Last Updated on: January 08, 2026

Sharing food with a dog feels natural, but even tiny bites can either be harmless or lead to a late night emergency vet visit. Dogs process food differently from humans, and everyday ingredients can strain their organs or cause toxicity, while simple whole foods can genuinely support their health. 

The short answer to which people foods dogs can and cannot eat is that plain meats, certain fruits and many vegetables are generally safe, while fatty, salty, sweet or seasoned foods and anything toxic like chocolate, grapes, garlic or onions must always be avoided. This guide gives you clear traffic light answers and practical tips to help you choose safe treats with confidence.

How Safe Is Human Food For Dogs?

If you remember only one thing, let it be this: the less a food looks like it grew straight from the earth or came as a simple piece of meat, the more carefully you should treat it around dogs.

A few helpful rules of thumb:

• Plain, unseasoned meats, some fruits and many vegetables can usually be offered in small amounts.

• Rich, salty, very fatty, sugary or heavily seasoned foods belong in the "people only" category.

• Certain ingredients are toxic even in tiny amounts, so they are never worth the risk.

In practice, that means a small chunk of cooked chicken breast or a slice of carrot is a very different story from a piece of onion covered pizza crust or chocolate-coated biscuit crumbs.

When in doubt, act as if the food is unsafe until you have checked. It is far easier to find a different treat than to reverse something a dog has already swallowed.

Why Dogs Process Food Differently To Humans

Dogs share a home with humans, but their internal chemistry follows its own rulebook. Key differences include:

• Different enzymes and receptors: Dogs break down certain chemicals more slowly, so they stay in the system longer and reach toxic levels.
  

• Chocolate and caffeine sensitivity: Theobromine and caffeine in chocolate, coffee and some teas can overstimulate a dog’s heart and nervous system.
  

• Allium sensitivity: Compounds in onions, garlic, leeks and chives can damage red blood cells and lead to anaemia.
  

• Fat handling: Sudden fatty meals can trigger painful pancreatitis, especially in dogs that are small, older or already prone to tummy issues.

Because of these quirks, what feels like a small indulgence to a person can become a serious dose for an animal that weighs only a fraction as much.

The Traffic-Light System Used In This Guide

To make decisions simpler at a glance, this guide uses a traffic light approach.

Green foods

• Generally safe for healthy adult dogs in small portions.

• Served plain, without added salt, sugar, oil or seasoning.

Amber foods

• Sometimes safe, but only with preparation, careful portions or for particular dogs.

• Can cause tummy upsets, weight gain or other issues if handled the wrong way.

Red foods

• Known to be toxic or very high risk.

• Never worth experimenting with, no matter how pleading the eyes.

You will see that language repeated throughout the article so you can skim for the category you need and decide quickly.

At A Glance: List Of People Foods Dogs Can And Cannot Eat

Use this section as a quick index. Look up the food, note its colour, then jump to the deeper explanation if you need context.

Green Foods (Safe)

Amber Foods (Safe With Care)

Red Foods (Never Safe)

Fruits: Which Fruits Can Dogs Eat?

Fruit feels like a generous, healthy gesture, so it often becomes a first choice when people want to share food with their dogs. Some fruits genuinely help to add fibre and hydration. Others create more drama than they are worth.

Dog-Safe Fruits 

These fruits tend to suit most healthy adult dogs when they are offered in small, bite sized pieces:

• Apples without core or seeds.

• Bananas cut into coins.

• Blueberries served fresh or frozen.

• Strawberries with tops removed.

• Mango chunks without the pit.

• Rockmelon or cantaloupe in seedless cubes.

• Watermelon without seeds or rind.

• Pears, ripe and cored.

Benefits include extra water, a little natural sweetness and a boost of vitamins and antioxidants. In training sessions, one small piece at a time keeps total sugar reasonable while still feeling special.

A practical tip is to freeze mixed fruit pieces in ice cube trays. On a hot Australian afternoon that turns into a long lasting, low mess treat.

Fruits That Are Safe Only With Care 

Stone fruits and a few other options sit awkwardly between safe and unsafe.

Examples:

• Peaches, plums, apricots and nectarines, as long as the stone is completely removed.

• Persimmons without seeds.

• Kiwi fruit peeled and sliced.

Potential issues include:

• Hard pits that become choking hazards.

• Cyanide containing seeds in some species.

• Loose stools when sensitive dogs get carried away.

If a fruit grows with a big stone or a cluster of seeds, treat it with caution, and supervise closely when trying it for the first time.

