems like the best choice, in the case of meat bones, it's best to opt for a high-quality dental bone as an alternative. Dogs should never eat any type of meat bone—cooked or uncooked.

Caution: Dogs should avoid canned versions of foods due to their high sodium and/or sugar content, and opt for the fresh or frozen version instead. Read more.

👎 Mushrooms

Champignon Mushrooms, Chanterelle Mushrooms, Cremini Mushrooms, Maitake Mushrooms, Morel Mushrooms, Oyster Mushrooms, Porcini Mushrooms, Portabella Mushrooms, Shiitake Mushrooms, etc.

Dogs should not eat mushrooms, especially wild mushrooms, as wild mushrooms can be toxic to dogs, even if they are not toxic to humans. Although only around 50-100 of the 10,000 species of mushrooms recognized worldwide are known to be toxic, the mushrooms that are toxic are very toxic, and are often difficult to distinguish from the non-toxic varieties. Veterinarians recommend treating all wild mushrooms as potentially toxic and a veterinary emergency. Store-bought mushrooms are likely safe for dogs to consume, but out of an abundance of caution, it's better to keep dogs away from mushrooms.Dogs shouldn't eat any amount of any type of mushroom.

👎 Nuts

Almonds, Brazil Nuts, Cashews, Chestnuts, Hazelnuts, Macadamia Nuts, Pecans, Pine Nuts, Pistachios, Walnuts, etc.

Nuts are not a safe snack for dogs, due to their high fat content, and some nuts are even toxic. Macadamia nuts are very toxic to dogs. Dogs should not eat any amount of macadamia nuts. Eating high fat foods, like nuts, puts dogs at risk of becoming obese and developing pancreatitis, which can lead to an emergency visit to the veterinarian. Some nuts, like almonds, are a choking hazard and can cause gastrointestinal obstruction, especially in small dogs. Peanuts and cashews, while still high in fat, are safe for dogs in very small quantities, as long as they are plain, unsalted, and unseasoned. Dogs should avoid eating nuts, especially macadamia nuts, which are toxic to dogs.

Caution: Foods that are high in fat can cause dogs to get gastrointestinal upset and even pancreatitis. Read more.

👎 Onions

Chives, Cipollini Onions, Green Onions, Leeks, Pearl Onions, Red Onions, Scallions, Shallots, Sweet Onions, Vidalia Onions, White Onions, Yellow Onions, etc.

Onions, scallions, shallots, or other closely related foods—whether powdered, dried, fresh, cooked, or as an ingredient in a processed food—should never be given to dogs, as they can cause them to develop a condition called hemolytic anemia. This condition impacts/destroys a dog's red blood cells, leaving them without enough of them for healthy functioning. Severe onion poisoning in dogs can be fatal. All parts of these foods—including their juice, flesh, or leaves—can cause issues for dogs. Dogs should not eat any amount of any type of onion or related food.

👎 Pickles

Dogs should not eat pickles due to their added salt and sugar, and potential added spices. While a bite of pickle probably won't hurt your dog, stick with plain cucumbers as a regular treat and avoid feeding pickles of any variety to dogs.

👎 Xylitol

Xylitol is a sweetener and sugar substitute found in many fruits and vegetables, as well as other human food products, especially sugar-free products like chewing gum, toothpaste, breath mints, chewable vitamins, and baked goods. It can be extremely harmful for dogs, even if ingested in small quantities. Dogs should not eat any amount of any food containing xylitol.

Caution: Processed foods are unhealthy for dogs and can even conceal toxic ingredients. Read more.

Tips

When sharing food with dogs, it is important to keep a few things in mind:
  • Ask your veterinarian before feeding your dog anything—especially if they take medication or have any medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, allergies, etc.). Some medication can interact with foods, so don't take any chances!
  • Any foods dogs are eating for the first time should be introduced in small quantities. Monitor them after they eat it, and if they experience any negative symptoms, don't feed it to them again.
  • Any foods outside of your dog's normal diet should make up less than 10% of their daily food intake. For example, if your dog eats 5 cups of food per day, they shouldn't eat more than ½ cup of treats (e.g. ¼ cup of blueberries, and a couple of baby carrots). Any foods fed to dogs in large amounts can lead to digestive upset, so moderation is truly key.
  • Any foods shared with dogs should be cut into bite-size pieces, with all choking hazards removed (e.g. pits, peels, seeds). These choking hazards can even become obstructed in your dogs gastrointestinal tract. Never share these things with dogs, even if they are perfectly normal for humans to eat.
  • Dogs shouldn't eat foods with added salt, oils, sugar, seasonings, sauces, or any other variations. These additions, while delicious, often contain ingredients that are harmful, if not toxic to dogs, such as garlic, onions, or even xylitol. Dogs should not eat foods that were prepared with these ingredients, either.
  • Dogs shouldn't eat high fat foods, even if they are generally considered healthy for us. Dogs aren't built to eat large amounts of fat and these foods can cause dogs to get gastrointestinal upset and even pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas which can range from mild to severe. Symptoms are usually vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, and a loss of appetite. This can be an emergency situation and requires immediate veterinary treatment.
  • Dogs shouldn't eat processed foods such as baked foods, boxed snacks, fast food, etc. Aside from being unhealthy and high in fat, they often conceal ingredients that may be troublesome or even toxic for dogs, such as a sweetener called xylitol. Be sure to thoroughly read the ingredients of any processed foods you share with your dog, and if you can't determine the safety level of each ingredient, do not share it with your dog.
  • Dogs shouldn't eat canned versions of foods (e.g. fruits, vegetables, etc.), due to their added preservatives including excess salt and sugar, which can be harmful to dogs (and humans!). Choose fresh or even frozen versions instead.
  • Recent research suggests that several foods, such as peas, legumes, and potatoes, while not toxic, may not be appropriate for dogs to consume regularly, due to their correlation with the development of a heart condition called canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Read more about the DCM warning at FDA.gov.