Ingredients by Category
The same database as our A–Z guide, grouped by food type. Useful when you're planning a recipe rather than checking one specific food.
Fruit
- ApplesSeeds contain cyanogenic compounds; the core can be a choking or obstruction hazardSAFE
- Apricotspits, kernels, stems, leavesLIMIT
- AvocadoThe pit as a choking and blockage hazard, plus fat and guacamole ingredientsAVOID
- BananaHigh natural sugar; peel is hard to digestSAFE
- BlackberriesFibre and digestive upset if overfedSAFE
- BlueberriesToo many at once can cause digestive upsetSAFE
- CantaloupeRind and natural sugarSAFE
- CherriesPits, stems and leaves — choking and cyanogenic compoundsAVOID
- CoconutFat content causing stomach upset, and the shell as a choking and obstruction hazardLIMIT
- CranberriesTartness, stomach upset in quantity, and added sugar in cranberry productsSAFE
- DatesPits; high sugar in dried datesLIMIT
- FigsPlant parts and sap; sugar in dried figsLIMIT
- GrapefruitAcidity; oils and psoralens in the peel and plantAVOID
- GrapesAssociated with acute kidney injury and kidney failure in dogsTOXIC
- HoneydewNatural sugar and the indigestible rindSAFE
- KiwiChoking on whole fruit, and stomach upset from the sugar and fibreSAFE
- LemonsAcidity, citrus oils in peel and pith, and sweetened lemon productsAVOID
- LimesAcidity; oils and psoralens in the peel and plantAVOID
- MangoPit is a choking and obstruction hazard; high natural sugarSAFE
- OlivesSalt in brined olives, and pitsLIMIT
- OrangesAcidity, sugar, and the peel causing digestive troubleLIMIT
- PapayaSeeds and skin, plus stomach upset from the sugar and fibreSAFE
- PeachesThe stone (choking, blockage, cyanide) and high sugarLIMIT
- PearsSeeds and core, plus natural sugarSAFE
- PineappleTough parts and natural sugarSAFE
- PlumsThe pit (choking, blockage, cyanide-forming compounds)LIMIT
- PomegranateStomach upset; peel and rind can cause a blockageAVOID
- RaisinsAssociated with acute kidney injury in dogsTOXIC
- RaspberriesFibre and trace natural xylitol if large amounts are eatenSAFE
- Star fruitsoluble oxalate, kidney healthAVOID
- StrawberriesNatural sugar and digestive upset if overfedSAFE
- WatermelonRind and seeds can cause blockages or upsetSAFE
Vegetables
- AsparagusChoking or blockage from tough, unchewed piecesLIMIT
- BeetsOxalates, natural sugar and stomach upsetLIMIT
- Bell PeppersStomach upset if a dog eats a lot, and confusion with spicy peppersSAFE
- BroccoliFlorets can irritate the gut in larger amounts; tough stalksLIMIT
- Brussels SproutsGas and stomach upset; whole sprouts can be a choking hazardSAFE
- CabbageGas and digestive upset in larger amountsSAFE
- CarrotsChoking risk if pieces are too large or too hardSAFE
- CauliflowerGas and digestive upset in larger amountsSAFE
- CeleryStringy texture and choking on long stalksSAFE
- Chickpeashard dried chickpeas; sodium in canned; hummus ingredientsSAFE
- Chili pepperscapsaicin irritationAVOID
- CornCorn cobs causing intestinal blockageLIMIT
- CucumberChoking risk from large pieces; upset stomach if overfedSAFE
- EggplantStomach upset; seasoned dishes with garlic or onionLIMIT
- Green BeansAdded salt, butter and seasonings in prepared beansSAFE
- KaleCalcium oxalate (stone-prone dogs) and stomach upsetLIMIT
- LeeksDamage to red blood cells (haemolytic anaemia)TOXIC
- Lettucedressings, toppings, too much at onceSAFE
- MushroomsWild mushrooms of unknown species, which can cause severe poisoningAVOID
- OnionsAllium compounds can damage red blood cellsTOXIC
- PeasAdded salt in tinned peas; pods can be awkward for small dogsSAFE
- PotatoesRaw, green or sprouted potato, and the fat and salt in most potato dishesLIMIT
- PumpkinSpiced or sweetened products; too much fibre at onceSAFE
- RadishesChoking on whole radishes; gas or stomach upsetSAFE
- RhubarbLeaves are toxic; keep them well away from dogsLIMIT
- SpinachHigh oxalate content, especially for kidney or stone-prone dogsLIMIT
- Sweet PotatoStarch and calories; raw pieces are a choking riskSAFE
- TomatoesGreen parts and unripe fruit; onion and garlic in prepared productsLIMIT
- ZucchiniChoking on large chunks; seasoned or oily preparationsSAFE
Meat
- BaconSalt and fat, plus seasonings such as garlic or onion powderAVOID
- BeefSeasoning, fat trimmings and cooked bonesSAFE
- ChickenCooked bones, seasonings such as onion and garlic, fatty skinSAFE
- HamSalt and fat; glazes, pan juices and cooked bonesAVOID
- LambBones, fat, and seasoned or gravy-covered leftoversSAFE
- PorkFat, salt and seasoning in most pork products; raw pork and bonesLIMIT
- SausageSalt and fat, and onion or garlic seasoningAVOID
- TurkeyBones, skin, gravy and holiday seasoningSAFE
Fish
- Codbones, raw fish, oily or seasoned cookingSAFE
- SalmonRaw salmon, bones and salty or smoked preparationsSAFE
- SardinesSalt, oil and sauces in most tinned versionsSAFE
- ShrimpShells and tails, raw or undercooked shrimp, and garlic-butter seasoningsSAFE
- TunaMercury accumulation with frequent feeding, and salt or oil in canned productsLIMIT
Dairy
- CheeseFat, salt and lactose intoleranceLIMIT
- Cottage CheeseProduct-dependent lactose, salt, fat and sweetenersLIMIT
- Cream cheeseFat content, dairy tolerance and added ingredients in spreads or dessertsLIMIT
- Ice CreamLactose, fat and sugar; xylitol or chocolate in some productsAVOID
- MilkPoor lactose digestion causing wind, bloating and loose stoolsLIMIT
- YogurtAdded sugar and sweeteners in flavoured pots; lactose sensitivityLIMIT
Grains
- BreadEmpty calories; raw yeast dough is a serious hazardLIMIT
- OatmealAdded sugar, sweeteners and flavouringsSAFE
- PastaSauces, fillings and seasonings; dry pasta can choke or blockLIMIT
- PopcornUnpopped kernels (choking); butter, salt and flavouringsLIMIT
- QuinoaDigestive upset, and seasoned or broth-cooked versionsSAFE
- RiceSeasoned or fried rice; calories in large portionsSAFE
- Yeast doughDough expanding in the stomach, plus alcohol from fermentationTOXIC
Nuts & Seeds
- AlmondsChoking and blockage from whole nuts, plus high fat and added saltAVOID
- CashewsHigh fat and calories, choking, and salted or mixed-nut productsLIMIT
- Macadamia NutsA recognised dog-specific toxicosis causing weakness and unsteadinessTOXIC
- Peanut ButterXylitol (birch sugar) is dangerous; very high in fatLIMIT
- Peanutshigh fat; shells; salt and coatingsLIMIT
- PecansFat, shells and mouldAVOID
- PistachiosShells, salt, fat and mould toxinsAVOID
- WalnutsFat and pancreatitis risk, choking and obstruction, shells, mould, and black walnutsAVOID
Herbs
- ChivesDamage to red blood cells (haemolytic anaemia)TOXIC
- CinnamonPowder inhalation, oils, sticks and bakery extrasLIMIT
- GarlicAllium compounds can damage red blood cellsTOXIC
- GingerStomach upset with larger amounts; extra caution for some dogs and medicinesLIMIT
- Hopsmalignant hyperthermiaTOXIC
- NutmegMyristicin; large amounts of plain nutmegAVOID
- ParsleySunlight sensitivity from large amounts; wild look-alike plantsLIMIT
Other
- AlcoholRapid central-nervous-system effects; no specific antidoteTOXIC
- ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine poisoningTOXIC
- CoffeeCaffeine toxicity affecting the heart and nervous systemTOXIC
- EggsRaw egg bacteria; added fat and salt; overfeedingSAFE
- HoneyVery high sugar and calorie densityLIMIT
- SaltSalt toxicosis after excessive sodium chloride, especially with limited waterAVOID
- Teacaffeine (a methylxanthine)TOXIC
- Tofuseasonings, soy allergyLIMIT
- XylitolSudden severe hypoglycaemia; liver injury also reportedTOXIC
This guide is for general educational purposes and isn't a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. If your dog has eaten something potentially toxic or is showing concerning symptoms, contact a veterinarian promptly.