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What Can Dogs Eat? A–Z Food Guide

Search our A–Z food guide to find out which foods are safe for dogs and which ones to avoid.

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Showing 48 of 48 foods

Whole unsalted almonds in their brown skins scattered on a pale stone kitchen surfaceAVOID

Nuts & Seeds

Almonds

Almonds are not toxic to dogs in the way macadamia nuts or grapes are. The reasons to skip them are practical: whole nuts can choke or block, the fat can upset digestion, and most almond products are salted, coated or flavoured.

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Red and green apples with the flesh cut into small bite-sized pieces, seeds and core removedSAFE

Fruit

Apples

Apples can be an occasional treat for many dogs when served plain and properly prepared. They contain fiber and several nutrients, but they also contain natural sugar and should not replace a complete and balanced diet. Wash the apple, remove the stem, seeds and core, and cut the flesh into appropriately sized pieces before serving.

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Two halves of a ripe avocado with the flesh exposed beside the separated brown pit and discarded skin on a pale stone surfaceAVOID

Fruit

Avocado

Dogs are much less sensitive to avocado than birds and some livestock. The practical dog risks are the pit, which can choke or block, the high fat content, and guacamole, which usually contains onion and garlic.

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Ripe yellow bananas arranged on a light kitchen surfaceSAFE

Fruit

Banana

Peeled banana flesh is not toxic to dogs and is a common ingredient in homemade treats. It is relatively high in natural sugar, so keep servings small.

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Plain cooked lean beef, sliced, on a cream ceramic plateSAFE

Meat

Beef

Plain cooked beef is a familiar protein that most dogs handle well as a treat or food topper. It should be cooked through, unseasoned, trimmed of excess fat and served without cooked bones. Beef alone is not a complete diet.

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Fresh ripe blackberries in a small white bowl on a cream linen surfaceSAFE

Fruit

Blackberries

Blackberries are commonly listed among the fruits dogs can eat. They are low in sugar for a fruit, high in fibre and antioxidants, and soft enough to need very little preparation. Keep portions small and stick to plain berries rather than sweetened products.

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Fresh blueberries in a small ceramic bowlSAFE

Fruit

Blueberries

Plain fresh or frozen blueberries are widely considered a dog-friendly treat. Serve them in small amounts alongside a complete diet.

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A baked loaf of plain white bread with two cut slices on a wooden boardLIMIT

Grains

Bread

Plain baked bread in small amounts is generally not toxic to most dogs, though it is mainly empty calories. The real danger is raw yeast dough, which can expand in the stomach and produce ethanol — a veterinary emergency.

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Plain fresh broccoli head with small florets cut into bite-sized pieces on a cream plateLIMIT

Vegetables

Broccoli

Broccoli is not a toxic food for dogs, and small amounts of plain broccoli are generally fine. We classify it as LIMIT because portion size and preparation genuinely matter here — florets can irritate the gut in larger quantities, and tough stalks need cutting down.

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Bite-sized cubes of prepared cantaloupe flesh in a bowl with the rind removedSAFE

Fruit

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe flesh is a hydrating, low-calorie fruit that most dogs enjoy. Remove the rind, which is a choking and obstruction risk, scoop out the seeds, and keep portions modest because melon is naturally sugary.

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Fresh whole carrots and carrot sticksSAFE

Vegetables

Carrots

Plain raw or cooked carrots are a common low-calorie dog treat. Cut them to a size your dog can chew safely.

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Fresh celery stalks with chopped celery pieces on a white plateSAFE

Vegetables

Celery

Celery is a low-calorie, high-water vegetable that suits dogs on a diet and makes a satisfying crunchy treat. The main practical issue is texture: the stringy fibres and long stalks should be chopped into short pieces before serving.

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A wedge of cheddar cheese with small cubesLIMIT

Dairy

Cheese

Small amounts of plain, low-salt cheese are tolerated by many dogs, but cheese is high in fat and salt and many dogs are lactose intolerant.

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A bowl of fresh red cherries with stems on a wooden kitchen tableAVOID

Fruit

Cherries

Cherry flesh is not generally considered toxic to dogs in small amounts, but the pits, stems and leaves contain cyanogenic compounds and the pits are a real choking and obstruction hazard. Because the risk is easy to avoid entirely, we recommend choosing a safer fruit.

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Bite-sized pieces of plain cooked boneless, skinless chicken meat on a white plateSAFE

Meat

Chicken

Plain, thoroughly cooked, boneless and unseasoned chicken is a common dog food ingredient. Bones, skin and seasonings are the risks.

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Broken pieces of a dark chocolate barTOXIC

Other

Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs metabolise slowly. Darker chocolate and cocoa are the most concerning. Contact a vet after any ingestion.

