Food Dogs Should Not Eat and some they should
Quick scroll through reference collated by S. Veigel 03/22/2014
Reviewed for relevancy 09/04/2021 periodically updated
Take a moment to scroll through this quick access reference table and educate yourself on the basics (no search entries necessary). Easily glance through with a “Yes”, “No” or “Maybe” next to each item and read the details for the items you’re most interested in. Check the reference any time you have a question about the most common foods.
| Food | Provide | Aspects |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | No | Potential Problems: drop in blood sugar, blood pressure and body temperature. May cause respiratory failure and lead to coma and death. |
| Apple | Yes | If your dog will eat apples give it to them as a treat often. Just make sure you remove the seeds. Apple seeds contain cyanide which can build up in their system. But the apple without the seeds is excellent. It not only contains vegetable fiber and vitamin C it supports the liver with antioxidants and by removing heavy metals from the liver. |
| Avocado | No | Toxic Component: Perisin. Potential Problems: May cause vomiting and diarrhea. |
| Baking powders | No | Baking Soda and Baking Powder: extremely toxic to dogs. |
| Bananas | Yes | Very good for dogs. Excellent source of vitamin B, vitamin C and potassium. |
| BBQ Sauce | No | High salt and sugar content. Garlic and onion. (See Garlic and onion). May contain other spices that are not good for your dog. |
| Beans, Black | Yes | Cooked. Source of protein. High in antioxidants. Vtamins A and K. |
| Beans, Green | Yes | Excellent for a dog on a diet. For a Beagle size dog add 1/2 cup green beans to a quarter cup dry dog food to help them feel more full. A 3/4 cup measure only contains 25 calolries but provides additional vitamins. If your dog will eat them they can pretty much have all they want. Excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and K. Good source of calcium, copper, fiber, folic acid, iron, niacin, manganese, potassium, riboflavin and thiamin, as well as beta carotene. However, you don’t want stringy greenbeans (where the stringy stem hasn’t been removed). This can cause stringy poops that are harmless but hard to get out. |
| Beans, Kidney | Yes | Cooked. Source of protein. High in antioxidants. |
| Beans, Pinto | Yes | Cooked. Source of protein. High in antioxidants. |
| Blueberries | Yes | Excellent source of vitamins but limit the amount. In large quantities may cause diarrhea. |
| Bones | No | Potential Problems: Cooked bones become brittle – not the same as the bones of a fresh kill in the wild. Small bones can cause choking or lacerate the digestive system. Even large bones can be spilintered and the dog can ingest fragments with sharp edges. |
| Bread | Maybe | Make sure it is plain white bread that is not sweetened with Xylitol. Xylitol is deadly to dogs. No rasin bread or penut butter sweetened with Xilitol and no jams or jellies. No pieces of your penut butter and jellie sandwiches. (see also “Jams or Jellies” and “Xylitol” on this list). Otherwise small pieces of white bread can ease constipation and bloating due to it’s high fiber content. |
| Broccoli | Yes | Rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Excellent source of fiber. Good for the digestive tract. Some dogs love to chew the stalk. |
| Carrots | Yes | Excellent source of fiber and vitamins. Give them one raw for that satisfying chew that’s also good for their teeth. |
| Cauliflower | Yes | Rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Excellent source of fiber. Good for the digestive tract. |
| Celery | Maybe | Most vegetables are good for dogs. Celery is no exception. However, Celery is very stringy and you may notice stringy poops that are hard to get out. Ok but not the best. |
| Cheese | Yes | Dogs love cheese. Excellent source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. A great training tool. But best in moderation and understand that some dogs may be lactose intolerant. (Signs of lactose intolerence: Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea – drinking excessive amounts of water). |
