Some plain, correctly prepared foods can be occasional treats. Xylitol, chocolate, grapes and raisins, alliums, alcohol, raw yeast dough, concentrated caffeine and macadamia nuts should never be intentionally fed.
Key takeaways
- A suitable complete dog food remains the nutritional foundation; human foods are extras.
- Plain, fresh food without seasoning, pits, tough skins or unsuitable plant parts is usually the safest form.
- Check processed-food labels for xylitol, cocoa, raisins, onion powder, alcohol and other mixed ingredients.
- After a possible toxin exposure, contact a veterinarian immediately rather than waiting for symptoms.
Can dogs eat this?
Search for a food or filter by verdict and category. Every entry explains preparation, hidden risks and the supporting expert sources.
32 of 32 foods
Alcohol
No — alcoholic drinks and foods containing alcohol can cause acute poisoning in dogs.
Alcohol is absorbed quickly and can cause poor coordination, breathing problems, metabolic disturbances, loss of consciousness and other severe effects.
Preparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Do not offer it, and clean up spilled drinks immediately.
- Do not feed
- drinks, dough or desserts containing alcohol, fermenting products
- Processed products
- Cocktails, liqueur chocolates, desserts, mouthwash and fermenting foods can also contain alcohol.
- Important
- If ingestion may have occurred, call a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately and have the product, estimated amount, time and your dog's weight ready.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Pineapple
Yes — fresh, ripe pineapple flesh can be offered plain as an occasional treat.
The ASPCA includes pineapple among suitable treats; because of its natural sugar and the possibility of digestive upset, it should remain an extra alongside a complete main diet.
Open the complete food guidePreparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Remove the skin and tough core completely, then cut the flesh into small pieces.
- Do not feed
- spiky skin, tough central core
- Processed products
- Do not offer pineapple in syrup, sweetened dried fruit, desserts or seasoned preparations.
- Important
- For dogs with sensitive digestion, excess weight or diabetes, use it only after individual veterinary guidance.
- Energy reference
- About 50 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Apple
Yes — fresh apple flesh is suitable as an occasional treat once the core, seeds and stem have been removed.
The ASPCA lists apple as a suitable treat; the core and large, hard pieces introduce avoidable risks.
Open the complete food guidePreparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Wash it, remove the core and stem, and cut it into pieces appropriate for your dog's size.
- Do not feed
- seeds, core, stem
- Processed products
- Applesauce, pie and dried apple may contain substantial sugar, fat, spices or problematic sweeteners.
- Important
- Unfamiliar larger amounts may cause digestive upset; count all extras toward the daily feeding plan, particularly for dogs with excess weight.
- Energy reference
- About 52 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Banana
Yes — ripe banana can be peeled and offered plain as an occasional treat.
Banana appears on the ASPCA list of suitable treats, but it is relatively high in energy and sugar compared with water-rich fruit.
Open the complete food guidePreparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Peel it and cut it into small, easy-to-swallow pieces.
- Do not feed
- peel
- Processed products
- Do not offer sweetened banana chips, desserts, or products containing chocolate or xylitol.
- Important
- For dogs with excess weight or diabetes, a lower-energy extra is often the more appropriate choice.
- Energy reference
- About 89 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Broccoli
Yes, but only a little — small, unseasoned pieces of broccoli may be offered occasionally.
The ASPCA includes broccoli as a suitable vegetable option; larger or unfamiliar amounts may irritate the digestive tract.
Preparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Steam or cook it until soft without seasoning, then cut it into small pieces; if served raw, make sure it is easy to chew.
- Do not feed
- very hard or large pieces of stalk
- Processed products
- Do not offer casseroles, sauces or mixed dishes containing onion, garlic, substantial salt or fat.
- Important
- Stop offering it if gas, vomiting or diarrhea occurs, and seek veterinary advice if signs persist.
- Energy reference
- About 34 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Blackberry
Yes, but only a little — ripe, washed blackberries may be offered plain as an occasional extra.
Blackberries are not among the common food toxins described in the veterinary sources used here; their acidity, natural sugar and fiber may nevertheless upset digestion.
Preparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Wash them, remove any stem remnants and offer them plain.