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A white bowl of plain cooked yellow sweetcorn kernels cut off the cob on a light kitchen surfaceLIMIT

Vegetables

Corn

Plain cooked corn kernels are not toxic and many dogs eat them in commercial food. The cob is the real issue: it does not break down, and swallowed pieces are a classic cause of intestinal obstruction that often needs surgery.

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A whole fresh cucumber and unevenly cut cucumber slices on a cream ceramic plateSAFE

Vegetables

Cucumber

Plain cucumber is a high-water, relatively low-calorie vegetable that most dogs can eat in moderation. The main practical points are cutting it small enough to chew safely and keeping it plain — pickles are not the same thing.

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A halved boiled egg on a cream ceramic plateSAFE

Other

Eggs

Plain cooked eggs with no butter, oil, salt or seasoning are a common dog treat. Raw eggs carry bacterial risk.

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A whole garlic bulb with a few loose cloves on a wooden kitchen boardTOXIC

Herbs

Garlic

Garlic is an Allium, like onion, and Allium exposure can damage a dog's red blood cells. Raw, cooked, dried and concentrated forms — including powders, supplements and garlic bread — should not be treated as dog-safe foods. Contact a vet promptly after any ingestion.

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A bunch of green and red grapesTOXIC

Fruit

Grapes

Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants have been associated with kidney failure in dogs. No safe amount has been established — contact a vet if your dog eats any.

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Fresh green beans and a bowl of plainly cooked green bean piecesSAFE

Vegetables

Green Beans

Green beans are widely recommended as a low-calorie, filling treat for dogs, including as part of vet-guided weight management. The key is that they are plain: no salt, butter, garlic or onion, and canned varieties should be avoided unless they are salt-free.

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A grey ceramic bowl of plain shelled macadamia nuts on a pale wooden tableTOXIC

Nuts & Seeds

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are one of the few foods with a well-described, dog-specific toxic syndrome. Affected dogs typically show weakness, wobbliness, vomiting and sometimes a raised temperature. Most recover with veterinary care, but no amount is an appropriate treat.

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Ripe mango cut into small bite-sized pieces on a cream plate, with the large mango pit removed and set aside separatelySAFE

Fruit

Mango

Ripe mango flesh is generally considered fine for dogs as an occasional treat. It is fairly sugary, and the hard pit is the real hazard, so preparation is what makes mango a sensible snack.

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A clear glass of plain cow's milk beside a small glass jug of milk on a white kitchen counterLIMIT

Dairy

Milk

Milk is not a poison for dogs. The issue is digestion: many adult dogs produce little lactase, so milk can cause bloating, wind and loose stools. Tolerance varies a lot between individual dogs, and milk adds calories most dogs do not need.

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A bowl of plain cooked oatmeal porridge with no toppings on a wooden tableSAFE

Grains

Oatmeal

Plain cooked oatmeal, served without sugar, sweeteners, milk or flavourings, can be offered to most dogs in moderation. Flavoured and instant varieties may contain xylitol, raisins, chocolate or added sugar, which are not suitable.

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Whole yellow onions and one halved onion on a wooden kitchen boardTOXIC

Vegetables

Onions

Onions belong to the Allium family, and Allium exposure can damage a dog's red blood cells and lead to anemia. Raw, cooked, dried and powdered onion are all a concern, as are sauces, broths and seasoned dishes that contain them. Contact a vet promptly after any ingestion.

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Peeled orange segments arranged on a white plate, with no peel or pith includedLIMIT

Fruit

Oranges

Orange flesh is not poisonous to dogs, and a segment or two is tolerated by some dogs. But oranges are acidic and sugary, the peel is difficult to digest and can cause a blockage, and plenty of dogs simply dislike citrus. This one is a small, optional treat rather than a recommended food.

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Fresh peach slices on a white plate with the stone removed and not shownLIMIT

Fruit

Peaches

Fresh peach flesh can be given to dogs in small quantities, but peaches carry more caveats than most fruits. The stone is a genuine choking and obstruction hazard and contains cyanide compounds, and the sugar content means peaches are a small treat rather than a regular food.

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A jar of natural peanut butter with a spoonLIMIT

Nuts & Seeds

Peanut Butter

Plain peanut butter with no xylitol (birch sugar) is a popular dog treat, but it is very high in fat and calories. Always check the label first.

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A whole speckled pear beside cut pear pieces with the core removed on a cream ceramic plateSAFE

Fruit

Pears

Plain fresh pear is generally considered dog-friendly. The flesh is fibrous and juicy, but the core and seeds should always be removed — pear seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide compounds — and canned or syrup-packed pear is not suitable.

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A white bowl of plain cooked green garden peas on a pale wooden tableSAFE

Vegetables

Peas

Green, snap and snow peas are all fine for dogs when served plain. They are low in calories and provide fibre. The things to watch are tinned peas with added salt, pods for small dogs, and portion size.