| Cheese, Cottage | Yes | Excellent source of protein, calcium, phosphorus and vitamins. If your dog is not lactose intolerant a medium dog can easily enjoy two tablespoons a day. (Signs of lactose intolerence: Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea – drinking excessive amounts of water). |
| Chicken, Barbequed | No | Excessive amounts of ingredients that are bad for your dog such as, salt, sugar, garlic, onion and spices. May contain artificial sweeteners. |
| Chicken, Processed, Breaded | Maybe | Chicken is good for dogs but processed chicken with breading may not be. Here again read the label! Many processed frozen varieties of breaded chicken contain things that are harmful to dogs like sugars, artificial sweeteners, salt, spices, garlic and onion powder. A piece may not cause significant harm but every other piece could (see also “Onions and garlic (raw, cooked or powder)” on this list). On the other hand, some processed breaded chicken strips have a breaded skin layer that you can easily peel off making the chicken meat safer to share. |
| Chips, Potato, corn and flavoured | Maybe | Sharing a few plain potato or corn chips may not harm your dog but read the label. Companies who make these products know exactly the right amount of sweet and salty that will tickle our taste buds (and consequentially your dog’s). Ingredients like onion powder, salts and sugars are not good. Artificial sweeteners are bad. Xylitol (an artificial sweetener) is deadly (see also “Onions and garlic (raw, cooked or powder)” on this list). |
| Chocolate | No | Toxic Component: theobromine, caffine and theophlline. Potential Problem: Even small amounts may cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, tremors, spasms or seizures. The potential for death is somewhat dependant on the size of the dog and amount ingested but Just 4 to 16 ounces can kill a small dog. |
| Cinnamon | Maybe | No more than 1/8 teaspoon for dogs that are 1-10 pounds. No more than 2 teaspoons for dogs over 100 pounds. Non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses but can cause stomach irritation if eaten in large quantities. If sniffed and inhaled can cause choking and difficulty breathing. Small amounts (as noted here) may be ok in a treat. MEDICAL BENEFIT: Anti-inflamatory. Anti-Bacterial. Can help regulate blood sugar and raise insulin levels. |
| Coconut Oil | Yes | Coconut oil is not only a healthy choice for frying foods it does great things for your dog. Coconut oil nourishes your dogs skin, brain, bone digestive system and immune system. Coconut oil does not taste like coconut. It melts at a low temperature. Take a spoon full of coconut oil and microwave it for about 10 seconds. Then spoon some over your dog’s food and stir it in. Schwartz Bioresearch makes a great quality “Cold Pressed & Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil” in a capsule. |
| Coffee, tea, other caffeine drinks | No | Toxic Components: caffeine, theobromide or theophylline. Potential Problems: May cause rapid breathing, muscle spasms or tremors, bleeding, vomiting and/or diarrhea. May cause death. |
| Corn | Maybe | The cob (as with corn on the cob) can cause intestinal blockage/death. Canned or sweet corn: good protein and fatty acids. People object to corn in dog food because it is too often relied upon as a cheap filler and/or substitue for other sources of protein. The digestive system will bleach out the good benefits in cooked or canned corn but corn is not completely digestable. So adding corn meal to dog food just becomes a way of filling the tummy (giving the “food” bulk) without adequate nutrition. |
| Cucumber | Yes | Cucumber is not toxic. In moderation it is good for your dog and helps to keep it hydrated. |
| Currants | No | Toxic: even small amounts can cause kidney failure and an inability to produce urine. |
| Doughnuts | No | High in fat cholesterol and sodium. May contain caffine, chocolate, sugars and/or jams and other ingredients that are toxic and may even be deadly to dogs. |
| Eggs – Cooked | Yes | If Cooked: Concentrated protein benefit. Feed no more than 1 per pound of dog food. Cooking the egg beneficially destroys the glycoprotein Avidin which bonds to Biotin (a B vitamin essential to cell growth) and makes it unavailable to mammals. It also beneficially destroys the plasma protein Conalbumin which bonds with Iron to make it unavailable to mammals. Cooking the egg then makes Biotin and Iron a healthy part of the diet. |