- Do not feed
- stem remnants, spoiled or moldy fruit
- Processed products
- Jam, jelly, syrup and desserts are unsuitable because of sugar and possible additional ingredients.
- Important
- Introduce new foods one at a time; ask your veterinarian first if your dog has sensitive digestion or is on a medical diet.
- Energy reference
- About 43 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Egg
Yes, but only fully cooked, unseasoned and accounted for within the calculated daily feeding plan.
Raw or undercooked eggs may carry pathogens; cooked egg is energy-dense and is not a substitute for a complete and balanced dog food.
Preparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Hard-boil it fully or cook it through without fat or seasoning, then allow it to cool before serving.
- Do not feed
- raw egg, undercooked egg, sharp pieces of shell
- Processed products
- Do not offer egg prepared with onion, garlic, bacon, substantial salt, butter or other rich ingredients.
- Important
- If your dog has a known food reaction, pancreatitis risk or a veterinary diet, ask your veterinarian first.
- Energy reference
- About 155 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Peanut butter
Only a little — use only a product without xylitol, chocolate or problematic additives.
The ASPCA describes xylitol-free peanut butter as a possible treat, while emphasizing its high fat content and the need to check ingredients.
Preparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Check the entire ingredient list every time and choose only a plain, unsalted variety.
- Do not feed
- products containing xylitol, also called birch sugar
- Processed products
- Sugar-free nut spreads may contain xylitol; cocoa, substantial salt, sugar and other nuts can also make blended products unsuitable.
- Important
- Peanut butter is generally a poor reward choice for dogs with excess weight, pancreatitis risk or a fat-restricted diet.
- Energy reference
- About 588 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · U.S. Food and Drug Administration · American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Strawberry
Yes — ripe, washed strawberries can be offered without additives as an occasional treat.
The ASPCA includes strawberries among suitable treats; like other fruit, they are an extra rather than a necessary part of the main diet.
Open the complete food guidePreparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Wash them, remove the leafy top and cut them as appropriate for your dog's size.
- Do not feed
- leafy top, spoiled or moldy fruit
- Processed products
- Do not offer sugared strawberries, jam, ice cream, or desserts containing chocolate or xylitol.
- Important
- For dogs with sensitive digestion, introduce it first as a single new food in a very small amount.
- Energy reference
- About 32 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Cucumber
Yes — fresh cucumber is suitable plain and in small pieces as an occasional treat.
The ASPCA lists cucumber as a suitable treat, and it is lower in energy than many other extras.
Open the complete food guidePreparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Wash it and cut it into small slices or pieces; peel it if the skin is particularly tough.
- Do not feed
- large pieces that might be swallowed without chewing
- Processed products
- Pickled cucumbers are not equivalent to fresh cucumber because of salt, acid, sugar and seasonings.
- Important
- Very large or unfamiliar amounts may cause soft stool or stomach upset.
- Energy reference
- About 15 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Raw yeast dough
No — raw yeast dough can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol as it ferments.
Rising dough can severely distend the stomach; yeast fermentation also produces ethanol, creating a second acute risk.
Preparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Never offer raw dough, and keep it out of reach while it is rising.
- Do not feed
- all raw yeast dough
- Processed products
- Prepared bread, pizza or sweet yeast dough remains hazardous until it has been fully baked.
- Important
- If ingestion may have occurred, call a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately; do not wait for visible abdominal signs.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · MSD Veterinary Manual
Raspberry
Yes, but only a little — ripe, washed raspberries may be offered plain as an occasional extra.
Raspberries are not among the common food toxins described in the veterinary sources used here; their acidity, natural sugar and fiber still limit their role as a treat.
Open the complete food guidePreparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Wash them, remove any stem remnants and offer them plain.
- Do not feed
- stem remnants, spoiled or moldy fruit
- Processed products
- Do not offer jam, syrup, ice cream or sugar-free desserts containing unspecified sweeteners.
- Important
- Ask your veterinarian first if your dog has sensitive digestion, diabetes or is on a diagnostic diet.
- Energy reference
- About 52 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Currants (Ribes berries)
Only genuine fresh Ribes currants may be considered in small amounts; if the name or species is unclear, do not offer them.
