Can my pet
eat that?

Can my pet
eat that?

Pets will eat — and enjoy — a number of foods, but just because they'll eat it doesn't mean it's good for them.

 

Pets explore the world through their mouths, and they can end up chewing on some crazy things. So, which types of human foods are OK for pets? Which foods should they steer clear of? Use this list to get an idea, and always reach out to your veterinarian if you think your pet may have ingested something dangerous.

Grapes in a bowl Grapes in a bowl
Grapes & Raisins
NEVER for dogs and cats
NEVER for dogs and cats

Grapes and raisins have been associated with kidney failure in both dogs & cats.

Bananas in a bowl Bananas in a bowl
Bananas
OCCASIONALLY for dogs and cats
OCCASIONALLY for dogs and cats

Bananas offer potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, biotin, and copper. Bananas are also high in sugar, so use them more as a treat than a meal — and make sure to remove the peel.

Apples Apples
Apples
YES for dogs
YES for dogs

High in fiber and protein, this fruit is a great source of vitamins A and C. Do not feed your dog the core or seeds, both of which contain cyanide. It is also recommended to avoid allowing dogs to ingest the stem or leaves.

YES for cats
YES for cats

Apples are safe for cats so long as the stems, leaves, and especially seeds are removed from the apple.

Blueberries Blueberries
Blueberries
YES for dogs
YES for dogs

With strong antioxidant properties, blueberries especially are considered a superfood for humans and dogs alike.

YES for cats
YES for cats

While cats can’t detect sweet flavors, they can appreciate the wet, juicy texture.

Melons Melons
Melons
YES for dogs and cats
YES for dogs and cats

Pets can eat a little cantaloupe and watermelon now and again, but make sure you remove any seeds and avoid feeding any part of the rind, which may result in a foreign body obstruction.

A bowl of citrus fruits A bowl of citrus fruits
Citrus fruits
NEVER for dogs and cats
NEVER for dogs and cats

Ingesting citrus fruits can cause pets to experience gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

Red cherries in a bowl Red cherries in a bowl
Cherries
YES for dogs and cats, if you're careful
YES for dogs and cats, if you're careful

Cherry pits contain cyanide, which is toxic to pets. The fruit of a cherry is considered safe. Wild cherries are more of a concern, so best to avoid wild cherries altogether.

Avocados in a bowl Avocados in a bowl
Avocados
RARELY for dogs and cats
RARELY for dogs and cats

Avocados contain persin, which may cause mild stomach upset in dogs. Pancreatitis is also a concern due to the high fat content.

Onions & Garlilc Onions & Garlilc
Onions & Garlic
NEVER for dogs and cats
NEVER for dogs and cats

Both can cause anemia, and serious damage to the red blood cells.

Strawberries Strawberries
Strawberries
YES for dogs
YES for dogs

Strawberries are rich in fiber and vitamin C. They also have an enzyme that can help whiten your dog’s teeth

YES for cats
YES for cats

It’s unlikely your cat will want one, but in small amounts, strawberries can be an excellent source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, and manganese.

Carrots Carrots
Carrots
YES for dogs
YES for dogs

Carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack and a common ingredient in dog food that is high in fiber and beta-carotene.

OCCASIONALLY for cats
OCCASIONALLY for cats

Vegetables like carrots are safe to eat and high in vitamins, but not a natural part of your cat’s natural carnivorous diet.

Tomatoes Tomatoes
Tomatoes
MAYBE for dogs and cats
MAYBE for dogs and cats

A red, ripe tomato is safe for your pet to eat, but the green parts of a tomato (including the stem and leaves) can contain dangerous toxins.

Broccoli Broccoli
Broccoli
RARELY for dogs
RARELY for dogs

While high in vitamins and fiber, too much broccoli can lead to possible stomach issues for your dog.

YES for cats
YES for cats

If your cat shows interest, broccoli is a great source of antioxidants and fiber. Offer it in small bites.

Chillies Chillies
Spicy Food
NEVER for dogs and cats
NEVER for dogs and cats

Spicy foods can upset a dog’s stomach and digestive tract, and capsaicin in hot foods can cause pain in your pet’s mouth. Many spicy foods also have garlic or onion additives (ie: powder, minced) which are toxic to dogs and cats.

Chocolates Chocolates
Chocolate
NEVER for dogs and cats
NEVER for dogs and cats

Both caffeine and theobromine are toxic for dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous. Watch out for the addition of xylitol in many chocolate products.

Alcohol Red wine Alcohol Red wine
Alcohol
NEVER for dogs and cats
NEVER for dogs and cats

Hops can be severely toxic to dogs and cats. Even the lowest amount of alcohol or fermented content can be toxic for cats.

Cheeses Cheeses
Cheese
RARELY for dogs and cats
RARELY for dogs and cats

Cheese and other dairy products may upset your pet’s digestive system, which could lead to diarrhea and food allergies. Mold growth on outdated dairy products may contain tremorgenic mycotoxins that can be deadly and cause severe central nervous system signs.

Xylitol Xylitol
Xylitol
NEVER for dogs and cats
NEVER for dogs and cats

Ingestion can cause a life-threatening drop in a dog’s blood sugar, as well as liver damage.

Raw dough and bread Raw dough and bread
Raw Bread Dough
NEVER for dogs
NEVER for dogs

The yeast in raw dough can cause stomach expansion, resulting in tissue damage and difficulty breathing. In some cases, the fermenting yeast can also cause alcohol poisoning.

NEVER for cats
NEVER for cats

While cooked bread and dough are considered harmless for cats, raw yeast can kill a cat in a matter of hours.

Developed in partnership with Pet Poison Helpline

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