We all love our dogs. They're there for us through thick and thin and are often more reliable than our family and friends. That's why it's tempting to sneak our dogs a little treat from our own plates during dinner time. A little bit of leftover turkey at Christmas, the brown bit of banana you don't like the look of, maybe some raw pork that fell off the chopping board. It probably won't be so bad, right?
Well, did you know that there are certain foods you should avoid feeding to your dog? Most owners know the potential dangers that come with feeding a dog chocolate, but did you know you also shouldn't give your dog blue cheese? Or macadamia nuts? Or onions?
Dogs' stomachs aren't the same as our own, which means certain foods can be toxic to them. But exactly what human foods can dogs eat that aren't bad for their health? In this guide, we'll go into detail about all the human foods our four-legged friends can safely enjoy, so you can continue feeding your dog the occasional treat from your plate without having to worry. To discover more about your dog's digestive health, a dog intolerance test can tell you exactly which foods your dog can, and probably shouldn't, enjoy.
Table of Contents
What Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
Because dogs produce their own vitamin C, they don't need to eat fruit like we do. However, as an occasional treat, they can eat some fruit so long as it's cut into small pieces. Just make sure it's not too much, because fruit contains natural sugars.
Fruit that is safe for dogs includes:
- Apples (but not the seeds or core)
- Bananas (but not the peel)
- Cucumber
- Cranberries
- Oranges (but not the peel)
- Blueberries
- Figs
- Mango
- Peaches (but not the stone)
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Melon (but not the seeds)
- Pears (but not the seeds)
What fruits can't dogs eat? Due to containing acid, cyanide, or other toxins, there are some fruits that dogs shouldn't eat. Not only does it risk them getting sick, but some can cause blockages or severe health complications. The following fruits should be avoided, even in small quantities, and never given to your dog:
- Avocados
- Cherries
- Grapes and raisins
- Grapefruit
- Lemon and lime
- Plums
- Rhubarb
- Tomatoes
What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?
The good news is, there are vegetables your dog can eat in small quantities. Unlike humans, it's certainly not recommended that dogs eat five a day, but small amounts of the following make for a lovely treat, so long as they're not cooked in fat, oil, or butter:
- Asparagus
- Beetroot
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Butternut squash
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Cabbage
- Dandelions and dandelion leaves
- Parsnips
- Green beans
- Fresh peas (including sugar snap, garden peas, and mangetout)
- Cooked potatoes and sweet potatoes
- Sweetcorn (not corn on the cob)
What vegetables can't dogs eat? Avoid feeding the following veg to your dog, to prevent them becoming sick or causing blockages:
- Corn on the cob
- Garlic
- Leeks
- Onions
- Mushrooms
- Raw potatoes or sweet potatoes
What Dairy Products Can Dogs Eat?
Dairy is a common food intolerance for dogs, which may mean your dog's digestive system struggles to process lactose, resulting in unpleasant symptoms for both of you. However, if your dog doesn't experience symptoms after eating dairy, you should be fine to feed them very small amounts as an infrequent treat — this includes cheese and ice cream.
Some types of cheese are toxic to dogs, though, such as blue cheese and other types that contain mould. If you do intend to give your dog cheese, make sure it's fresh and not close to its use-by date. Usually, the smaller the amount of lactose in a dairy product, the more easily your dog should be able to digest it.
What Meat Can Dogs Eat?
Dogs love meat, and any meat that humans can eat can also be enjoyed by dogs. This includes chicken, chicken liver, turkey, beef (and beef jerky), lamb, venison, and pork. Make sure meat isn't too salty, as too much salt can lead to salt toxicity, and that it's thoroughly cooked and not spoiled — if you wouldn't eat it, don't let your dog eat it either.
When giving your dog meat, make sure it's cut into easily digestible chunks and doesn't contain any bones. There are also some meats to avoid, such as bacon.
