Human Foods Dogs Can Eat, and the Ones to Keep Away
Short answer. 23 everyday foods are fine for most healthy dogs plain and in small amounts, including carrots, apples, plain cooked eggs and rice. Grapes and raisins, chocolate, onions and garlic, xylitol, macadamia nuts and caffeine are dangerous. Every food below has its own page with the sources it comes from. Not veterinary advice.
On this page (5 sections)
Safe in small amounts (23)
Plain, unseasoned and in small amounts, for a healthy dog that is not allergic. Blue Cross gives the same caution for its own list of safe festive foods. Source: Blue Cross, Christmas dangers for dogs.
- Parsnips
- Brussels sprouts (plain)
- Cranberries (plain)
- Watermelon
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Carrots
- Cucumber
- Celery
- Green beans
- Eggs (cooked)
- Salmon (cooked)
- Turkey (plain)
- Rice
- Oatmeal
- Sweet potato
- Pumpkin
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Spinach
Better avoided (11)
Not classic poisons, but fatty, salty, high in sugar or with parts that cause trouble. The ASPCA says nuts such as almonds and pecans are high in oils and fats that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and potentially pancreatitis. Source: ASPCA, People foods to avoid feeding your pets.
Dangerous (13)
If your dog has eaten any of these, phone your vet now; do not wait for signs. The ASPCA lists chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, xylitol, macadamia nuts and caffeine among the people foods to keep from pets. Source: ASPCA, People foods to avoid feeding your pets.
- Turkey bones
- Christmas cake
- Gravy
- Mince pies
- Christmas pudding
- Stuffing
- Chocolate
- Grapes & raisins
- Onions
- Garlic
- Xylitol
- Coffee & caffeine
- Macadamia nuts
The rules that apply to all of them
- Plain only: no butter, salt, onion, garlic, gravy or sauce.
- Small amounts: treats are part of the day's food, not on top of it.
- One new food at a time, so an upset stomach has an obvious cause.
- A dog with a health condition or special diet: ask your vet first.
More: can my pet eat it? (search any food) and signs of poisoning.
Sources
- Blue Cross, Christmas dangers for dogs, read 7 November 2026.
- ASPCA, People foods to avoid feeding your pets, read 7 November 2026.
Related pages
Every food for dogs, Christmas leftovers, my dog ate something and everything for dog owners.