Reliable guidance for dog food safety

Almonds are not a classic toxin like macadamias, but they are hard to chew, easy to inhale or swallow whole, and high in fat.

Ripe apple flesh is a common low-calorie snack. Remove the core and seeds first: seeds contain cyanogenic compounds, and the core is a choking hazard.

Avocado contains persin. Dogs are less sensitive than some other species, but the high fat content can trigger stomach upset or pancreatitis, and the pit is a choking and obstruction hazard.

Bacon is very high in fat and salt. Even a small piece can cause stomach upset; repeated or larger amounts raise pancreatitis and sodium risk.

Ripe banana flesh is widely treated as safe in small amounts. It is high in sugar, so it is a treat, not a staple. Skip the peel.

Plain cooked lean beef is a common protein. Trim visible fat. Raw meat carries pathogen risk; highly seasoned or fatty cuts can trigger pancreatitis.

A small piece of plain bread is usually tolerated. Raisin bread, garlic bread, and raw yeast dough are not. Dough can expand and produce alcohol in the stomach.

Small amounts of plain cooked broccoli florets are often tolerated. Large servings can cause gas, and isothiocyanates become a problem in excess.

Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and cheese is high in fat. A tiny cube of plain cheese is a frequent pill pocket; large amounts are a pancreatitis risk. Skip onion- or garlic-flavored cheeses.

Cherry pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide-releasing compounds. A pit is also a choking hazard. Flesh without the pit is less of a concern in tiny amounts, but whole cherries are a poor snack.

Plain cooked chicken meat is a standard bland protein. Cooked bones splinter. Seasoned rotisserie skin is high in fat and salt, and onion or garlic rubs are unsafe.

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine. Darker and baking chocolate are more dangerous per gram. Any ingestion should be treated as urgent.

Small amounts of coconut flesh or unsweetened water are often tolerated. The high fat content can upset the stomach. Husks and shells are a blockage risk.

Coffee, espresso, tea, and caffeine pills can cause restlessness, a fast heart rate, tremors, and seizures. Grounds and beans are concentrated sources.

Plain cooked kernels in small amounts are commonly treated as acceptable. Corn cobs are a classic intestinal obstruction.

Plain cooked egg is a widely used protein. Raw egg carries Salmonella risk and avidin in raw whites can interfere with biotin if fed often.

Garlic is a more concentrated allium than onion and can cause the same red-blood-cell damage. Powder, salt blends, and cooked leftovers are included.

Grapes are associated with acute kidney injury in dogs. There is no established safe dose. Treat any amount as an emergency and call a veterinarian.

Cured ham is salty and often sweetened or spiced. It is a poor leftover. Lean, unsalted cooked pork is a different product.

A lick of honey is high in sugar and is not useful for most dogs. Raw honey is a poor choice for puppies because of botulism spore risk.

Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs. Any amount is a reason to call a veterinarian.

Cow's milk often causes diarrhea because adult dogs produce little lactase. It is not a required part of a dog's diet.

Onions damage red blood cells and can cause hemolytic anemia. Raw, cooked, powdered, and leftover-dish forms all count. No household serving is considered safe.

Small pieces of orange flesh are often tolerated. Peel and seeds are harder to digest, and the acidity and sugar can upset some dogs.

Ripe peach flesh in a small amount is commonly treated as acceptable. The pit contains cyanide-releasing compounds and can obstruct the gut.

Unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts in a small amount are often tolerated. They are high in fat. Salted, chocolate-coated, or xylitol-sweetened products are not safe.

Plain unsalted peanut butter without xylitol is a common treat or pill pocket. Always read the sweetener line. High fat still means small servings.

A little ripe pineapple flesh is often tolerated. The hard core and skin are difficult to chew and digest, and the acidity can irritate the stomach.

Plain cooked potato flesh is generally acceptable. Raw or green potatoes, and the plant itself, contain solanine and should not be fed.

Raisins are dried grapes and carry the same kidney-injury risk. Currants and sultanas belong in the same group.

Fully cooked, unseasoned salmon is a frequent omega-3 source. Raw salmon can carry parasites. Bones and salty smoked products are extra hazards.

Ripe strawberries are generally safe in small amounts. Remove the leafy top and serve plain.

Ripe red tomato flesh in a small amount is often tolerated. Green fruit, stems, and leaves contain more tomatine and should not be eaten.

Plain cooked turkey meat follows the same rules as chicken: meat can be fine, cooked bones are not, and holiday leftovers are often too fatty or seasoned.

Walnuts are high in fat. Moldy walnuts (and other moldy nuts) can contain tremorgenic mycotoxins. Black walnuts are a particular concern.

Seedless watermelon flesh is a hydrating snack. Rind is hard to digest; seeds can cause blockage.

Xylitol (birch sugar) can cause a rapid insulin release, life-threatening hypoglycemia, and liver failure in dogs. It appears in sugar-free gum, some peanut butters, toothpaste, and baked goods.

Plain unsweetened yogurt is sometimes used in small amounts. Check the label for xylitol. Flavored cups are high in sugar and may include unsafe mix-ins.