Updated 24/04/2024
If there's one thing all of us pet lovers will agree on, it's that our canine pals sure love to eat. And with snouts twitching under the dinner table, paws reaching onto the kitchen countertop and eager puppy dog eyes following snacks everywhere they go, it's important for pet parents and sitters to know the foods dogs can eat, and those they can't. So, what human foods can dogs eat? And what foods should be left out of the tableside titbit menu, no matter how sweetly Fido pines for scraps? Well stick with us here as we dig into what foods dogs can and cannot eat - now that's sure to get your pup's bark of approval.
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Foods dogs can eat
So, what are the foods we humans tuck into on the regular are also fit for canine consumption? Well while you can never be too careful with what you're adding into your dog's bowl, it turns out that there are a fair few 'people' foods dogs can eat.
And, while many of the foods safe for dogs below are packed with nutrients and can have a variety of positive health effects for our canine pals, there's really no need for them in your pup's diet, and they should never be relied on for essential nutrients. Why? Well the dog food you opt for will be specifically formulated to meet all your doggo's nutritional needs, serving their insides and outsides through the range of micro and macronutrients they need for a happy, healthy life.
So, as a pet parent, it's simply your job to pick the right dog food and make sure they're getting enough of it (for more on canine portion sizes, check out our guide which answers - how much should I feed my dog?). Caveats aside, below find a range of foods dogs can eat that'll meet your pup's curious cravings.
Fruit dogs can eat
Yes, dogs can eat apples. Just don't share the core, as the seeds contain cyanide. Avoid apples altogether if your pup has diabetes due to the sugar content.
Yes, bananas are a safe snack for your furry pal. In fact, they make for a great base if you're rustling up homemade dog treats.
Oranges are safe for dogs in moderation - they pack a nutritious punch for sure. You should, however, avoid them if your furry pal has diabetes due to the natural sugars present. Otherwise, keep portions small, as oranges are acidic and could irritate your pup's stomach, or even damage their teeth.
Yes, dogs can eat strawberries - we're sure your furry pal will be mad about the taste, but only feed in moderation, as your pup should be getting all the goodness they need from the dog food you've chosen.
Dogs can eat cantaloupe, but it's high in sugar so should only be served as an occasional treat.
Watermelon is safe for dogs - we're sure they'll thank you for a slice on a hot day. But like with any fruit, you shouldn't be feeding your pup heaps of the stuff.
Dogs can eat mango - they're packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals great for your pup's health, but avoid if your doggo has diabetes due to the sugar content.
Cherries are safe for dogs in moderation, but be sure to avoid the pits, leaves and stems as these contain cyanide (which is toxic to dogs). The pits are also a choking hazard and risk getting stuck in their digestive tract.
Yes, blueberries are safe for dogs as a treat - sprinkle over kibble or use as a training treat for added vitamin C, K and fiber.
Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, dogs can eat cranberries in moderation. But bear in mind your pup might not like the bitter taste, and beware of added sugars and sweeteners found with dried cranberries.
If your curious canine has taken a nibble on a blackberry or two while out walking, not to worry - dogs can eat blackberries. In fact, they're a great source of vitamins C, E and K.
Raspberries are safe for dogs as a treat - they're bursting with vitamins C, K and B complex, as well as anti-inflammatory properties that can help to ease joint pain in older dogs.
Fresh pineapple is fine for dogs if fed in moderation as an occasional treat, but avoid the canned stuff - it's often stored in syrup that's packed with additional sugar which is of course seriously bad for your pup's health.
Dogs can snack on ripe tomatoes every now and then - just make sure they're served plain, and always avoid green tomatoes which are toxic to dogs.
Fresh peaches are safe for dogs as a treat - just avoid the canned kind (they're packed with sugar), and always serve without the pit, leaves, and stem as these contain cyanide. The pits are also a serious choking hazard and can get stuck and cause obstruction in the digestive tract.
A chunk of fresh coconut is safe for dogs every now and then, but keep portions small to avoid gastrointestinal upset and avoid altogether if your pooch is overweight.
Pears are safe for canine consumption - just be sure to remove the seeds and stem, as these contain cyanide. Other than that, pears are a healthy treat option for your pup as they're packed with vitamins C, K and fiber.
Grapefruit skin and rind contain a compound toxic to dogs known as psoralen, while the flesh is pretty acidic and may irritate your pup's stomach. So while technically dogs can eat a small amount of grapefruit flesh often without any irritation, there are much safer snack and treat options out there like cucumbers and bell peppers.
Vegetables dogs can eat
Unlike many fruits, cucumbers are a pretty full-proof snack for dogs. Containing very little sugar, low in calories and bursting with vitamins C, K, fiber, potassium and more, cucumbers are a great treat that your pooch will love.
