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ASPCA sourced

Can My Dog or Cat Eat This?

Search 50+ common foods to instantly check whether they're safe, need caution, or are toxic for your dog or cat. Every entry is sourced from ASPCA toxicology data and peer-reviewed veterinary research.

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Food Safety Checker
Dogs & Cats • 50+ foods
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How to Use This Checker

Select whether you have a dog or cat using the toggle above — safety ratings differ between species because dogs and cats metabolise foods differently. Then search by name or use the filter buttons to browse by safety level.

Each food is classified into one of three categories:

  • Safe — generally fine for your pet in moderate amounts. Some may still need portion control.
  • Caution — not immediately dangerous, but may cause digestive upset, contain unhealthy levels of fat or sodium, or require careful preparation (e.g. removing seeds or cooking first).
  • Toxic — known to cause poisoning, organ damage, or death. Contact your vet immediately if ingested.
🚨 What to Do If Your Pet Eats Something Toxic
  • 1. Stay calm and remove the food source immediately.
  • 2. Note what was eaten, how much, and when.
  • 3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control hotline (888-426-4435).
  • 4. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian.
  • 5. Most toxins are treated more effectively within 1-2 hours — speed matters.

Why Some Foods Are Dangerous

Pets lack certain liver enzymes that humans use to break down common food compounds. Theobromine in chocolate, for example, has a half-life of 17.5 hours in dogs versus 6-10 hours in humans — meaning it accumulates to toxic levels far more quickly.

Cats are obligate carnivores with even fewer detoxification pathways. Their livers cannot efficiently process many plant compounds that are harmless to omnivores, which is why foods like onions and garlic are particularly dangerous for felines.

Common Toxic Compounds in Foods

  • Theobromine & caffeine (chocolate, coffee) — stimulant toxicity affecting heart and nervous system
  • Persin (avocado) — causes vomiting, diarrhoea; more dangerous for birds and rodents
  • Tartaric acid (grapes, raisins) — suspected cause of acute kidney failure in dogs
  • N-propyl disulfide (onions, garlic) — destroys red blood cells, causing anaemia
  • Xylitol (sugar-free products) — triggers insulin release, causing hypoglycaemia and liver failure in dogs

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Centre (888-426-4435) immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian. Note the food, the amount eaten, your pet's weight, and any symptoms. Time is critical — most toxins are treated more effectively within the first 1-2 hours.
Not always. Dogs and cats metabolise foods differently. Cats are obligate carnivores with fewer detoxification enzymes, so some foods that are generally safe for dogs may cause digestive issues or toxicity in cats. Always check the safety rating for your specific pet type using the toggle above.
Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. Research published in 2021 identified tartaric acid as the likely toxic compound, though sensitivity varies between individual dogs. Even small amounts can be dangerous — there is no known safe dose. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and decreased urination within 12-24 hours.
No. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs metabolise much more slowly than humans. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous — a single ounce of baking chocolate can be toxic for a 20 kg dog. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. Use our Chocolate Toxicity Calculator for a dose-specific risk assessment.

Sources & References

  1. 1
    ASPCA Animal Poison Control Centre — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant & Food Lists
    American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals • Primary toxicology database
  2. 2
    Cortinovis & Caloni (2016) — Household Food Items Toxic to Dogs and Cats
    Frontiers in Veterinary Science • Peer-reviewed toxicology review
  3. 3
    AKC — Foods That Are Dangerous or Toxic to Dogs
    American Kennel Club • Veterinary-reviewed food safety guide
  4. 4
    Gwaltney-Brant (2021) — Small Animal Toxicology (4th Edition)
    Elsevier • Clinical veterinary toxicology reference