Pet ingredient safety for dogs and cats

Check before they eat.

Source-backed quick answers for common foods, sweeteners, proteins, pet food ingredients, and household plants.

Published checks

Ingredient safety pages

19 ingredient entries, 40 plant entries

Alcohol

Alcohol and foods containing alcohol are unsafe for dogs and cats.

High risk Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Avocado

Avocado is not a good treat for dogs or cats; pits, leaves, and large amounts raise the concern.

Medium risk Dogs: Use caution Cats: Use caution

Bread Dough

Raw yeast bread dough is unsafe because it can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol.

High risk Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Caffeine

Caffeine is unsafe for dogs and cats and can affect the heart and nervous system.

High risk Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Chicken

Plain cooked chicken is usually safe for dogs and cats in small amounts, but bones, seasoning, and raw handling risks matter.

Low risk Dogs: Usually safe Cats: Usually safe

Chocolate

Chocolate is unsafe for dogs and cats. The risk depends on the type and amount eaten.

High risk Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Coconut

Small amounts of coconut are not likely to cause serious harm, but oils can cause stomach upset.

Medium risk Dogs: Use caution Cats: Use caution

Dairy

Milk and dairy can cause digestive upset in dogs and cats because many pets do not digest lactose well.

Medium risk Dogs: Use caution Cats: Use caution

Fatty Foods

Fatty table scraps can cause digestive upset and may contribute to pancreatitis risk in some pets.

Medium risk Dogs: Use caution Cats: Use caution

Garlic

Garlic is unsafe for dogs and cats and can damage red blood cells.

High risk Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Grapes

Grapes are dangerous for dogs and should be kept away from cats too.

High risk Dogs: Toxic Cats: Use caution

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs; cats should avoid them as a fatty food.

High risk Dogs: Toxic Cats: Use caution

Nuts

Many nuts are high in oils and fats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or pancreatitis risk.

Medium risk Dogs: Use caution Cats: Use caution

Onion

Onion is unsafe for dogs and cats and can damage red blood cells.

High risk Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Raisins

Raisins are dangerous for dogs and should be treated like grapes.

High risk Dogs: Toxic Cats: Use caution

Raw Eggs

Raw eggs can carry bacteria and may interfere with vitamin absorption over time.

Medium risk Dogs: Use caution Cats: Use caution

Raw Meat

Raw meat can expose pets and people to bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.

Medium risk Dogs: Use caution Cats: Use caution

Salt

Excess salt can be dangerous for dogs and cats.

High risk Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Xylitol

Xylitol is extremely dangerous for dogs and should be kept away from all pets.

High risk Dogs: Toxic Cats: Avoid

Clusters

Browse by category

Allium Vegetables

2 ingredient checks

Baking

1 ingredient checks

Dairy

1 ingredient checks

Drinks and Fermented Foods

1 ingredient checks

Drinks and Stimulants

1 ingredient checks

Fruits

3 ingredient checks

Fruits and Oils

1 ingredient checks

Nuts

2 ingredient checks

Proteins

1 ingredient checks

Raw Foods

2 ingredient checks

Seasonings

1 ingredient checks

Sweeteners

1 ingredient checks

Sweets

1 ingredient checks

Table Scraps

1 ingredient checks