Health and safety tips foods your dog should and should not eat

Sharing food with your dog can be a sweet moment—but it can also be risky. Some foods are safe (and even healthy) in small amounts, while others can cause serious illness. Use this guide as a quick reference for safer snacking.

Quick safety rules

1. Keep treats to about 10% of daily calories. Too many extras can lead to weight gain and stomach upset.

2. Serve foods plain. Avoid salt, butter, oils, sauces, and seasonings (especially garlic/onion powder).

3. Introduce new foods slowly. Start with a tiny amount and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, itching, or ear flare-ups.

4. Avoid cooked bones and fatty scraps. These can cause choking, intestinal injury, or pancreatitis.

Generally safe foods (in moderation)

These are commonly safe for healthy dogs when served plain and in small portions. If your dog has medical conditions (like diabetes, kidney disease, or food allergies), check with your veterinarian first.

Fruits

- Apples (no seeds/core)

- Banana (small pieces)

- Blueberries

- Strawberries (sliced)

- Watermelon (no rind/seeds)

Vegetables

- Carrots (fresh or frozen)

- Green beans (plain)

- Cucumber

- Pumpkin (plain canned, small amount)

Proteins & basics

- Cooked lean meats (plain chicken/turkey/beef; no bones)

- Eggs (cooked)

- Plain rice or oatmeal (short-term bland diet support)

- Plain yogurt (unsweetened; only if your dog tolerates dairy)

Foods dogs should NOT eat (toxic/high-risk)

If your dog eats any of these, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away—especially if you know the amount eaten.

- Chocolate/cocoa

- Grapes/raisins

- Onion/garlic (including powders)

- Xylitol (birch sugar) in gum/candy/some peanut butters

- Alcohol and raw bread dough

- Cooked bones

- Macadamia nuts

Common “depends” foods

- Peanut butter: Only if xylitol-free; use small amounts.

- Cheese: Tasty but fatty; tiny cubes for training only.

- Popcorn: Plain air-popped only; avoid butter/salt; watch kernels.

When to call the vet

Call your vet or an emergency clinic if your dog eats a known toxin, or if you see repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, bloating, weakness, tremors, collapse, or trouble breathing.

**Disclaimer:** This post is for general information only and is not veterinary advice.