🐕 Dog Food Safety Database
Browse all 276 foods in our database
DANGEROUSFoods to Avoid (38)
🚫 Chocolate
highChocolate is toxic to dogs due to methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine).
🚫 Grapes
highGrapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs.
🚫 Xylitol
highXylitol causes rapid insulin release leading to hypoglycemia and potential liver failure.
🚫 Onions
highOnions contain compounds that damage red blood cells, causing anemia.
🚫 Garlic
highGarlic is 5 times more toxic to dogs than other Allium plants like onions.
🚫 Macadamia Nuts
highMacadamia nuts are highly poisonous to dogs and can affect the nervous system.
🚫 Alcohol
highAlcohol is rapidly absorbed and can cause severe toxicity in dogs.
🚫 Caffeine
highCaffeine contains methylxanthines which are toxic to dogs.
🚫 Raw Yeast Dough
highRaw yeast dough expands in the stomach and produces alcohol.
🚫 Cherries
highCherry pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide and are toxic to dogs.
🚫 Mushrooms (Wild)
highWild mushrooms can be extremely toxic and potentially fatal to dogs.
🚫 Nutmeg
highNutmeg contains myristicin which is toxic to dogs.
🚫 Hops
highHops used in brewing are highly toxic to dogs and can cause malignant hyperthermia.
🚫 Rhubarb
highRhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid which is toxic to dogs.
🚫 Leeks
highLeeks are part of the Allium family and toxic to dogs like onions and garlic.
🚫 Chives
highChives are in the Allium family and toxic to dogs.
🚫 Star Fruit
highStar fruit is toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.
🚫 Yeast Dough
highRaw yeast dough expands in the stomach and produces alcohol.
🚫 Alcohol
highAlcohol is highly toxic to dogs and can be fatal.
🚫 Coffee
highCoffee and caffeine are toxic to dogs.
🚫 Tea
mediumCaffeinated tea is toxic to dogs due to caffeine content.
🚫 Moldy Food
highMoldy food contains mycotoxins that can cause tremors and seizures.
🚫 Cooked Bones
highCooked bones can splinter and cause serious internal injuries.
🚫 Pecans
mediumPecans contain juglone and can grow toxic mold.
🚫 Black Walnuts
highBlack walnuts are toxic to dogs and can cause seizures.
🚫 Raw Fish
highRaw fish can contain parasites and bacteria harmful to dogs.
🚫 Soy Sauce
highSoy sauce is extremely high in sodium and can cause salt poisoning.
🚫 Currants
highCurrants are toxic to dogs like grapes and raisins.
🚫 Blue Cheese
mediumBlue cheese contains roquefortine C which is toxic to dogs.
🚫 Energy Drinks
highEnergy drinks contain caffeine and other stimulants toxic to dogs.
🚫 Teriyaki Sauce
mediumTeriyaki sauce contains garlic and very high sodium.
🚫 Worcestershire Sauce
mediumWorcestershire sauce contains onion, garlic, and high sodium.
🚫 Pesto
mediumPesto contains garlic, which is toxic to dogs.
🚫 Hummus
mediumHummus contains garlic and lemon juice, both harmful to dogs.
🚫 Guacamole
mediumGuacamole contains onion, garlic, and avocado.
🚫 Salsa
mediumSalsa contains onion, garlic, and often jalapeños.
🚫 Stuffing
mediumStuffing typically contains onion, garlic, and sometimes raisins.
🚫 Trail Mix
highTrail mix often contains raisins, chocolate, and macadamia nuts.
CAUTIONFeed with Caution (105)
⚠️ Avocado
mediumAvocado contains persin which can cause issues, and the pit is a choking hazard.
⚠️ Salt (Excessive)
mediumExcessive salt can cause sodium poisoning and electrolyte imbalances.
⚠️ Almonds
mediumAlmonds can cause choking, obstruction, and salted varieties are harmful.
⚠️ Cinnamon
mediumCinnamon can irritate the mouth and digestive system and lower blood sugar.
⚠️ Cheese
lowCheese is generally safe in moderation, but some dogs are lactose intolerant.
⚠️ Milk
lowMilk is safe in small amounts, but many dogs are lactose intolerant.
⚠️ Bread
lowPlain bread is safe in small amounts but offers no nutritional benefit.
⚠️ Corn
lowCorn kernels are safe, but the cob is a serious choking and obstruction hazard.
⚠️ Popcorn
lowPlain, air-popped popcorn is safe. Avoid butter, salt, and unpopped kernels.
⚠️ Yogurt
lowPlain yogurt is safe and provides probiotics, but avoid sweetened varieties.
