Last updated: July 29, 2026 · Guides reviewed: 20
Quick answer: This guide compares published DogFoodSafe ingredient pages in this category. Use the table and groups below to find items that are generally safer, items that need caution, and items dogs should avoid.
Recipes matter
Prepared foods, soups, sauces, and leftovers often hide onion, garlic, salt, fat, dairy, spices, or sweeteners. The exact ingredient list matters more than the food name.
Items dogs should avoid
Do not give French onion soup to dogs. It usually contains onion broth or onion pieces, and may…
Leek soup is not safe for dogs. Leeks are an allium, and soups often also contain onion, garlic,…
Pesto is not safe for dogs, especially traditional basil pesto that contains garlic or onion. Even small amounts…
Do not give dogs shallot sauce. Shallots are in the onion family and can damage a dog’s red…
Use caution with these items
Bone Broth may be okay in some cases, but ingredients, amount, and your dog’s reaction matter.
Canned Soup may be okay in some cases, but ingredients, amount, and your dog’s reaction matter.
Cream Soup may be okay in some cases, but ingredients, amount, and your dog’s reaction matter.
Small accidental tastes of plain deli meat are not usually an emergency, but deli meat is not a…
Plain gravy is not a good dog food. Small accidental licks are often only a stomach-upset risk, but…
Ketchup may be okay in some cases, but ingredients, amount, and your dog’s reaction matter.
Mashed Potatoes may be okay in some cases, but ingredients, amount, and your dog’s reaction matter.
Mayonnaise may be okay in some cases, but ingredients, amount, and your dog’s reaction matter.
Full comparison table
| Ingredient | Level | Main concern | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Onion Soup | Unsafe | allium toxicity, salt, fat, hidden ingredients | Read guide |
| Leek Soup | Unsafe | allium toxicity (leek/onion/garlic family) | Read guide |
| Nutmeg | Unsafe | Spice toxicity risk | Read guide |
| Pesto | Unsafe | allium toxicity and high-fat gastrointestinal risk | Read guide |
| Shallot Sauce | Unsafe | allium toxicity; recipe-dependent hidden ingredients | Read guide |
| Bone Broth | Caution | Ingredient, portion, or digestion concerns | Read guide |
| Canned Soup | Caution | Ingredient, portion, or digestion concerns | Read guide |
| Cream Soup | Caution | Ingredient, portion, or digestion concerns | Read guide |
| Deli Meat | Caution | high sodium, seasoning additives, and possible onion/garlic ingredients | Read guide |
| Gravy | Caution | high sodium / fat; possible onion or garlic toxicity | Read guide |
| Ketchup | Caution | Ingredient, portion, or digestion concerns | Read guide |
| Mashed Potatoes | Caution | Ingredient, portion, or digestion concerns | Read guide |
| Mayonnaise | Caution | Ingredient, portion, or digestion concerns | Read guide |
| Mustard | Caution | Ingredient, portion, or digestion concerns | Read guide |
| Pancakes | Caution | Ingredient, portion, or digestion concerns | Read guide |
| Pizza | Caution | Ingredient, portion, or digestion concerns | Read guide |
| Soup | Caution | Ingredient, portion, or digestion concerns | Read guide |
| Tomato Soup | Caution | Ingredient, portion, or digestion concerns | Read guide |
| Unsweetened Applesauce | Caution | Ingredient, portion, or digestion concerns | Read guide |
| Waffles | Caution | Ingredient, portion, or digestion concerns | Read guide |
How to use this guide
Click the individual ingredient guide before feeding anything. Preparation, portion size, added salt, sugar, fat, sweeteners, seasonings, bones, and hidden ingredients can change the risk.
If symptoms appear, the amount was large, or ingredients are unclear, contact a veterinarian.
Disclaimer: This page is general information only and does not replace veterinary advice. If your dog may have eaten something unsafe, is showing symptoms, or you are unsure about the amount or ingredients, contact your veterinarian or pet poison control.