Mushrooms are safe for dogs, so long as they're store-bought. If you think your pup has eaten a mushroom from the wild while on a walk, get to your vet as a matter of emergency. Try to photograph the mushroom for identification, as it can help the vet understand how to treat your dog.
Plain corn (off the cob and without any butter or seasonings) is perfectly safe for dogs. In fact, thanks to its nutrients (vitamins C, E, B, and K, plus an array of minerals) it's often used in dog food. Never let dogs eat the cob, as this commonly causes obstruction in the digestive tract.
Potatoes are one of the human foods dogs can eat, but they need to be cooked plain without any additional seasonings or fats to be safe for canine consumption.
Sweet potatoes are a great addition to your dog's bowl - assuming you're ensuring your pup doesn't exceed their daily calorie intake, sweet potato is a great way to get extra nutrients into your dog's diet.
Cleaned, de-seeded and cored bell peppers are safe for dogs - they pack a nutritional punch with vitamins A, B C and K1 and we're sure your pooch will love their sweet flavor.
Raw or cooked broccoli is safe for dogs, but serve in moderation as the vegetable contains a compound known as isothiocyanate which can cause stomach upset in dogs.
Plain, cooked squash is safe for dogs, packing a nutritional punch with beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C.
Dogs can eat green beans - they're a pretty health choice on the snack front. Served raw or plain and in bite-size pieces, they're a great way to increase your pup's vitamin and mineral intake.
Celery is safe for dogs, but don't get your hopes up that they'll enjoy the bitter taste. If your pup is particularly adventurous, they'll benefit from the vitamin A, C and K found in the vegetable along with manganese, folate and more.
Sugar snap peas, snow peas and garden peas are a great treat for dogs - their range of nutrients can benefit your doggo's vision, immune system, heart and a whole lot more.
Asparagus is safe for dogs, but we advise cutting it into bite-size chunks and steaming it thoroughly to make digestion easier for your pup.
Cooked spinach is generally safe for dogs, but keep portions small and sparing as the oxalic acid present in the leaves can inhibit the body's ability to absorb calcium, which can lead to various serious health issues.
Lettuce is a great treat choice for dogs - they'll feel like they're reaping all the rewards while you can rest assured they're not exceeding that all-important daily calorie intake.
Both red and green cabbage is safe for dogs - just be sure to chop it into bite-size pieces and serve it raw or lightly steamed and without any seasonings.
Kale is generally safe for dogs, but share sparingly as it contains a chemical compound known as calcium oxalate, which can cause kidney and bladder stones in dogs.
Raw or cooked zucchini is safe for dogs to eat - add it to their dog bowl or use as a low-calorie training treat, and always serve in bite-size pieces to avoid any risks of choking.
Ginger is safe for dogs in small portions - providing antioxidants to fight free radicals and helping with digestion, it sure is a healthy addition to your pup's diet in moderation.
Can dogs eat Brussels sprouts?
While Brussels sprouts are safe for dogs and packed with vitamins C and K, it's worth serving with caution if you'd like to avoid excessive canine flatulence!
Dogs can generally eat beets - they're packed with fiber, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C and more. But, due to the oxalic acid, consider choosing an alternative snack if your pup has kidney or bladder stones or a condition associated with a calcium deficiency.
Plain seaweed is a seriously healthy snack for our canine pals - packed with vitamins A, B and C, plus iron, magnesium, phosphorus and more, eating seaweed could support your pup's eye health, immune system, kidney functioning (and so much more).
Edamame beans are safe for dogs whether they're served raw or steamed. If your dog has never tried a soy product before though, watch out for the signs of intolerance including inflamed skin, excessive sebum, inflammation of the eyelids and stomach upset.
We're sure their crunch will get your pup's tail wagging, so it's a good job dogs can eat radishes. Serve in moderation and don't get them confused with horseradish, which isn't safe for canine consumption.
Animal products dogs can eat
Yogurt is one of those human foods dogs can eat that certainly isn't an essential in your pup's diet. If your pup is particularly curious, opt for plain, sugar and sweetener-free yogurt as an occasional treat.
Some cheeses are safe for dogs, but serve in moderation as it's high in salt and fat, and check each type for safety before sharing with your pup.
Unless your pup suffers from diabetes, pancreatitis or is overweight, plain cooked eggs are safe for dogs. Just make sure they're not pushing your pup over their recommended calorie intake by keeping them as an occasional treat.
Dogs can eat fish, but not all kinds are safe for dogs. For example, fish high in mercury should never be shared with your pup, while fish like cod and salmon are safe for dogs if cooked all the way through and served plain.
Shrimp is a safe treat for dogs if served in moderation, as they're high in sodium and cholesterol. When preparing shrimp for your pup, remove the head, tail, shell and vein, cook all the way through and don't add any seasonings or fats.