Toxic Or High-Risk Fruits

A short list of fruits deserves a permanent red light:

• Grapes of all colours.

• Raisins, sultanas and currants.

• Any baked goods, trail mix or snack bars that include dried grapes.

The tricky part is that not every dog reacts the same way. Some eat a few grapes and appear fine, while others slide into kidney failure after a very small amount. Because there is no reliable safe dose, the only sensible policy is zero tolerance.

If a dog eats grapes or raisins, emergency advice from a vet is not overreacting. Quick action can make a real difference.

Dried Fruit, Canned Fruit And Fruit Juices

Once fruit has been processed, it behaves very differently in a dog’s body.

Points to remember:

• Dried fruit concentrates sugar and can stick to teeth.

• Canned fruit often comes with heavy syrup.

• Fruit juices remove fibre and deliver straight sugar.

Occasional licks will usually not cause disaster, but there is no meaningful health benefit, and dogs can gain weight surprisingly fast when these become regular habits.

Fruit Prep And Serving Tips

A few small habits dramatically improve safety:

• Rinse fruit to remove pesticides and dirt.

• Remove cores, pits, stems and seeds.

• Cut into pieces that match the dog’s size and chewing style.

• Offer fruit as a topping or side, not as the bulk of the meal.

• Store leftovers safely so that a curious nose cannot raid the fruit bowl.

Think of fruit as a garnish rather than a main event.

Vegetables: Safe Veggies, Gassy Veggies And Toxic Ones

Vegetables carry an image of virtue, and quite a few are excellent for dogs. They add crunch, fibre and variety. A handful, however, can cause mischief or genuine harm.

Non-Starchy Veggies That Are Usually Safe

Many low calorie vegetables double as brilliant training treats and food toppers:

• Carrot sticks or coins.

• Green beans, fresh or lightly steamed.

• Cucumber slices.

• Zucchini pieces.

• Celery batons.

• Capsicum strips without seeds.

• Peas in small portions.

These options offer:

• Satisfying crunch for dogs that like to chew.

• Extra water and fibre without many calories.

• A way to bulk out meals for dogs on weight loss plans.

When introducing vegetables, start with a few pieces at a time and observe the result in the backyard the next morning.

Starchy Veggies and Root Vegetables

Starchy vegetables carry more energy, so they deserve a little more planning.

Examples include:

• Pumpkin, especially Japanese or butternut.

• Sweet potato.

• White potato, well cooked and never green.

• Beetroot.

Helpful guidelines:

• Always cook these vegetables thoroughly and cool before serving.

• Skip any butter, oil, salt or seasoning that you might add for people.

• Keep the portion small and count it as part of the daily calorie allowance.

Many vets use plain pumpkin or sweet potato in small amounts for dogs that need a gentle, fibre rich diet for a few days.

Cruciferous Veggies And Gas

Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage fall into the cruciferous group.

They are not inherently unsafe, but they have a talent for creating:

• Extra gas.

• Gurgly stomach sounds.

• Occasional soft stools.

A tiny sprinkle mixed into food can be well tolerated and adds nutrients. A large pile of leftover roasted Brussels sprouts can turn into an evening of regret for everyone in the house.

Onions, Garlic, Leeks And Chives - Never Safe

Allium vegetables deserve a firm red light in any dog friendly kitchen.

Important points:

• Toxicity builds up over time, so repeated small exposures matter.

• Cooked onions are just as risky as raw ones.

• Powdered forms in stocks, gravies, spice blends and processed meats count too.

Signs of trouble can include pale gums, weakness, rapid breathing and dark urine. If a dog raids a stew pot, onion rich leftovers or a dish with a heavy garlic base, it is worth contacting a vet even if symptoms are not yet obvious.

Mushrooms - Why It Is Safest To Avoid Them

Mushrooms live in a grey zone. Some supermarket varieties are probably harmless in tiny amounts, but wild mushrooms can be extremely toxic.

Because identifying species accurately takes training, the safest policy is simple:

• Do not train dogs to expect mushrooms as treats.

• Clear garden mushrooms quickly before curious noses investigate.

• Seek urgent help if a dog eats wild fungi.

Prevention here beats guesswork every time.

Meat, Fish, Eggs And Other Protein Foods

Protein rich foods often light up a dog’s brain. The smell of roasting meat or fish travels across a house like a dinner bell.

