The Ultimate Guide to What Dogs Can’t Eat
Quick Answer: Grapes/raisins, xylitol, chocolate, onions, and macadamia nuts are among the most dangerous foods for dogs, potentially leading to kidney failure, hypoglycemia, seizures, anemia, and neurological issues. If your dog ingests any of these, seek immediate veterinary care; early intervention, including inducing vomiting and administering activated charcoal, is crucial to prevent severe health consequences.
Ever thought about giving your dog a bite of dinner and wondered, “What foods can’t dogs eat?”
There are human foods that are completely safe for dogs, as well as foods that are dangerous and even potentially fatal. Many pet owners learn about toxic foods the hard way, after their dog has ingested something and started having abnormal symptoms.
Since dogs are naturally curious and have an amazing sense of smell, they're often inspired to snatch food off of counters, grab it out of garbage cans, and steal it from grills. Other times, well-intentioned pet owners offer tables scraps or human foods without understanding the danger involved.
To keep you informed, let’s review what dogs can eat, and what should be kept out of their diet.
What Kind of Food Should Dogs Eat?
There are many human foods that are “safe” for dogs. However, dogs do not need human food. What dogs need is high-quality food formulated for their size, age, body condition, activity, and any underlying medical problems (if they have them). Learn more by reading Nutrition for Dogs.
What Is the Ideal Dog Treat?
The ideal dog treat is one made of high-quality ingredients that is moderate to low in calories, consistent in ingredients (thus unlikely to cause stomach upset from bag to bag), very appealing to your dog, and safe.
Higher-quality treats tend to be more consistently produced, so it is best to avoid discount and supermarket brands if possible.
There are also many human foods that you can feed your dog safely. By safety, I mean the foods listed below are not toxic to dogs. However, large quantities of any food can lead to problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and/or pancreatitis. Treats should make up less than 10% of your dog’s caloric intake.
Safe and Unsafe Foods for Dogs at a Glance
Not all human foods are off-limits for dogs—but some can cause serious health issues. Use the table below as a quick-reference guide to understand which foods are safe, which require caution, and what to do if your dog eats something risky.
| Food | Toxicity Level | Signs | Vet Action |
| Almonds | Low (choking/fatty risk) | Upset stomach, pancreatitis risk | Monitor; call vet if vomiting/diarrhea persists |
| Apples (no seeds) | None | Safe if seeds are removed | None |
| Asparagus | None | Possible GI upset in excess | None |
| Bananas | None | Safe; high in sugar | None |
| Blackberries | None | Safe; fiber-rich | None |
| Blueberries | None | Safe; antioxidant-rich | None |
| Broccoli | Low (if overfed) | GI irritation if >10% of diet | Reduce intake if GI upset |
| Brussels sprouts | None | May cause gas | None |
| Cantaloupe | None | Safe; high in sugar | None |
| Carrots | None | Safe; good for teeth if raw | None |
| Cauliflower | None | May cause gas | None |
| Celery | None | Safe; may help freshen breath | None |
| Cheese | Low (lactose) | GI upset in lactose-intolerant dogs | Limit; avoid if symptoms appear |
| Chicken (cooked) | None | Safe protein source | Ensure no bones or seasoning |
| Clementine | Low (sugar/citric acid) | Mild GI upset | Limit quantity |
| Cooked fish (salmon) | None | Safe if fully cooked and deboned | None |
| Cooked green beans | None | Safe; low calorie | None |
| Cooked ground beef | None | Safe if unseasoned | None |
| Cottage cheese | Low (lactose) | Possible diarrhea or gas | Limit if lactose issues |
| Cranberries | None | Safe in moderation | None |
| Eggs | None (cooked only) | Excellent protein source | Avoid raw due to salmonella risk |
| Fish | None (cooked only | Safe; avoid bones and seasoning | None |
| Iceberg Lettuce | None | Nutrient poor; can cause mild diarrhea | Limit due to low nutritional value |
| Kiwis | None | Safe; may cause soft stools | Moderate serving |
| Lunch meat | Moderate (salt, preservatives) | Vomiting, diarrhea, salt toxicity risk | Avoid frequent feeding; monitor |
| Oatmeal | None | Safe; fiber-rich | Use plain, cooked oatmeal only |
| Oranges | Low (sugar, citric acid) | Mild GI upset | Limit amount |
| Papaya | None | Safe; remove seeds | None |
| Pasta | None | Safe; plain and cooked | Avoid sauces/seasoning |
| Peanuts | None (unsalted only) | Safe; high in fat | Limit due to fat content |
| Pineapple | None | Safe; high sugar | Limit serving |
| Popcorn | Low (choking/salt) | GI upset, choking | Use plain, air-popped only |
| Pork (cooked) | None | Safe if unseasoned and fully cooked | Avoid bones or raw pork |
| Potato (plain, cooked) | Low (raw = toxic) | Solanine in raw potato causes vomiting, lethargy | Never feed raw; cooked is safe |
| Pumpkin (cooked) | None | Good for digestion | None |
| Rice/Rice Cake | None | Gentle on stomach | None |
| Shrimp (cooked) | None | Safe in moderation | Remove shell |
| Spinach | Low (oxalates) | Can affect kidney function if overfed | Occasional use only |
| Strawberries | None | Safe; high in fiber and Vitamin C | None |
| Tangerine | Low (sugar/citric acid) | GI upset in excess | Limit quantity |
| Turkey (cooked) | None | Safe if skinless and unseasoned | Avoid bones, seasoning |
| Watermelon | None | Safe; remove seeds and rind | None |
| Yogurt | Low (lactose) | GI upset in lactose-intolerant dogs | Use plain, unsweetened only |
Tips on Feeding Human Food to Your Dog
- Treats are never a replacement for your dog’s regular diet.