⚠️ Ice Cream
mediumIce cream is not recommended due to high sugar and potential lactose issues.
⚠️ Coconut
lowCoconut is safe in small amounts but can cause digestive upset.
⚠️ Ham
lowHam is safe in small amounts but high in sodium and fat.
⚠️ Cashews
lowCashews are safe in small amounts if unsalted, but high in fat.
⚠️ Peanuts
lowPlain, unsalted peanuts are safe in moderation.
⚠️ Tuna
lowTuna is safe in small amounts but contains mercury. Don't overfeed.
⚠️ Broccoli
lowBroccoli is safe in small amounts but can cause gas and stomach irritation.
⚠️ Spinach
lowSpinach is safe in small amounts but contains oxalic acid.
⚠️ Potatoes
lowCooked plain potatoes are safe. Never feed raw potatoes or green parts.
⚠️ Tomatoes
lowRipe tomato flesh is safe. Green parts and unripe tomatoes are toxic.
⚠️ Peaches
mediumPeach flesh is safe, but pits contain cyanide and are a choking hazard.
⚠️ Apricots
mediumApricot flesh is safe, but pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide.
⚠️ Plums
mediumPlum flesh is safe, but pits contain cyanide and cause obstruction.
⚠️ Fatty Foods
mediumHigh-fat foods can cause pancreatitis in dogs.
⚠️ Salt
mediumExcessive salt can cause sodium ion poisoning in dogs.
⚠️ Raw Eggs
lowRaw eggs pose a small risk of salmonella and biotin deficiency.
⚠️ Goat Cheese
lowGoat cheese is lower in lactose but still high in fat.
⚠️ Figs
lowFigs are safe in small amounts but can cause digestive upset.
⚠️ Pomegranate
lowPomegranate can cause digestive upset in dogs.
⚠️ Pistachios
mediumPistachios are not toxic but pose choking and pancreatitis risks.
⚠️ Hazelnuts
mediumHazelnuts are not toxic but can cause choking and digestive issues.
⚠️ Brazil Nuts
mediumBrazil nuts are not toxic but very high in fat and selenium.
⚠️ Cinnamon
lowSmall amounts of cinnamon are safe but can irritate.
⚠️ Oregano
lowSmall amounts of oregano leaves are mildly safe but oil is toxic.
⚠️ Mint
lowSmall amounts of fresh mint are safe but oils and some varieties are not.
⚠️ Parsley
lowSmall amounts of curly parsley are safe but spring parsley is toxic.
⚠️ Maple Syrup
lowPure maple syrup is not toxic but high in sugar.
⚠️ Ice Cream
lowIce cream is high in sugar and lactose, not recommended.
⚠️ Hot Dogs
lowHot dogs are not toxic but high in sodium and fat.
⚠️ Ham
mediumHam is very high in sodium and fat, not recommended.
⚠️ Sausage
mediumSausage is high in fat, salt, and often contains garlic/onion.
⚠️ Pepperoni
mediumPepperoni is high in fat, sodium, and spices.
⚠️ Pizza
mediumPizza often contains garlic, onion, and fatty toppings harmful to dogs.
⚠️ Crackers
lowPlain crackers are safe but often high in salt.
⚠️ Pretzels
lowPretzels are high in salt and not recommended.
⚠️ Chips
lowChips are high in salt and fat, not recommended.
⚠️ French Fries
lowFrench fries are high in fat and salt, not healthy for dogs.
⚠️ Pickles
lowPickles are very high in sodium and not recommended.
⚠️ Olives
lowPlain olives are safe but often high in sodium.
⚠️ Seaweed
mediumPlain unseasoned seaweed is safe, but wild seaweed is dangerous.
⚠️ Anchovies
lowFresh anchovies are safe but canned are very high in sodium.
⚠️ Tuna
lowTuna is safe occasionally but contains mercury.
⚠️ Raw Meat
mediumRaw meat carries bacterial contamination risks.
⚠️ Whipped Cream
lowWhipped cream is not toxic but high in fat and sugar.
⚠️ Butter
lowButter is not toxic but very high in fat.
⚠️ Mayonnaise
lowMayonnaise is not toxic but very high in fat.
⚠️ Ketchup
lowKetchup is high in sugar and salt, sometimes contains onion.
⚠️ Mustard
mediumMustard seeds are mildly toxic and can cause digestive upset.
⚠️ Persimmons
mediumPersimmon flesh is safe but seeds can cause intestinal blockage.
⚠️ Dates
lowDates are safe but very high in sugar.
⚠️ Passion Fruit
mediumPassion fruit flesh is safe but rinds and seeds contain cyanide.
