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Pet Food Safety Checker

Is it safe for your pet? Find out instantly.

Showing all 82 ingredients — start typing to search.

avocado

DogToxic ✗

Toxic to dogs — contains persin which causes vomiting, diarrhea, and fluid build-up around the heart.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — persin can cause GI upset; the pit is also a choking and obstruction hazard.

grapes

Toxic ✗

Toxic to dogs — even small amounts can cause sudden kidney failure; the toxic compound is unknown.

raisins

Toxic ✗

Toxic to dogs — concentrated form of grapes, even a few can trigger kidney failure.

onions

Toxic ✗

Toxic to dogs — all forms (raw, cooked, powder) damage red blood cells and cause hemolytic anemia.

garlic

Toxic ✗

Toxic to dogs — 5× more potent than onions; destroys red blood cells and can cause anemia and organ damage.

leeks

Toxic ✗

Toxic to dogs — member of the allium family like onions and garlic; causes hemolytic anemia.

chives

Toxic ✗

Toxic to dogs — allium plant that damages red blood cells and causes vomiting and anemia.

chocolate

Toxic ✗

Toxic to dogs — theobromine and caffeine cause vomiting, seizures, and can be fatal; dark chocolate is most dangerous.

xylitol

Toxic ✗

Toxic to dogs — causes rapid insulin release leading to hypoglycemia; can also cause liver failure.

macadamia nuts

DogToxic ✗

Toxic to dogs — causes weakness, hyperthermia, vomiting, and tremors within 12 hours.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — not well studied in cats, but GI upset is likely; best avoided.

alcohol

Toxic ✗

Toxic to dogs — even small amounts cause vomiting, disorientation, dangerous drops in blood sugar and body temperature.

caffeine

Toxic ✗

Toxic to dogs — causes rapid heart rate, seizures, and can be fatal; includes coffee grounds.

raw dough

Toxic ✗

Toxic to dogs — yeast expands in the stomach causing bloat, and ferments producing alcohol which is also toxic.

nutmeg

DogToxic ✗

Toxic to dogs — contains myristicin which causes disorientation, tremors, seizures, and can be fatal.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — myristicin can cause CNS effects; avoid use near cats.

blue cheese

DogToxic ✗

Toxic to dogs — the roquefortine C mold produces a mycotoxin causing seizures and muscle tremors.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — high fat and salt content; the mold toxins can also cause GI issues.

cooked bones

Toxic ✗

Toxic to dogs — cooked bones splinter into sharp shards that can puncture the digestive tract.

lilies

DogCaution ⚠

Caution for dogs — most lily species cause mild GI upset in dogs; Peace lilies are more concerning.

CatToxic ✗

Toxic to cats — true lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) cause acute kidney failure in cats; even small exposures are life-threatening.

permethrin

DogSafe ✓

Safe for dogs when used as directed — a common ingredient in dog flea treatments.

CatToxic ✗

Toxic to cats — permethrin in dog flea treatments causes severe neurological toxicity in cats; never apply dog flea products to cats.

dairy

Caution ⚠

Caution for dogs — many dogs are lactose intolerant; can cause diarrhea and GI upset in large amounts.

raw eggs

Caution ⚠

Caution for dogs — raw egg whites contain avidin which blocks biotin absorption; also risk of Salmonella.

salt

Caution ⚠

Caution for dogs — excessive salt causes sodium ion poisoning: vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures.

citrus

Caution ⚠

Caution for dogs — citric acid and essential oils in the peel and pith can cause GI upset and CNS depression in large amounts.

coconut oil

Caution ⚠

Caution for dogs — very high in fat; can cause diarrhea and trigger pancreatitis, especially in predisposed breeds.

raw salmon

Caution ⚠

Caution for dogs — raw salmon from the Pacific Northwest can carry a parasite causing Salmon Poisoning Disease, which is fatal if untreated.

tomatoes

Caution ⚠

Caution for dogs — ripe red tomato flesh is generally safe in small amounts, but green/unripe tomatoes and the plant contain solanine which is toxic.

tuna

DogSafe ✓

Safe for dogs in moderation — good source of protein and omega-3s; choose tuna in water and limit frequency due to mercury.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — tuna occasionally is fine, but feeding it as a staple causes mercury accumulation and nutritional imbalance; can also create tuna addiction.

dog food

DogSafe ✓

Safe for dogs — formulated for canine nutritional needs.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — dog food lacks taurine, arachidonic acid, and preformed vitamin A that cats require; long-term feeding leads to serious deficiencies.

peanut butter

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — excellent treat in moderation; ALWAYS check the label for xylitol, which is deadly to dogs.

mushrooms

Caution ⚠

Caution for dogs — plain store-bought mushrooms are generally safe, but wild mushrooms can be highly toxic and some varieties cause organ failure.