Can dogs eat raw meat? While wild dogs do eat raw meat, it's not recommended you feed it to your dog at home. Domestic dogs don't have stomachs as hardy as their wild cousins, and raw meat can potentially cause problems such as food poisoning. It's best to cook any meat you give your dog.
What Other Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?
Most dogs will eat anything you give them, but that's not to say they should eat anything and everything. As well as fruit, vegetables and meat, here's what else you need to know.
Can dogs eat chocolate? No, you should never give your dog chocolate, even in very small quantities. Chocolate contains theobromine, which humans can easily metabolise but dogs cannot, causing toxins to build up in their system.
Can dogs drink beer or other alcoholic drinks? No — dogs can't metabolise alcohol the way humans can, and you risk giving your pooch much more than a hangover.
Can dogs eat fish? Yes, and it can be a good addition to their diet, helping keep their heart and coat healthy. Just make sure any fish is boneless and low in mercury — it's best to avoid tuna or swordfish to be on the safe side. Types of fish you can feed your dog include:
Can dogs eat seeds? While some seeds can be a healthy addition to your pup's diet, others may pose risks. Read our detailed guides below:
- Sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
Can dogs eat nuts? Some nuts are fine as a treat, while others can be toxic. Even non-toxic nuts can be bad in large quantities, as the high fat content can cause pancreatitis. Nuts your dog can eat in small amounts:
- Peanuts
- Peanut butter that doesn't contain xylitol
- Cashew nuts
Nuts you shouldn't give your dog:
- Pistachio nuts
- Macadamia nuts
- Walnuts
- Almonds
Can dogs eat pasta? It's generally fine to give your dog plain, cooked pasta in small quantities — but skip the sauce, which might contain onion, tomato, or garlic.
Can dogs eat eggs? A cooked egg as an occasional treat is fine, unless your dog has a condition such as diabetes.
Other food items:
- Barley
- Black pudding
- Mussels and green-lipped mussels
- Lentils
- Prawn crackers and prawn toast
- Yorkshire puddings
What about herbs and spices?
What Can Dogs Drink?
Water is the best drink you can give your dog, cooled down with ice cubes if it's a hot day or your dog is especially active.
You can also give your dog a small amount of fruit and vegetable juice, so long as it's natural, low in sugar, doesn't contain any ingredients toxic to dogs, and doesn't contain xylitol.
Unsalted bone broth is also a lovely treat, as is alcohol-free dog beer, perfect for thirsty pups. Avoid giving your dog human beer or any alcoholic drinks, since dogs can't metabolise alcohol.
Common Dog Food Intolerances
Like humans, dogs can develop food intolerances, meaning they may struggle to digest a certain type of food, in addition to the list of foods that are naturally toxic to them.
Some of the most common dog food intolerances are to proteins, including meat, as well as plants, eggs, dairy, and grains. Any breed of dog is susceptible to a food intolerance, and a dog can develop one at any stage of its life.
If your dog shows signs of an allergy or intolerance after eating, there's a fast and simple way to find out more about their digestive health. Buy a dog intolerance test or advanced pet sensitivity test, and in less than a week you can discover exactly which foods your dog can eat.
FAQs
What human foods are toxic to dogs?
Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, avocado, macadamia nuts, alcohol, and xylitol (found in some peanut butter and sugar-free products) are among the most dangerous — always check before sharing anything new.
Can dogs eat human food every day?
Occasional, appropriate human food is fine, but it shouldn't replace a balanced commercial dog food or make up more than around 10% of daily calorie intake.
What should I do if my dog eats something toxic?
Contact your vet or an emergency vet line immediately — don't wait for symptoms to appear, and have details of what and how much your dog ate ready to share.
How do I know if my dog has a food intolerance rather than just an upset stomach?
A one-off upset after a new food is common, but recurring symptoms after the same food — skin issues, digestive upset, or excessive grooming — point to an intolerance, which an at-home test can help confirm.
To provide you with technically accurate, evidence-based information, content on the My Pet Sensitivity blog is reviewed by medical professionals with veterinary expertise.