What does dog food safety mean?
Dog food safety covers two things: knowing which foods are safe or dangerous for your dog, and storing and handling your dog’s food so it stays fresh and free of harmful bacteria. Most problems at home come from dogs eating human food that is toxic to them, such as chocolate, grapes, onions or the sweetener xylitol, so that is the best place to start.
The infographic by Lemonly sorts common human foods into four groups, from foods you can share to foods that are toxic. Its main point is worth repeating: your dog’s diet should be mainly dog food, because even safe “people foods” do not give a dog complete nutrition. This page goes through what the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) say. It is general information, not veterinary advice.
Human foods that are toxic to dogs
These are the foods that cause the most serious poisonings, according to ASPCA Poison Control [1] and the AKC [2]:
- Chocolate, coffee and caffeine. They contain methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity, an abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. The darker the chocolate, the greater the risk: baking chocolate and cocoa powder are the most dangerous and white chocolate the least [1].
- Grapes and raisins. They can cause kidney damage [1]. The AKC says it is hard to predict which dogs will be affected or how many it takes, and symptoms can take several hours to appear, so contact a vet even if your dog seems fine [2]. Raisins are often hidden in bread, muffins, cereals and trail mix [2].
- Onions, garlic, leeks and chives. These belong to the Allium family and can damage red blood cells, leading to anaemia [1][2]. Garlic is 3 to 5 times more toxic to dogs than onion [2].
- Xylitol. This sweetener, found in sugar free gum, sweets, baked goods, toothpaste and some peanut butters, can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver damage within 12 to 24 hours [1]. It may be labelled as “birch sugar” or “wood sugar” [2].
- Macadamia nuts. They can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors and high temperature, usually within 12 hours [1].
- Alcohol and raw yeast dough. Alcohol can cause vomiting, breathing difficulty, coma and death. Raw dough can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol as it ferments [1].
Lemonly’s toxic group also includes fruit stones, nutmeg, cinnamon, avocado and grapefruit. Stones such as the avocado stone can cause choking or a blockage [2]. The ASPCA and AKC guidance does not list nutmeg or cinnamon among its main toxic foods, and both bodies take a milder view of avocado and citrus (see below).
Human foods dogs can eat safely
The AKC says many human foods can be safe for healthy dogs when prepared plainly and offered in small amounts, but dogs are individuals and a food one dog tolerates may upset another [2]. Foods that are generally fine include:
- Carrots, cucumber, apples, bananas, blueberries, watermelon, pumpkin and sweet potato, all of which Lemonly lists as safe to share.
- Plain, unsalted, air popped popcorn, with no unpopped kernels [2].
- Peanut butter, as long as it contains no xylitol. Check the label every time and keep it to about a teaspoon [2].
- Small amounts of honey for healthy adult dogs [2].
- Plain yogurt and small pieces of cheese, if your dog tolerates dairy [2].
Some foods are safe only when fully cooked and plain. Eggs should be cooked without salt, butter or seasoning, fish should be cooked with the bones removed, and shrimp should be cooked and peeled [2]. Lemonly puts quinoa, eggs, shrimp, fish, chickpeas and potatoes in this “must be fully cooked” group.
Foods to limit or avoid
Some foods are not poisonous but can still make a dog ill. Fatty foods such as bacon, fat trimmings and pepperoni can upset the stomach, and nuts like almonds, pecans and walnuts are high in fat that can lead to pancreatitis in some dogs [1]. Very salty food can cause thirst, vomiting and in serious cases tremors and seizures [1].
Bones are a common risk. The ASPCA says bones can injure or block a dog’s digestive tract, which may need surgery [1], and the AKC says never to give cooked pork bones [2]. Corn kernels are fine, but a swallowed corn cob can cause a serious blockage [2].
Milk and other dairy can cause diarrhoea because dogs do not have much of the enzyme that breaks down lactose [1]. Clean water is the best drink [2].