- Consider low-calorie treats for dogs with weight control problems.
- Feed fresh food only. Moldy or rotten food can cause gastrointestinal upset.
A List of Foods Dogs Can’t Eat
Toxic Food Quick Facts
Grapes and Raisins
- Toxic Dose: As little as 0.7 oz/kg for grapes and 0.1 oz/kg for raisins; even a few can be fatal for small dogs.
- Early Signs (within 6–12 hours): Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy.
- Late Signs (24–72 hours): Acute kidney failure, decreased or no urine production.
- Vet Action: Immediate induction of vomiting, administration of activated charcoal, and hospitalization with IV fluids.
Chocolate
- Toxic Dose: 20 mg/kg of theobromine can cause symptoms; 100–200 mg/kg can be lethal. Dark chocolate contains higher levels.
- Early Signs (2–4 hours): Vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness.
- Late Signs (12–36 hours): Seizures, irregular heartbeat, coma, death.
- Vet Action: Induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal, provide IV fluids, and monitor heart function.
Xylitol
- Toxic Dose: As low as 0.03 g/kg can cause hypoglycemia; 0.5 g/kg may lead to liver failure.
- Early Signs (within 30 minutes): Vomiting, weakness, loss of coordination, seizures.
- Late Signs (up to 72 hours): Liver failure, bleeding disorders.
- Vet Action: Immediate veterinary care with IV glucose, liver protectants, and monitoring of blood sugar and liver function.
Onions and Garlic
- Toxic Dose: 5 g/kg for onions; 15–30 g/kg for garlic.
- Early Signs (within 24 hours): Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
- Late Signs (2–5 days): Anemia, pale gums, rapid heart rate, weakness.
- Vet Action: Blood tests, possible blood transfusions, and supportive care.
Macadamia Nuts
- Toxic Dose: As low as 2 g/kg; one nut can affect a small dog.
- Early Signs (within 3–6 hours): Vomiting, lethargy, hyperthermia.
- Late Signs (6–12 hours): Hind limb weakness, tremors, joint stiffness.
- Vet Action: Administer activated charcoal, provide IV fluids, and supportive care; symptoms typically resolve within 24–48 hours.
Foods that veterinarians DO NOT RECOMMEND feeding to dogs include:
- Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches, and Plums. Ingestion of large amounts of stems, seeds, and leaves of these fruits can be toxic. They contain a cyanide type compound, and signs of toxicity include anxiety, dilated pupils, labored breathing, fast breathing, and shock. Small pieces of cleaned apple without the seeds can be safe.
- Avocados. The leaves, fruit, bark, and seeds of avocados have all been reported to be toxic in some animals. The toxic component in the avocado is “persin,” which is a fatty acid derivative. Symptoms of toxicity include difficulty breathing, abdominal enlargement, abnormal fluid accumulations in the chest, abdomen, and sac around the heart, which can occur in some animals such as cattle and horses. The amount that needs to be ingested to cause symptoms is unknown. The biggest danger of avocado in dogs is the ingestion of the pit that can cause life-threatening gastrointestinal obstruction.
- Baked Goods. Products that are made with xylitol are highly toxic to dogs. Xylitol is a sweetener used in place of sugar because it is lower in calories. It is also an ingredient in many different types of gums and many products for people with Diabetes, due to its low glycemic index. It can cause low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda. Baking soda and baking powder are both leavening agents. A leavening agent is a common ingredient in baked goods that produces a gas, causing batter and dough to rise. Baking soda is simply sodium bicarbonate. Baking powder consists of baking soda and an acid, usually cream of tartar, calcium acid phosphate, sodium aluminum sulfate, or a mixture of the three. Ingestion of large amounts of baking soda or baking powder can lead to electrolyte abnormalities (low potassium, low calcium, and/or high sodium), congestive heart failure, or muscle spasms.
