A-Z: What Can My Dog Eat?

No, Açai berries are not safe for dogs to eat.

Many berries are labelled as superfoods and can be very beneficial for dogs to eat. Açai berries, unfortunately, are not one of those.

If given in very small amounts, Acai berries can be beneficial due to their extremely high antioxidant content. Caution must be taken though, as they do contain a very tiny amount of theobromine. This compound, also found in chocolate, ​​is toxic to dogs. Theobromine in Acai averages (0.0014mg/g), compared to an average of (0.82mg/g) in chocolate. To avoid any health issues choose dog friendly berries such as blueberries instead.

Do not panic if your dog accidentally eats one or two. More than this, however, could cause vomiting, excessive thirst, and kidney issues if left unchecked.

Yes, almonds are safe for dogs to eat and are best fed crushed, soaked or powdered to prevent risk of choking or intestinal blockage.

Your dog’s individual digestive health will determine how likely this is to occur, but you should always try to err on the side of caution with nuts.

Some Almond brands sometimes contain a mould toxin called aflatoxin, which can contribute to skin issues, nausea or even, in extreme circumstances, seizures in dogs. The mould is all down to how the almonds are stored, which, as the end buyer, can be difficult to identify.

Otherwise, almonds can provide useful additional fatty acids, fibre, vitamin E, vitamins and minerals to your dog’s diet.

Yes, apples are safe for dogs to eat and can be nutritious too.

Apples are a great source of antioxidants and quercetin. Quercetin is a flavonoid that helps to fight off the harmful effects of allergies and is mostly found in the skin of the apple. A good source of prebiotics, apples are rich in pectin which supports gut health, while also especially rich in vitamin C and polyphenols.

Apples are best fed occasionally as a treat due to their high natural sugar content.  Opt for organic apples for dogs when you can. Farmed apples are quite high in pesticides, so wash them well.

Yes, asparagus is safe for dogs to eat.

In fact, asparagus is one of the most useful vegetables for dogs due to its strong prebiotic content, coupled with above average amounts of vitamin K and vitamin B9 (folate).

These nutrients make the asparagus great for your dog’s digestive system, supporting and enhancing digestive function.

Asparagus can contribute to the natural balance of your dog’s gut bacteria and also contains useful flavonoids and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as quercetin.

You can feed asparagus to your dog a few times a week, perhaps rotated with other prebiotic foods too. Aim to feed lightly cooked, chopping off the bottom third of the vegetable, which can be tough to digest even after cooking.

Yes, avocado is safe for dogs to eat.

The flesh is highly nutritious. However, the stone and rind of avocado are unsafe for a dog to eat due to a toxin called persin, which can sometimes cause vomiting and poisoning.

Avocado flesh, however, contains healthy fats, antioxidants, minerals (especially potassium)  and fibre.

Yes, apricots are safe for dogs to eat, but the stone from an apricot is not.

Apricots can be given as an occasional snack or treat, as they provide a small amount of  vitamins C and A. As with most fruits, however, they can be higher in sugars than, say, leafy and nutritious vegetables, so try and feed them sparingly, especially if your dog has diabetes.

Yes, Globe artichokes and Jerusalem artichokes are safe for dogs to eat. However, artichokes sold in oil may not be healthy for dogs.

Like many vegetables, Globe artichokes are fairly high in minerals, like magnesium, as well as a range of B vitamins and vitamin C. Your dog will likely digest Globe artichokes better if you cook them first.

The most useful attribute of Globe artichokes is their ability to support the liver in detoxification. As a member of the thistle family, like milk thistle, Globe artichokes contain the antioxidants cynarin and silymarin, which are both thought to positively impact liver function.

Jerusalem artichokes are also good for dogs to eat. These are more of a root than a vegetable and do not need to be peeled before feeding to your dog. They do, however, need to be lightly cooked for proper digestion to occur.

This root vegetable is high in the fibre inulin, a well-known prebiotic that feeds and sustains the good bacteria of your dog’s microbiome. Jerusalem artichokes also contain a fair amount of iron and potassium.

Yes, aubergine is safe for dogs to eat, but there are better choices of vegetables for dogs.

Aubergine is unsuitable for dogs with inflammatory conditions or kidney ailments. Some dogs experience internal inflammation showing up as skin ailments, joint issues or other physiological conditions. Kidneys can be compromised without outward symptoms showing, so it is better to offer other, more useful vegetables such as leafy greens or those from the cucumber family.

