Dog Food Safety Checker
Quick reference: which human foods are safe, dangerous, or need caution for your dog.
Apple (no seeds)
Rich in fiber and vitamins. Remove seeds and core first.
Banana
Good source of potassium. High in sugar, feed in moderation.
Blueberries
Excellent antioxidant superfood for dogs.
Watermelon (no seeds)
Hydrating treat. Remove seeds and rind.
Strawberries
Contains antioxidants and vitamin C. Feed in moderation.
Grapes / Raisins
TOXIC! Can cause kidney failure. Even small amounts are dangerous.
Avocado
Contains persin which is toxic to dogs. Pit is a choking hazard.
Cherries
Pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide. The flesh is okay in small amounts.
Mango (no pit)
Remove the pit first. High in vitamins A, B6, C, and E.
Pineapple
Small amounts are fine. Contains bromelain which aids digestion.
Oranges
Flesh is okay in small amounts. High sugar and citric acid may cause upset stomach.
Tomatoes (ripe)
Ripe tomatoes are generally fine. Green parts contain solanine which is toxic.
Carrots
Great low-calorie snack. Good for dental health.
Sweet Potatoes
Cooked sweet potatoes are excellent. Rich in fiber and beta-carotene.
Green Beans
Plain, cooked green beans are a healthy treat.
Broccoli
Safe in small amounts. Large amounts can cause gastric irritation.
Pumpkin
Excellent for digestive health. Use plain, cooked pumpkin.
Spinach
Small amounts are fine. High in oxalic acid which can affect kidneys over time.
Onions
TOXIC! Can cause anemia by destroying red blood cells. All forms are dangerous.
Garlic
TOXIC! 5x more potent than onions. Can cause anemia.
Mushrooms (wild)
Wild mushrooms can be fatal. Store-bought plain mushrooms are generally safe.
Celery
Good for freshening breath. Cut into small pieces to prevent choking.
Corn (off the cob)
Kernels are fine. Never give the cob — it's a choking/blockage hazard.
Peas
Fresh, frozen, or thawed are all fine. Avoid canned with added sodium.
Chicken (cooked, boneless)
Excellent lean protein. Never give cooked bones — they can splinter.
Salmon (cooked)
Rich in omega-3. Must be fully cooked — raw salmon can contain parasites.
Eggs (cooked)
Complete protein source. Cooked eggs are safer than raw.
Raw Bones
Raw meaty bones can be part of a raw diet. Supervise always. Never give cooked bones.
Turkey (plain, cooked)
Good lean protein. Remove skin and bones. Avoid seasoned meat.
Liver
Nutritious but high in vitamin A. Should be <5% of diet to avoid toxicity.
Plain Yogurt
Small amounts of plain, unsweetened yogurt are fine. Many dogs are lactose intolerant.
Cheese
Small amounts of low-fat cheese are okay. Watch for lactose intolerance.
Milk
Many dogs are lactose intolerant. Can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Ice Cream
Too much sugar and dairy. Many contain xylitol which is toxic.
Rice (cooked)
Plain white or brown rice is great for upset stomachs.
Oatmeal
Cooked, plain oatmeal is a good source of fiber.
Bread (plain)
Small amounts of plain bread are fine. No nutritional benefit.
Pasta (plain, cooked)
Plain cooked pasta is fine in moderation.
Chocolate
TOXIC! Contains theobromine. Dark chocolate is most dangerous. Call vet immediately if ingested.
Xylitol (sweetener)
EXTREMELY TOXIC! Found in sugar-free gum, candy, peanut butter. Can be fatal.
Peanut Butter (xylitol-free)
Great treat! ALWAYS check the label — some brands contain xylitol.
Honey
Small amounts are fine. High in sugar. Not for puppies or diabetic dogs.
Coconut
Coconut flesh and oil are safe in moderation. Good for coat health.
Macadamia Nuts
TOXIC! Can cause vomiting, weakness, and hyperthermia.
Almonds
Not toxic but hard to digest. Can cause choking and GI blockage.
Caffeine / Coffee
TOXIC! Stimulates the nervous system. Can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, seizures.
Alcohol
EXTREMELY TOXIC! Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coma, or death.
Cooked Bones
Can splinter and cause internal injuries or blockage. Always give raw bones only.
Salt (excessive)
Excessive salt can cause sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, seizures.