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Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.

Quick answer: Dogs can eat some plain human foods in small amounts, such as cooked lean meat, plain rice, carrots, green beans, apple slices, and blueberries. But many table scraps are too fatty or salty, and some foods are toxic: grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, chocolate, xylitol, macadamia nuts, alcohol, and cooked bones. Keep treats, including scraps, under about 10% of daily calories.

Safe in small amounts

  • Plain cooked chicken, turkey, or lean beef (no skin, bones, or seasoning)
  • Plain cooked eggs
  • Plain cooked rice or pasta
  • Carrots, green beans, cucumber, plain pumpkin
  • Apple slices (no core or seeds), blueberries, banana, seedless watermelon
  • Plain, unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter in small amounts

Toxic or dangerous foods

  • Grapes, raisins, and currants: can cause kidney failure
  • Onions, garlic, chives, leeks: damage red blood cells
  • Chocolate and caffeine
  • Xylitol: in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, and some peanut butters. Causes dangerously low blood sugar and liver failure
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Alcohol and raw yeast dough
  • Cooked bones: can splinter and cause choking or intestinal injury
  • Corn cobs, peach pits, and other hard items that can cause blockages

Why fatty scraps are risky

Fat trimmings, bacon, gravy, and holiday leftovers can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes serious inflammation of the pancreas.

Sharing safely

  • Offer plain foods in small pieces
  • Count them toward your dog’s daily calories
  • Avoid feeding from the table, which encourages begging
  • Ask your vet if your dog has a medical condition or special diet

If your dog eats something toxic

Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (fees apply).

Sources

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: People foods to avoid feeding your pets
  • Merck Veterinary Manual: Pancreatitis in dogs
  • American Kennel Club (AKC): Human foods dogs can and can’t eat

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.

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