Can my dog eat this? Type any food into the checker below and you will see right away whether it is safe, fine in small amounts, best avoided, or toxic. Each result links to our full guide, so you can read the details before you share anything from your plate.
- Almond butterSmall amountsPlain only. Check the label for xylitol.
- AlmondsAvoidHard to digest and a choking risk.
- ApplesauceSmall amountsUnsweetened only, with no xylitol.
- BaconAvoidToo much fat and salt. Can trigger pancreatitis.
- BlueberriesSafeFresh or frozen. A good low-calorie treat.
- BreadSmall amountsPlain baked bread only. Raw dough is dangerous.
- Brown riceSafePlain and fully cooked.
- Brussels sproutsSmall amountsCooked and plain. Too many cause gas.
- ButterAvoidHigh in fat and can upset the stomach.
- Butternut squashSafeCooked and plain, without skin or seeds.
- CabbageSmall amountsCooked and plain. Large amounts cause gas.
- Cat foodAvoidToo rich in fat and protein for dogs.
- Chia seedsSmall amountsSoak them first and keep portions small.
- Chicken bonesAvoidCooked bones splinter and can injure the gut.
- Chicken brothSmall amountsPlain and low-sodium, with no onion or garlic.
- CilantroSafeFresh, in small sprinkles.
- Coconut waterSmall amountsPlain and unsweetened, a few sips only.
- Cottage cheeseSmall amountsPlain and low-fat, if your dog handles dairy.
- Cream cheeseSmall amountsPlain, a lick at most. High in fat.
- DatesSmall amountsPitted, one or two at a time.
- Dragon fruitSafeThe flesh only, without the skin.
- EggplantSmall amountsCooked and plain. Skip it if your dog has allergies.
- EggshellsSmall amountsClean and finely ground only.
- FigsSmall amountsFresh fruit only, one or two. Keep dogs away from the fig plant.
- French friesAvoidSalt and frying oil make them a poor treat.
- GingerSmall amountsTiny amounts of fresh ginger.
- Greek yogurtSmall amountsPlain and unsweetened, with no xylitol.
- Ground beefSafeCooked, drained, and unseasoned.
- HamAvoidVery salty and fatty.
- HoneydewSafeThe flesh only, without rind or seeds.
- KaleSmall amountsSmall amounts now and then.
- KiwiSmall amountsPeeled and cut into bite-size pieces.
- LettuceSafePlain and chopped.
- Mandarin orangesSmall amountsPeeled, a segment or two. High in sugar.
- MarshmallowsAvoidPure sugar, and some brands contain xylitol.
- MilkSmall amountsA little, if your dog is not lactose intolerant.
- MustardAvoidMustard seeds can upset the stomach.
- OkraSafePlain and cooked, not fried.
- PancakesSmall amountsPlain, with no syrup, chocolate chips, or xylitol.
- PapayaSafeThe flesh only, without seeds or skin.
- PecansAvoidMold toxins and a blockage risk.
- PizzaAvoidGarlic, onion, cheese, and grease.
- Pizza crustSmall amountsPlain crust only, with no garlic butter.
- PorkSmall amountsCooked and plain, with no seasoning or bones.
- PretzelsAvoidFar too much salt.
- Pumpkin seedsSmall amountsPlain, roasted, unsalted, and shelled.
- RaisinsToxicCan cause kidney failure, even in small amounts.
- Raw baconAvoidFat, salt, and bacteria.
- Raw chickenAvoidSalmonella and bone risks.
- Rib bonesAvoidCooked bones splinter.
- RiceSafePlain white rice, fully cooked.
- RosemarySmall amountsSmall amounts of the herb, fresh or dried.
- SalamiAvoidSalt, fat, and often garlic.
- Salmon skinSmall amountsCooked, plain, and unseasoned.
- SardinesSafePacked in water, with no added salt.
- Scrambled eggsSafeCooked plain, with no butter or salt.
- Sesame seedsSmall amountsPlain, just a sprinkle.
- StrawberriesSafeFresh and cut up.
- Sunflower seedsSmall amountsShelled and unsalted.
- Sweet potatoesSafeCooked and plain.
- TurkeySafeCooked and plain, with no skin or bones.
- TurmericSmall amountsSmall amounts. Ask your vet first if your dog takes medicine.
- Vanilla ice creamSmall amountsA lick only. Never chocolate or xylitol flavors.
- Whipped creamSmall amountsA tiny dollop now and then.
- White chocolateAvoidHigh in fat and sugar.
Think your dog ate something toxic? Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 now. This checker is a quick guide, not a substitute for your vet.
How to use the food checker
Start typing a food name in the search box, like rice or ham. The rating appears instantly with a one-line tip on how to serve it. You can also tap a filter to see every food in one category, such as Toxic.
It is the fastest way to answer “can my dog eat this?” while you are standing in the kitchen. If a food is not in the list yet, the checker tells you so. It also recognizes the most common toxic foods, such as chocolate, grapes, onion, and xylitol, before we publish a full guide on them.
What each rating means
Safe means the food is fine in normal treat portions when served plain. Small amounts means it is okay only occasionally or prepared a certain way. Avoid means it is not poisonous but can cause problems. Toxic means keep it away completely.
Treats of any kind should stay under about 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories, the rule most vets use. A food rated Safe can still upset the stomach if your dog eats a whole bowl of it, so start with a small piece and watch for vomiting or loose stool.
Foods that are toxic to dogs
The foods most likely to poison dogs are chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, xylitol, macadamia nuts, alcohol, caffeine, and raw yeast dough. Even small amounts of some of these, like xylitol or grapes, can cause serious illness or death.
Xylitol is the one that catches people out. It hides in sugar-free gum, some peanut butters, and baked goods, and it can drop a dog’s blood sugar within an hour. Raisins are another: there is no known safe amount. The ASPCA keeps a full list of people foods to avoid feeding pets.
What to do if your dog ate something toxic
Call your vet or an animal poison hotline right away, even if your dog seems fine. Have the food name, the amount, and your dog’s weight ready. Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to. Symptoms often start hours later.
In the US, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center answers at (888) 426-4435 and the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661, both around the clock. A consultation fee may apply. Outside the US, call your nearest emergency vet clinic.
How we rate each food
Every rating comes from our full food guides, which we check against veterinary sources such as the ASPCA, the American Kennel Club, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. When a food carries real risk, we rate it on the cautious side.
Ratings describe healthy adult dogs. Puppies, seniors, and dogs with pancreatitis, kidney disease, diabetes, or food allergies may need stricter limits, so check with your vet before adding new foods. Last reviewed: September 29, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What human foods can dogs eat every day?
Plain cooked chicken, turkey, lean ground beef, white or brown rice, and plain cooked sweet potato are the easiest human foods to share regularly. Keep them unseasoned, and keep all extras under about 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories.
Is it safe to give my dog fruit?
Many fruits are safe in small pieces, including blueberries, strawberries, honeydew, and papaya. Remove seeds, pits, rinds, and skins first. Grapes and raisins are the big exception and are toxic to dogs in any amount, fresh or dried, so never share them.
Why is a food I searched not in the checker?
We only add a food once we have published a full, fact-checked guide on it, and new guides go live regularly. Until then, the safest choice is simple: if you are not sure a food is safe, do not feed it.
Can dogs eat seasoned or cooked leftovers?
Usually not. Leftovers often contain onion, garlic, salt, butter, or spices that upset a dog’s stomach, and some of these are toxic. Set aside a plain portion of meat or vegetables before you season the dish instead. Cooked bones splinter too.