Human Foods Dogs Can and Can't Eat: A Reference List
Short answer
Never feed chocolate, grapes or raisins, onions, garlic or chives, xylitol (in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters), macadamia nuts, alcohol, or raw yeast dough — these are toxic to dogs. Many plain, unseasoned foods like cooked chicken, plain egg, or carrots are generally safe in moderation. If your dog eats something toxic, don't wait for symptoms — call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 right away.
Sourced from veterinary authorities · not a diagnosis · anything risky goes to a vet.
Who this is for
Dog owners deciding whether a particular human food is safe to share.
When this doesn’t apply
- Dogs with allergies, pancreatitis, or other medical dietary needs — ask your vet
- There is no safe amount of a toxic food to aim for — this is about avoidance, not portions
- Replacing poison-control or veterinary advice in an emergency
Checklist
- Chocolate, coffee, caffeine — never feedContain methylxanthines that can cause vomiting, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, and seizures. If eaten, call a vet or poison control now.
- Grapes and raisins — never feedCan cause kidney damage, and there is no proven safe amount. If eaten, call a vet or poison control now.
- Onions, garlic, chives — never feedDamage red blood cells and can cause anemia, in cooked, raw, or powdered form.
- Xylitol — never feedFound in sugar-free gum, some peanut butters, and baked goods; causes dangerously low blood sugar and possible liver damage. Always check peanut butter labels.
- Macadamia nuts — never feedCan cause weakness, tremors, vomiting, and elevated body temperature.
- Alcohol and raw yeast dough — never feedCause vomiting, incoordination, and breathing trouble; dough expands and produces alcohol in the stomach.
- Plain cooked chicken or turkey (no bones, skin, or seasoning) — usually OK in moderationA digestible protein; remove excess fat and skin.
- Plain cooked eggs and fully cooked fish or salmon — usually OK in moderationGood protein and fats when fully cooked and unseasoned.
- Plain unsalted peanut butter without xylitol — usually OK in small amountsConfirm the label does not list xylitol before feeding.
- Plain yogurt and plain carrots — usually OK in moderationIntroduce any new food slowly and in small amounts.
Normal, or time to call the vet?
Normal — carry on
Plain, dog-safe foods in small amounts — like plain cooked chicken or egg, carrots, or xylitol-free peanut butter — are generally fine as occasional treats, but introduce new foods slowly and watch for stomach upset.
Keep an eye on it
After a new or rich food, a one-off mild stomach upset (a little soft stool) can happen — offer water and watch. If it continues or worsens, call your vet.
Book a vet visit
If your dog ate something you're unsure about, or shows vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite, contact your veterinarian.
Emergency — go now
If your dog ate a known toxic food (chocolate, grapes or raisins, onions or garlic, xylitol, macadamia nuts, alcohol, or raw yeast dough), do not wait for symptoms — call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 right away.
What changes the answer
- Your dog's size — small dogs are affected by smaller amounts
- Existing health conditions
- How much was eaten and in what form
- Whether a product contains hidden xylitol
Common mistakes
- Assuming a 'little' chocolate or one grape is safe — there is no safe amount
- Not checking peanut butter or baked goods for xylitol
- Feeding leftovers or gravy that contain onion or garlic
- Waiting for symptoms before calling for help after a toxic exposure
Sources
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets — ASPCA · Tier 2 · verified 2026-07-20
- People Foods Dogs Can and Can't Eat — American Kennel Club · Tier 2 · verified 2026-07-20
Common questions
My dog ate chocolate — what should I do?
Don't wait for symptoms. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 with the type and amount eaten.
Is a single grape really dangerous?
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage and there is no proven safe amount, so treat any ingestion seriously and call for advice.
Is peanut butter safe?
Plain peanut butter without xylitol is usually fine in small amounts — always check the label for xylitol first.
Can dogs have garlic?
No. Onions, garlic, and chives can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia.