Pet Food Safety Guide
What can dogs and cats eat? A comprehensive guide to safe and toxic foods for pets.
15 Articles in This Guide"Can my dog eat this?" is one of the most common questions pet owners ask. Some human foods are perfectly safe—and even healthy—for pets, while others can be deadly.
This guide covers what's safe, what's toxic, and what to do if your pet eats something they shouldn't.
1Toxic Foods for Dogs
Chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and alcohol are all toxic to dogs. Severity depends on the amount ingested and your dog's size.
2Toxic Foods for Cats
Cats are obligate carnivores with unique sensitivities. Onions, garlic, chocolate, alcohol, and caffeine are toxic. Despite the stereotype, most cats are lactose intolerant.
3Safe Treats
Many fruits and vegetables make healthy treats: blueberries, apples (no seeds), carrots, green beans, watermelon, and bananas. Always introduce new foods gradually.
4Hidden Dangers
Xylitol hides in sugar-free gum, peanut butter, and medications. Grapes and raisins are in trail mix and baked goods. Always check ingredients before sharing.
Read the Full Guides
Can Dogs Eat Chocolate? Emergency Chart
Chocolate contains Theobromine, a heart stimulant fatal to dogs. Use our emergency chart to assess risk.
Read Article →Can Dogs Eat Grapes? Why They Are Toxic
Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs and can cause acute kidney failure. Learn the signs of poisoning and what to do immediately.
Read Article →Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter? Xylitol Warning
Peanut butter is the ultimate training treat, but a new ingredient in diet brands is killing dogs. Check your label.
Read Article →Can Dogs Eat Apples? Core Safety
An apple a day? Maybe a slice. Learn how to feed apples safely and why you must remove the seeds.
Read Article →Can Dogs Eat Bananas? The Safety Guide
Bananas are a safe, potassium-rich treat for dogs, but portion control is key due to sugar content.
Read Article →Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? Superfood Truth
Blueberries are arguably the best fruit treat for dogs. Discover the 'Superfood' benefits for canine brains.
Read Article →Toxic Foods for Dogs: The Complete Emergency Guide
Not all human foods are safe for dogs. Some can kill within hours. Know what to avoid and what to do in an emergency.
Read Article →Is Xylitol Dangerous for Dogs? Hidden Sources in Your Pantry
It's the deadliest poison in your house, and you probably don't even know you have it. Xylitol kills dogs faster than chocolate. Here is where it hides.
Read Article →Can Cats Drink Milk? The Myth Debunked
The image of a cat lapping up milk is iconic, but biologically incorrect. Discover why milk causes illness in cats.
Read Article →Can Cats Eat Cheese? Lactose Facts
Is cheese safe for cats? It depends on the type. Learn which cheeses are low-lactose and safe for treats.
Read Article →Can Cats Eat Dog Food? Nutrition Gaps
It happens: the cat steals the dog's dinner. Is it an emergency? No. Is it a diet plan? Absolutely not.
Read Article →Can Cats Eat Tuna Daily? Mercury Risks
It's the classic cat food, but feeding human-grade canned tuna daily can lead to malnutrition and poisoning.
Read Article →Top 10 Toxic Houseplants for Cats
Your indoor jungle might be a death trap. Remove these 10 plants immediately if you own a cat.
Read Article →List of Human Medications Toxic to Pets: The Deadly Cabinet
You dropped a pill on the floor and the dog ate it. Should you induce vomiting? A guide to Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and other common household drugs.
Read Article →Signs of Antifreeze Poisoning in Pets: The Sweet Killer in Your Garage
One teaspoon can be fatal. Learn the 3 stages of symptoms, why the 'false recovery' phase is deadly, and how to identify this sweet-tasting winter poison.
Read Article →Frequently Asked Questions
My dog ate chocolate. What do I do?
Call ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or your vet immediately. Provide the type of chocolate, amount, and your dog's weight. Dark chocolate is most toxic.
Are grapes really that bad?
Yes. Even small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs. The toxic compound is unknown, so there's no "safe" amount.
Can cats eat dog food?
Occasionally won't hurt, but cats shouldn't eat dog food regularly. Cats need taurine and higher protein levels that dog food doesn't provide.