Salmon is safe for dogs if it's cooked all the way through and served completely plain. The omega-3 fatty acids will help to keep your pup's skin healthy and their coat shiny - just a couple of reasons the fish is a common ingredient in dog food.
Your dog can eat turkey - it's packed with protein so we know your hungry hound will go nuts for it. Simply make sure it's cooked all the way through, and serve bone-free and without any additional seasonings or sauces.
Just like turkey, chicken is great for dogs - it's a great low-fat protein source which is why you'll find it in so many dog foods. Always serve it free of bones.
Plain, unprocessed pork is safe for dogs - it's packed with protein which is exactly what your pup needs. Just don't be tempted to feed your doggo pork products like ham, bacon or salami as they're packed with salt and fat.
Honey is safe for dogs every now and then - some pet parents even serve it up to soothe a cough. Just be sparing when giving honey to your pup as it's naturally packed with sugar.
Processed human foods dogs can eat
Tofu is another human food dogs can eat, but it should never be given in replacement to animal proteins. If you're treating your curious canine to tofu, be sure to serve it plain, without any seasonings or aromatics.
Certain plain breads are safe for dogs to try, but small morsels should only be served as a very rare treat.
Snacks dogs can eat
Plain popcorn is fine for dogs to try, just don't serve up any salted, sweetened or flavored varieties.
Plain, unsalted olives are okay for dogs to have a nibble on, but don't serve up any marinated varieties and always make sure the pit is removed and the olive is cut into small chunks.
Some nuts are safe for dogs (like unsalted peanuts), while others are toxic (like macadamia nuts). So, always be vigilant with canine snacking and never serve salted varieties.
A one-off unsalted cashew is safe for your dog to try, but just make sure it's not salted or flavored and has been chopped into small chunks to dodge any choking hazards.
Peanuts are safe for dogs (as well as dog-friendly peanut butter), but be sparing when sharing, make sure the shells are removed and never serve up salted or flavored.
Dogs can eat sunflower seeds on occasion - as long as they're shelled and unsalted, they're a great way to add an alphabet of vitamins into your diet.
Pitted dates are safe for dogs to try, but there are certainly healthier snacks out there - dates are naturally high in sugar, so could lead to weight gain if eaten in excess.
Grains dogs can eat
Oatmeal is fine for dogs, just as long as it's prepared with water (and a little milk if your pup can tolerate it). In fact, oatmeal can help dogs get the carbs they need if they're intolerant to wheat, adding micronutrients like manganese, phosphorus and magnesium into their diets.
Dogs can eat quinoa safely if fed in moderation - it can add a variety of nutrients into your pup's diet including protein, carbohydrate, fiber, folate, magnesium, zinc and iron.
Most dogs can tolerate wheat, but some who can't often experience a variety of symptoms including ear infections, skin irritation, stomach upset, sneezing, and coughing.
Herbs and spices dogs can eat
In small sprinklings, cinnamon is safe for dogs - so don't hesitate to spice up those homemade dog biscuits. In fact, the spice has anti-inflammatory properties so might help pups suffering with joint pain.
A small amount of cilantro is safe for dogs (stems removed) if you'd like to make their bowl more interesting, but be prepared for your pup to spit it straight out - that soapy taste isn't for every doggo.
Foods dogs can't eat
When it comes to the canine appetite, we can't say we'd be surprised if your pup still trots on over for a look-in at foods unsafe for them. And while it's okay for our furry friends to nibble on human foods dogs can eat safely, there are certainly a fair few ingredients us humans chomp away at on the regular that could seriously harm your pup's health. So for a list of common foods likely to meet your canine's culinary preferences yet should never so much as brush past those twitching snouts, take a look below.
Vegetables dogs can't eat
No, garlic is highly toxic to dogs and should never be shared. Why? Well garlic contains compounds N-propyl disulfide and thiosulfate which damage and destroy canine red blood cells. Left untreated, ingestion of garlic in dogs can be fatal.
No, onions are not safe for dogs - they contain N-propyl disulfides (the same compounds found in garlic) which damage the red blood cells and can lead to anemia and even death.
While there's no panic if your pup swipes a pickle that hasn't been preserved with ingredients toxic to dogs, pickles certainly aren't a healthy choice for dogs due to the high salt content in the brine they're preserved in.
Fruits dogs can't eat
Lemon rind is toxic to dogs due to a compound known as psoralen, and the flesh is far too high in citric acid for dogs to eat. Luckily, we doubt the fruit will get your pup's snout twitching anyway.
Limes are toxic to dogs, so be sure to add it to your list of foods dogs can't eat. The fruit contains essential oils that can cause vomiting, low blood pressure and a lack of coordination.
