Food-safety answers about human foods, fruit, vegetables, snacks and ingredients for dogs.
Can dogs eat shrimp? Plain, thoroughly cooked shrimp can be an occasional treat for some healthy dogs. Remove the shell and tail, avoid garlic, onion, butter and other seasonings, and offer appropriately sized pieces to reduce choking risk. Raw shrimp may carry pathogens, and some dogs have food sensitivities or digestive problems. Shrimp is not…
Can dogs eat Greek yogurt? Some dogs can tolerate a small amount of plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt as an occasional treat, but others have digestive upset from dairy. Never offer yogurt containing xylitol, and watch for added sugars or flavorings. Dogs with dietary restrictions or health conditions may need different advice from their veterinarian. Is…
Can dogs eat figs? A small amount of plain, ripe fig fruit may be tolerated by some healthy dogs, but the fruit’s fiber and sugar can upset sensitive stomachs. Do not encourage chewing fig leaves, stems or ornamental plants, and do not assume dried fig snacks have the same ingredients as fresh fruit. Dogs with…
Can dogs eat Oreo cookies? Oreo cookies are not a suitable treat for dogs. Standard chocolate-flavoured sandwich cookies contain cocoa and are high in sugar and fat. The risk from accidental ingestion depends on your dog’s size, how many cookies were eaten, and the exact product ingredients. Sugar and chocolate are part of the ingredients…
Can dogs eat milk chocolate? No. Milk chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs process more slowly than people. It generally contains less of these compounds than dark or baking chocolate, but it can still cause poisoning, especially when a small dog eats a substantial amount. The right response depends on the particular product, how…
Can dogs eat ice cubes? Many healthy dogs can safely lick a little plain ice or drink cool water containing ice. The main concerns are chewing very hard cubes, which can damage teeth, and swallowing pieces too large for the dog to handle comfortably. Ice cubes are optional, not an essential source of hydration or…
Can dogs eat tomatoes? Small amounts of plain, ripe red tomato flesh may be tolerated by some dogs, but green parts of the tomato plant and unripe tomatoes contain higher concentrations of compounds that may cause problems. Keep dogs away from tomato plants and avoid sauces containing onion, garlic or heavy seasonings. If your dog…
Can dogs eat sardines? Plain, appropriately prepared sardines can provide nutrients, but the preparation matters. Choose options without added salt, sauces or seasonings and check for bones or pieces that your dog may not handle safely. Oily fish should be an occasional addition, not a substitute for a complete diet. If your dog has pancreatitis,…
Can dogs eat mushrooms? Wild mushrooms should be treated as potentially dangerous for dogs because toxic varieties can be difficult to identify. Do not let a dog forage for mushrooms outdoors. Small amounts of plain, properly cooked store-bought edible mushrooms are a different question, but sauces and seasonings can introduce risks. If your dog swallows…
Can dogs eat cranberries? Plain cranberries can be given in small amounts to some healthy dogs. Their tartness and fiber may cause digestive upset, and the way a product is sweetened or blended matters. Cranberries should never be used as a do-it-yourself treatment for urinary tract infections or other symptoms that need veterinary diagnosis. The…