Quick Answer:Many whole foods are safe for dogs in moderation, including blueberries, cooked sweet potato, plain chicken and carrots. But some common kitchen staples (grapes, onions, chocolate, xylitol) are genuinely dangerous. This guide covers both lists so you can share confidently and skip the panic. |
Why I Wrote This Guide
I get asked about human food and dogs almost every single day. And honestly, the answer is rarely a simple yes or no. Some of the foods we eat are brilliant for dogs. Some are fine in small amounts. And a handful are properly dangerous.
When I started Herbal Dog Co, one of the things that mattered most to me was using human grade ingredients. Real, recognisable foods and herbs. Nothing synthetic, nothing you wouldn't eat yourself. So I spend a lot of time thinking about which whole foods genuinely support our dogs and which ones we need to keep well out of reach.
This is everything I know, laid out simply. If you are ever unsure about a specific food, please check with your vet before offering it.
Safe Fruits for Dogs
Fruit can be a lovely treat, especially in warmer weather. Just keep portions small because fruit does contain natural sugars.
Blueberries are one of my favourites to share. They are packed with antioxidants and most dogs love them straight from the punnet. I sometimes freeze them in summer for a cool snack.
Apples (without seeds or core) are crunchy, hydrating and a great low calorie option. The fibre can help support healthy digestion too.
Watermelon (seedless, no rind) is another summer winner. It is mostly water, so it helps keep dogs hydrated on hot days.
Bananas are safe in small amounts. They are higher in sugar than other fruits, so think of them as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit.
Strawberries are fine for most dogs. Just wash them and remove the tops first.
Pears (no seeds) are gentle on the stomach and a good option for dogs who find some fruits too acidic.
✔️ Tip: Always remove seeds, stones and cores from fruit before sharing. Apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide, and stone fruit pits are a choking hazard.
Safe Vegetables for Dogs
Vegetables are where things get really useful. Low in calories, full of fibre, and most dogs actually enjoy them.
Carrots are the classic. Raw or cooked, they are crunchy, satisfying and can even help support dental health by gently scrubbing teeth as your dog chews. If your dog's oral health is something you are working on, our dental hygiene collection is worth a look alongside good food choices, and our Dental Hygiene Powder pairs well with crunchy whole food snacks like carrots.
Sweet potatoes (cooked, not raw) are one of the most nutrient dense vegetables you can share. They are rich in fibre and beta carotene and most dogs find them really palatable.
Green beans are a great low calorie filler. Plain, steamed or raw, they work well for dogs on a weight management plan.
Cucumber is hydrating, crunchy and very low in calories. Perfect for a training treat when you do not want to overdo it on the food front.
Broccoli is fine in small amounts. Too much can cause stomach upset, so keep it to an occasional addition rather than a main event.
Courgette (zucchini) is mild, easy to digest and well tolerated by most dogs.
Peas (garden peas, sugar snaps, mange tout) are a good source of plant protein and fibre. Avoid canned peas with added salt.
Safe Proteins for Dogs
Chicken is one of the most commonly recommended proteins for dogs, BUT if your dog has allergies be careful as sometimes the feed the chickens have been fed (grass or corn) can aggravate a sensitivity. It is lean, easy to digest and most dogs love it.
Salmon is rich in omega fatty acids which may help support skin and coat health. Make sure it is fully cooked (never raw) and boneless.
Eggs are a complete protein and a brilliant addition.
Turkey works much like chicken.
Beef is fine for most dogs. I always keep a bag of beef mince in the freezer for the occasional time I run out of dog food.
Other Safe Foods
Plain cooked rice is a go to for dogs with a sensitive stomach. However if your dog has a digestive wobble rice is not an ideal go to. A little cooked chicken fed in small amounts and often or some plain scrambled egg works well too. For dogs who need ongoing gut support, our Digestive Harmony collection is formulated by qualified herbalists and nutritionists to help support balanced digestion.
Plain peanut butter (with no xylitol or added sugar) is a favourite for stuffing Kongs. Always check the label for xylitol, which is sometimes listed as birch sugar.
Plain natural yoghurt (no sweeteners) can be a nice probiotic boost in small amounts. Some dogs do not tolerate dairy well, so introduce it slowly.
Pumpkin (plain, cooked or tinned without spices) is wonderful for digestive support. It works for both loose stools and constipation, which is a rare trick.
10 Human Foods That Are Never Safe for Dogs
This is the list that really matters. These foods range from mildly toxic to genuinely life threatening. Please keep them completely away from your dog.
1. Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs cannot metabolise. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are the most dangerous, but all chocolate should be avoided. If your dog eats chocolate, contact your vet immediately.
2. Grapes and Raisins
Even small amounts can cause kidney failure in some dogs. The exact toxic substance is still not fully understood, which makes this one especially unpredictable. Sultanas and currants carry the same risk.
3. Onions and Garlic
All members of the allium family (onions, garlic, leeks, chives, shallots) can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia. Cooked, raw or powdered, they are all harmful.
4. Xylitol (Birch Sugar)
This artificial sweetener is found in sugar free gum, some peanut butters, toothpaste and baked goods. Even tiny amounts can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure. Always check labels.