⚠️ Lychee
mediumLychee flesh is safe but seeds and skin are toxic.
⚠️ Kale
lowKale is safe in moderation but contains compounds that can affect thyroid.
⚠️ Swiss Chard
lowSwiss chard contains oxalates and should be fed sparingly.
⚠️ Jicama
mediumJicama flesh is safe but skin, leaves, and seeds are toxic.
⚠️ Kidney Beans
mediumKidney beans must be fully cooked - raw beans are toxic.
⚠️ Trout
mediumCooked trout is safe but raw trout can cause salmon poisoning.
⚠️ Oysters
lowCooked oysters are safe but raw oysters can cause illness.
⚠️ White Chocolate
lowWhite chocolate has minimal theobromine but is still unhealthy.
⚠️ Vanilla
mediumVanilla extract contains alcohol and is not safe.
⚠️ Molasses
lowMolasses is not toxic but very high in sugar.
⚠️ Coconut Water
lowCoconut water is safe in small amounts but high in potassium.
⚠️ Cream Cheese
lowPlain cream cheese is safe in small amounts but high in fat.
⚠️ Sour Cream
lowPlain sour cream is safe in tiny amounts but high in fat.
⚠️ Ricotta Cheese
lowPlain ricotta is safe in small amounts but contains lactose.
⚠️ Parmesan Cheese
lowParmesan is low in lactose but high in sodium.
⚠️ Brie
lowBrie and soft cheeses are high in fat and may contain harmful bacteria.
⚠️ Bagels
lowPlain bagels are safe but high in carbs and calories.
⚠️ Donuts
mediumDonuts are high in fat and sugar, some contain chocolate or xylitol.
⚠️ Cake
mediumCake is high in sugar and may contain harmful ingredients.
⚠️ Cookies
mediumMany cookies contain chocolate, xylitol, or other toxic ingredients.
⚠️ Pie
mediumPie filling and crust often contain harmful ingredients.
⚠️ Waffles
lowPlain waffles/pancakes are safe but offer no nutritional value.
⚠️ Muffins
mediumMuffins are high in sugar and may contain toxic ingredients.
⚠️ Soda
mediumSoda contains caffeine, sugar, and artificial sweeteners.
⚠️ Fruit Juice
lowFruit juice is very high in sugar with no fiber benefits.
⚠️ Sports Drinks
lowSports drinks are high in sugar and sodium.
⚠️ Almond Milk
lowPlain unsweetened almond milk is safe in small amounts.
⚠️ Soy Milk
lowPlain unsweetened soy milk is safe unless dog has soy allergy.
⚠️ BBQ Sauce
mediumBBQ sauce often contains onion, garlic, and high sugar.
⚠️ Hot Sauce
mediumHot sauce can irritate a dog's mouth and digestive system.
⚠️ Vinegar
lowDiluted apple cider vinegar is safe; undiluted vinegar can irritate.
⚠️ Ranch Dressing
mediumRanch dressing often contains onion, garlic, and high fat.
⚠️ Gravy
mediumMost gravy contains onion, garlic, and high sodium.
⚠️ Granola
mediumGranola may contain raisins, chocolate, xylitol, or macadamia nuts.
⚠️ Beef Jerky
mediumCommercial jerky is high in sodium and may contain garlic/onion.
⚠️ Corn Chips
lowPlain corn chips are safe but high in salt and fat.
⚠️ Cheese Puffs
lowCheese puffs are high in salt, fat, and artificial ingredients.
⚠️ Pork Rinds
mediumPork rinds are very high in fat and salt.
⚠️ Almond Butter
lowPlain almond butter is safe but high in fat.
⚠️ Baby Food
lowPlain meat baby food without onion/garlic is safe for sick dogs.
⚠️ Rotisserie Chicken
mediumRotisserie chicken often contains garlic, onion, and excess sodium.
⚠️ Deli Meat
lowDeli meat is high in sodium and preservatives.
⚠️ Spam
mediumSpam is extremely high in sodium and fat.
⚠️ Bacon Bits
lowBacon bits are high in sodium and often artificial.
SAFEGenerally Safe Foods (133)
✅ Apples
Apples are safe and healthy for dogs when seeds and core are removed.
✅ Bananas
Bananas are safe for dogs in moderation as a healthy treat.
✅ Blueberries
Blueberries are a superfood safe for dogs, rich in antioxidants.
✅ Carrots
Carrots are safe and excellent low-calorie snacks for dogs.
✅ Chicken
Cooked, unseasoned chicken is safe and a great protein source for dogs.
✅ Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is safe if it doesn't contain xylitol. Check the label!