Fresh Ribes currants are not the same as Zante currants or other dried grapes labeled “currants.” This naming confusion has important safety implications.
Preparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Confirm the species, wash the berries, remove the stems and use only fresh berries served plain.
- Do not feed
- stems, spoiled or moldy fruit
- Processed products
- Zante currants are dried grapes and must be treated like raisins; also avoid mixed fruit and dried-fruit products.
- Important
- If the origin or botanical species is unclear, do not feed it. If Zante currants or raisins may have been eaten, call a veterinarian immediately.
- Energy reference
- About 56 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · MSD Veterinary Manual · American Animal Hospital Association
Cheese
Only a little — a small piece of plain cheese may be tolerated, but cheese is often high in fat, salt and calories.
The ASPCA mentions cheese as an occasional treat option, while noting that dairy products can cause digestive upset because pets have limited lactase activity.
Preparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Choose only a plain, pasteurized variety without seasonings or additional ingredients.
- Do not feed
- rind with unknown treatment, moldy cheese
- Processed products
- Do not offer cheese preparations containing onion, garlic, herb blends, mold or substantial salt.
- Important
- It is best avoided for dogs with lactose sensitivity, excess weight, pancreatitis risk or a sodium-restricted diet.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · American Animal Hospital Association
Coffee & caffeine
No — coffee, coffee grounds and other concentrated caffeine sources can cause acute poisoning in dogs.
Like theobromine, caffeine is a methylxanthine and may cause restlessness, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors and seizures, among other effects.
Preparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Keep drinks, beans, powder, coffee grounds, tea bags and supplements out of reach.
- Do not feed
- drink, beans, powder, coffee grounds, tea bags
- Processed products
- Energy drinks, caffeine tablets, pre-workout products and some sweets may also be relevant sources.
- Important
- If ingestion may have occurred, call a veterinarian immediately and have the package or caffeine content ready.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · MSD Veterinary Manual
Carrot
Yes — carrot can be offered plain, raw or cooked as an occasional treat.
The ASPCA includes carrots as a suitable vegetable option; the shape and piece size must be appropriate for the individual dog.
Preparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Wash it, remove tough ends, and cut, grate or cook it until soft without seasoning.
- Do not feed
- very large, hard pieces for dogs that gulp food
- Processed products
- Do not offer glazed or heavily salted carrots, or carrots seasoned with onion or garlic.
- Important
- Even lower-energy treats count toward the daily feeding plan; offer it soft if your dog has chewing or swallowing difficulties.
- Energy reference
- About 41 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Potato
Only fully cooked, non-green and unseasoned — avoid raw, sprouted or green potatoes.
Green or raw plant material may contain relevant glycoalkaloids; cooked potato is also an energy-dense extra, not a balanced meal.
Open the complete food guidePreparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Remove green areas and sprouts generously, cook it through completely and serve without fat or seasoning.
- Do not feed
- green areas, sprouts, leaves, stems, raw tuber
- Processed products
- French fries, chips, fried potatoes, potato salad and mashed potato often contain substantial fat, salt, dairy or Allium seasonings.
- Important
- Seek veterinary advice if green, sprouted or raw potato material has been eaten.
- Energy reference
- About 87 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Cherry
Only a little and strictly pitted — ripe flesh must be separated from the hazardous pit and plant parts.
According to the ASPCA, ripe fruit flesh is non-toxic, while seeds, stems and leaves contain cyanogenic compounds; whole pits may also act as foreign bodies.
Open the complete food guidePreparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Remove the stem and pit completely, inspect the flesh and cut it into small pieces.
- Do not feed
- pit, stem, leaves, unripe plant material
- Processed products
- Do not offer cocktail cherries, fruit canned in syrup, baked goods, or cherry products containing alcohol or xylitol.
- Important
- Seek veterinary advice if a pit, other plant material or an uncertain amount has been swallowed.
- Energy reference
- About 63 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Garlic
No — garlic is an Allium species and can damage red blood cells.
Allium species can cause gastrointestinal irritation and oxidative damage to red blood cells; the risk to a dog depends in part on the amount eaten.
Preparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Do not intentionally feed it, and keep foods containing garlic out of reach.
