On This Page: Toxic Foods for Dogs, Non-Toxic Foods for Dogs,
Non-Toxic Fruits & Veggies for Dogs
TOXIC FOODS FOR DOGS:(from The AKC Website)
Almonds
Avocado
Bread Dough
Cherry Pits
Chocolate
Cinnamon
Garlic
Grapes/Raisins
Ice Cream
Macadamia Nuts
Mushrooms (wild)
Nutmeg
Onions
Peach Pits
Tomato Plants
Xylitol/Birch sugar (found in some peanut butters)
Almonds may not necessarily be toxic to dogs, but they can block the esophagus or even tear the windpipe if not chewed completely.
Flavored almonds come with unique risks. The spices and flavorings can irritate your dog’s stomach, while the salt in the seasoning can lead to water retention and salt toxicity if consumed in large quantities. This can be potentially fatal to dogs prone to heart disease.
If your dog consumes one or two almonds, don’t panic. Instead, watch them carefully for signs of or obstruction. If your dog devours more than a few almonds, call your veterinarian or local emergency veterinarian for professional advice.
Avocado
While avocado may be a healthy snack for dog owners, it should not be given to your pup. The pit, skin and leaves contain persin, a toxin that often causes vomitting and diarrhea in dogs. The fleshy inside of the avocado fruit doesn’t have as much persin as the rest of the plant, but it still can be too much for dogs to handle. Avocado flesh is also high in fat, which can cause gastroinsestinal upset for dogs, or contribute to health conditions like pancreatitis if too much is consumed.
Bread Dough
Small amounts of plain bread (no spices and definitely no raisins) won’t hurt your dog, but it also won’t provide any health benefits either. It has no nutritional value and can really pack on the carbohydrates and calories, just like in people.
Homemade breads are a better option than store-bought, as bread from the grocery store typically contains unnecessary preservatives, but it’s best to avoid it altogether. If you make bread from scratch, never feed the bread dough to your dog. Their stomachs offer optimum conditions for dough to rise. When a dog consumes bread dough, the yeast continues to make the dough rise, distending you pup’s stomach and releasing toxic levels of ethanol into the bloodstream. The pressure of the rising dough can mimic and cause bloat, but the real danger is from the alcohol toxicosis. Contact your vet if your dog is fed bread dough or you suspect they have stolen some.
Symptoms of alcohol toxicosis: Depressed central nervous system, Weakness, Depression, Unsteady drunken gait, Hypothermia, Seizures, Coma
Cherry Pits *severe*
With the exception of the fleshy fruit around the seed, cherry plants contain cyanide and are toxic to dogs. Cyanide disrupts cellular oxygen transport, which means that your dog’s blood cells can’t get enough oxygen.
If your dog eats cherries whole or cherry pits, watch for dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and red gums, as these may be signs of cyanide poisoning, which is a veterinary emergency.
Chocolate *severe*
Dogs should never eat chocolate! This isn’t just an urban legend. Chocolate contains toxic substances called methylxanthines, which are stimulants that stop a dog’s metabolic process. Even just a little bit of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can cause diarrhea and vomiting. A large amount can cause seizures, irregular heart function, and even death. Do not have chocolate in an accessible location for your dog. If your dog does ingest chocolate, contact a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline as soon as possible.
Chocolate is toxic to dogs as it contains both theobromine and caffeine. If your dog consumes food or drink with caffeine or theobromine in it, these chemicals can speed up the heart rate and stimulate their nervous systems.
The risk of your dog becoming sick from ingesting chocolate depends on the type and amount of chocolate consumed and your dog’s weight. The concentrations of these toxic substances vary among different types of chocolate. Here are a few types of chocolate listed in order of theobromine content:
Cocoa powder (most toxic)
Unsweetened baker’s chocolate
Semisweet chocolate
Dark chocolate
Milk chocolate (least toxic)
Signs of chocolate poisoning usually appear within six to 12 hours after your dog has eaten it. Older dogs and dogs with heart conditions are more at risk of sudden death from chocolate poisoning. The symptoms, which may last up to 72 hours, include the following: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Restlessness, Increased urination, Tremors, Elevated or abnormal heart rate, Seizures, Collapse and death
Cinnamon
Dogs should not eat cinnamon. While not actually toxic to dogs, it’s probably best to avoid it.