| Eggs – Raw | No | Toxic Component: Avidin and Conalbumin. Avidin bonds with Biotin (a B vitamin essential to cell growth) and makes it unavailable to mammals. Conalbumin bonds with Iron to make it unavailable to mammals. Raw eggs present a higher potential for pathogens like E.Coli or Salmonella and though dogs are more resistant to these pathogens they are NOT immune. Potential Problems: May lead to skin/hair coat problems and introduce deadly bacteria. |
| Fat trimmings | No | Potential Problems: May lead to pancreatitus. |
| Fish (raw, canned or cooked) | No | Potential Problems: Thiamine deficiency, loss of appetite, seizures. Raw fish may contain a parasite responsible for “Fish Disease” which may cause vomiting, fever and swollen lymph nodes. If not treated may lead to death. Note: dogs love tuna water out of the can poured over their food, but this contains far more salt than your dog needs for good health. |
| Food/Treats with Propylene Glycol | No | Propylene Glycol is a petroleum derivative (propane-1,2-diol). Used as a cheap preservative to hold in moisture. Has a sweet taste animals like. Considered to be non-toxic as a food additive in limited amounts but 50% of animals get more than the recommended treats. Here it may be useful to keep in mind that Propylene Glycol is the primary ingredient in laxatives intended to induce bowel movements (induced diarrhea). May cause gastrointenstinal irritation, vomiting and diarrhea. Not for use if kidney disease is present. |
| Grapes | No | Toxic: potential kidney falure and an inability to produce urine. |
| Gravy | Maybe | Toxins: Many store bought gravies contain Powdered Onion, Garlic and spices your dog really shouldn’t have (See Onion and Garlic on this list). |
| Honey | Yes | Full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. However, though honey contains natural sugars, only allow them to have small amounts. Manuka honey especially has antibiotic properties. Use Manuka honey with a sprinkle of cinamon on a bandage for dressing a wound. |
| Hops | No | Potential Problems: Panting, increased heart rate, elevated temperature, seizures and death. |
| Jams or Jellies | No | Contains sugars or artificial sweetners. May contain grapes or currants that are bad for your dog. (see also “Grapes”, “Sugary Foods and Sweeteners” and “Xylitol” on this list) |
| Ketchup | Maybe | In small amounts Ketchup will not harm your dog. However, there may be ingredients that can. If an artificial sweetener is used make sure it is not Xylitol (See Xylitol). |
| Mayonnaise | Yes | No severe health risk, dogs love it, but high in fat. |
| Milk – Cow or Goat | Yes | Milk is safe in small quatities unless your dog has a milk allergy of course. As with people it is a good source of calcium and essential nutrients. |
| Milk – Raw Kefir | Yes | Kefir is a fermented milk beverage originated in the Caucasus Mountains and used for hundreds of years. Some raw fermented dog food products come with Raw Milk Kefir. You add a tablespoon of milk kefir to the food. Promotes gut health. |
| Mushrooms | No | Toxins: Various. Potential Problems: Some may cause shock and result in death. |
| Mustard | No | Mustard is toxic to dogs. May produce vomitting and diarrhea. However, if you must induce vomiting because your dog ate something poisonous give them a spoonful. WARNING: NOT ALL POISONOUS SUBSTANCES SHOULD BE TREATED BY FIRST INDUCING VOMITTING. SOME PRODUCT LABELS SAY “DO NOT INDUCE VOMITTING”. CALL YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY AND INDUCE VOMITTING ONLY IF DIRECTED. |
| Nut – Cashew | Maybe | Fine for your dog, but fatning. Limit the amount. |
| Nut – Macadamia | No | Potential Problems: Digestive, lethargy, vomiting, loss of muscle control. Note: Just six can make your dog ill. |
| Nut – Peanut | Maybe | A pea-nut is actually not a nut. It belongs to the legume family and is actually a bean. It’s not good to feed your dogs whole peanuts because they don’t always chew them properly and that can cause intestinal blockage. But peanut butter and dog treats with peanut butter are just fine. However DO NOT give your dog peanut butter with Xylitol or artificial sweeteners (See Xylitol below). |