✅ Watermelon
Watermelon is safe when seeds and rind are removed. Great hydration treat!
✅ Pumpkin
Plain pumpkin is safe and excellent for digestive health.
✅ Rice
Plain cooked rice is safe and often recommended for upset stomachs.
✅ Eggs
Fully cooked eggs are safe and provide excellent nutrition.
✅ Salmon
Fully cooked salmon is safe and provides omega-3 fatty acids.
✅ Sweet Potatoes
Cooked sweet potatoes are safe and highly nutritious for dogs.
✅ Green Beans
Green beans are safe and make excellent low-calorie treats.
✅ Honey
Honey is safe in small amounts and contains beneficial nutrients.
✅ Strawberries
Strawberries are safe and contain fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
✅ Turkey
Plain, cooked turkey without skin or bones is safe for dogs.
✅ Pork
Cooked, plain pork is safe and highly digestible.
✅ Oranges
Orange flesh is safe in moderation. Remove peel and seeds.
✅ Mango
Mango flesh is safe and nutritious. Remove the pit and skin.
✅ Pineapple
Fresh pineapple is safe in moderation. Remove skin and core.
✅ Raspberries
Raspberries are safe in moderation and contain antioxidants.
✅ Shrimp
Fully cooked shrimp with shell removed is safe occasionally.
✅ Oatmeal
Plain, cooked oatmeal is safe and a good source of fiber.
✅ Celery
Celery is safe and low-calorie with vitamins A, B, and C.
✅ Cucumbers
Cucumbers are safe and make excellent low-calorie treats.
✅ Peas
Peas are safe and commonly found in dog food.
✅ Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is safe and healthy for dogs in moderation.
✅ Honeydew Melon
Honeydew melon is safe for dogs and a hydrating treat.
✅ Blackberries
Blackberries are safe and packed with antioxidants for dogs.
✅ Cranberries
Cranberries are safe for dogs in moderation.
✅ Cauliflower
Cauliflower is safe for dogs and provides fiber and vitamins.
✅ Cabbage
Cabbage is safe for dogs and offers vitamins and fiber.
✅ Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are safe and nutritious but may cause gas.
✅ Zucchini
Zucchini is safe and low-calorie, great for dogs.
✅ Squash
Squash varieties are safe and nutritious for dogs.
✅ Quinoa
Quinoa is safe and a good protein source for dogs.
✅ Pasta
Plain cooked pasta is safe for dogs in moderation.
✅ Shrimp
Cooked shrimp is safe for dogs and high in protein.
✅ Lobster
Cooked lobster meat is safe for dogs in moderation.
✅ Crab
Cooked crab meat is safe for dogs without shell or seasonings.
✅ Turkey
Plain cooked turkey is safe and commonly used in dog food.
✅ Duck
Cooked duck meat is safe and a good protein source.
✅ Lamb
Cooked lamb is safe and commonly used in dog food.
✅ Venison
Cooked venison is safe and a lean protein source.
✅ Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is safe for most dogs and high in protein.
✅ Yogurt
Plain yogurt is safe and provides probiotics for dogs.
✅ Coconut
Coconut flesh and oil are safe in moderation for dogs.
✅ Kiwi
Kiwi flesh is safe for dogs in small amounts.
✅ Papaya
Papaya flesh is safe and contains digestive enzymes.
✅ Mango
Mango flesh is safe but remove the pit and skin.
✅ Asparagus
Cooked asparagus is safe but offers little benefit.
✅ Beets
Beets are safe for dogs and provide fiber and vitamins.
✅ Turnips
Turnips are safe and low in calories for dogs.
✅ Parsnips
Parsnips are safe for dogs cooked or raw.
✅ Radishes
Radishes are safe for dogs and may help clean teeth.
✅ Artichokes
Plain cooked artichokes are safe for dogs in moderation.
✅ Sunflower Seeds
Shelled, unsalted sunflower seeds are safe for dogs.
✅ Pumpkin Seeds
Plain pumpkin seeds are safe and may help with parasites.
✅ Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are safe and nutritious for dogs.
✅ Flax Seeds
Ground flax seeds are safe and provide omega-3s.
✅ Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are safe in small amounts.
✅ Pine Nuts
Pine nuts are safe in small amounts.
✅ Ginger
Small amounts of ginger are safe and may help with nausea.
✅ Turmeric
Turmeric is safe and may have anti-inflammatory benefits.
✅ Basil
Fresh basil is safe for dogs in small amounts.
✅ Rosemary
Rosemary is safe and often used in dog food as a preservative.
✅ Honey
Honey is safe in small amounts for adult dogs.
✅ Oatmeal
Plain cooked oatmeal is safe and good for dogs.