While your dog accidentally eating some aubergine should be okay, we wouldn’t recommend that you add any to your dog’s food bowl.

Yes, cabbage is safe for your dog to eat.

Whether cooked or raw, cabbage is safe for your dog to eat. Cabbage is also beneficial for your dog when it is fermented into Sauerkraut.

Sauerkraut made with green cabbage (without vinegar) has been shown to act as a natural probiotic, supporting the balance of your dog’s microbiome and potentially soothing digestive issues. It is also one of the best sources of vitamin C. Sauerkraut is fairly easily made at home with green cabbage or found ready-made from health food stores.

Yes, carrots are safe for your dog to eat.

Carrots are safe and nutritious for dogs. However, they are a starchy, more sugary vegetable, and so should be fed in moderation if given as an everyday food item.

Carrots contain lots of the antioxidant beta carotene which converts to vitamin A; a necessary nutrient for healthy skin and mucous membranes. Some dogs enjoy carrots raw as a treat to chomp on. They will be better digested if lightly cooked or finely chopped.

No, cake is not safe for your dog to eat.

The ingredients that make up cakes are not good for dogs: dairy, wheat, grains, sugars or sweeteners. Cake can upset your dog’s blood sugar levels and lead to behavioural problems, hyperactivity and even aggression. Some sugar-substitute sweeteners are toxic to dogs.

Nowadays, with the vast range of dehydrated meat-based, super healthy treats available for dogs, there is simply no need to take the risk with (ultra-)processed foodstuffs like cake.

Nutritious treats designed especially for dogs, such as kangaroo jerky, are a far better reward than cake for dogs.

Yes, cashews are safe for your dog to eat. However, they should be crushed or powdered.

Cashews are safe for dogs to eat, but there is a risk of choking or intestinal blockage if they are fed whole.

Cashews are, technically, a type of seed which are typically more easily digested due to their softness. Some brands of cashews might contain a mould toxin called aflatoxin, which is not ideal for a dog to eat and can contribute to skin issues, nausea, or in extreme cases, seizures.

Outside of aflatoxin growth, cashews can provide additional beneficial fatty acids and lots of magnesium. Magnesium works with calcium in both skeletal building and the immune response.

Yes, cauliflower is safe for your dog to eat.

Cauliflower is safe for dogs to eat cooked, though steaming is best to retain its nutritional benefits. Cauliflower is high in vitamins B, C and K.

Cauliflower is packed with useful compounds, such as antioxidant carotenoids and glucosinolates. In fact, the antioxidants in cauliflower have even been shown to offer anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects.

Why not try offering some to your dog at least once a week?

Yes, celery is safe for your dog to eat. 

Celery is high in water content, making it a practical treat or meal addition for your dog in the summer months – providing hydration and nutrition at the same time. It also contributes to fresher breath, which is always a welcome bonus!

This salad vegetable has small amounts of the minerals magnesium, manganese and even calcium, as well as B vitamins and a decent amount of vitamin K.

Celery can also aid with inflammation, thanks to the 20-plus anti-inflammatory compounds it contains. Moreover, as celery is water rich , it can be safely eaten raw. Cooked celery is ok too, but would be significantly less nutritious.

Yes, cheese is safe for your dog to eat as a very occasional treat.

However, while not toxic to dogs, cheese – particularly cheese derived from cows’ milk – is not ideal for them due to the potential inclusion of growth hormones and residual antibiotics. It also contains lactose, which some dogs can struggle to process.

Cheese is often high in saturated fats, which your dog cannot efficiently extract energy from, so should never be fed as a diet staple. Cheese occasionally used as a high-value find during scent training or scent games, may be ok for most dogs.

No, cherries are not safe for your dog to eat. Their stones are high in cyanide, with the flesh also containing traces of the same toxic compounds.

Your dog should be fine if they eat the odd cherry without the stone, but if they were to eat a handful, make sure you keep an eye on them and have your vet’s number handy!

Yes, raw chicken bones are safe for your dog to eat. However, they must never eat cooked chicken bones.

Cooked chicken bones are dry and especially brittle as they have many air pockets inside that support the bird in flight. In fact, cooked bones of all kinds are known to cause digestive issues and may even damage your dog’s mouth.

Try not to worry if your dog swallows raw chicken wings whole, as it can make digestion easier. Dogs’ oesophagi are meant to stretch to cope with smaller raw meaty bones like chicken wings.

Read more about feeding bones to dogs safely in our guide.