Where the advice differs
Older lists, including the infographic, are stricter than current guidance on a few foods:
- Avocado. The ASPCA says avocado is mainly a problem for birds, rabbits, horses and ruminants [1], and the AKC says the flesh is not toxic to dogs. The real danger is the stone, which can cause choking or a blockage [2].
- Citrus, including grapefruit. Small amounts of the fruit are unlikely to cause more than a minor stomach upset. The peel, stems, leaves and seeds are more irritating [1].
- Bread. Small amounts of plain, fully baked bread with no raisins are generally safe. Raw yeast dough is the danger [2].
How to store and handle dog food safely
Dog food and treats can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria, which can make both pets and people ill [3]. The FDA recommends that you:
- Wash your hands with soap and hot water before and after handling pet food [3].
- Wash bowls, scoops and measuring cups with soap and hot water after each use, and do not use the bowl as a scoop [3].
- Refrigerate or throw away leftover tinned and pouch food promptly, covered, with the fridge at 4°C (40°F) or below [3].
- Keep dry food somewhere cool and dry, below about 27°C (80°F), in its original bag with the top folded down [3].
- Keep food and treats where your dog cannot get at them and eat the lot [4].
Keeping the original bag also matters if something goes wrong. It has the lot number and best before date, which you need to report a problem or check whether a product has been recalled [4].
Raw dog food and recalls
The FDA’s view is that raw pet food poses significant health risks to both pets and owners, because it is more likely than processed food to contain harmful bacteria. It says the best way to prevent infection is not to feed a raw diet [3]. The ASPCA gives the same warning about raw meat and raw eggs [1]. If you do feed raw, be strict about hand washing and cleaning bowls and surfaces.
Pet food is recalled from time to time when a product is found to be contaminated or faulty. In the US the FDA publishes recalls and withdrawals [5]. In the UK, check the manufacturer’s website and the retailer where you bought it. Stop using any recalled product and keep the packaging.
What to do if your dog eats something toxic
Act quickly, as treatment is easier and safer the sooner it starts [6]. Note what your dog ate and roughly how much, and contact your vet straight away [1]. Do not try home remedies or make your dog sick unless a vet or poison service tells you to [6].
In the UK, the Animal PoisonLine, run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service, is open 24 hours a day on 01202 509 000. It charges £35 to £45 a call [7]. In the US, you can call ASPCA Animal Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 [1] or Pet Poison Helpline on 855-764-7661, which charges a $99 fee per case [6]. The older Pet Poison Helpline number printed on the infographic, 855-213-6680, has been replaced by this one.
Questions about dog food safety
What is the most toxic food for dogs?
There is no single answer, but xylitol, chocolate (especially dark and baking chocolate), grapes and raisins, and onions and garlic cause some of the most serious poisonings [1][2].
How long can wet dog food be left out?
Not long. The FDA says to refrigerate or throw away leftover tinned or pouch food promptly, and to wash the bowl after each meal [3].
Can dogs eat cooked chicken bones?
It is best not to. The ASPCA says bones can injure or block a dog’s digestive tract, which can need surgery [1].
Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Yes, in small amounts, as long as it contains no xylitol. Check the ingredients on every jar [2].
Is raw food safe for dogs?
The FDA advises against it because raw pet food is more likely to carry Salmonella and Listeria, which can infect both dogs and people [3].
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- American Kennel Club, Which Human Foods Can Dogs Eat and Which Are Dangerous?
- US Food and Drug Administration, Tips for Safe Handling of Pet Food and Treats.
- US Food and Drug Administration, Proper Storage of Pet Food and Treats.
- US Food and Drug Administration, Animal and veterinary recalls and withdrawals.
- Pet Poison Helpline, What to do if your pet is poisoned.
- Animal PoisonLine (Veterinary Poisons Information Service), Animal PoisonLine.
- Lemonly, Can My Dog Have… (the original infographic).
Last reviewed 3 November 2026