✅ Popcorn
Plain air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs.
✅ Bread
Plain bread is safe but offers no nutritional value.
✅ Tofu
Plain tofu is safe for dogs in moderation.
✅ Edamame
Plain edamame is safe for dogs.
✅ Liver
Cooked liver is safe and nutritious in moderation.
✅ Organ Meats
Cooked organ meats are safe and highly nutritious.
✅ Sardines
Sardines in water are safe and rich in omega-3s.
✅ Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit flesh is safe for dogs in moderation.
✅ Guava
Guava is safe for dogs and rich in vitamins.
✅ Plantains
Cooked plantains are safe for dogs in moderation.
✅ Jackfruit
Jackfruit flesh is safe for dogs in small amounts.
✅ Bok Choy
Bok choy is safe for dogs cooked or raw in moderation.
✅ Collard Greens
Collard greens are safe and nutritious for dogs.
✅ Arugula
Arugula is safe for dogs in small amounts.
✅ Watercress
Watercress is safe and packed with nutrients.
✅ Fennel
Fennel is safe and may help with digestion and bad breath.
✅ Rutabaga
Rutabaga is safe and low in calories for dogs.
✅ Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is safe for dogs and rich in fiber.
✅ Lentils
Cooked lentils are safe and provide protein and fiber.
✅ Chickpeas
Cooked plain chickpeas are safe for dogs.
✅ Black Beans
Cooked plain black beans are safe for dogs.
✅ Lima Beans
Cooked lima beans are safe for dogs.
✅ Navy Beans
Cooked navy beans are safe for dogs.
✅ Pinto Beans
Cooked pinto beans are safe for dogs.
✅ Soybeans
Cooked soybeans are safe unless your dog has a soy allergy.
✅ Millet
Cooked millet is safe and gluten-free for dogs.
✅ Barley
Cooked barley is safe and provides fiber.
✅ Buckwheat
Cooked buckwheat is safe and gluten-free.
✅ Amaranth
Cooked amaranth is safe and highly nutritious.
✅ Rabbit
Cooked rabbit is safe and a novel protein for allergies.
✅ Bison
Cooked bison is safe and leaner than beef.
✅ Elk
Cooked elk is safe and a lean novel protein.
✅ Goat
Cooked goat meat is safe and easily digestible.
✅ Kangaroo
Cooked kangaroo is safe and a hypoallergenic protein.
✅ Ostrich
Cooked ostrich is safe and very lean.
✅ Pheasant
Cooked pheasant is safe for dogs.
✅ Quail
Cooked quail is safe for dogs.
✅ Cod
Cooked cod is safe and a lean protein source.
✅ Tilapia
Cooked tilapia is safe for dogs.
✅ Halibut
Cooked halibut is safe for dogs in moderation.
✅ Mackerel
Cooked mackerel is safe and rich in omega-3s.
✅ Herring
Cooked herring is safe and nutritious.
✅ Catfish
Cooked catfish is safe for dogs.
✅ Mussels
Cooked mussels are safe and support joint health.
✅ Scallops
Cooked plain scallops are safe for dogs.
✅ Clams
Cooked clams are safe and nutritious for dogs.
✅ Squid
Cooked plain squid is safe for dogs.
✅ Octopus
Cooked plain octopus is safe for dogs.
✅ Carob
Carob is a safe chocolate alternative for dogs.
✅ Stevia
Stevia is not toxic to dogs unlike xylitol.
✅ Erythritol
Erythritol is not toxic to dogs unlike xylitol.
✅ Bone Broth
Plain unseasoned bone broth is safe and nutritious.
✅ Goat's Milk
Goat's milk is easier to digest than cow's milk.
✅ Kefir
Plain kefir is safe and provides probiotics.
✅ Mozzarella
Mozzarella is lower in fat and sodium than many cheeses.
✅ Cheddar Cheese
Aged cheddar is low in lactose and safe in moderation.
✅ Oat Milk
Plain unsweetened oat milk is safe for dogs.
✅ Rice Cakes
Plain rice cakes are safe but offer little nutrition.
✅ Sunflower Seed Butter
Plain sunflower butter is a safe nut-free alternative.
✅ Tahini
Plain tahini is safe for dogs in small amounts.
✅ Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is safe and provides B vitamins.
✅ Brewer's Yeast
Brewer's yeast is safe and may help repel fleas.
✅ Spirulina
Spirulina supplements are safe and nutrient-dense.
✅ Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is safe and may benefit skin and coat.
✅ Fish Oil
Fish oil supplements are safe and beneficial for dogs.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Every dog is different, and individual reactions may vary.
When in doubt, always contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.