Lean, Plain Cooked Meat (Chicken, Turkey, Beef, Lamb, Pork)

Most plain meats fall into the green category when a few simple rules are followed.

Best practices:

• Trim visible fat and remove skin.

• Strip all cooked bones, skewers and string.

• Avoid rubs, marinades and gravies.

Lean cuts like chicken breast, turkey breast and trimmed beef are favourites for training, as long as the total amount stays moderate and balanced with the regular diet.

Fish And Seafood (Salmon, Sardines, Tuna, Prawns, White Fish)

Fish brings omega 3 fats and tasty variety.

Safer choices include:

• Cooked salmon fillets with bones removed.

• Sardines in spring water.

• Occasional tuna in spring water.

• Lightly cooked white fish such as hoki or cod.

• Plain, shelled prawns with no garlic or seasoning.

Watch points:

• Raw salmon, especially from areas with certain parasites, is a risk.

• Fish bones can splinter or lodge in the throat.

• Tinned fish in brine or oil adds unnecessary salt and fat.

Used thoughtfully, fish can be a lovely weekly highlight.

Eggs - Scrambled, Boiled Or Poached

Eggs hold a special place as an affordable, high quality protein.

Simple guidelines:

• Cook eggs until the whites are set.

• Skip added butter, milk, salt and pepper.

• Offer a spoonful or two rather than a whole pan.

Some dogs react to egg with itchy skin or loose stools, so keep an eye on things when offering them for the first time.

Organ Meats (Liver, Kidney, Heart)

Organs are like nature’s multivitamins. They pack a lot of nutrients into small bites. They also demonstrate the rule that more is not always better.

Tips for organ treats:

• Use tiny cubes as training rewards.

• Avoid feeding large slabs every day.

• Be especially cautious with liver, as excess vitamin A can become a problem over time.

A sprinkle of chopped heart or kidney on a meal can feel like a feast to a dog, without needing huge quantities.

Processed And Cured Meats

Sausages, ham, salami, hot dogs and many jerkies are created for human taste buds.

Common features include:

• High salt content.

• Added flavour enhancers and preservatives.

• Garlic and onion powders.

Those elements place most processed meat squarely in the red or deep amber category. It might be tempting to slip a dog a sausage at a barbecue, yet their pancreas and waistline will be happier if that sausage stays on the adult plates.

Dairy, Yoghurt, And Cheese

Dairy is one of the most misunderstood categories of people food for dogs. Cute videos of pups licking ice cream cones are everywhere, yet many dogs pay for it later.

Cow’s Milk And Lactose Intolerance

Puppies naturally digest milk. As dogs grow up, their ability to handle lactose often fades.

Signs that milk does not suit a particular dog include:

• Loose stools.

• Excess gas.

• Gurgling stomach sounds.

A few licks left in the bottom of a cereal bowl might pass without drama. Regular bowls of milk are far more likely to cause upset.

Yoghurt And Kefir

Plain yoghurt and kefir can be more digestible than milk, because fermentation reduces lactose and introduces helpful bacteria.

Smarter ways to use them:

• Choose plain, unsweetened styles.

• Check labels carefully for xylitol or artificial sweeteners.

• Spoon a small dollop over dry food once or twice a week.

Dogs prone to pancreatitis or weight gain still need modest amounts, because yoghurt is not calorie free.

Cheese And Cottage Cheese

Cheese is the classic high value training treat for a reason. The smell travels, the texture is satisfying, and most dogs think it is better than gold.

To keep it in the amber zone instead of red:

• Use small cubes rather than thick slices.

• Pick lower fat styles like cottage cheese or reduced fat hard cheeses.

• Avoid blue cheeses or strongly flavoured options that may upset sensitive stomachs.

Cheese rewards work best when they are rare enough to stay exciting.

Ice Cream, Custard And Cream - Mostly Off The Menu

Ice cream and similar desserts bring together sugar, fat and lactose in one hit.

On top of that, many flavours contain:

• Chocolate.

• Caramel.

• Biscuits or fudge pieces.

• Artificial sweeteners.

For a dog, that mixture is a perfect recipe for diarrhoea and, in some cases, genuine toxicity. A safer alternative is to freeze plain yoghurt with mashed banana in silicone moulds and keep those as a summer special.

Grains, Breads, Pasta, And Breakfast Foods

Not every dog needs extra grains on top of a complete commercial diet, but many enjoy small tastes from the breakfast table.

Dog-Safe Grains (Rice, Oats, Quinoa, Barley)

Cooked grains turn up in plenty of homemade bland diets.