Cinnamon and its oils can irritate the inside of dogs’ mouths, making them uncomfortable and sick. It can lower a dog’s blood sugar too much and can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, increased, or decreased heart rate, and even liver disease. If they inhale it in powder form, cinnamon can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and choking. If your dog ears a large amount of cinnamon, you don’t need to panic. Contact your vet for suggestions on how to help ease your dogs symptoms.
Garlic *severe*
Dogs should not eat garlic. Like onions, leeks, and chives, garlic is part of the Allium family, and it is five times more toxic to dogs than the rest of the Allium plants. Garlic can create anemia in dogs, causing side effects such as pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness, and collapse.
Poisoning from garlic and onions may have delayed symptoms, so if you think your dog may have eaten some, monitor them for a few days. Symptoms of anemia in dogs include pale mucous membranes, rapid breathing, lethargy, weakness, jaundice, and dark urine. Garlic toxicity also causes symptoms of gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, depression, and dehydration.
Grapes/Raisins *severe*
Dogs should never eat grapes or raisins! Grape and raisin toxicity in dogs can cause serious kidney damage that can lead to acute (sudden) kidney failure , which can be fatal. The exact toxic substance in grapes and raisins is unknown, but it’s believed that it could be the inability of dogs to metabolize flavonoids, tannins, and monosaccharides from the grapes.
Based on known cases of grape toxicity in dogs, even one or a few grapes or raisins can cause acute kidney failure, which can be fatal. Raisins are more toxic than grapes because the fruit is more concentrated when dried. Kidney failure is not seen in all dogs that eat raisins, and we don’t know why some dogs are affected while others are not. But regardless, raisins are bad for any dog to consume, and you don’t know how your dog will react.
Ice Cream
As refreshing of a treat as ice cream is, it contains lots of sugar so it is best not to share with your dog. Also, some dogs have an intolerance to lactose. To avoid the milk altogether, freeze chunks of strawberries, raspberries, apples, and pineapples to give to your dog as a sweet, icy treat. There are lots ice creams made just for dogs if you do want to give your pooch a cold, tasty treat, especially here in our Arizona heat!
Macadamia Nuts *severe*
Dogs should never ever eat macadamia nuts! These are some of the most poisonous foods for dogs. Macadamia nuts, part of the Protaceae family, can cause vomiting, increased body temperature, inability to walk, and lethargy. Even worse, they can affect the nervous system. Never feed your dog macadamia nuts. Veterinarians and researchers have not identified what causes why macadamia nuts are particularly food to dogs, as they are perfectly safe for humans and have not been seen to affect cats. As with grapes and raisins , we just do not know the specific toxin or mechanism of biological action that causes the signs of poisoning. But what we do know is that even a small amount of the nuts can cause severe symptoms. A dog can show symptoms from eating as little as 1/10 of an ounce per roughly 2 pounds of body weight. So, if you’re thinking of giving your dog just a little taste, don’t.
The most common sign is weakness, especially in the hind legs. Other symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, and fever. Some cases are mild, with dogs exhibiting only a few symptoms, and resolve themselves within a few days. However, there are serious cases involving constant shaking, high fever, and an inability to walk. If you suspect your dog may have eaten even a small amount of macadamia nuts, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Mushrooms (Wild)
Wild mushrooms can be toxic for dogs. While only 50-100 of the 50,000 mushroom species worldwide are known to be toxic, the ones that are poisonous can really hurt your dog or even lead to death. While wild mushrooms are always a solid no, washed mushrooms purchased from the supermarket for human consumption are generally fine for dogs.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg contains the toxin myristicin, which can cause hallucinations, increased heart rate, disorientation, high blood pressure, abdominal pain, dry mouth, and even seizures.