Yes, chickpeas are safe for your dog to eat but are not an ideal diet staple.

Chickpeas are legumes that are hard for a dog to digest because they contain lectins. They also fall short on quite a few of the amino acids that dogs need, so they wouldn’t be sufficient as a protein source alone.

Chickpeas and chickpea flour are better swapped with complete, animal-based proteins.

Read more about canine-friendly protein sources and why dogs need meat.

No, chilli peppers are not safe for your dog to eat.

While chilli peppers are not poisonous to dogs, they are unsafe due to the irritation they can cause to a dog’s gut. They contain the compound capsaicin, which is often too overpowering for a dog’s digestive tract.

Most dogs likely wouldn’t eat a chilli pepper alone, but if your dog has eaten some – perhaps mixed in with scraps – it may be worth keeping an eye on them and ringing your vet if you become concerned.

Ornamental peppers, often grown and safe to consume, by humans are also unsafe for dogs. These contain a compound called Solanaceae which can be toxic to dogs.

No, chocolate is not safe for your dog to eat and can even be toxic in certain doses. 

While every dog is different, the darker the chocolate the higher the risk of poisoning, vomiting, seizures and kidney problems.

If your dog has eaten chocolate, we urge you to contact your vet.

The best dog treats are naturally dehydrated animal-based proteins.

Shop our range.

No, chorizo is not safe for dogs to eat.

Chorizo is processed meat cured with salt, and contains spices like paprika, and onion powder which is toxic to your dog.

No, Christmas pudding is not safe for your dog to eat. If it contains dried fruits, like raisins and currants, it could even cause your dog severe kidney issues.

Christmas pudding also usually contains wheat or cereal flour and sugar, which are to be avoided by dogs too; not to mention the alcohol content often present!

Please contact your vet if your dog has eaten your Christmas pudding this year!

Yes, coconut is safe for your dog to eat. 

Coconut flesh, milk, juice and oil are all safe for dogs. The natural flesh can be a fun addition to your dog’s diet rather than an everyday part of their meal – although you should avoid sugared or sweetened versions.

Coconut water is also safe for dogs and contains many nutrients, including potassium, manganese, natural sodium and electrolytes to support hydration. Dogs do not need very much to benefit, and over-consumption could lead to vomiting.

Coconut oil is perhaps the best known and most useful part of a coconut for your dog. The oil contains antimicrobial compounds, including lauric acid, which can boost healing of skin issues when used daily – both topically and in the diet.

Many dogs enjoy coconut so much that they will lick it off a spoon, which can be more fun than simply adding it to their bowl!

No, coffee and tea are not safe for your dog to drink. 

While these drinks might not be toxic for dogs, and they may appear to sometimes enjoy the taste of a cuppa, they can cause digestive upsets and contribute to adrenal fatigue.

It is not recommended to give dogs caffeine full-stop, as it could lead to dehydration. Even caffeine-free teas and coffees, which can contain residual caffeine, should be avoided.

Yes, courgette is safe for your dog to eat. 

From the same family as cucumbers, courgettes also contain a lot of water, making them easier for a dog to digest than some vegetables.

If fed lightly cooked, courgettes can provide useful amounts of vitamin C for your dog, supporting injury recovery or during times of stress. Courgettes also contain vitamin A, B vitamins, and many minerals, including manganese, phosphorus, copper and potassium.

While courgettes are safe for dogs to eat, they do not contain as many nutrients for dogs as other green vegetables.

Yes, cranberries are safe for your dog to eat. In fact, they are one of the best berries for dogs to eat.

Cranberries are unusual because they contain an abundance of specific antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, support heart and kidney health, and can even function as a minor antihistamine.

Some of the compounds they contain also act to prevent bacteria such as e.coli from affecting your dog’s bladder and urinary tract, and are also wonderful for relieving urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Cranberry powder is a practical way to add a higher amount of medicinal value to your dog’s diet. Cranberry sauce is safe in small amounts (but often contains unhealthy amounts of sugar, which is better avoided).

Lastly, cranberry juice is often high in sugar and lower in overall nutrition and so is the least beneficial form of cranberry for your dog.

No, crisps are not safe for your dog to eat. 

Crisps are not ideal for dogs. Some may contain enough salt to upset your dog’s digestive system or even affect their kidneys.

The odd, accidentally fed or found crisp is unlikely to cause such issues. Nonetheless, crisps contain heat-altered fats called trans-fats that can lead to inflammation, digestive issues, and uncomfortable skin conditions.

