can my pet eat that?
Pets will eat — and enjoy — a number of foods, but just because they'll eat it doesn't mean it's good for them.
Pets explore the world through their mouths, and they can end up chewing on some crazy things. So, which types of human foods are OK for pets? Which foods should they steer clear of? Use this list to get an idea, and always reach out to your veterinarian if you think your pet may have ingested something dangerous.
Grapes & Raisins
NEVER for dogs and cats
Grapes and raisins have been associated with kidney failure in both dogs & cats.
Bananas
OCCASIONALLY for dogs and cats
Bananas offer potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, biotin, and copper. Bananas are also high in sugar, so use them more as a treat than a meal — and make sure to remove the peel.
Apples
YES for dogs
High in fiber and protein, this fruit is a great source of vitamins A and C. Do not feed your dog the core or seeds, both of which contain cyanide. It is also recommended to avoid allowing dogs to ingest the stem or leaves.
YES for cats
Apples are safe for cats so long as the stems, leaves, and especially seeds are removed from the apple.
Blueberries
YES for dogs
With strong antioxidant properties, blueberries especially are considered a superfood for humans and dogs alike.
YES for cats
While cats can’t detect sweet flavors, they can appreciate the wet, juicy texture.
Melons
YES for dogs and cats
Pets can eat a little cantaloupe and watermelon now and again, but make sure you remove any seeds and avoid feeding any part of the rind, which may result in a foreign body obstruction.
Citrus fruits
NEVER for dogs and cats
Ingesting citrus fruits can cause pets to experience gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Cherries
YES for dogs and cats, if you're careful
Cherry pits contain cyanide, which is toxic to pets. The fruit of a cherry is considered safe. Wild cherries are more of a concern, so best to avoid wild cherries altogether.
Avocados
RARELY for dogs and cats
Avocados contain persin, which may cause mild stomach upset in dogs. Pancreatitis is also a concern due to the high fat content.
Onions & Garlic
NEVER for dogs and cats
Both can cause anemia, and serious damage to the red blood cells.
Strawberries
YES for dogs
Strawberries are rich in fiber and vitamin C. They also have an enzyme that can help whiten your dog’s teeth.
YES for cats
It’s unlikely your cat will want one, but in small amounts, strawberries can be an excellent source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, and manganese.
Carrots
YES for dogs
Carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack and a common ingredient in dog food that is high in fiber and beta-carotene.
OCCASIONALLY for cats
Vegetables like carrots are safe to eat and high in vitamins, but not a natural part of your cat’s natural carnivorous diet.
Tomatoes
MAYBE for dogs and cats
A red, ripe tomato is safe for your pet to eat, but the green parts of a tomato (including the stem and leaves) can contain dangerous toxins.
Broccoli
RARELY for dogs
While high in vitamins and fiber, too much broccoli can lead to possible stomach issues for your dog.
YES for cats
If your cat shows interest, broccoli is a great source of antioxidants and fiber. Offer it in small bites.
Spicy Food
NEVER for dogs and cats
Spicy foods can upset a dog’s stomach and digestive tract, and capsaicin in hot foods can cause pain in your pet’s mouth. Many spicy foods also have garlic or onion additives (ie: powder, minced) which are toxic to dogs and cats.
Chocolate
NEVER for dogs and cats
Both caffeine and theobromine are toxic for dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous. Watch out for the addition of xylitol in many chocolate products.
Alcohol
NEVER for dogs and cats
Hops can be severely toxic to dogs and cats. Even the lowest amount of alcohol or fermented content can be toxic for cats.
Cheese
RARELY for dogs and cats
Cheese and other dairy products may upset your pet’s digestive system, which could lead to diarrhea and food allergies. Mold growth on outdated dairy products may contain tremorgenic mycotoxins that can be deadly and cause severe central nervous system signs.
Xylitol
NEVER for dogs and cats
Ingestion can cause a life-threatening drop in a dog’s blood sugar, as well as liver damage.
Raw Bread Dough
NEVER for dogs
The yeast in raw dough can cause stomach expansion, resulting in tissue damage and difficulty breathing. In some cases, the fermenting yeast can also cause alcohol poisoning.
NEVER for cats
While cooked bread and dough are considered harmless for cats, raw yeast can kill a cat in a matter of hours.
Developed in partnership with Pet Poison Helpline
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