We dog owners like to feed our dogs some human food from time to time. The reality is that a lot of human foods aren't entirely safe or healthy for dogs to eat so it's important to be able to distinguish the bad from the good. We did the hard work for you and present you a list of 100+ human foods dogs should and shouldn't eat.
| Human food | Is it toxic? | Is it safe? | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banana | No | Yes | The natural sugar found in bananas may cause stomach upsets so make sure dogs are only given bananas in moderation |
| Cottage cheese | No | Yes | Dairy products like cottage cheese should only be given in tiny amounts as dogs are lactose intolerant |
| Corn beef | No | No | Corn beef is bad for dogs because it contains an excessive amount of salt and fat |
| Scallop | No | Yes | A small amount of scallop meat is safe for dogs to eat as long as the meat is properly cooked |
| Lobster | No | Yes | A small amount of plainly-cooked lobster meat should be fine for most dogs |
| Sugar | No | No | Dogs can suffer from digestion problems following excessive sugar intake |
| Parsley | No | Yes | Most dogs should be fine with eating a small amount of parsley (the curly variety) |
| Basil | No | Yes | A small amount of basil could be beneficial for dogs due to its anti-inflammatory property |
| Greek yogurt | No | Yes | Dogs can enjoy plain Greek yoghurt in small amounts but double-check the ingredients list for potential safety hazards |
| Cream cheese | No | Yes | Plain cream cheese should only be fed to dogs in small amounts due to the lactose and fat content |
| Pork bone | No | No | Dogs shouldn't eat pork bones as they introduce the risk of internal bleeding and choking |
| Lamb bone | No | Yes | Thick lamb bones (uncooked) may be okay for dogs to chew on while under supervision |
| Cilantro | No | Yes | A small amount of cilantro may help dogs with upset stomachs or digestion problems |
| Olive oil | No | Yes | You can add olive oil to your dog's diet as long as it's in small amounts |
| Cracker | No | No | Dogs shouldn't be given a large amount of crackers as some products may contain a large amount of salt |
| Persimmon | No | Yes | Persimmon is safe for dogs to eat in small amounts as long as the seeds are discarded |
| Apricot | No | Yes | The flesh of ripe apricots is safe for dogs to eat in small amounts |
| Butternut squash | No | Yes | Raw butternut squash can be hard for dogs to digest and may eventually lead to gastrointestinal upsets |
| Grapefruit | No | No | Dogs may suffer from mild gastrointestinal problems due to the acidic content of grapefruit |
| Chicken | No | Yes | Dogs are fine with eating plainly-cooked chicken meat (without the bone) |
| Sausage | No | No | Dogs shouldn't eat processed meat like sausage as they contain high number of sodium and preservatives |
| Applesauce | No | Yes | Dogs should only be fed a limited amount of plain applesauce as they may contain a high amount of sugar and artificial preservatives |
| Butter | No | No | Dogs shouldn't be fed butter as it only consists of fat |
| Rib bone | No | No | Dogs shouldn't be given rib bones as they introduce the risk of internal bleeding and choking |
| Apple | No | Yes | The flesh of the apple can make a healthy snack for dogs |
| Honeydew melon | No | Yes | Honeydew melons can make healthy treats for dogs as long as it's given in moderation |
| Tofu | No | Yes | Tofu may cause gas and bloating in dogs so only give in small amounts |
| Turkey bone | No | No | Dogs shouldn't be fed turkey bones as they introduce the risk of internal bleeding and choking |
| Beef | No | Yes | Only allow dogs to eat plainly-cooked beef |
| Fig | No | Yes | Figs should be fed to dogs in limited amounts due to the high amount of natural sugar |
| Prawn | No | Yes | A small amount of plainly-cooked prawn meat should be safe for most dogs unless they have allergies |
| Brussels sprout | No | Yes | Raw brussel sprouts aren't recommended for dogs as they aren't easy for dogs to digest |
| Corn flake | No | Yes | Most dogs are fine with eating a small amount of corn flake but it isn't something you should give regularly as they can be empty calories |
| Lima bean | No | Yes | A large amount of lima beans may cause bloat in dogs |
| Potato chip | No | No | Processed snacks like potato chips aren't healthy for dogs due to the amount of salt and artificial preservatives |
| Saltine cracker | No | No | Saltine crackers aren't healthy for dogs due to the high sodium content |
| String bean | No | Yes | String beans could become a choking hazard for dogs if they aren't prepared appropriately |
