Care · food
What can dogs eat?
Which foods are toxic, risky or fine for dogs — sorted by risk, explained simply, with every source linked.
Toxic: never give it
(14)- AlcoholAlcohol is toxic to dogs.
- ChivesChives belong to the allium family, like onion and garlic, and are toxic to dogs.
- ChocolateChocolate is toxic to dogs, even in quite small amounts.
- CoffeeCoffee contains caffeine, which is toxic to dogs; dogs are more sensitive to it than people.
- Energy drinksEnergy drinks often contain a lot of caffeine, which is toxic to dogs.
- GarlicGarlic is toxic to dogs and is about 3 to 5 times more toxic than onion.
- GrapesDogs should never eat grapes.
- LeekLeek is an allium, like onion and garlic, and it is toxic to dogs.
- Macadamia nutsMacadamia nuts are toxic to dogs, and dogs are the only species known to get ill from them.
- OnionOnion is toxic to dogs in every form: raw, cooked, dried or powdered.
- RaisinsRaisins are dried grapes, and dogs should never eat them.
- Raw yeast doughRaw, unbaked yeast dough is dangerous for dogs.
- TeaNo, caffeinated tea is not for dogs.
- XylitolXylitol, a sugar-free sweetener, is toxic to dogs.
Dangerous
(6)Better not
(21)- AlmondsNo, it is best not to.
- ApricotsThe apricot plant is listed as toxic to dogs: its stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanide, especially as they wilt.
- BaconBacon is not toxic, but it is a fatty table food that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea or trigger pancreatitis, which can be severe.
- ButterNo, it is best not to.
- CheeseNot as a regular treat.
- Fatty meatFatty meat, poultry skin and gristle are not toxic, but they can cause vomiting and diarrhoea or trigger pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes severe inflammation.
- HamHam isn't toxic to dogs, but it is high in fat and sodium.
- HazelnutsNo, it is best not to.
- Ice creamNo, it is best not to.
- LiverNot as a regular food, and not raw.
- PeachesSome vets allow fresh peach flesh in small cubes with the stem and pit removed, but the pit is a real danger: it can cause choking or a gut blockage and contains a form of cyanide.
- PistachiosNo, it is best to avoid them.
- PlumsA little plum flesh with the pit removed is not the main worry, but plum pits are toxic to dogs and can cause choking or an intestinal blockage.
- PorkNot as a regular treat.
- Potato chips (crisps)A few potato chips are unlikely to cause salt poisoning, but chips are salty and excessive salty food is not good for dogs, especially those with heart problems.
- Raw bonesOnly after talking to your vet.
- Raw eggsNo, it is best not to.
- Raw fishIt is not recommended.
- Raw meatIt is not recommended.
- Salty snacksA few salty snacks are unlikely to cause salt poisoning in a healthy dog with fresh water, but salty foods are generally not good for dogs, especially those with heart disease.
- WalnutsNo, it is best not to.
OK as an occasional treat
(14)- BeefYes, plain cooked beef with the fat trimmed can be a healthy source of protein.
- CashewsYes, a few plain cashews as an occasional treat are generally safe: shelled, unsalted and unseasoned.
- Cooked chickenPlain, unseasoned cooked chicken, taken off the bone, can be served to a dog on its own.
- Cooked eggsFully cooked eggs are safe and nutritious for dogs in moderation, as long as they are plain: no oil, butter, salt or seasonings.
- LambYes, a little plain cooked lamb meat with no bones is fine for a healthy dog without a food allergy.
- MilkYes, but only a little.
- Peanut butterYes, in small amounts, if it contains no xylitol.
- PeanutsYes, a few plain peanuts now and then: unsalted, unflavoured, dry-roasted or raw, with the shells removed.
- SalmonYes, if it is fully cooked, plain and boneless.
- SardinesCanned sardines packed in water, unsalted and unseasoned, are a suitable fish treat, and their tiny bones are soft and edible after canning.
- ShrimpYes, a few pieces of plain, fully cooked shrimp are fine for dogs.
- TunaYes, occasionally and in small amounts.
- TurkeyYes, a little plain cooked turkey meat is safe for most dogs.
- YogurtYes, in small amounts, if it is plain and unsweetened and your dog tolerates dairy.
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic dog: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.