They can be helpful when:

• A vet has recommended a short term gentle diet.

• You need a vehicle to deliver medication.

• A dog struggles to keep weight on and requires extra calories.

Rice, oats, quinoa and barley, cooked plain and cooled, all work in these contexts, provided they sit alongside appropriate protein rather than replacing it.

Bread, Toast And Crackers

Plain bread is usually not toxic. The real issue is that it fills space without bringing much nutrition.

Considerations:

• Seeded or nutty loaves may include unsafe ingredients.

• Raisin bread is completely off limits.

• Salty crackers can contribute to excessive sodium intake.

An occasional crust will not ruin a dog’s health, yet it should not become the default snack.

Pasta, Noodles And Rice Dishes

The pasta itself, cooked plain, is not the main problem. The challenge comes from the sauces and extras.

Risks include:

• Onion and garlic rich sauces.

• Salty soy based stir fries.

• Oily takeaway noodles.

If a dog tastes a small forkful of unseasoned pasta or rice, there is generally no need to worry. Regular access to leftovers from heavily seasoned dishes is a different story.

Breakfast Cereals, Porridge And Muesli

Breakfast products deserve label reading.

Many cereals and mueslis contain:

• Dried fruit.

• Chocolate chips or yoghurt drops.

• Added sugar or sweeteners.

Plain porridge oats cooked in water and cooled are a gentler choice when a dog needs a simple meal under veterinary guidance.

Nuts, Seeds, Oils And Spreads

Nuts and seeds can be confusing, because some are safe in theory but tricky in practice.

Peanut Butter - Safe With Conditions

Peanut butter has become almost a cultural ritual for stuffing into puzzle toys.

Keep it in the safer category by:

• Checking the label for xylitol and avoiding any brand that uses it.

• Choosing unsalted, smooth versions to minimise choking risk.

• Spreading a very thin layer inside a toy, rather than filling it completely.

Peanut butter is energy dense. A teaspoon goes a long way for a small dog.

Safe Nuts In Tiny Amounts

A few nuts are not inherently toxic, but they still deserve respect.

Occasional options:

• Plain peanuts.

• Cashews.

• Hazelnuts.

Always supervise, offer one at a time, and avoid nuts entirely for dogs that bolt their food or have a history of pancreatitis.

Nuts That Are Dangerous Or Best Avoided

Macadamias, walnuts and almonds cause more trouble than they are worth.

Concerns include:

• Macadamias being linked to weakness and tremors.

• Walnuts sometimes carrying mould that produces toxins.

• Almonds being hard to digest and easy to choke on.

Mixed nut bowls are another reason to keep a visiting dog out of the snack zone.

Seeds (Chia, Flaxseed, Sunflower, Pumpkin Seeds)

Seeds can be a gentle way to boost fibre and omega 3 in homemade treats.

Simpler uses:

• Stir a pinch of ground flaxseed into food.

• Sprinkle a few plain pumpkin seeds over a meal.

• Bake small amounts into dog safe biscuit recipes.

Avoid salted, spiced or sugar coated seed mixes, which are created for human palates, not canine digestion.

Cooking Oils, Coconut Oil And Animal Fat

Fats carry flavour, which makes dogs very interested in them.

However, overdoing oils and animal fat can:

• Trigger pancreatitis.

• Add a lot of calories for very little volume.

• Encourage a taste for greasy leftovers.

A small drizzle of salmon oil or a measured amount of a vet recommended supplement is very different from pouring pan juices over every dinner.

Snacks, Sweets, Baking And "People Treats"

This category is where many accidental poisonings begin. Snacks and sweets are designed to be irresistible for humans, and dogs agree.

Chocolate In All Forms - Never Safe

Every type of chocolate belongs on the red list. Higher cocoa solids mean higher theobromine levels, so dark chocolate is more dangerous gram for gram, yet milk chocolate and cocoa powder still count as genuine risks.

If a dog eats chocolate, the most helpful information for a vet is:

• The type of chocolate.

• The estimated amount.

• The dog’s weight.

With those details, a clinic can calculate risk and advise the next step.

Xylitol And "Sugar-Free" Products

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that appears in an increasing number of products.

Common sources include:

• Sugar free chewing gum and mints.

• Some peanut butters.

• Sugar free lollies and baked goods.

• Oral care products.

In dogs, xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and, at higher doses, serious liver damage. Any known ingestion deserves urgent veterinary attention, even if a dog still looks bright.