These symptoms can last up to 48 hours, but the bright side is that it would take a large amount of nutmeg to cause problems for dogs. The small amount used in baked goods is generally safe. If your dog consumes a large amount of nutmeg by accident, however, call your veterinarian and keep a close eye on them.
Onion *severe*
Dogs should never eat onions. All parts of the onion plant are toxic to dogs, including the flesh, leaves, juice, and processed powders. Whether raw or cooked, fried or powdered, onions and the rest of the allium family, which includes shallots, leeks, chives, and garlic, are harmful to dogs .
Onions contain a toxic principle known as N-propyl disulfide. This compound causes a breakdown of red blood cells, leading to anemia in dogs.
The toxin causes oxidative damage to your dog’s red blood cells by attaching to the oxygen molecules in those cells. This reduces the ability of the red blood cells to carry oxygen and also tricks your dog’s body into thinking that the blood cell is an invader. The red blood cell is destroyed in a process known as hemolysis, resulting in hemolytic anemia.
Peach Pits
Just like cherries, the pit contains cyanide. As long as you completely cut the flesh away from the peach pit, then fresh peach flesh can be a great summer treat. Be sure the pits are safely discarded in dog-safe trash receptacles.
Tomato Plants
While the ripened flesh of the tomato fruit is generally safe for dogs, the green parts of the tomato plant contain a toxic substance called solanine. A dog would need to eat a large amount of the tomato plant to make him or her sick.
If your dog likes to explore your vegetable garden, be sure to prevent them from having access to your tomato plants.
Xylitol *severe*
Dogs should not consume Xylitol/birch sugar. This is dangerous as the dog’s pancreas confuses xylitol with real sugar and releases insulin to store it. The insulin removes real sugar from the bloodstream and the dog can become weak, and have tremors and even seizures starting within 30 minutes of eating it. Other symptoms of hypoglycemia include poor coordination and vomiting or diarrhea.
MAKE SURE TO READ LABELS! If you’re offering your dog peanut butter, look for xylitol and birch sugar in the ingredients, as some brands, namely specialty brands, are using the sugar substitute to sweeten their product. Also, check the label on products with buzz words relating to sugar, such as “reduced sugar”, “diabetic-friendly”, “cavity-free”, or “no sugar added”, for example, as these also may contain xylitol.
NON-TOXIC FOODS FOR DOGS:
Bread
Cashews
Cheese
Coconut
Corn
Eggs
Fish
Ham
Honey
Milk
Peanut Butter
Peanuts
Popcorn
Pork
Quinoa
Salmon
Shrimp
Tuna
Turkey
Wheat/Grains
Yogurt
Bread
Small amounts of plain bread (no spices and definitely no raisins) won’t hurt your dog, but it also won’t provide any health benefits either. It has no nutritional value and can really pack on the carbohydrates and calories, just like in people.
Homemade breads are a better option than store-bought, as bread from the grocery store typically contains unnecessary preservatives. (See toxic list for information on bread dough).
Cashews
Cashews are OK for dogs, but only a few at a time. They’ve got calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, and proteins, but while these nuts contain less fat than others, too many can lead to weight gain and other fat-related conditions. A few cashews make a nice treat, but only if they’re unsalted.
While it can’t necessarily be said that cashews are bad for dogs, it wouldn’t be accurate to say they’re good for dogs either. Your dog can eat cashews as long as they’re not mixed with other nuts, and if they’re not salted or seasoned in any way. These nuts might not be the best snack, but one now and again won’t hurt them. However, considering the pros and cons involved, there really is no reason why you should feed nuts to your dog.
