Can My Dog or Cat Eat This?
Pick your pet and a food to see whether it is generally safe, needs caution, or is toxic. When in doubt, don't feed it — and call your vet if your pet already ate something on the toxic list.
Foods that are toxic to dogs and cats
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center lists these among the most important human foods to keep away from pets: chocolate, coffee and caffeine, alcohol, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic and chives, xylitol, macadamia nuts, raw yeast dough, along with avocado, citrus, salty snacks, milk and dairy, and raw or undercooked meat, eggs and bones. For cats, lilies are one of the most dangerous household plants.
Treat rules that keep pets safe
- Plain is best: no salt, butter, oil, onion, garlic or spices.
- Small amounts: treats should be about 10% of daily calories at most — see our dog and cat calorie calculators.
- Cut it up: whole grapes are toxic, and other round foods like blueberries can be a choking risk for tiny dogs.
- New foods one at a time, so you can spot stomach upset.
This list covers common foods only. If something isn't listed, assume it's not safe until you've checked with your vet.
Frequently asked questions
What human foods are poisonous to dogs?
The most important ones are chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, xylitol, macadamia nuts, alcohol, caffeine and raw yeast dough.
Can dogs eat cheese?
Small bits of cheese are usually fine, but it is high in fat and some dogs are lactose intolerant.
Are lilies dangerous to dogs?
True lilies and daylilies are extremely dangerous to cats (kidney failure). In dogs they usually cause milder stomach upset, but call your vet if your dog ate any plant you're unsure about.
Can cats drink milk?
Many adult cats are lactose intolerant, so milk often causes diarrhea. Water is all a cat needs.
Sources
- ASPCA — People foods to avoid feeding your pets
- ASPCA — Lilies (toxic and non-toxic plants)
- U.S. FDA — Paws off xylitol