Dog food safety checker
Can dogs eat it?
Search what your dog ate and get a quick safety answer: safe, caution, or unsafe.
DogFoodSafe gives general guidance only. If your dog ate something unsafe, is showing symptoms, or you are unsure, contact a veterinarian or pet poison control.
Recently added safety guides
New and updated dog food safety answers from the database.
Whipped Cream is a caution item. It is not something to offer routinely; risk depends on ingredients, amount,…
CautionSour CreamSour Cream is a caution item. It is not something to offer routinely; risk depends on ingredients, amount,…
CautionPumpkin PiePumpkin Pie is a caution item. It is not something to offer routinely; risk depends on ingredients, amount,…
CautionApple PieApple Pie is a caution item. It is not something to offer routinely; risk depends on ingredients, amount,…
CautionPeanut BrittlePeanut Brittle is a caution item. It is not something to offer routinely; risk depends on ingredients, amount,…
CautionPop RocksPop Rocks is a caution item. It is not something to offer routinely; risk depends on ingredients, amount,…
CautionMilkA small amount of plain milk may be tolerated by some dogs, but many dogs cannot digest lactose…
UnsafeGrape JuiceNo. Dogs should not drink grape juice. Grape-containing products can cause serious poisoning and possible acute kidney injury…
UnsafeWild MushroomsNo. Do not let dogs eat wild mushrooms.
UnsafeCooked BonesNo. Cooked bones can splinter and injure dogs.
Common foods dogs should avoid
Start with risky foods, sweeteners, drinks, and ingredients that often worry dog owners.
No. Dogs should not drink grape juice. Grape-containing products can cause serious poisoning and possible acute kidney injury…
UnsafeWild MushroomsNo. Do not let dogs eat wild mushrooms.
UnsafeCooked BonesNo. Cooked bones can splinter and injure dogs.
UnsafeAlcoholNo. Alcohol is dangerous for dogs.
UnsafeTrail Mix Without RaisinsNo. Trail Mix Without Raisins should not be given to dogs. Contact a veterinarian if your dog ate…
UnsafeBlue CheeseBlue cheese can be risky for dogs and should be avoided.
UnsafeGreen OnionsNo. Green onions, also called scallions, are alliums and should not be given to dogs.
UnsafeGarlic ButterNo. Dogs should not eat garlic butter. Garlic is unsafe for dogs, and the added fat and salt…
Safe foods in small amounts
Plain, simple options that may be okay for many dogs when served sensibly.
Plain, fully cooked, boneless, unseasoned boiled chicken is generally safe for dogs in small amounts. Do not give…
SafeCooked Acorn SquashPlain cooked acorn squash flesh is generally safe for dogs in small amounts, but only if it is…
SafeCooked Butternut SquashPlain, fully cooked butternut squash is generally safe for dogs in small amounts.
SafeBell PeppersPlain bell peppers are generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts. Offer only the flesh, washed…
SafeCauliflowerPlain cauliflower is generally safe for dogs in small amounts, whether raw or cooked, but it can cause…
SafeCooked Lean BeefPlain, thoroughly cooked lean beef is generally safe for dogs in small amounts. It should be unseasoned and…
SafeWhite RicePlain, fully cooked white rice is generally safe for dogs in small amounts. It is often used temporarily…
SafeApple Slices Without SeedsYes. Plain Apple Slices Without Seeds can be okay for many dogs in small amounts.
Foods that need caution
These may depend on the amount, preparation, added ingredients, or your dog’s reaction.
Whipped Cream is a caution item. It is not something to offer routinely; risk depends on ingredients, amount,…
CautionSour CreamSour Cream is a caution item. It is not something to offer routinely; risk depends on ingredients, amount,…
CautionPumpkin PiePumpkin Pie is a caution item. It is not something to offer routinely; risk depends on ingredients, amount,…
CautionApple PieApple Pie is a caution item. It is not something to offer routinely; risk depends on ingredients, amount,…
CautionPeanut BrittlePeanut Brittle is a caution item. It is not something to offer routinely; risk depends on ingredients, amount,…
CautionPop RocksPop Rocks is a caution item. It is not something to offer routinely; risk depends on ingredients, amount,…
CautionMilkA small amount of plain milk may be tolerated by some dogs, but many dogs cannot digest lactose…
CautionCheese PuffsCheese and dairy are a broad group. Some dogs tolerate tiny amounts, while lactose, fat, salt, flavorings, and…
Did your dog eat something risky?
If your dog ate grapes, chocolate, xylitol, onion, medication, alcohol, coffee, or another risky item, contact a veterinarian or pet poison control immediately. Do not wait for symptoms if the item may be unsafe.
If symptoms appear, the amount was large, or ingredients are unclear, contact a veterinarian.
Browse by category
Explore published guides by food type and risk level.
Candy and sweets guides
Published guides only. Use the search box above for a faster answer.
Do not give Chewing Gum to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same as a…
UnsafeChocolateNo. Chocolate is unsafe for dogs. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially risky.
UnsafeChocolate Covered Espresso BeansDo not give Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same…
UnsafeChocolate DonutsDo not give Chocolate Donuts to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same as a…
UnsafeSugar-Free GumNo. Sugar-free gum may contain xylitol and can be extremely dangerous.
CautionCandyMost candy is not a good choice for dogs and some candy is dangerous.
CautionCandy CanesDo not give Candy Canes to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same as a…
CautionCaramelDo not give Caramel to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same as a poison…
CautionCotton CandyDo not give Cotton Candy to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same as a…
CautionCupcakesDo not give Cupcakes to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same as a poison…
CautionGummy CandyDo not give Gummy Candy to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same as a…
CautionHard CandyDo not give Hard Candy to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same as a…
CautionJelly BeansBeans are a broad group. Plain cooked green beans are commonly used as a dog-safe snack, while coffee…
CautionLicorice CandyDo not give Licorice Candy to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same as a…
CautionLollipopsDo not give Lollipops to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same as a poison…
CautionMarshmallowsDo not give Marshmallows to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same as a poison…
CautionPeppermint CandyDo not give Peppermint Candy to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same as a…
CautionSour CandyDo not give Sour Candy to dogs. A small accidental amount may not be the same as a…
How to read our safety levels
DogFoodSafe is a general safety guide, not a replacement for veterinary care.
Generally okay for many dogs when served plain and in sensible amounts.
May depend on portion size, preparation, added ingredients, or your dog’s sensitivity.
Should be avoided. Contact a veterinarian or pet poison control if your dog ate it.
Important: Dogs can react individually. Size, age, health, medication, amount eaten, and added ingredients can change the risk. DogFoodSafe may contain errors or outdated information despite careful review. If you are unsure, your dog has symptoms, or your dog may have eaten something unsafe, always contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control service.