Coconut
Coconut is okay for dogs.This funky fruit contains lauric acid, which can help combat bacteria and viruses. It can also help with bad breath and clearing up skin conditions like hot spots, flea allergies, and itchy skin. Coconut milk and coconut oil are safe for dogs too. Just be sure your dog doesn’t get its paws on the furry outside of the shell, which can get lodged in the throat.
Coconut oil and meat can be used internally and externally; the oils are very beneficial for your dog’s skin and coat. The anti-inflammatory properties will help reduce any yeast infections, hot spots, flea allergies, and dry itchy skin, and the fatty acids promote a soft, healthy coat. Topically, the oil acts as a moisturizer and can be used on wounds to help soothe inflammation and promote healing.
Corn
Dogs can eat corn. Corn is one of the most common ingredients in most dog foods. However, the cob can be hard for a dog to digest and may cause an intestinal blockage, so if you’re sharing some corn, make sure it is off the cob.
Eggs
Eggs are safe for dogs as long as they are fully cooked. Cooked eggs are a wonderful source of protein and can help an upset stomach. However, eating raw egg whites can contribute to biotin deficiency, so be sure to cook the eggs all the way through before giving them to your pet.
Fish
Fish contains good fats and amino acids, giving your dog a nice health boost. Salmon and sardines are especially beneficial — salmon because it’s loaded with vitamins and protein, and sardines because they have soft, digestible bones for extra calcium. With the exception of sardines, be sure to pick out all the tiny bones, which can be tedious but is definitely necessary.
Never feed your dog uncooked or undercooked fish, only fully cooked and cooled, and limit your dog’s fish intake to no more than twice a week.
Ham
Ham is OK for dogs to eat, but certainly isn’t the healthiest for them. Ham is high in sodium and fat, so while sharing a small piece is all right, it shouldn’t be a continuous habit.
Honey
Honey is packed with countless nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, and antioxidants. Feeding dogs small amounts of honey can help with allergies because it introduces small amounts of pollen to their systems, building up immunity to allergens in your area. In addition to consuming honey, the sticky spread can also be used as a topical treatment for burns and superficial cuts.
Milk
Dogs can have milk, but be cautious. Some dogs are lactose-intolerant and don’t digest milk well. While it is OK for dogs to have a little milk, owners should be cognizant of the symptoms of lactose-intolerance and might want to stick to giving their dogs water.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is OK for dogs to eat. Peanut butter can be an excellent source of protein for dogs. It contains heart-healthy fats, vitamins B and E and niacin. Raw, unsalted peanut butter is the healthiest option. Read the label carefully to be sure the peanut butter does not contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that can be toxic to dogs .
Peanuts
Unlike almonds, peanuts are safe for dogs to eat. They’re packed with good fats and proteins that can benefit your dog. Just be sure to give peanuts in moderation, as you don’t want your dog taking in too much fat, which can lead to pancreas issues. Also, avoid salted peanuts. Too much salt is hard for dogs to process.
Popcorn
Dogs can eat popcorn. Unsalted, unbuttered, air-popped popcorn is okay for your dog in moderation. It contains riboflavin and thiamine, both of which promote eye health and digestion, as well as small amounts of iron and protein. Be sure to pop the kernels all the way before giving them to your dog, as unpopped kernels could become a choking hazard.
Pork
Pork is a highly digestible protein, packed with amino acids, and it contains more calories per pound than other meats. Pork also may be less likely to cause an allergic reaction in some pets compared to other proteins.
Quinoa
Quinoa is okay for dogs. You can now find quinoa in some high-quality dry dog foods . The strong nutritional profile of quinoa makes it a healthy alternative to corn, wheat, and soy — starches that are often used to make kibble.
Salmon
As mentioned previously, fully cooked salmon is an excellent source of protein, good fats, and amino acids. It promotes joint and brain health and gives dog-immune systems a nice boost.
However, raw or undercooked salmon contains parasites that can make dogs very sick, causing vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and, in extreme cases, even death. Be sure to cook salmon all the way through (the FDA recommends at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit) and the parasites should cook out.