The pit, leaves, bark, and flesh of unripened avocados contain persin - a compound that's toxic to dogs. So, avoid the nasty symptoms of persin toxicity and keep your avos out of paw's reach. The pit is also a choking hazard and could cause an obstruction in the digestive tract.
Grapes are toxic to dogs - any type of grape, whether fresh or dried, are highly dangerous to our canine pals, causing kidney failure along with a whole host of nasty symptoms.
While a couple of seeds shouldn't do your pup any harm, eating large quantities of pomegranate seeds can cause sickness, diarrhea and stomach pains due to the tannins (chemical substances) present in the fruit.
Animal products dogs can't eat
Bones are one of the foods dogs can't eat - cooked bones can splinter and cause damage to your pup's insides, while uncooked bones can house a variety of harmful bacteria including salmonella. Chewing bones can also fracture your dog’s teeth.
While a small bite shouldn't do your pup any harm (minus your kitty's wrath), dogs and cats have different nutritional requirements, so a cat food will naturally never supply your pup with the range of micro and macronutrients they need.
While pork bones are more robust than chicken, they can still splinter in your dog's digestive tract, so instead opt for pup-safe chew bars that have been especially formulated for our canine pals.
Tuna contains high levels of mercury, so it should never be fed in large quantities. While found in some dog foods in small amounts, we don't recommend adding chunks of tuna to your pup's bowl.
While milk isn't toxic to dogs, our canine pals lose their ability to digest lactose as they age (or at least it gets reduced). So, while a small dash in dog-safe oatmeal shouldn't do any harm, water should always be your pup's go-to drink.
Processed human foods dogs can't eat
Ice cream is pretty bad news for dogs - it's packed with fat and sugar along with sweeteners like xylitol which are toxic to dogs.
As much as that tail wags for it, dogs shouldn't be eating pepperoni. Why? Well it contains foods dogs can't eat like onions, garlic and chili, plus it contains sodium nitrate which has been linked to cancer.
Dogs shouldn't be eating hot dogs - they're packed with fat, salt and other seasonings, so could lead to pancreatitis and obesity. Instead, opt for freshly cooked chicken, beef or cod to treat your pup.
While it isn't toxic to our canine pals, ham isn't safe for dogs - it's packed with salt which can cause a range of health complications like hypertension, heart disease and kidney disease.
Marshmallows aren't a canine-friendly snack. They're packed with sugar (which is bad news for dogs) along with sweeteners like xylitol which is toxic to dogs.
Nuts dogs can't eat
While not toxic to dogs, the hard texture of the nut is hard for dogs to digest, which can cause a range of nasty symptoms like gas, vomiting, diarrhea and a reduced appetite.
Acorns are toxic to dogs, so be hyper vigilant while on walkies around the woods to avoid symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea and in the worst cases, death.
Walnuts aren't toxic to dogs, but they do pose a serious choking hazard to our canine pals and are prone to growing mold. This mold can then produce aflatoxin which if ingested, can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting and a reduced appetite to seizures and even death.
Unlike many other foods dogs can't eat, the reason that dogs can't eat macadamia nuts is unknown. What's clear though is the nasty symptoms ingesting the nuts can cause in your pooch including ataxia (incoordination), tremors, and hyperthermia.
Spices dogs can't eat
Pumpkin spice isn't safe for dogs. While it often contains cinnamon and ginger which - in moderation - are safe for our canine pals, nutmeg is also often present which is toxic to dogs.
Nutmeg is toxic to dogs due to the compound present known as myristicin which can cause a range of nasty symptoms if ingested, including stomach pain, tremors, seizures and hallucinations.
Meet our veterinary expert, Holly
This article has been checked by veterinarian Holly Anne Hills BVM BVS BVMedSci. After graduating from the University of Nottingham, Holly spent two years working as a farm animal vet. She then spent some time traveling and volunteering in India, working at neutering clinics and with injured street dogs. Holly now works in small animal practice, and balances this with writing, volunteering with the comms team at Vet Sustain, and she is also a marine mammal medic!
Hopefully you've found this list of foods dogs can't eat helpful - just know that there are heaps more out there, and you should always take each new item you think about adding into your dog's bowl on a case-by-case basis, checking its suitability to your canine pal. And if you're still unsure, have a chat with a veterinary expert before treating your pup to anything new.
And for our TrustedHousesitters members, sitters can call our dedicated Vet Advice Line available on your dashboard - it doesn't cost a penny, and it's available around the clock.
Is your pup suffering from allergies?
If you've gone through the list of what your pup can and can't eat but they're still displaying symptoms of allergies such as hives, swollen puffy eyes or difficulty breathing, they might be intolerant to the dinner you're serving up. Check out this list of the best hypoallergenic dog foods to help settle your pooch.
