Feeding safety
What can dogs eat, and what not?
Type a food and check in a second whether it's safe, risky or toxic. Below: the full, sorted list and the rules of safe treating.
Prizo Team Updated: 24 July 2026
- Verified facts
- Updated monthly
- Not veterinary advice — we point you to a vet
Checker
Can my dog eat this?
Type a food name (e.g. “grapes”, “cucumber”) or pick a popular one below.
This result is general and does not replace veterinary advice.
The full list — safe, risky and toxic
A cheat sheet worth remembering. We start with the foods you must keep away from your dog.
Never — toxic foods
These foods are dangerous even in small amounts. Keep them out of reach and watch leftovers and baked goods.
- GrapesToxic — even a few can cause acute kidney failure. There is no known safe amount.
- RaisinsEven more dangerous than grapes (concentrated). Common in cakes and buns — watch baked goods.
- ChocolateContains theobromine, which dogs can't metabolize. The darker it is, the worse — vomiting, tremors, racing heart.
- OnionDamages red blood cells and causes anemia — raw, cooked or powdered. Leftovers from sauces and broth count too.
- GarlicSame mechanism as onion but several times stronger per gram. Despite the deworming myths — don't give it.
- Xylitol (sweetener)Extremely dangerous: a sudden blood-sugar crash and liver failure. Found in gum, 'sugar-free' sweets, some peanut butters — also labeled 'birch sugar'.
- Macadamia nutsCause weakness, tremors and vomiting even in small amounts. The most dangerous of the nuts.
- AlcoholToxic in any amount — including in dough or desserts. Causes vomiting, breathing trouble, coma.
- Raw yeast doughRises in the warm stomach and ferments into alcohol — dangerous bloat plus alcohol poisoning.
- Coffee / caffeineActs like chocolate but faster — agitation, tremors, heart-rhythm problems. Watch grounds and energy drinks too.
- Cooked bonesNever give cooked bones — they splinter into sharp shards that can choke or pierce the throat and gut. Poultry bones are the worst.
Caution — only as an exception
Not outright toxic, but trouble is easy: pits, fat, salt or a bacteria risk. If at all — rarely, in small amounts, with no additions.
- PlumsA little flesh can be OK, but the pit contains cyanide and can block the gut. Always remove the pit.
- CherriesPitted flesh only, rarely. Pits, stems and leaves contain cyanide and a handful risks obstruction; many vets say skip them.
- Nuts (general)Very fatty — can trigger pancreatitis, and moldy ones are toxic (tremors). Macadamias are outright poisonous (see above).
- AlmondsNot truly toxic but poorly digested — the shape is a choking hazard (small dogs especially) and the fat strains the pancreas.
- Milk & dairyMost adult dogs don't digest lactose — diarrhea and gas often follow. Small amounts of plain yogurt are tolerated better.
- CheeseFatty and salty — only a tiny piece as a treat. Given regularly it fattens and strains the pancreas.
- Raw meatRisk of salmonella, listeria and parasites — also for the household. Vets discourage raw diets without know-how and strict hygiene.
- Raw eggSalmonella risk; the white blocks biotin absorption. A cooked egg is safe and nutritious.
- Salt & salty snacksExcess salt causes sodium poisoning. Chips, pretzels and deli meats are far saltier than they look.
- Deli meats & hamSalty, fatty and seasoned (often with garlic/onion). An occasional bit of plain lean ham is the limit.
- HoneyA little can be OK for a healthy adult dog, but it's pure sugar. Don't give it to puppies (botulism risk), and 'fake honey' may contain xylitol.
- SpinachNot toxic, but it contains oxalic acid that hampers calcium absorption — only small, occasional amounts.
- Green tomato & leavesGreen tomato fruit, stems and leaves contain solanine. Ripe tomato in moderation, however, is safe (see below).
- Raw potatoContains solanine, especially green or sprouting ones. Plain cooked, cooled potato is fine.
- MushroomsA little shop-bought button mushroom can be OK, but never wild mushrooms — some are deadly.
- AvocadoPersin is low-risk to dogs, but avocado is very fatty (pancreatitis risk) and the large pit is a choking/obstruction hazard.
- BroccoliFlorets contain isothiocyanates that irritate the stomach — small amounts only. Large portions are harmful and stalks can choke. Serve it cooked.
Yes — safe in moderation
Good as an occasional treat. Remember: treats are at most 10% of daily energy, with no salt, sugar or spices.
- CarrotA great low-calorie snack; chewing supports dental hygiene. Cut into bite-size pieces so your dog can't choke.
- AppleSafe in slices — remove the core and seeds (trace cyanide, and the core is a choking hazard).