- Do not feed
- bulb, cloves, leaves, powder
- Processed products
- Garlic is often concentrated in seasoning powders, marinades, stocks, sauces, pesto and supplements.
- Important
- If ingestion may have occurred, record the product, form, estimated amount and time, then contact a veterinarian.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Pumpkin
Yes — edible pumpkin or squash can be offered fully cooked and unseasoned as an occasional extra.
The ASPCA includes cooked or plain canned pumpkin among suitable vegetable options.
Preparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Use only a clearly identified edible variety, cook it until soft, and remove the tough skin, stem and coarse seeds.
- Do not feed
- stem, tough skin, coarse seeds, unidentified ornamental gourds
- Processed products
- Pumpkin pie filling, seasoned soup and prepared dishes may contain sugar, fat, nutmeg, onion or garlic.
- Important
- Do not offer bitter-tasting cucurbits; stop if an unfamiliar digestive reaction occurs.
- Energy reference
- About 20 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Macadamia nut
No — macadamia nuts can cause vomiting, weakness, poor coordination, tremors and overheating in dogs.
Macadamia nuts are a food hazard specifically documented in dogs; the underlying toxic mechanism cannot be reliably assessed with a kitchen rule.
Preparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Do not offer them, and store nut mixes and baked goods securely.
- Do not feed
- whole nut, nut pieces, macadamia oil in blended products
- Processed products
- Macadamia may be hidden in cookies, chocolate, nut mixes, spreads and baked goods.
- Important
- Call a veterinarian if ingestion may have occurred; products that also contain chocolate or xylitol make the situation even more urgent.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · MSD Veterinary Manual
Almond
Best avoided — almonds are not a useful dog treat and introduce fat, digestive and choking risks.
The ASPCA warns that nuts, including almonds, have a high oil and fat content that can contribute to vomiting, diarrhea and further problems in susceptible animals.
Preparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Do not plan them as a treat; choose a safer, lower-energy alternative.
- Do not feed
- whole nut, shell
- Processed products
- Salted, seasoned, chocolate-coated or sugar-free sweetened almonds and nut mixes may introduce additional hazards.
- Important
- Seek veterinary advice after a large ingestion, if signs develop or if the product may have contained other ingredients.
- Energy reference
- About 579 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Bell pepper
Yes, but only mild, ripe bell pepper served plain and in small, easy-to-chew pieces.
Mild bell pepper is not among the common food toxins described in the veterinary sources used here; heat, seasonings and large raw pieces may still cause irritation.
Open the complete food guidePreparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Wash it, remove the stem, white membranes and seeds, then cut it small or cook it until soft without seasoning.
- Do not feed
- stem, spoiled areas
- Processed products
- Do not offer hot peppers, chili powder, pickled peppers or seasoned pepper dishes.
- Important
- Avoid it initially for dogs with sensitive stomachs; heat or digestive signs are reasons to stop.
- Energy reference
- About 31 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Asparagus
Yes, but only cooked until soft, unseasoned and cut small; raw asparagus is unnecessarily tough and fibrous.
Culinary asparagus is not a common food toxin, but as an extra it offers no benefit that justifies tough raw stalks or rich preparations.
Open the complete food guidePreparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Remove the woody ends, cook it until fully soft and cut it into small pieces.
- Do not feed
- woody ends, large, hard pieces
- Processed products
- Do not offer hollandaise sauce, butter, bacon, seasoning blends or asparagus packed in heavily salted brine.
- Important
- Ask your veterinarian before introducing new extras if your dog has sensitive digestion or is on a medical diet.
- Energy reference
- About 20 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Chocolate & cocoa
No — chocolate and cocoa can seriously harm a dog's heart, nervous system and digestive tract.
Theobromine and caffeine are methylxanthines that are hazardous to dogs; dark products and cocoa powder are often especially concentrated, but no type belongs in dog food.
Open the complete food guidePreparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Do not offer it, and store cocoa products securely in closed containers.
- Do not feed
- all cocoa-containing ingredients
- Processed products
- Cakes, cookies, cocoa mulch, protein products and chocolate spreads may also contain relevant amounts or additional toxins such as xylitol.
