What dogs can eat, and what they must avoid

Table scraps are how many “is this safe?” questions start. Dogs can share more of a human kitchen than wolves could, but several ordinary foods are still poisonous. This page is a field guide, not a replacement for a vet.

What a modern dog is built to eat

Dogs still need more protein than people do. Meat supplies amino acids they cannot make themselves. Centuries of living with us also left most dogs able to digest cooked starch, so rice, oats and similar foods are not automatically a problem.

A complete dog food should still do most of the work. Extra human food is a garnish. A useful ceiling is about 10 percent of daily calories.

A dog eating from a bowl

Plant foods that are usually fine

Many dogs like fruit and vegetables as a crunchy extra. These are the ones we get asked about most often:

  • Carrots. Crunchy, low-calorie and useful as a chew. Serve raw or lightly cooked.
  • Cucumber. Mostly water. A useful snack for dogs that need a lighter treat.
  • Blueberries. Small, and rich in antioxidants. Give a few at a time.
  • Apples. Remove the core and seeds first. The fruit itself is usually fine in slices.
  • Broccoli. Only small amounts, preferably cooked. Large raw portions can upset a stomach.
  • Bananas. Useful potassium, but also sugar. Keep portions modest.
  • Strawberries. Fine as an occasional treat. Wash them first.
  • Melon. Hydrating. Remove the rind and seeds.

Foods a dog should never get

These are safe for people and dangerous for dogs. If a dog eats one of them, contact a vet rather than waiting to “see how it goes”.

  • Chocolate and cocoa. Theobromine can be fatal. Dark chocolate is worse than milk chocolate.
  • Onions and garlic. The whole onion family can damage red blood cells, cooked or raw.
  • Grapes and raisins. Can cause kidney failure even in small amounts.
  • Xylitol. Found in sugar-free gum, sweets and some baked goods. It can drop blood sugar very fast.
  • Alcohol. Dogs are poisoned by far smaller amounts than people.
  • Avocado stone and skin. These parts contain persin and are a choking risk as well.
  • Caffeine. Coffee, tea and energy drinks can cause heart and nervous-system problems.

What about grain?

Grain-free food is fashionable. Most dogs digest cooked rice, oats and barley without trouble. A specific allergy is possible, but it is the exception. For many dogs, some starch in the bowl is both cheaper and easier on the climate than an all-meat diet.

How to tell if the diet is working

A coat that looks dull, stools that stay loose, sudden weight change or a dog that is tired for its age are better signals than any label on a packet. Clear eyes, steady appetite and energy that matches the breed are the signs you want.

Every dog is a little different. If something new in the bowl is followed by itching, vomiting or diarrhoea, stop that food and ask a vet. That is especially true for puppies, old dogs and dogs with a known illness.

Take this on the walk, not into the park

Food in an off-lead run starts fights. Keep snacks for the way home. For park manners, read the etiquette guide. To find a local run, open the country list.