The vet-sourced dog-food reference

Can your dog eat that?

Every food, one plain verdict — safe, in moderation, or toxic — cited to vet-grade sources and dated. Browse the index; don't guess.

SafeIn moderationToxicAvoid

19 foods cataloged

5 categories, growing

100% cited & dated

Aug 2026 last reviewed

Fruits

Mostly good news: many fruits are safe, low-calorie treats — the exceptions are the ones that matter.

ApplesSafeLow-fat, high-fiber. Core and seeds out; slice small.AvocadoAvoidPersin, a high-fat flesh, and a swallow-able pit — avoid.BananasSafePotassium-rich but sugary. Peel off; slice small; occasional treat.BlueberriesSafeAntioxidant-rich, low-sugar superfruit. Wash; halve for small dogs; keep it a treat.Grapes & raisinsToxicCause acute kidney injury. No known safe amount.StrawberriesSafeAntioxidant- and fiber-rich treat with natural sugar. Wash; remove stems; slice small; keep it a treat.WatermelonSafeHydrating, low-calorie treat. Use seedless; remove seeds and rind; keep it a treat.

Vegetables

All vegetables →

Plain, prepared right, most vegetables are among the safest treats there are — except the allium family.

CarrotsSafeCrunchy, low-calorie, vet-approved. Cut into sticks or rounds so they can't choke.GarlicToxicSame allium toxin as onion, more concentrated by weight.Green beansSafePlain only; no salt, butter, or seasoning.OnionsToxicDamage red blood cells; toxic cooked, raw, or powdered.PumpkinSafePlain purée, not sugary or spiced pie filling.Sweet potatoSafeCooked and plain; never raw.

Nuts & seeds

All nuts & seeds →

High fat across the board, one outright toxin — nuts are where labels and portions matter most.

Macadamia nutsToxicWeakness, tremors, hyperthermia; even a few nuts.Peanut butterIn moderationCheck the label for xylitol ("birch sugar"); high fat.

Dairy

Most adult dogs are lactose-intolerant, so dairy is a small-bites category — and never anything sugar-free.

CheeseIn moderationFatty and salty; low-lactose types in small bites.

Meat & fish

All meat & fish →

Cooked, plain and boneless is the rule — the danger is almost always in the preparation, not the meat.

Salmon (cooked)SafeFully cooked only; raw salmon can carry a fatal parasite.

Human & prepared foods

All human & prepared foods →

Prepared foods hide the real hazards — xylitol, theobromine, salt — behind familiar snacks.

ChocolateToxicTheobromine poisons the heart and nervous system; darker means more dangerous.XylitolToxicRapid blood-sugar crash and liver failure; hides in gum and "sugar-free" foods.

Foods A–Z