Food-safety answers about human foods, fruit, vegetables, snacks and ingredients for dogs.
Can dogs eat onions? No. Onions are toxic to dogs, whether raw, cooked or included in seasoned foods. Onion exposure can damage red blood cells; if your dog eats onions or onion-containing food, contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service promptly instead of waiting for symptoms. See the ASPCA’s onion toxicity guidance. If you regularly…
Can dogs eat French fries? Fries are not a good treat for dogs. They are usually oily and salty and may contain additional seasonings or sauces. A small accidental bite of plain cooked potato is a different question from deliberately feeding salty fried food; avoid making fries part of a dog’s diet. Chips are one…
Can dogs eat eggs? Yes, many healthy dogs can enjoy a little plain, thoroughly cooked egg as an occasional treat. Cook it without butter, oil, salt, onions, garlic or seasonings. Raw eggs and raw shells are not recommended because of foodborne germ risks, and eggs should not replace complete, balanced dog food. Editorial note: Earlier…
Can dogs eat whipped cream? Whipped cream is not a recommended regular treat because it is fatty, often sweetened and may upset dogs that do not tolerate dairy. Sugar-free or flavoured products require particular care because some contain xylitol or other ingredients unsuitable for dogs. Fresh water and appropriate dog treats are better choices. Whipped…
Can dogs eat black olives? A small amount of plain, pitted black olive may be tolerated by many healthy dogs, but olives are not a necessary addition to a balanced diet. The common problems are pits, high-sodium brine, rich fillings and seasonings rather than the olive flesh alone. Avoid feeding whole olives directly from a…
Can dogs eat garlic? No. Do not intentionally feed garlic to dogs. Raw, cooked, roasted, dried and powdered garlic all contain compounds that can damage red blood cells. The risk depends on the amount, its concentration and the individual dog; a dog that seems well immediately after eating garlic may still need veterinary assessment. If…
Can dogs eat Nutella? No chocolate hazelnut spread should be offered as a routine dog snack. Nutella contains cocoa alongside sugar and fat, and chocolate-flavored spreads vary by recipe and brand. The level of risk after an accidental ingestion depends on the actual product, the amount eaten, the dog’s size and any symptoms. Do not…
Can dogs eat raw steak? Feeding raw steak is not recommended. Uncooked beef can carry harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that put both dogs and people at risk, and an apparently healthy pet can still spread germs. Plain, fully cooked, boneless beef is a safer occasional treat for many healthy dogs, provided…
Can dogs eat grapes or raisins? No. Both can cause serious illness and kidney injury in dogs, and the risk cannot be judged reliably from a dog’s appearance after eating them. If your dog may have eaten grapes or raisins, contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately rather than waiting for symptoms. See the…
Can dogs eat butter? Butter is not a recommended treat: it is very high in fat and can upset a dog’s digestive system. A dog with pancreatitis or other dietary restrictions may face additional concerns. Avoid deliberately feeding butter or buttery foods and consult a veterinarian if your dog becomes unwell after eating a substantial…