Many dogs fed a diet of processed foods become used to sodium and similar flavourings to crisps that are added to pet foods. This naturally leads them to crave crisps but is not a sign they need them.

It is best not to begin feeding your dog crisps to prevent them from craving these often unhealthy additives.

Yes, the flesh of the cherimoya fruit is safe for your dog to eat. However, its seeds are poisonous to dogs and even to humans.

The flesh has a creamy texture which is where its “custard apple” alias comes from. Cherimoya contains a lot of carbohydrate (mostly sugar) and so isn’t an ideal food for dogs.

If your dog manages to eat custard apple seeds, we would recommend calling your vet.

Yes, cucumbers are safe for your dog to eat. They are best for them when eaten raw. 

Cucumbers are one of the better anti-inflammatory salad vegetables dogs can eat. Not only do cucumbers provide wonderful hydration for dogs, but they also contain many phytochemicals such as ligands, flavonoids and triterpenes, which have been shown to positively influence inflammation and inflammatory conditions (such as digestive complaints or itchy skin).

It is safe to add cucumber to a dog’s meal every day for overall well being or as a vitamin-rich treat.

Yes, dragon fruit is safe for your dog to eat. However, it’s best to avoid the outer skin.

Dogs can eat the flesh of the dragon fruit and unusually, its seeds, too. While not overly rich with vitamin C, dragon fruit provides many other nutrients, including useful amounts of magnesium, a vital mineral for many aspects of health.

The seeds of a dragon fruit can provide beneficial fatty acids that are great for skin and joint health. Dragon fruit is also a great prebiotic for your dog, with studies showing its potential in supporting the gut microbiome in dogs.

Your dog could enjoy dragon fruit a couple of times a week.

Yes, durian is safe for your dog to eat. However, the seeds and rind are not good for them. The seed is more like a stone in size and easily removed.

Despite its slightly off-putting smell, durian is incredibly nutritious. It contains rich amounts of B vitamins – B1, B2, B3, B6 & B9 – as well as magnesium, manganese, potassium and vitamin C.

If your dog likes this fruit, you can add this once a week or so as a treat/snack or for some added variety in their meals.

Yes, edamame is safe for your dog to eat.

However, soya is often genetically modified and so edamame (which are simply young soya beans) may be better avoided unless you know they are organic.

Broccoli and kale are better green vegetable options for your dog.

Yes, eggs are safe for your dog to eat; both the egg white and the yolk.

Raw eggs can be fed to your dog as part of a raw diet. Packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, B12, folate, iron, selenium, and riboflavin, and also a great source of protein and healthy fats, means eggs are incredibly nutritious. Even the shell has benefits, being packed with calcium.

However, if your dog has shown intolerances to certain poultry, they might also be allergic to their eggs . For instance, most shop bought eggs are from chickens, so dogs with chicken allergies might also be allergic to their eggs. This isn’t always the case, but potentially can be.

Eggs cooked with milk or even butter are still safe for dogs; however, if you are cooking the egg specifically for them you do not need to add those ingredients. In fact, it is often better not to do so.

Why not look for eggs from different birds, such as quail, duck or goose, to introduce different nutrition to your dog?

Yes, small amounts of ripe, black or purple elderberries are safe for your dog to eat.

Too many elderberries, however, may cause vomiting, as unripe berries or any other part of the plant (such as the leaves) are not safe for dogs.

As there are many other useful, safe berries for dogs, it is better to leave elderberries out of your dog’s diet.

No, escargot is not safe for your dog to eat.

While cooked, food-raised escargot should be safe for your dog to eat, the risk with snails is that they could potentially contribute to lungworm. Ultimately, cooked or not, snails are probably best avoided.

Yes, fennel is safe for your dog to eat. Despite looking a bit like an onion, fennel is actually good for dogs to eat – if they like it!

Fennel has quite a pungent liquorice-like flavour that may put dogs off eating it.

Fennel seeds are of the most use to your dog. They are fantastic for relieving digestive discomfort and have strong anti-inflammatory properties. A couple of teaspoons of these can be made into a tea, strained and given for your dog to lap up. They can also be added directly to food to help with gas or digestive discomfort.

To fully benefit from the medicinal herbal support of fennel seeds we recommend that you speak to a veterinary herbalist.

Yes, fig fruits are safe for your dog to eat. However, avoid the plant’s leaves or stem.