Shrimp
Dogs can eat shrimp. A few shrimp every now and then is fine for your dog, but only if they are fully cooked and the shell (including the tail, head, and legs) is removed completely. Shrimp are high in antioxidants, vitamin B-12, and phosphorus, but also low in fat, calories, and carbohydrates.
Tuna
Dogs can eat tuna, but only in small amounts. In moderation, cooked, fresh tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promotes heart and eye health. As for canned tuna, it contains small amounts of mercury and sodium, which should be avoided in excess. A little bit of canned tuna and tuna juice here and there is fine — prepared only in water, not oil — as long as it doesn’t contain any spices.
Turkey
Turkey is fine for dogs, but be sure to remove excess fat and skin from the meat. Don’t forget to check for bones; poultry bones can splinter during digestion, causing blockage or even tears in the intestines. Any meat with excessive salt, seasonings, onions or garlic should not be fed.
Wheat/Grains
Dogs can eat wheat and other grains. Dogs do not have to be grain-free; it is perfectly okay for them to have grains. In fact, grains like wheat and corn are great sources of protein, essential fatty acids, and fiber. If your dog has certain allergies, however, it might be best to avoid grains, but it truly depends on your dog. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
Yogurt
Plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for dogs. However, some dogs may have trouble digesting dairy products. If your dog can digest it, the active bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive system with probiotics . Plain yogurt is the best choice. Avoid any yogurts with added sugar, and skip all yogurt with artificial sweeteners.
NON-TOXIC FRUITS and VEGGIES FOR DOGS:
Apples
Bananas
Blueberries
Cantaloupe
Cranberries
Cucumber
Mangoes
Oranges
Peaches
Pears
Pineapple
Pumpkin
Raspberries
Strawberries
Watermelon
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Celery
Green Beans
Peas
Potatoes
Apples
Apples are a perfect snack for your dog, just be sure to remove the seeds and core first. Try them frozen for an icy, warm weather treat.
Bananas
In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog’s main diet.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a superfood rich in antioxidants, which prevent cell damage in humans and canines alike. They’re packed with fiber and phytochemicals as well. Teaching your dog to catch treats in the air? Try blueberries!
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is packed with nutrients, low in calories, and a great source of water and fiber. It is, however, high in sugar, so should be shared in moderation, especially for dogs who are overweight or have diabetes. Try freezing balls or cubes of cantaloupe for your dog for a refreshing summertime enrichment snack.
Cherries
The fleshy fruit around the seed is okay for dogs to eat, but the seed itself contain cyanide and are extremely toxic. (See Cherry Pit under Toxic)
Cranberries
Both cranberries and dried cranberries are safe to feed to dogs in small quantities. Moderation is important when feeding cranberries to dogs, as with any treat, as too many cranberries can lead to an upset stomach. It’s also worth noting that many dried cranberries sold for people to eat are sweetened, so
giving them to your dog is adding unneeded sugar to their diet. Instead, if your dog craves the tangy taste of cranberries, opt for unsweetened fresh or frozen fruits.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are especially good for overweight dogs, as they hold little to no carbohydrates or fat, and they are full of satiating hydration. Cool cucumbers are an excellent hot weather treat if your dog enjoys them, and you can even freeze slices for a fun enrichment snack.
Mangoes
Dogs can eat mangoes. Just remember, as with most fruits, remove the hard pit first, as it contains small amounts of cyanide and can become a choking hazard. Mango is high in sugar, so use it as an occasional treat, especially for dogs who struggle with weight.
Oranges
Oranges are fine for dogs to eat, according to veterinarians, but it’s common for dogs to be turned off by any kind of strong citrus smells or tastes. Vets do recommend tossing the orange peel and only offering your dog the flesh of the orange, minus any seeds. Orange peel is rough on their digestive systems.
