can my pet eat that?

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Pets will eat — and enjoy — a number of foods, but just because they'll eat it doesn't mean it's good for them.

Pets explore the world through their mouths, and they can end up chewing on some crazy things. So, which types of human foods are OK for pets? Which foods should they steer clear of? Use this list to get an idea, and always reach out to your veterinarian if you think your pet may have ingested something dangerous.

dish with green grapes

Grapes & Raisins

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Cat banning icon

NEVER for dogs and cats

Grapes and raisins have been associated with kidney failure in both dogs & cats.

Dish with chopped banana

Bananas

Occasionally allowed dog icon
Occasionally allowed cat icon

OCCASIONALLY for dogs and cats

Bananas offer potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, biotin, and copper. Bananas are also high in sugar, so use them more as a treat than a meal — and make sure to remove the peel.

Red apples

Apples

Dogs allowed icon

YES for dogs

High in fibre and protein, this fruit is a great source of vitamins A and C. Do not feed your dog the core or seeds, both of which contain cyanide. It is also recommended to avoid allowing dogs to ingest the stem or leaves.

Cat allowed icon

YES for cats

Apples are safe for cats so long as the stems, leaves, and especially seeds are removed from the apple.

Dish with blueberries

Blueberries

Dogs allowed icon

YES for dogs

With strong antioxidant properties, blueberries especially are considered a superfood for humans and dogs alike.

Cats allowed icon

YES for cats

While cats can’t detect sweet flavours, they can appreciate the wet, juicy texture.

Some fruits like melon

Melons

Dogs allowed icon
Cats allowed icon

YES for dogs and cats

Pets can eat a littlerockmelon and watermelon now and again, but make sure you remove any seeds and avoid feeding any part of the rind, which may result in a foreign body obstruction.

Dish with citrus fruits

Citrus fruits

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Cat banning icon

NEVER for dogs and cats

Ingesting citrus fruits can cause pets to experience gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

Several cherries

Cherries

Occasionally allowed dog icon
Occasionally allowed cat icon

YES for dogs and cats, if you're careful

Cherry pits contain cyanide, which is toxic to pets. The fruit of a cherry is considered safe. Wild cherries are more of a concern, so best to avoid wild cherries altogether.

Cat sniffing an avocado.

Avocados

Occasionally allowed dog icon
Occasionally allowed cat icon

RARELY for dogs and cats

Avocados contain persin, which may cause mild stomach upset in dogs. Pancreatitis is also a concern due to the high fat content.

Onions and garlics

Onions & Garlic

Dog banning icon
Cat banning icon

NEVER for dogs and cats

Both can cause anemia, and serious damage to the red blood cells.

Dish with strawberries

Strawberries

Dogs allowed icon

YES for dogs

Strawberries are rich in fibre and vitamin C.

Cats allowed icon

YES for cats

Strawberries can be an excellent source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, and manganese.

Carrots

Carrots

Dogs allowed icon

YES for dogs

Carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack and a common ingredient in dog food that is high in fibre and beta-carotene.

Occasionally allowed cat icon

OCCASIONALLY for cats

Vegetables like carrots are safe to eat and high in vitamins.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes

Occasionally allowed dog icon
Occasionally allowed cat icon

MAYBE for dogs and cats

A red, ripe tomato is safe for your pet to eat, but the green parts of a tomato (including the stem and leaves) can contain dangerous toxins.

Dish with Broccoli

Broccoli

Occasionally allowed dog icon

RARELY for dogs

While high in vitamins and fibre, too much broccoli can lead to possible stomach issues for your dog.

Cats allowed icon

YES for cats

If your cat shows interest, broccoli is a great source of antioxidants and fibre. Offer it in small bites.

Spicy food

Spicy Food

Dog banning icon
Cat banning icon

NEVER for dogs and cats

Spicy foods can upset a dog’s stomach and digestive tract, and capsaicin in hot foods can cause pain in your pet’s mouth. Many spicy foods also have garlic or onion additives (ie: powder, minced) which are toxic to dogs and cats.

Dish with chocolate

Chocolate

Dog banning icon
Cat banning icon

NEVER for dogs and cats

Both caffeine and theobromine are toxic for dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous. Watch out for the addition of xylitol in many chocolate products.

Glass of wine

Alcohol

Dog banning icon
Cat banning icon

NEVER for dogs and cats

Hops can be severely toxic to dogs and cats. Even the lowest amount of alcohol or fermented content can be toxic for cats.

Cheese

Cheese

Occasionally allowed dog icon
Occasionally allowed cat icon

RARELY for dogs and cats

Cheese and other dairy products may upset your pet’s digestive system, which could lead to diarrhea and food allergies.

Mint chewing gum

Xylitol

Dog banning icon
Cat banning icon

NEVER for dogs and cats

Ingestion can cause a life-threatening drop in a dog’s blood sugar, as well as liver damage.

Raw bread dough

Raw Bread Dough

Dog banning icon

NEVER for dogs

The yeast in raw dough can cause stomach expansion, resulting in tissue damage and difficulty breathing. In some cases, the fermenting yeast can also cause alcohol poisoning.

Cat banning icon

NEVER for cats

While cooked bread and dough are considered harmless for cats, raw yeast can kill a cat in a matter of hours.

Developed in partnership with Pet Poison Helpline

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