- Important
- If ingestion may have occurred, call a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately and provide the package, type, amount, time and your dog's weight.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · MSD Veterinary Manual
Sweet potato
Yes, but only fully cooked, unseasoned and offered as an occasional extra.
Cooked sweet potato is not among the common food toxins, but it is starchy and energy-dense and does not replace a balanced diet.
Preparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Peel it, cook it until fully soft, allow it to cool, and cut it into small pieces or mash it.
- Do not feed
- hard raw pieces, spoiled or moldy areas
- Processed products
- Do not offer fries, chips, casseroles or mash containing fat, salt, sugar, onion or garlic.
- Important
- Ask your veterinarian first if your dog has excess weight, diabetes or a carbohydrate-controlled medical diet.
- Energy reference
- About 90 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Tomato
Only a little, and only fully ripe red flesh — avoid green fruit and all green plant material.
Green parts of the tomato plant and unripe fruit contain higher concentrations of problematic glycoalkaloids than fully ripe flesh.
Open the complete food guidePreparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Use only a fully ripe red tomato, remove the stem end and all green parts, wash it and cut it small.
- Do not feed
- stem, leaves, vines, green or unripe fruit
- Processed products
- Tomato sauce, ketchup, soup, pizza and canned preparations often contain onion, garlic, salt, sugar or other seasonings.
- Important
- Seek veterinary advice if a larger amount of green plant material has been eaten or if signs develop.
- Energy reference
- About 18 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Grapes & raisins
No — grapes, raisins, sultanas and Zante currants can cause acute kidney injury in dogs.
Individual sensitivity and the concentration of the suspected tartaric-acid component vary, so there is no reliable kitchen rule for a safe exposure.
Open the complete food guidePreparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Do not offer them, and keep grape products out of reach.
- Do not feed
- fresh fruit, dried fruit, pieces in baked goods
- Processed products
- Raisins and Zante currants are often found in cereal, trail mix, fruit bread, buns, cakes and energy bars.
- Important
- After any possible ingestion, call a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately and do not wait for symptoms.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · MSD Veterinary Manual
Watermelon
Yes — watermelon flesh can be offered without seeds or rind as an occasional treat.
The ASPCA lists watermelon as a possible treat; the hard rind and seeds should not be fed.
Open the complete food guidePreparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Remove the rind and seeds completely, then cut the flesh into small pieces.
- Do not feed
- rind, seeds
- Processed products
- Do not offer sweetened melon products, syrups, ice cream or mixed drinks.
- Important
- Because of its natural sugar and the possibility of digestive upset, use it only as an extra rather than a large meal.
- Energy reference
- About 30 kcal per 100 g according to USDA data. Variety, ripeness and preparation affect the value.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Xylitol
No — xylitol can rapidly cause severe hypoglycemia and potentially liver injury in dogs.
The FDA, ASPCA and MSD describe xylitol as an acute hazard for dogs; it may occur in many sugar-free products and some nut spreads.
Preparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Check ingredient lists and keep every xylitol-containing product securely out of reach.
- Do not feed
- sweetener, powder, any xylitol-containing product
- Processed products
- Possible sources include chewing gum, candy, baked goods, dental-care products, supplements and sugar-free peanut or nut butter.
- Important
- If ingestion may have occurred, call a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately; do not attempt home treatment or induce vomiting yourself.
Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration · ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · MSD Veterinary Manual
Onion & related alliums
No — onions and related Allium species can damage red blood cells.
Allium species can cause gastrointestinal irritation and oxidative injury to red blood cells, followed by anemia.
Preparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Do not intentionally feed them raw or cooked, and keep leftovers from seasoned meals out of reach.
- Do not feed
- bulb, leaves, powder, dried flakes
- Processed products
- Onion and leek are often found in stocks, baby food, sauces, soups, seasoning mixes, processed meats and prepared meals.
- Important
- If ingestion may have occurred, record the product, form, estimated amount and time, then contact a veterinarian.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Yogurt
Only a little — if offered at all, use plain yogurt without sugar, xylitol, flavoring or other additives.
Dairy products may cause diarrhea or other digestive upset because of limited lactase activity; a probiotic benefit cannot be inferred from an arbitrary yogurt.