- BananaSafe as an occasional treat. Fairly sugary — a few slices, without the peel (it can block the gut).
- WatermelonHydrating in the heat. Remove seeds and hard rind — they risk choking and obstruction. The flesh itself is safe.
- CucumberLow-calorie, hydrating and crunchy — ideal on a hot day. Serve cut into bite-size pieces.
- StrawberriesSafe and vitamin-rich — but sweet, so just a few. No cream, sugar or syrup.
- BlueberriesA great treat — full of antioxidants and low in calories. Mash them for small dogs so they can't choke.
- PumpkinCooked and unseasoned — fiber-rich and supports digestion. Not pie filling and not the decorative kind.
- Cooked riceEasy to digest — plain white rice with boiled meat is the classic upset-stomach meal. No salt or spices.
- Cooked chickenLean cooked meat with no skin, bones, salt or spices — safe and eagerly eaten (though chicken is a common allergen).
- PearSafe without the core and seeds (trace cyanide). Juicy and sweet — in pieces, in moderation.
- Sweet potatoBoiled or baked, plain — fiber-rich and well tolerated. Never raw.
- Ripe tomatoThe ripe fruit in moderation is safe. The risk is only in green tomatoes, stems and leaves (solanine).
- PeanutsUnsalted, plain, in small amounts — safe. Always check peanut butter for xylitol (it's toxic!).
- CornCooked kernels in small amounts are safe. Never give the cob — it's a choking and intestinal-blockage hazard.
- BreadPlain baked bread in small amounts is harmless but empty calories. Note: this is different from dangerous raw yeast dough.
- PopcornPlain air-popped, no salt or butter — OK as a snack. Unpopped kernels are a choking hazard.
- Green beansRaw, steamed or unsalted canned — low-calorie, fiber-rich, a recommended treat.
- PeasGreen peas in moderation are safe. Avoid canned peas with added salt.
- PastaPlain cooked pasta is non-toxic but nutritionally empty. Avoid sauces with onion, garlic and salt.
- OrangesPeeled, seedless flesh is a good source of vitamin C. Skip the peel and watch the sugar.
- MangoPeeled flesh is safe and vitamin-rich. Always remove the skin and pit (the pit contains cyanide and can choke).
- PineappleRaw pineapple chunks are a good treat. High in sugar, so keep portions small.
- CoconutCoconut flesh, milk and water are harmless in small amounts. Keep the hard shell away (obstruction risk).
- CeleryA low-calorie, crunchy, vitamin-rich treat. Cut into small pieces for small dogs.
5 rules of safe treating
Whatever the food, stick to these.
- At most 10% of daily energyTreats and extras shouldn't exceed a tenth of the daily ration — the rest is complete dog food.
- Introduce one at a timeGive a new food on its own and in a small amount, so you can spot an allergic reaction or digestive trouble.
- No salt, sugar or spicesWhat we eat is often too salty and too fatty for a dog. Serve boiled or raw versions, plain.
- Remove pits and coresApple, plum and cherry pits contain trace cyanide, and larger ones risk blocking the gut.
- Always fresh water and observationAfter a new food, provide water and watch for a day for vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy.
This is not veterinary advice
This page is general educational information based on widely accepted facts. It doesn't replace an examination or a consultation. The diet of a sick, allergic, puppy or senior dog may need different rules — set it with a veterinarian. If your dog has eaten something from the “dangerous” list, contact a clinic immediately.
Sources and further reading:
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat grapes?
No. Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause acute kidney failure even in small amounts. There is no safe dose — keep them completely out of reach.
Can dogs eat cucumber?
Yes, in moderation. Cucumber is low-calorie and hydrating — a safe, crunchy hot-day snack. Serve it in slices, with no salt or additions.
Can dogs eat watermelon?
Yes, once you remove the seeds and hard rind. The flesh itself is safe and popular, but keep portions sensible because of the sugar.
What should I do if my dog ate chocolate or something toxic?
Don't wait for symptoms. Call a vet or a 24-hour clinic and tell them what and how much the dog ate plus its weight — that helps assess the risk and decide next steps.
Are fruit and vegetables healthy for dogs?
Many are — carrot, apple (no seeds), blueberries and cucumber are good, low-calorie treats. The key is the 10%-of-daily-energy rule and introducing new things one at a time.
Can dogs drink milk?
Better not. Most adult dogs don't digest lactose, so milk often ends in diarrhea and gas. A small amount of plain yogurt is usually tolerated better.
Your dog, its rules
Does your dog have allergies or a special diet?
Save its allergies and off-limits foods in the Prizo digital passport — with a QR-code ID tag, any carer or finder can check what your dog can't have.