Peaches
Small amounts of cut-up fresh or frozen peaches are a great source of fiber and vitamin A, but just like cherries, the pit contains cyanide. As long as you completely cut the flesh away from the peach pit, then fresh peach flesh can be a great summer treat.
Skip canned peaches, as they usually contain high amounts of sugary syrups. Even canned or jarred peaches “in natural juice” have more sugar than any dog needs. Frozen peach slices can be a fun, hot-weather enrichment snack for dogs. (See Peach Pit under Toxic)
Pears
Pears are a great snack for dogs. If you’re sharing pears with your dog, just be sure to cut the pear flesh into bite-size chunks and remove the pit and seeds first, as the seeds contain traces of cyanide.
Skip canned or jarred pears with sugary syrups, even the ones labeled “in their own juice”.
Pineapples
A few chunks of pineapple are a great sweet treat for dogs, as long as the prickly outside peel and crown are removed first. The tropical fruit is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also contains bromelain , an enzyme that makes it easier for dogs to absorb proteins. As with other fruits, don’t choose canned or packaged pineapple in sweetened syrups, as dogs don’t need added sugars in their diets, especially if they’re prone to obesity.
Pumpkin
Pure pumpkin is a healthy food for dogs. Pumpkin is full of antioxidants, but its superpower is that it works to relieve both diarrhea and constipation in dogs. If you’re buying canned pumpkin , always choose 100% pumpkin puree, or you can also roast pumpkin in the oven yourself and feed the peeled pumpkin flesh to your dog.
Raspberries
Raspberries are safe for dogs in moderation. They contain antioxidants that are great for dogs. They’re low in sugar and calories, but high in fiber, manganese, and vitamin C. Raspberries are especially good for senior dogs because they have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help aging joints. However, they do contain small, naturally occurring amounts of xylitol , so limit your dog to no more than eight ounces of fresh or frozen raspberries at any one time.
Strawberries
Strawberries are full of fiber and vitamin C. Along with that, they also contain an enzyme that can help whiten your dog’s teeth as he or she eats them.
Like all fruits, strawberries contain natural sugar, so offer them in moderation. Frozen strawberries can be a fun enrichment treat for dogs.
Watermelon
It’s important to remove the rind and seeds first, as they can cause intestinal blockage, but watermelon flesh is otherwise safe for dogs. Watermelon is 92 percent water, so it’s a great way to help keep your dog hydrated on hot summer days. Freeze chunks of seeded watermelon for a fun hot-weather enrichment treat for your dog.
Brussels Sprouts / Cabbage
Brussels sprouts are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that are great for humans and dogs, alike. Don’t overfeed them to your dog, however, because they can cause lots and lots of gas.
Cabbage is also safe for dogs—since Brussels sprouts are basically tiny cabbages—but sharing cabbage with your dog comes with the same flatulence flag.
Carrots
Carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack. Plus, crunching on this orange root vegetable is great for your dog’s teeth.
Celery
This crunchy green snack is safe for dogs and contains the nutrients needed to promote a healthy heart and possibly fight cancer. As if that wasn’t enough, celery is also known to freshen doggy breath.
Green Beans
Chopped, steamed, raw, or canned – all types of green beans are safe for dogs to eat, as long as they are plain. Green beans are full of important vitamins and minerals and they’re also full of fiber and low in calories. Opt for no-salt canned green beans for dogs for adding to food, or frozen green beans can be fun enrichment snacks.
Peas
Green peas, snow peas, sugar snap peas, and garden or English peas are all OK for dogs to find in their bowl on occasion. You can feed your dog fresh or frozen peas, but avoid canned peas with added sodium.
Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a healthier option than white potatoes because they are much more nutritious than white potatoes. White potatoes belong to the nightshade family of vegetables, which includes tomatoes . Like tomatoes, raw potatoes contain solanine, a compound that is toxic to some dogs. However, cooking a potato reduces the levels of solanine. If your dog has diabetes , it’s better to avoid feeding them potatoes entirely due how they can cause blood sugar to spike.