Preparation, risks & sources
- Preparation
- Check the ingredient list and use only a plain, pasteurized, unsweetened product.
- Do not feed
- products containing xylitol, spoiled yogurt
- Processed products
- Fruit yogurt, light products, desserts and frozen yogurt may contain sugar, xylitol, chocolate or other unsuitable ingredients.
- Important
- Do not use it without veterinary guidance if your dog has dairy intolerance, pancreatitis risk, suspected allergy or is on a diagnostic diet.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · American Animal Hospital Association · U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Five rules for foods outside the main diet
“Suitable for dogs” never means suitable for every dog, every preparation or an unlimited portion.
- Keep it plain: sauces, marinades, salt, sweeteners and mixed ingredients add avoidable risks.
- Choose the edible part: remove pits, hard skins, stems, green areas and any plant parts named in the entry.
- Start small: a new food can cause vomiting or diarrhea even when it is not toxic.
- Protect diagnostic diets: do not add unplanned treats during an elimination trial or therapeutic diet.
- Count the whole diet: include training treats, chews and table food in the daily calorie total.
When a food question becomes an emergency
For xylitol, grapes or raisins, chocolate, alcohol, concentrated caffeine or any food marked dangerous, do not wait for visible symptoms.
Call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic and follow their instructions.
2Keep the packaging, ingredient list, estimated amount, time and your dog's weight ready.
3Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a veterinary professional directs you.
Read the broader guide to toxic foods for dogs.
How treats fit into the daily feeding plan
AAHA guidance uses a practical ceiling: treats, chews, table food and other extras should generally provide no more than about 10% of daily calories. This is a ceiling, not a target, and it does not make a toxic food safe.
Use the free calorie and treat calculators to estimate a starting point, then adjust the main ration and monitor body condition.
Download the source-linked dataset
Researchers, publishers and AI systems can use the same 32 editorial entries in structured formats. Each record includes scope, warnings, review date and original-source links.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat fruit and vegetables?
Some varieties can be suitable as occasional extras when served plain, prepared correctly and offered in small amounts. Others are hazardous. The exact food, plant part, preparation, quantity and the individual dog's health all matter.
Which human foods are most dangerous for dogs?
Well-documented hazards include xylitol, chocolate and cocoa, grapes and raisins, onions and related alliums, alcohol, raw yeast dough, coffee and concentrated caffeine, and macadamia nuts.
How much fruit or vegetables can a dog have?
There is no single safe portion for every dog. AAHA guidance recommends that treats and other extras generally provide no more than about 10% of daily calories; medical conditions, excess weight and the main diet may require a lower limit.
What should I do if my dog ate something toxic?
Call a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately. Have the product or package, ingredients, estimated amount, time and your dog's weight ready. Do not wait for symptoms and do not induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional tells you to.
Sources and review scope
Toxicity claims prioritize veterinary toxicology references and government safety notices. Calorie values are rounded USDA references. Every source was checked on July 26, 2026.
- Sharing is Caring: Foods You Can Safely Share with Your PetASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Veterinary toxicology guidance on suitable treats, small portions, preparation and hidden xylitol.
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your PetsASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Overview of alcohol, yeast dough, methylxanthines, grapes, Allium species, dairy products, nuts, raw eggs and xylitol.
- CherryASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Plant database entry distinguishing ripe fruit flesh from seeds, stems and leaves.
- Tomato PlantASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Plant database entry on the risks of unripe fruit and green parts of the tomato plant.
- PotatoASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Plant database entry on solanine in green plant parts and in raw or green potatoes.
- Food HazardsMSD Veterinary Manual
Veterinary-reviewed overview of yeast dough, chocolate, macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins, and xylitol.
- Paws Off Xylitol; It's Dangerous for DogsU.S. Food and Drug Administration
Government safety notice on xylitol in sugar-free products and its possible acute effects in dogs.
- Feeding Plans for Healthy, Appropriate Weight Cats and DogsAmerican Animal Hospital Association
Clinical guideline for accounting for extras and treats within a complete daily feeding plan.
- FoodData CentralU.S. Department of Agriculture
Primary database used for rounded calorie reference values per 100 grams; variety, ripeness and preparation can change these values.