| Date | No | Yes | Only give dates in small amounts as they contain a lot of natural sugar |
| Mandarin orange | No | Yes | The natural sugar and the acidic property of Mandarin oranges may cause stomach upsets so limit the amount you feed to dogs |
| Abalone | No | Yes | You could let your dog try a small amount of plainly-cooked abalone but it isn't recommended |
| Sherbet | No | No | Dogs shouldn't be fed sherbets as they may cause stomach upsets due to the presence of lactose, fat, and sugar |
| Haddock | No | Yes | Only allowed dogs to eat plainly-cooked haddock (without the bones) |
| Sesame seed | No | Yes | Sesame seeds aren't toxic to dogs but some dogs may have allergic reactions to them |
| Turnip | No | Yes | Cut the turnip into bite-sized pieces before feeding it to your dog |
| Sesame oil | No | No | Sesame oil isn't considered toxic to dogs but there isn't a major health benefit to letting them eat it either |
| Aubergine | No | Yes | Aubergine shouldn't be given to dogs with kidney or bladder problems as they are oxalate-rich |
| Beef bone | No | Yes | Thick beef bones (uncooked) may be okay for dogs to chew on while under supervision |
| Clam | No | Yes | A small amount of clam is safe for dogs to eat as long as the meat is properly cooked |
| Mulberry | No | Yes | Most dogs can eat fresh mulberries in small amounts as long as it's in moderation |
| Turkey bacon | No | No | Dogs shouldn't eat processed meat like turkey bacon as they contain high number of sodium and preservatives |
| Mint leaves | No | No | Mint leaves may cause gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and vomiting |
| Arugula | No | Yes | Arugula shouldn't be fed to dogs that suffer from thyroid-related issues |
| Plain biscuit | No | Yes | Dogs can eat biscuits but make sure it doesn't contain hidden ingredients like xylitol (artificial sweetener) which are toxic to dogs |
| Artichoke | No | Yes | Plain artichoke should be chopped into smaller bite-sized pieces before it's fed to dogs |
| Jicama | No | Yes | Dogs can eat a small amount of fresh jicama as long as the tuberous root is cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Sour cream | No | No | Dogs shouldn't eat sour cream as the lactose and fat content may cause stomach upsets |
| Nectarine | No | Yes | The natural sugar and the acidic property of nectarines may cause stomach upsets so limit the amount you feed to dogs |
| Dragon fruit | No | Yes | Dragon fruits can make good natural treats for dogs as long as they are given in small pieces |
| Beet | No | Yes | We recommend cutting the beet into smaller pieces so that it's easier for dogs to digest |
| Popcorn | No | No | Dogs shouldn't eat popcorn, especially salted and buttered popcorn, due to the high salt and fat content |
| Chickpea | No | Yes | Most dogs are fine with eating a small amount of plain chickpea |
| Cherry | No | Yes | Most dogs can eat the flesh of fresh cherries in small amounts |
| Raspberry | No | Yes | Raspberries are safe for dogs to eat as long as it's in moderation |
| Peanut butter | No | Yes | Only allow dogs to eat natural peanut butter that don't contain toxic ingredients like xylitol |
| Peach | No | Yes | The flesh of fresh peaches are fine for most dogs to eat as long as it's in small amounts |
| Plain bread | No | Yes | Dogs can eat bread but it's best to limit the amount because bread is considered empty calories |
| Potato | No | Yes | Most dogs should be fine with eating plainly-cooked potatoes (without the skin) |
| Pear | No | Yes | The flesh of fresh pears are fine for most dogs to eat as a treat |
| Mushroom | No | Yes | Only allow dogs to eat a small amount of store-bought mushrooms |
| Celery | No | Yes | Dogs might suffer from mild gastrointestinal issues due to the difficulty of digesting celery stems |
| Corn | No | Yes | It should be safe for dogs to eat a small amount of plain corn kernels |
| Almond | No | No | Dogs shouldn't eat almonds as they aren't easy for dogs and puppies to digest |
| Carrot | No | Yes | Carrots make a healthy, low-calorie snack for dogs |
| Pea | No | Yes | Fresh peas are fine for most dogs to eat in moderation |
| Cheese | No | Yes | Dairy products like cheese should only be given in tiny amounts as dogs are lactose intolerant |
| Mango | No | Yes | Discard the mango pit and skin as both may cause blockage in the dog's digestive tract |
| Broccoli | No | Yes | Broccoli is safe for dogs to eat if they are first chopped into smaller bite-sized pieces |
| Cucumber | No | Yes | Cucumbers are healthy treats for dogs and are known for their hydration benefits |