- Bones. Bones aren’t safe for dogs. This can be due to the danger of them getting stuck or caught in the mouth, sharp splinters injuring the intestines, risk of constipation when passing relatively indigestible bone fragments, as well as possible bacterial contamination that can lead to illness.
- Bread Dough. Dough contains yeast which rises in moist, warm environments, such as in the stomach. After ingestion, the rising dough can expand in the stomach and decrease blood flow. Fermentation of the yeast can be reduced to alcohol, causing signs of intoxication.
- Chewing Gum. Gums that are made with xylitol can be toxic.
- Chocolate. Chocolate, in addition to having a high-fat content, contains caffeine and theobromine. These two compounds are nervous system stimulants and can be toxic to your dog in high amounts. Learn more about the specific amount of each toxin that is based on body weight in this article: Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs.
- Coffee (grounds and beans). Dogs that eat coffee grounds or beans can get “caffeine” toxicity. The symptoms are very similar to those of chocolate toxicity and can be just as or even more serious.
- Dairy Products. Human dairy products are not highly dangerous but can pose problems for two reasons. One is their high-fat content and, like other foods with high-fat content, there is a risk of pancreatitis. The second reason is that dogs poorly digest dairy products since they lack the enzyme required to digest lactose. This affects some dogs more than others and can cause issues including gas and diarrhea. Small amounts of plain yogurt or cheese are tolerated by most dogs, but it is probably safest to avoid dairy products altogether.
- Diet Foods. Foods made for weight loss or diabetes may include xylitol.
- Fatty Foods. Rich and fatty foods are favorites of dogs. They often get them as treats, leftovers, or from the trash. These fatty foods can cause pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can affect any dog, but Miniature or Toy Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, and Miniature Schnauzers are particularly prone. Signs of pancreatitis generally include an acute onset of vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Abdominal pain is often evidenced by the hunched posture or “splinting” of the abdomen when picked up. The dog may become very sick quickly and often needs intensive fluid and antibiotic therapy.
- Grapes and Raisins. Ingestion of grapes and/or raisins can cause kidney failure in some dogs. Pet owners often feed grapes thinking they are a healthy treat or offer a piece of a cookie containing raisins. Aggressive, and sometimes prolonged, treatment may be necessary to give the affected dog a chance at survival. Despite testing, the reason for the kidney failure and the amount necessary for toxicity remains unknown. Learn more about Grape and Raisin Toxicity.
- Onions and Garlic. Dogs and cats lack the enzyme necessary to properly digest onions, which can result in gas, vomiting, diarrhea, or severe gastrointestinal distress. If large amounts of onion or garlic are ingested or onions are a daily part of your dog’s diet, their red blood cells may become fragile and break apart. This is due to the toxic ingredient in onions and garlic, known as thiosulphate.
- Peanut Butter. Some peanut butter manufacturers add artificial sweeteners like xylitol to peanut butter, which is toxic for dogs. Learn more about Peanut Butter Toxicity in Dogs.
- Rawhides. Like bones, rawhides can also get stuck in the esophagus or stomach of dogs, causing health issues. There is also a risk of bacterial contamination. Although this is not human food, it is worth mentioning with the goal of preventing your dog from getting sick. Learn more about The Good and Bad of Rawhides.
- Table Scraps. Scraps, especially those that are fatty can cause gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis in dogs. Some dogs tolerate table scraps well, but others can become very ill.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Diets
Can dogs eat blueberries?
Yes. Blueberries are safe and healthy for dogs in moderation, offering antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C.
How much onion is toxic to dogs?
Even small amounts (as little as 0.5% of a dog’s body weight) can be harmful; for a 20-pound dog, that’s about 1.5 ounces of onion.
Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Peanut butter is generally safe if it’s free from xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can be deadly to dogs.
What happens if my dog eats chocolate?
Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, seizures, or even death depending on the type and amount ingested. Call your vet immediately.
Are grapes and raisins always toxic to dogs?
Yes. Grapes and raisins can cause sudden kidney failure in any dog, even in small quantities.
Can dogs eat cheese or dairy products?
Many dogs can tolerate small amounts of cheese, but some are lactose intolerant and may experience gas or diarrhea.
The Best Treats for Dogs
When shopping for treats, look for the seal of approval from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which publishes feed regulations and ingredient definitions.
The best treats for dogs are either kibble from their regular dog food or treats made for dogs that meet the AAFCO requirements. If the dog food or treat follows their guidelines, the label will include a statement that proclaims it as, “formulated to meet the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile for Puppies/Adults/Senior.”
Some companies create treats specifically to be compliant with the AAFCO standards.
It is not a requirement to meet AAFCO standards in order to sell pet food or treats, so buyers beware. It is also possible to make your own dog treats. Check out this recipe: