Quick answer: Many plain foods are safe for dogs in small amounts, like cooked chicken, plain rice, carrots, green beans, apples (no seeds) and blueberries. Some common foods are toxic, including grapes and raisins, chocolate, xylitol, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts and alcohol. If your dog eats something toxic, call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away.
Dogs are expert beggars, and it’s tempting to share. Some human foods make great treats. Others can cause anything from an upset stomach to kidney failure.
Here’s a quick guide. A good rule of thumb: plain, unseasoned and in small amounts. Treats of any kind should make up only a small part of your dog’s daily calories, often cited as about 10 percent.
Safe Foods (Plain, in Moderation)
| Food | Notes |
|---|---|
| Cooked chicken, turkey, lean beef | Plain, no bones, skin or seasoning |
| Plain cooked rice or pasta | Often used for mild stomach upset (ask your vet) |
| Carrots, green beans, cucumber | Low-calorie crunchy treats |
| Apples | Remove the core and seeds |
| Blueberries, strawberries, watermelon | Remove rind and seeds from watermelon |
| Plain pumpkin | 100% pumpkin, not pie filling |
| Plain cooked eggs | Fully cooked |
| Plain peanut butter | Only if it contains no xylitol |
Toxic or Dangerous Foods
- Grapes, raisins and currants can cause sudden kidney failure, even in small amounts.
- Chocolate, especially dark and baking chocolate, contains theobromine.
- Xylitol (birch sugar), found in sugar-free gum, candy, some peanut butters and baked goods, can cause dangerously low blood sugar and liver damage.
- Onions, garlic, leeks and chives, raw, cooked or powdered, can damage red blood cells.
- Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, tremors and fever.
- Alcohol and raw yeast dough.
- Caffeine, including coffee grounds and energy drinks.
- Cooked bones, which can splinter.
- Fatty foods like bacon, gravy and turkey skin, which can trigger pancreatitis.
- Avocado pits and skin, and the pits of cherries, peaches and plums.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
- Stay calm and remove any remaining food.
- Figure out what and how much they ate, and when. Keep the package.
- Call your vet, an emergency vet, or a pet poison hotline (such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or Pet Poison Helpline; fees may apply) right away.
- Don’t make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to. It isn’t safe for every substance or every dog.
- Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, shaking, weakness or seizures, and head to an emergency vet if they appear.
Tips for Sharing Food Safely
- Cut food into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
- Introduce new foods slowly and one at a time.
- Skip seasoning, butter, oil and sauces.
- Keep purses, gum and baked goods out of reach.
- Ask your vet before sharing if your dog has a medical condition or special diet.
Helpful Products
- Dog-safe treat jars: Keeps healthy treats handy and fresh.
- Trash cans with locking lids: Keeps counter-surfers out of dangerous scraps.
- Freeze-dried single-ingredient dog treats: Simple treats without risky seasonings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat cheese?
Many dogs can have a little plain cheese, but it’s high in fat and some dogs are lactose sensitive. Small amounts only.
Can dogs eat bananas?
Yes, in small amounts. They’re high in sugar, so keep portions small.
Can dogs eat bread?
Plain baked bread is generally safe in small amounts, but raw dough is dangerous and breads with raisins, garlic or xylitol are toxic.
How much chocolate is dangerous for a dog?
It depends on the type of chocolate and your dog’s size. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Call your vet or a poison hotline with details.
The Bottom Line
Plain, simple foods like lean meat, carrots and blueberries make good occasional treats. Grapes, chocolate, xylitol, onions and garlic never do. When in doubt, skip it, and if your dog gets into something risky, call for help right away.
Keep reading:
- Can Dogs Eat Turkey? What's Safe This Thanksgiving (and What Isn't)
- Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Food? Is It Bad and How to Stop It
- Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? Is It Normal and When to Worry
- Why Do Dogs Overeat? Begging, Food Obsession and Healthy Weight
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links.