Sharing with your dog, safely
Those puppy dog eyes at the dinner table are hard to resist. But while some human foods make perfectly good occasional treats, others can be genuinely dangerous, some even fatal in small amounts. And the tricky part is that a few of the most harmful ones aren't obvious at all.
We've put together this list using guidance from the PDSA and Blue Cross, two of the UK's leading vet charities, so you can share with confidence and know exactly what to keep well out of paws' reach.
Foods that are safe for dogs (in moderation)
These can make a nice occasional addition to your dog's diet, but they shouldn't replace a balanced, complete food, and should always be given in small amounts.
• Apples — a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C and fibre, and can help keep teeth clean. Always remove the core and seeds first
• Carrots — low in calories, satisfying to chew, and a popular choice for dogs who enjoy something crunchy
• Plain cooked chicken or turkey — a good source of protein, as long as it's unseasoned and boneless
• Green beans — a low-calorie, fibre-rich option many dogs enjoy
• Peanut butter — fine as an occasional treat, but only if it's completely free from xylitol (more on that below); always check the label first
• Plain cooked rice or pasta — sometimes used to settle an upset stomach, though always check with your vet first if your dog is unwell
As Blue Cross notes, fruit and veg should only ever make up a small part of your dog's overall diet, alongside their regular food, not instead of it.
Foods that are toxic to dogs — never feed these
These are the ones worth committing to memory, as some can cause serious harm even in small quantities.
• Chocolate and cocoa products — contains theobromine, which the PDSA warns can be fatal to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the greater the risk
• Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants — can cause sudden kidney failure, and there's no known “safe” amount, so keep dogs away from fruit cake, mince pies and similar bakes
• Onions, garlic, leeks and chives — toxic whether raw or cooked, and can lead to anaemia in severe cases
• Macadamia nuts — toxic even in small quantities
• Alcohol — far more dangerous to dogs than to humans, even in small amounts
• Caffeine — found in tea, coffee and energy drinks, and can affect heart rate and blood pressure
• Avocado — the flesh carries some risk due to its high fat content, and the stone can cause a dangerous blockage if swallowed
If you think your dog has eaten any of the foods above, the PDSA's advice is to contact your vet straight away, even if your dog seems fine, as symptoms can take time to appear.
The one most owners don't know: xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in sugar-free chewing gum, some peanut butters, baked goods, toothpaste and even certain medications. Blue Cross warns that xylitol poisoning can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar, and signs can appear within as little as 30 minutes.
It's increasingly listed under other names too, including birch sugar or birch sap, so it's always worth checking the ingredients label on anything sweet before sharing it with your dog, including “healthy” or “diet” products that might seem harmless at first glance.
Quick reference
|
Safe in moderation |
Never feed |
|
Apples (no core/seeds) |
Chocolate & cocoa |
|
Carrots |
Grapes, raisins & sultanas |
|
Plain cooked chicken/turkey |
Onions, garlic, leeks, chives |
|
Green beans |
Macadamia nuts |
|
Peanut butter (xylitol-free) |
Alcohol |
|
Plain rice or pasta |
Caffeine |
|
— |
Avocado |
|
— |
Xylitol (check labels) |
What to do if your dog eats something they shouldn't
Don't wait for symptoms before acting. Contact your vet immediately, and if possible, take the packaging of whatever your dog has eaten with you, so they can see exactly what was involved and how much. Acting quickly makes a real difference to the outcome.
The takeaway
A little sharing at the table isn't automatically off-limits, but it does mean knowing which foods are genuinely safe and which ones to keep firmly out of reach. When in doubt, the safest option is always a treat made specifically for dogs.
For a natural, dog-safe way to reward your pup at the table (without the risk), take a look at our full range of natural treats. And if you're building healthy treating habits, our guide on air-dried vs. baked dog treats is a great next read.
This article is for general information only and isn't a substitute for veterinary advice. If your dog has eaten something you're worried about, contact your vet immediately.