| Avocado | No | Yes | Most dogs should be okay with eating a small amount of ripe avocado flesh |
| Orange | No | Yes | The natural sugar and the acidic property of oranges may cause stomach upsets so limit the amount you feed to dogs |
| Pineapple | No | Yes | A small amount pineapples (flesh only) can make a healthy snack for dogs |
| Tomato | No | Yes | Dogs can eat the flesh of a ripe tomato |
| Blackberry | No | Yes | Blackberries can make good natural treats for dogs but should only be given in small amounts |
| Blueberry | No | Yes | Blueberries can make good natural treats for dogs but should only be given in small amounts |
| Watermelon | No | Yes | Make sure the watermelon rinds and seeds are discarded first |
| Strawberry | No | Yes | Strawberries are fine for most dogs as long as you don't also give them leaves and stems |
| Tuna | No | Yes | Consider feeding your dog other types of fish as tuna is known for having a high concentration of mercury in comparison to other species of fish |
| Deer bone | No | Yes | Thick deer bones (uncooked) may be okay for dogs to chew on while under supervision |
| Honey | No | Yes | Honey isn't toxic but limit the amount you feed to dogs as they do contain a lot of sugar |
| Bean | No | Yes | Certain types of beans aren't safe for dogs to eat, such as broad beans and raw kidney beans |
| Oatmeal | No | Yes | Only allow dogs to eat a small amount of soaked oatmeal (without additional favoring and condiments) |
| Plain Yoghurt | No | Yes | A small amount of plain yoghurt will be fine for most dogs as long as there isn't any toxic ingredients like xylitol |
| Plum | No | Yes | Dogs can eat a small amount of plum (excluding the seed) as long as it's in moderation |
| Ice cream | No | No | Dogs shouldn't eat ice cream as they contain a high amount of lactose and sugar |
| Rice | No | Yes | It's fine for dogs to eat plainly-cooked rice as long as it's not a direct substitute for dog food |
| Egg | No | Yes | Plainly-cooked eggs are safe for dogs to eat in moderation |
| Bacon | No | No | Dogs shouldn't eat processed meat like bacon as they contain high number of sodium and preservatives |
| Pork | No | Yes | Only allow dogs to eat plainly-cooked pork |
| Coconut | No | Yes | Avoid giving dogs too much coconut as the flesh and milk contains oils that may cause issues like stomach upsets and loose stools |
| Fish | No | Yes | Dogs are fine with eating many species of fish as long as they are plainly-cooked and served without bones |
| Ginger | No | Yes | A small amount of ginger can be added to your dog's diet |
| Ham | No | No | Dogs shouldn't eat processed meat like ham as they contain high number of sodium and preservatives |
| Seaweed | No | No | Seaweeds could be a safety hazard for dogs as they may cause blockages in the dog's gastrointestinal tract |
| Chicken bone | No | No | Dogs shouldn't eat chicken bones as they introduce the risk of internal bleeding and choking |
| Hot dog | No | No | Dogs shouldn't eat processed meat like hot dogs as they contain high number of sodium and preservatives |
| Turkey | No | Yes | Dogs can be fed plainly-cooked turkey meat (without the bone) |
| Asparagus | No | Yes | Plain asparagus can be fed to dogs in small amounts |
| Sweet potato | No | Yes | It should be fine for most dogs to eat a small amount of plainly-cooked sweet potato without the skin |
| Salmon | No | Yes | It's safe for most dogs to eat plainly-cooked salmon (without the bone) |
| Nuts | Yes | No | Dog owners need to take extra care with nuts as some varieties are toxic to dogs |
| Lemon | Yes | No | Dogs shouldn't eat lemons as they contain compounds like psoralens and essential oils such as limonene, both of which may cause gastrointestinal upsets |
| Grapes | Yes | No | Dogs shouldn't eat grapes as the toxicity mechanism of grapes is known to cause serious health issues for dogs |
| Baked bean | Yes | No | Dogs shouldn't eat baked beans due to the high sodium and fat content as well as the possiblity of containing toxic ingredients |
| Raisin | Yes | No | Dogs shouldn't eat raisins as the toxicity mechanism of grapes is known to cause serious health issues for dogs |
| Roast beef | Yes | No | Dogs shouldn't eat roast beef as typical recipes contain toxic ingredients like garlic and onion |
| White chocolate | Yes | No | White chocolate is dangerous to dogs due to the presence of theobromine |
| Taro | Yes | No | Dogs shouldn't eat taro as it contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which may cause mouth pain and tissue irritation |