Cakes, Biscuits, Doughnuts And Pastries

Baked treats combine white flour, sugar and fat. Many also hide:

• Chocolate chips.

• Raisins.

• Alcohol soaked fruit.

From a dog’s perspective they smell incredible. From a health point of view they are all cost and no benefit. If a piece accidentally hits the floor, do not panic, but do not build a habit either.

Raw Bread Dough And Unbaked Yeast Doughs

Raw dough sits in a more sinister category than finished bread.

In a warm stomach it can:

• Expand and cause painful bloating.

• Produce alcohol as yeast ferments.

Both effects can become life threatening. Keep proofing dough well out of reach and treat any known ingestion as a reason to call a vet.

Chips, Crisps, Popcorn And Savoury Snacks

Salty snacks bring multiple issues at once.

Cautions:

• Flavouring powders often contain onion and garlic.

• Salt levels add up quickly for small bodies.

• Unpopped kernels and hard crisps can catch in teeth or throats.

Plain, air popped popcorn without salt or butter occupies a middle ground. A few pieces can be a fun novelty, as long as it stays a rare event.

Drinks, Caffeine And Alcohol

Dogs do not need flavoured drinks, yet they are strongly drawn to whatever people leave within reach.

Water - The Only Everyday Drink Dogs Need

Clean, fresh water is the only daily drink a healthy dog requires.

Helpful routines:

• Refresh bowls at least once or twice a day.

• Offer extra bowls in multi level homes.

• Carry a collapsible bowl on longer outings.

Flavoured waters, vitamin drinks and pet milks are rarely necessary.

Caffeinated Drinks (Coffee, Tea, Energy Drinks, Soft Drink)

Caffeine and related stimulants in coffee, tea and many soft drinks do not belong in a dog’s system.

Risky items include:

• Iced coffees in takeaway cups.

• Energy drinks left on the floor.

• Brewed tea bags in the rubbish.

Even small amounts can lead to restlessness, rapid heart rate and tremors, particularly in smaller dogs.

Alcohol, Kombucha, Beer And Wine

Alcohol affects dogs quickly.

Possible sources:

• Spilled cocktails.

• Unfinished beer bottles.

• Fermenting dough or fruit.

• Very alcoholic desserts.

Dogs lack the understanding to pace themselves or recognise early warning signs, so prevention is the only responsible option.

Fruit Juice, Sports Drinks And Cordial

These drinks do not normally cause poisoning, but they also do not fill any nutritional gap for dogs.

Reasons to avoid them include:

• High sugar content.

• Occasional use of sweeteners that are unsafe.

• Unnecessary calories.

If a dog is unwell and struggling to stay hydrated, veterinary oral rehydration products are much safer choices than human sports drinks.

Herbs, Spices, Condiments And Everyday Kitchen Staples

Seasonings bring taste to human meals. For dogs they mostly bring extra salt, sugar and risk.

Common Herbs That Are Usually Safe In Tiny Amounts

A few simple herbs can sit on the green side when used lightly.

Mild choices:

• Parsley.

• Basil.

• Oregano.

• Rosemary.

Sprinkle sized amounts on home cooked dog food can add aroma, yet there is no need to go out of your way to include them.

Spices To Avoid

Many common spices are simply too strong or risky for dogs.

Best avoided:

• Nutmeg.

• Large amounts of cinnamon.

• Chilli and paprika.

• Mixed seasoning blends that contain onion or garlic powder.

Even when a dog appears to enjoy licking a plate, their digestive system may have a rougher time processing what they just ate.

Sauces, Gravies And Seasonings

Sauces pull together several problem ingredients in one package.

For example:

• Tomato and barbecue sauces usually contain salt, sugar and onion or garlic.

• Soy sauce is extremely salty.

• Commercial gravies are rarely free from onion powder.

These additions can turn an otherwise safe piece of meat into something better suited for the compost heap than the dog bowl.

Sharing Human Food With Your Dog Safely 

At Happy Staffy, we want dogs to live joyful and healthy lives, and that starts with helping owners feel confident about the choices they make every day. Mindful sharing of human food, balanced weekly treat habits and clear traffic light guidance all work together to reduce risk and increase enjoyment at mealtimes. 

When small decisions are made with intention and care, dogs stay safer, feel better and build the kind of long term wellbeing that lets them thrive. We believe that thoughtful feeding is one of the quietest and most meaningful ways to show love, and we are here to guide you through every step of that journey.