| Nut – Peanut Butter | Maybe | Dogs love peanut butter. Make sure it does NOT have artificial sweeteners or sugar (Especially NOT Xylitol – see Xylitol). Stores that carry organic foods should have peanut butter that’s safe for your dog. Read the label. |
| Nut – Walnut | No | Toxin: Mold. Potential Problems: Uncontrollable shaking caused by eating moist, old, moldy walnuts. |
| Olives | Maybe | Dogs can have Olives but only if they are plain, unsalted, not spiced and seedless. |
| Onions and garlic (raw, cooked or powder) | No | Toxin: Sulfoxides and disulfides. Potential Problems: May damage red blood cells and cause anemia. |
| Orange | Yes | If your dog is overweight or diabetic the sugar content of oranges is not recommended. Otherwise, yes they can have oranges in moderation. |
| Peas | Maybe | Yes. Dogs can eat peas. But peas have a natural sugar content that may not be useful for a dog on diet. Also, though the pea will be bleached by stomach acid providing some nutritional benefit flowing into the intestinal tract the hard interrior is not digestible. It will be excreted harmlessly in the dog’s bowel movement. |
| Pepper – Bell, Green, Red, Yellow | Yes | High concentration of vitamin C, vitamin A and beta-carotene. |
| Pepper – Black | Maybe | Small amount is probably not harmful. Contains Capsaicin that can irritate the stomach lining. |
| Pepper – Hot | No | Burning sensation in the stomach. Never give a dog hot peppers. |
| Pickles | Maybe | Pickles contain spices and they are high in sodium which is not good for your dog; especially a dog with a compromised liver. But for a dehydrated dog a slice of pickle dipped in water will help restore elctrolytes. Do not provide as a treat. Do not give your dog a pickle on a regular basis. |
| Pizza | Maybe | The dough, the cheese and even the cooked tomato sauce is ok but toppings such as onion should be avoided. Sharing a little pizza crust with some sauce and a little cheese on it for a treat will not harm your dog. |
| Potato, Sweet | Yes | Dogs can eat Sweet Potato every day. It’s good for them. But NOT Candied Yams or Sweet Potatoes. |
| Potato, white | Maybe | On occaision ok but some dogs not use to it may develop diarrhea or vomiting. High on the glycemic Index. A little dab on holidays on their food may be a treat but be conscious of any gravy (see “Gravy” on this list). |
| Pumpkin | Yes | Most dogs love pumpkin. Don’t give your dog pumpkin pie filling or pumpkin rhine but canned pumpkin is an excellent “super food” containing vitamins, minerals and vegetable fiber. Occaissionally add a tablespoon to your dog’s meal. If it has loose stools add a tablespoon to each meal. |
| Radishes | Yes | Excellent source of “trace minerals” and vitamins but dogs may object to the spicy taste. |
| Raisins | No | Can cause Mood change, depression and kidney failure. |
| Raspberries | Yes | Full of antioxidants. Anti-inflamatory is good for older dogs to reduce joint pain. |
| Rhubarb leaves | No | Toxin: Oxalytes. Potential Problems: Digestive, nervous and urinary systems. |
| Rice, Brown | Yes | There are many dog food recipes that contain rice and I’ve personally experienced impressive improvements in the overall weight and health of my older dogs using these recipes. But you must use brown rice not white rice because brown rice still contains all the nutritional benefits nature intended. However, after a medical procedure it is recommended that you feed your dog white rice mixed with ground turkey or chicken (well drained) while they’re recovering from anesthesia because it is easier on a sensitive stomach. |
| Rice, White | Maybe | White rice is brown rice that has been specially milled. This process strips out the husk, bran, germ, fiber, vitamins and minerals to give it a better shelf life. White rice therefore has more of what it is referred to as “empty calories”. Many dog owners know that after a medical procedure involving anesthesia it is recommended that you feed your dog white rice mixed with ground turkey or chicken (well drained) because it is easier on a sensitive stomach. But in general it’s not worth the trouble to prpare white rice for your dog given the low nutrtional value. |