5. Macadamia Nuts
These can cause vomiting, tremors, weakness and hyperthermia. The reaction can happen within 12 hours of eating them.
6. Avocado
The flesh, skin, stone and leaves contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs. The stone is also a serious choking hazard.
7. Cooked Bones
Cooked bones (especially chicken and pork) splinter easily and can cause internal damage, blockages or choking. Raw bones are a different conversation, but cooked bones should always be avoided.
8. Alcohol
Even small amounts of alcohol can be toxic to dogs. This includes beer, wine, spirits and foods cooked with alcohol. Dogs are far more sensitive to it than humans.
9. Caffeine
Coffee, tea, energy drinks and caffeine tablets can all be dangerous. Symptoms include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations and seizures.
10. Raw Yeast Dough
Unbaked dough can expand in a dog's stomach, causing bloating and potentially dangerous levels of alcohol as the yeast ferments.
If your dog eats any of these foods, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
How Much Human Food Is Too Much?
A good general rule is the 90/10 guideline. 90% of your dog's daily calories should come from their complete, balanced diet. The other 10% can come from treats, including safe human foods.
This is not a hard rule, but it helps prevent two common problems: nutritional imbalances and weight gain. Even healthy foods add calories, and it is easy to overdo it when those big eyes are watching you eat.
For small dogs especially, portions need to be tiny. A few blueberries or a small cube of sweet potato is plenty. What feels like a small amount to us can be a significant portion of a small dog's daily intake.
Why Human Grade Ingredients Matter to Us
At Herbal Dog Co, every supplement we make uses human grade ingredients. That means the herbs, botanicals and whole foods in our products are the same quality you would find in your own kitchen or health food shop.
I started this company because my English Bulldog Benson had the most reactive skin I have ever seen. I could not find products that were gentle enough for him, so I worked with qualified herbalists and nutritionists to create them. Using human grade ingredients was never a marketing decision. It was the only option that made sense when I was trying to help a dog who reacted to almost everything.
That same thinking runs through everything we make today. Whether it is our gut health supplements or our natural grooming range, what goes in is always something I would happily put on my own skin or add to my own food.
Trusted by 400,000+ dogs across the UK 🐾
A Quick Note on Allergies and Sensitivities
Just because a food is safe for dogs in general does not mean it is safe for your dog specifically. Dogs, like people, can have allergies and intolerances to perfectly healthy foods.
If your dog has known sensitivities, a history of digestive issues or skin reactions, introduce any new food very slowly and one at a time. That way, if something does not agree with them, you will know exactly what caused it.
Gus, one of our Frenchies, is a perfect example. He can eat most things on the safe list, but any sudden change in diet sets his stomach off completely. Slow and steady has always been the way with him.
If your dog has ongoing digestive sensitivity, our Digestive Harmony range is designed to help support balanced gut function. It is formulated by qualified herbalists and nutritionists using gentle, whole food ingredients.
Final Thoughts
In our home we never share human food with the dogs or feed off our plates. This might sound harsh however have you ever had a 40kg English Bulldog jump across a full kitchen table at Christmas to get the gravy..... Yes I made that mistake. Benson was my prince, we shared food, he got leftovers that were safe for him and he knew if he stood there long enough I would break and give him something. Sounds cute but in reality it was not. He was constantly under my feet when I was cooking, that could become dangerous at times, no one could leave a plate anywhere before having 0.5 of a second to retrieve it before Benson the bear claimed it. And then there was the begging, you could not eat a thing without those eyes following every bite. I learnt my lesson, Gus has no idea what human food is or what's on a plate. He will quite happily sit next to me while I eat without a flicker. Gus will still get leftovers or I do him an extra portion if I am cooking something dog safe but it goes in his bowl and fed in his normal routine.
The key is knowing what is safe, keeping portions sensible and being especially careful about the foods on the "never" list. When in doubt, skip it and check later. Your dog will not mind waiting.
If you have any questions about what is safe for your specific dog, your vet is always the best person to ask. For more guides like this, visit the Herbal Dog Co blog.
FAQs
#1: Can dogs eat cheese?
Most dogs can eat small amounts of plain, mild cheese as an occasional treat. However, some dogs are lactose intolerant and may experience stomach upset. Start with a tiny piece and see how your dog responds. Avoid blue cheese and any cheese with added herbs like garlic or chives.
#2: Can dogs eat bread?
Plain white or brown bread is not toxic to dogs, but it offers very little nutritional value and adds empty calories. A small piece occasionally is unlikely to cause harm, but it should not be a regular part of your dog's diet. Never give dogs raw bread dough.
#3: Can dogs eat rice every day?
Plain cooked rice is safe for dogs but it is not always the best option for dogs with digestive wobbles despite being commonly recommended. A little plain chicken in small amounts or some scrambled egg tends to be gentler. If your dog needs regular digestive support, speak to your vet about the best long term approach.
#4: Are tomatoes safe for dogs?
Ripe, red tomatoes are generally safe in small amounts. However, the green parts of the tomato plant (stems, leaves, unripe green tomatoes) contain solanine, which can be harmful. Stick to ripe tomato flesh only and keep portions small.
#5: What should I do if my dog eats something toxic?
Contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) immediately. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless specifically instructed by a vet. Note what your dog ate, how much and when, as this information will help with treatment.
