Which Foods Can Dogs Eat?
Yes, dogs can eat many of the same foods we do, but not all of them. Some human foods are a healthy, low-calorie treat for a dog, while others are toxic and can make your dog seriously ill. Knowing the difference is one of the most important parts of keeping your dog safe.
Below you will find our guides to individual foods, each with a clear yes-or-no answer, the health benefits or risks, and tips on how to serve them safely.
Bones Can dogs eat bones? Raw meaty bones can be fine, but cooked bones splinter and cause choking or gut injury. Here's how to serve them safely
Peanuts Can dogs eat peanuts? Plain, unsalted peanuts are usually safe in moderation, but salt, shells and xylitol peanut butter are not. Read the rules
Apples Can dogs eat apples? Yes, a crunchy, low-calorie source of vitamins and fiber, but remove the seeds and core first. Here's how to serve them
Bananas Can dogs eat bananas? Yes, in moderation this sweet, potassium-rich fruit is a great treat, but the sugar adds up. Learn safe serving sizes
Cheese Can dogs eat cheese? Yes, most dogs enjoy small amounts as a treat, but it's fatty and some are lactose intolerant. Learn which cheeses are safeHuman Foods That Are Safe for Dogs
In moderation, dogs can enjoy foods such as apples (with the seeds and core removed), bananas, plain peanut butter, cheese, plain cooked chicken or fish, carrots, green beans and plain rice. These make great occasional treats and can even be used for training. The key word is moderation: treats of any kind should make up no more than about 10 percent of your dog's daily calories.
Foods to Keep Away From Your Dog
Some foods that are perfectly fine for people are dangerous for dogs. Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol, caffeine and the sweetener xylitol can all be toxic, sometimes even in small amounts. Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injury. If you think your dog has eaten something toxic, treat it as an emergency and call your vet straight away.
FAQ
What human foods are safe for dogs?
Many everyday foods are safe for dogs in moderation, including apples (without the seeds or core), bananas, plain peanut butter, cooked lean meat, carrots, green beans, plain rice and small amounts of cheese. Always introduce new foods slowly and serve them plain, without added salt, sugar, butter or seasoning.
Which foods are toxic to dogs?
Never feed dogs chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, xylitol (a sweetener found in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters), alcohol or caffeine. These can cause anything from an upset stomach to organ failure. If your dog eats any of them, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline right away.
How much human food can a dog have?
Treats and human foods should make up no more than about 10 percent of your dog's daily calories, with the rest coming from a complete, balanced dog food. Too much rich or fatty human food can lead to weight gain, an upset stomach or pancreatitis.
Can puppies eat human foods?
Puppies have sensitive stomachs and are still growing, so stick mostly to a complete puppy food. You can offer tiny amounts of safe foods like plain cooked chicken or a small piece of apple, but introduce one new food at a time and watch for any digestive upset or allergic reaction.