| Salt | Maybe | All mamals need salt but too much, even dogs swallowing sea water at the beach, can cause sodium ion poisoning. Potential Problems: Eexcessive thirst and urination, electrolyte inbalance, cardiovascular problems. |
| Seeds or pits | No | Toxin: Cyanide (Apple, Peach, Plum and Persimmons seeds). Potential Problems: May cause intestinal blockage or poisoning. |
| Soy Sauce | No | High salt content. 1 teaspoon contains 291 mg of sodium. Can cause salt poisoning, kidney failure and death. |
| Soy, Milk, Tofu | Maybe | There are good and bad aspects to soy products. Good: High in plant protein, potassium, vitamins, iron and dietary fiber. Low in Sodium and No chloresterol. As a vegetable protein it is easy for dogs to digest. Contains phytoestrogens called isoflavones. This is NOT estrogen. Phytoestrogens is a “selective estrogen modular”. May be an alternative for dogs with food allergies or digestive problems. Not so good: Dogs who are allergic to soy are not uncommon. This is a plant protein not a meat protein. According to the American Kennel Club, dogs who eat significant amounts of soy are 4 times more likely to experience bloat. |
| Stevia | Yes | Safe for dogs but in large quantities can cause diarrhea. |
| Strawbwrries | Yes | Full of antioxidants. But DO NOT feed them strawberries coated with sweets (see also “Sugary foods and Sweeteners” and “Chocolate” on this page). |
| Sugary foods and Sweeteners | No | Toxin: Processed/concentrated sugar or sweeteners (Also see Xylitol). Potential Problems: Obesity, dental problems, diabetes mellitus, elevated insulin levels, unstable blood sugar, liver failure. Small amounts of sugars (not artificial sweeteners) in dog treats are not likely to harm your dog but you must not give these treats more than recommended. Do not feed your dog sugary people foods. |
| Tomatos | Maybe | Toxin: Tomatine and high acid content (Raw or green tomatoes and tomato leaves) Potential Problems (Raw,green,leaves): Gastointestinal irritaion, ataxia and weakness. Exception: Cooking the red tomato changes the properties. Some dog foods contain some cooked tomato sauce; which is fine. But do NOT give dogs tomato sauces with garlic and/or spices. |
| Tuna | Maybe | Great source of Omega-3 fatty acids that promote joint health, and healthy skin and coat. Low in saturated fats, high in protein. HOWEVER CANNED TUNA IS HIGH IN SODIUM WHICH IS NOT GOOD FOR YOUR DOG. Canned tuna once in awhile is ok. A piece of tuna fish sandwich is fine (without onion). But canned tuna should not be fed to your dog with any frequency. Tuna in general should never be a sole source of nutrition. |
| Turmeric | Yes | Extremely beneficial for health and well being in moderate quantities ( Dogs 8-10 pounds 1/8 teaspoon; 1/4 teaspoon for dogs under 50 pounds; 1/2 teaspoon for dogs over 50 pounds; 2 teaspoons for dogs over 100 pounds). Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, cancer prevention and wound healing properties. Helps with gut problems and irritable bowel disease. For wounds (people and dogs) mix turmeric powder with a little Raw Manuka Honey and dab it on the wound (try to keep the dog from licking it. Use a cone if necessary). Note to humans: do not take turmeric in combination with asprin as this combination can cause ulcerations of the stomach lining. |
| Vitamin supplements containing iron | No | Potential Problems: Damage to the lining of the digestive system, toxic to the liver, kidneys and other organs. |
| Worcestershire Sauce | Maybe | Small amounts on a piece of meat will not harm your dog but some dogs may have stomach upset. |
| Worcestshire Sauce | No | Not poisonous but high salt content. |
| Wtermelon | Yes | Good nutrient value and great for keeping your dog hydrated on hot days. |
| Xylitol (artificial sweetener) | No | Extremely toxic: Xylitol can cause vomiting, lethargic behavior, seizures and death. Small amounts can kill a dog. More dangerous to dogs than chocolate. |
| Yeast and uncooked dough | No | Potential Problems: Digestive tract pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and possible rupture or twisting of the stomach. |