| Acorn | Yes | No | Dogs must never be given acorns as they contain a toxic compound called tannin which can cause damage to the dog's liver and kidneys |
| Chewing gum | Yes | No | Dogs shouldn't eat chewing gum due to the risk of blockage as well as risk of containing toxic ingredients like xylitol |
| Guacamole | Yes | No | Guacamole recipes typically contain ingredients that are unsafe for dogs such as onion and garlic |
| Onion | Yes | No | Dogs shouldn't eat onions as they contain compounds like N-propyl disulfide which can lead to dangerous health conditions like anemia |
| Garlic | Yes | No | Dogs shouldn't eat garlic as the the presence of thiosulfate can cause serious health problems like anemia |
| Mustard | Yes | No | Mustard and mustard seeds can have mild toxicity to dogs |
| Lime | Yes | No | Dogs shouldn't eat lime as they contain compounds like psoralens and essential oils such as limonene, both of which may cause gastrointestinal upsets |
| Chocolate | Yes | No | Dogs shouldn't eat chocolate as the presence of theobromine makes it toxic to pets |
| Macadamia nut | Yes | No | Dogs shouldn't eat macadamia nuts as these nuts are known to cause symptoms like body tremors and vomiting |
Here are some general rules to consider to help you determine what human food is safe or unsafe for dogs to eat in moderation.
Just because certain foods are safe for dogs doesn't mean you should be letting them eat a lot of it. Follow the 10% rule where human food and treats shouldn't consist of more than 10% of a dog's daily calorie intake.
Whenever you introduce a new food or treat to your dog, you should always test it first by only letting the dog eat a tiny bite-size piece. This will allow you to monitor for allergies and other health complications.
Certain foods, such as fruits, may pose a choking risk for dogs due to having a hard texture. Always purée, mash, or cut the human food into smaller pieces to reduce the risk of obstructions forming in the dog's gastrointestinal tract.
Always check what ingredients a store-bought food contains before you let your dog eat it. Certain products may contain hidden ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Xylitol, for example, is toxic to dogs and used in many dessert recipes and products.
Dogs are lactose intolerant so it's best to not feed them any foods that use dairy products as a primary ingredient. Dogs with lactose intolerance that eat dairy-based products may suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive symptoms.
Avoid letting your dog eat food that contains seasoning and additives. Too much salt or sugar, for example, is harmful for dogs.
Avoid feeding your dog human foods that are high in calories and low in nutrients, such as plain bread. These foods can lead to weight gains and increase the long-term risk of health problems like heart disease.
some vegetables are better-served cooked than raw. We would suggest roasting, baking, or steaming the vegetables before you feed them to your dog. Boiling works as well but nutrients may leak out from the vegetables during the boiling process.
We strongly consulting a veterinarian if your dog has a chronic health condition like diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and food sensitivities. The diet of these dogs is a lot more restricted. Some of the foods we list as 'safe' in the database might not actually be safe for them due to specific health conditions.
Is your dog not feeling well within a few hours of eating something? We recommend calling the vet immediately to determine whether an emergency visit is necessary. The severity of symptoms from eating unsafe human foods can range from mild to severe.
For mild cases, dogs may just end up with a stomach upset or temporary diarrhea which will eventually disappear after a couple of days. In such cases, the vet may just ask you to monitor the dog, especially if it only involves a tiny amount of human food.
Severe cases, on the other hand, can be really dangerous for dogs. For example, there was news recently of a dog that needed life-saving emergency surgery after eating several packets of chocolate coins. It's not just the chocolate which is dangerous to dogs, it's the wrapper as well (which can cause obstructions in the dog's digestive system). Never assume your dog is okay after eating unsafe human foods, even if their behavior suggests they are fine. Some dogs may instinctively try to hide their sickness so it's best to call the vet for advice.
If your vet isn't immediately available then another option is to call an organization like the Pet Poison Hotline. They may also be able to give you emergency advice if your dog ate something he shouldn't have.