As with many fruits, figs are relatively high in sugars and so might be best used as an occasional treat rather than as a meal addition.

Figs can occasionally be used to help relieve constipated dogs. Your dog would only need one or two for this support. However, cooked pumpkin is thought to be a better laxative food.

No, gammon is not safe for dogs to eat.

Gammon is cured with salt, and high in fat, which when cooked increases the risk of digestive issues, and pancreatitis.

Yes, garlic is safe for your dog to eat in small, medicinal doses.

Garlic is a well-known, natural antibiotic and prebiotic, meaning it will help to balance your dog’s microbiome, helping simultaneously to reduce harmful bacteria while supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria. Further, garlic is sometimes used as a blood purifier to put off biting insects, such as fleas and ticks.

We recommend you speak to a veterinary herbalist about dosages for specific antibiotic requirements. However, safe amounts tend to be around ¼ of a clove for a toy or small dog (4-7kg), ½ a clove for a medium dog (5-18kg) and one clove (not bulb!) for a larger dog (20kg and up).

To ensure it is of the most use as an antibiotic, garlic is better fed as needed rather than given every day.

Yes, ginger is safe for your dog to eat. However, it is better utilised as a herbal remedy than as a food.

Most dog owners know that ginger is useful for nausea and motion sickness and so can be helpful for car travel.

The safest amount of minced, or very finely chopped, ginger to add to your dog’s food is around ¼ of a teaspoon for a toy or small dog (4-7kg), ½ teaspoon for a medium dog (5-18kg) and ¾ teaspoon for a larger dog (20kg and up).

Many studies have shown ginger to be both anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer, so the herb is worth looking into. A veterinary herbalist can further support you with specific doses for ailments.

Yes, goji berries are safe for your dog to eat. These are also known as wolfberries, although nobody seems to know why!

These berries are high in vitamin A, B2, iron and copper, as well as zinc, potassium and vitamin C. Unusually for berries, they also contain a decent amount of selenium, a mineral important for immune system health and brain function.

Goji berries are also packed with antioxidants. For dogs, it is always better to provide the real berries rather than the dried versions, which have a higher sugar content per gram. However, as these berries are often difficult to buy whole, you could consider a powder.

Goji berries are known as a superfood, abundant in phytonutrients. These berries are a beneficial complement to a dog’s diet. Use common sense to provide a small amount of the powder to meals depending on their size, a few times a week (or as directed by a canine health professional).

No, gooseberries are not safe for your dog to eat.

If your dog has eaten more than two gooseberries and is vomiting or appears otherwise lethargic, please contact your vet.

Yes, grapefruit is safe for your dog to eat. However, due to its acidity, too much could cause digestive upset.

Grapefruit is high in sugar, so is not ideal for dogs, and the bitter taste is likely to put dogs off anyway.

No, grapes are not safe for your dog to eat. They contain a compound that affects their kidneys – even one grape can be bad for your dog.

The severity of ill effects depends on the dog’s size, the number of grapes they have eaten, and general health. In any event, your dog is likely to vomit after eating grapes initially but could go on to suffer seizures.

We suggest calling your vet if you are worried that your dog has consumed grapes, raisins or sultanas.

Yes, gravy is safe for your dog to eat in small amounts. However, many gravies often contain ingredients that are not great for them to eat or drink in volume.

Salt levels are often high in gravy. Instant gravy also often contains wheat, preservatives and colourings, onion, and even wine, all of which should be avoided.

A healthy, dog-friendly alternative to gravy is bone broth. Rich in minerals and vitamins, a good quality bone broth will add moisture to your dog’s food alongside gut-enriching nourishment.

Yes, green beans are safe for your dog to eat. However, they will be easier to digest if you cook them before feeding.

Like many green vegetables, green beans contain good amounts of vitamins C, A and B9 (folate), which your dog’s body needs for healthy red blood cells and to convert any carbohydrate they may eat – such as those in vegetables – into useable energy.

Green beans also contain a good amount of both calcium and magnesium, two minerals that work together to support healthy joints, immune and nervous systems.

Yes, the flesh of guava fruit is safe for dogs to eat. However, you should avoid feeding them guava skin, peel or pips.

Guava contains one of the highest amounts of vitamin C in a fruit, which can be helpful for dogs if they are under stress or healing from an injury.

Vitamin C is also involved in collagen repair, so it is also very useful for dogs with skin ailments.

Your dog only needs a few cubes of guava now and again in order to benefit from it.