Can My Dog or Cat Eat This? Pet Food Safety Checker

Search 347 foods, drinks, plants and household items to see what is safe for dogs and cats, what to avoid, and what is an emergency. Then build a free care plan for your pet on any budget from $100 to $1,000 a month.

Build your pet care plan ($100–$1,000 a month)

Tell us about your pet and your monthly budget. We’ll split it into food, vet care, insurance or savings, supplies, supplements and seasonal gear, with a clear checklist for winter and summer.

Full list: what dogs and cats can and can’t eat

All 347 foods, drinks, plants and household items, grouped by category. Tap a category to open it.

How to use the food checker

1. Choose dog or cat. Some foods are safe for one and not the other. Cats are far more sensitive to onion, garlic and lilies.
2. Type the food. Results show the safety level, why, and how to serve it safely.
3. Read the label colours. Safe means plain and in small amounts. Caution means only prepared a certain way. Avoid means harmful. Emergency means call your vet now.
4. Keep treats small. Even safe foods should stay under 10% of your pet’s daily calories.
5. When in doubt, leave it out. If a food isn’t listed, don’t feed it until you’ve asked your vet.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat grapes?

No. Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. If your dog ate any, call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away.

Can dogs eat chocolate?

No. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine. Dark and baking chocolate and cocoa powder are the most dangerous. Call your vet with your dog's weight, the type of chocolate and the amount eaten.

Can dogs eat peanut butter?

Plain peanut butter without xylitol is fine as a small treat. Always check the label: xylitol, also called birch sugar, is extremely dangerous for dogs.

Can cats drink milk?

Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, so milk often causes diarrhea and an upset stomach. Fresh water is the best drink for cats.

Can cats eat tuna?

Plain tuna in water is fine as an occasional treat, but it should not be a regular part of a cat's diet because of mercury and nutritional imbalances.

Are onions and garlic bad for cats and dogs?

Yes. Onions, garlic, leeks, chives and shallots damage red blood cells in both dogs and cats, in raw, cooked or powdered form. Cats are especially sensitive.

Which fruits can dogs eat?

Apples without seeds, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, watermelon without seeds or rind, pears, mango and pineapple are all safe for most dogs in small amounts.

What should I do if my pet ate something toxic?

Stay calm, remove any remaining food, and call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline straight away. Have your pet's weight, the food, and the amount eaten ready. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.

Sources and important note

This checker follows guidance from veterinary and animal-welfare organizations, including the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline, the American Kennel Club and the Cornell Feline Health Center. It is general information, not veterinary advice, and is not a substitute for your vet. Pets with health conditions, allergies or special diets may react differently. Budget figures are estimates based on typical US prices.

Want more? See how long your pet may live, find a name with a story, or read The Pet Memory Journal.