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Fresh pineapple with the skin and core removed, cut into small yellow pieces on a cream plateSAFE

Fruit

Pineapple

Fresh pineapple flesh is generally fine for dogs in small amounts. The tough skin, spiky crown and fibrous core are the parts to remove, and the natural sugar means it suits an occasional treat rather than a daily one.

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Slices of plain thoroughly cooked unseasoned pork loin on a white ceramic plateLIMIT

Meat

Pork

Plain cooked pork with the fat trimmed off is an acceptable occasional protein. The reason for the LIMIT rating is everything else: raw pork, fat, bones, seasoning, and cured products such as bacon, ham and sausage.

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Plain pumpkin puree in a bowl beside a small pumpkinSAFE

Vegetables

Pumpkin

Plain cooked or plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) is a common dog-friendly ingredient. Spiced or sweetened pumpkin products are not suitable.

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A small dish of dark dried raisins on a wooden kitchen tableTOXIC

Fruit

Raisins

Raisins are dried grapes, and grapes and raisins have been linked to acute kidney injury in dogs. Sensitivity varies unpredictably between individuals and no safe amount has been established, so contact a vet or an animal poison service promptly after any ingestion.

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Fresh red raspberries in a small white bowl on a cream linen surfaceSAFE

Fruit

Raspberries

Raspberries are widely listed as a dog-friendly fruit. They are low in sugar compared with many fruits and high in fibre, but they contain a very small amount of naturally occurring xylitol, so they are best offered occasionally and in small portions rather than by the handful.

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A bowl of plain cooked white riceSAFE

Grains

Rice

Plain, well-cooked rice with nothing added is a common ingredient in dog food and vet-suggested bland meals.

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A plain fully cooked skinless boneless salmon fillet flaking apart on a white ceramic plateSAFE

Fish

Salmon

Cooked, plain, boneless salmon is a well-tolerated protein for most dogs. The qualification matters: raw salmon, bones, smoked or salted salmon and seasoned preparations are the parts that cause problems.

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Fresh washed baby spinach leaves in a white bowl on a cream linen surfaceLIMIT

Vegetables

Spinach

Spinach is not poisonous to dogs and small amounts are generally tolerated, but its high oxalate content is a reason for caution — particularly for dogs with kidney problems or a history of urinary stones. Serve it plain, chopped and lightly cooked, in small portions.

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Fresh red strawberries, some whole and some halved, on a cream ceramic plateSAFE

Fruit

Strawberries

Fresh strawberries are widely considered a dog-friendly fruit when they are washed, trimmed and cut to a size that suits your dog. They do contain natural sugar, so they work best as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.

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A bowl of soft, plainly cooked sweet potato cubes with no butter, salt or seasoningSAFE

Vegetables

Sweet Potato

Cooked, plain sweet potato is a dog-friendly vegetable that provides fibre and beta-carotene. It should always be cooked and peeled — raw sweet potato is hard to digest and a choking risk — and portions kept modest, since it is starchy and higher in calories than most vegetables.

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Ripe red tomatoes with one sliced open on a wooden kitchen boardLIMIT

Vegetables

Tomatoes

Ripe red tomato flesh is generally considered safe for dogs in small amounts. Unripe green tomatoes and the green parts of the plant contain tomatine and should not be fed, and prepared tomato products often contain onion, garlic, salt or sugar.

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Plain cooked boneless turkey breast, sliced and unseasoned, on a light ceramic plateSAFE

Meat

Turkey

Plain cooked turkey meat, ideally skinless and boneless, is a lean protein most dogs handle well. Seasoned holiday turkey, gravy, skin, bones, deli turkey and turkey bacon are a different matter and are not recommended.

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Cubes of seedless watermelon in a bowlSAFE

Fruit

Watermelon

The flesh is a hydrating warm-weather treat. Remove the rind and seeds, which are the main practical risks.

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Two small white bowls of fine white sugar-alcohol sweetener granules beside an unlabelled sachet on a pale kitchen counterTOXIC

Other

Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used to sweeten sugar-free products. In dogs it can trigger a sudden, severe drop in blood sugar, and liver injury has also been reported. It is a poisoning risk, not a portion-size question.

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A white bowl of plain unsweetened natural yogurt with no toppings on a light kitchen surfaceLIMIT

Dairy

Yogurt

Plain, unsweetened yogurt is not toxic and many dogs tolerate a spoonful. The problems come from lactose sensitivity, added sugar in flavoured pots, and sugar-free products that may be sweetened with xylitol.

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A whole green zucchini beside a plate of zucchini slices and cubesSAFE

Vegetables

Zucchini

Zucchini is low in calories, high in water and widely considered dog-friendly. It can be served raw or plainly cooked, and the skin and seeds of a standard zucchini are fine. Avoid oil, salt, garlic and onion, and skip any zucchini that tastes unusually bitter.

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