chicken

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — cooked, boneless, plain chicken is an excellent lean protein source.

turkey

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — plain cooked turkey (no skin, no seasoning) is a digestible lean protein.

beef

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — cooked lean beef is a great protein source rich in iron and B12.

salmon

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — cooked salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and supports coat and joint health.

eggs

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — cooked eggs are a complete protein source with biotin, riboflavin, and selenium.

blueberries

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins; a great low-calorie treat.

watermelon

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — hydrating and full of vitamins A, B6, and C; remove seeds and rind first.

apple

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — good source of fiber and vitamins A and C; always remove seeds and core (contain cyanide).

banana

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — rich in potassium and B vitamins; high in sugar so give as an occasional treat.

pumpkin

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — excellent source of fiber that helps with both diarrhea and constipation; use plain pureed pumpkin.

sweet potato

DogSafe ✓

Safe for dogs — cooked sweet potato is rich in fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamins; serve plain without skin.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — high in carbohydrates which cats have limited ability to process; small occasional amounts of cooked sweet potato are low-risk.

carrots

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — low-calorie crunch snack packed with beta-carotene and fiber; great for teeth.

green beans

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — plain green beans are high in fiber and vitamins and low in calories; great weight-loss treat.

peas

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — fresh or frozen peas are rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins; avoid canned with added salt.

broccoli

DogSafe ✓

Safe for dogs in small amounts — provides vitamins C and K; too much can cause GI irritation from isothiocyanates.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — not toxic but offers little nutritional benefit for obligate carnivores; limit to tiny occasional amounts.

spinach

DogSafe ✓

Safe for dogs in small amounts — rich in iron and vitamins; high oxalates mean it should be limited for dogs with kidney issues.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — oxalates in spinach can contribute to urinary crystals, especially in cats prone to kidney stones.

rice

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — plain cooked white rice is easy to digest and often recommended during stomach upsets.

oats

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — plain cooked oats are a good source of soluble fiber and B vitamins; avoid sugar and flavored packets.

quinoa

DogSafe ✓

Safe for dogs — cooked quinoa is a complete protein grain alternative with all essential amino acids.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — not harmful, but cats are obligate carnivores with limited need for plant proteins; tiny amounts of plain cooked quinoa are tolerated.

sardines

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — sardines in water are rich in omega-3s, calcium, and vitamin D; a great supplement topper.

plain yogurt

DogSafe ✓

Safe for dogs in small amounts — plain unsweetened yogurt provides probiotics; avoid versions with xylitol or artificial sweeteners.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — most adult cats are lactose intolerant; plain yogurt may be better tolerated than milk but still cause GI upset.

cantaloupe

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — high in vitamins A and C, potassium, and water content; remove the rind and seeds.

mango

DogSafe ✓

Safe for dogs — rich in vitamins A, B6, C, and E; remove the skin and pit (pit contains cyanide compounds).

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — high sugar content; not toxic but not particularly useful for obligate carnivores.

strawberries

DogSafe ✓

Safe for dogs — good source of fiber and vitamin C; high natural sugar so give in moderation.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — not toxic but high in sugar; cats lack sweet taste receptors and gain little nutritional benefit.

cucumber

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — very low calorie with high water content; great hydrating crunch snack.

zucchini

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — low in calories and fat, high in fiber and vitamins; a great diet-friendly treat.

celery

DogSafe ✓

Safe for dogs — provides vitamins A, B, and C and acts as a breath freshener; cut into small pieces.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — not toxic but stringy texture can be a choking hazard; small pieces of cooked celery are safer.

asparagus

DogSafe ✓

Safe for dogs in small cooked amounts — nutritious but very tough raw; lightly cook before serving.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — not toxic, but has limited nutritional value for carnivores and can cause harmless changes to urine odor.

kale

Caution ⚠

Caution for dogs — contains isothiocyanates and oxalates; tiny amounts are fine but regular feeding causes GI irritation and potential kidney/bladder issues.

coconut

Caution ⚠

Caution for dogs — flesh and coconut oil are high in saturated fat and can trigger pancreatitis or diarrhea.

corn

DogSafe ✓

Safe for dogs off the cob — plain cooked corn kernels are digestible; the cob is a serious obstruction hazard.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — plain corn is not toxic but offers little nutritional value for obligate carnivores; avoid the cob entirely.

potatoes

DogSafe ✓

Safe for dogs when cooked and plain — never raw (solanine); avoid butter, salt, or toppings.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — high carbohydrate content is not ideal for obligate carnivores; only plain cooked potato in tiny amounts.

pork

Caution ⚠

Caution for dogs — plain cooked lean pork is tolerable, but cured/processed pork (bacon, ham) is very high in salt and fat causing GI issues and pancreatitis.

shrimp

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs when fully cooked and shelled — low in calories and fat with good protein; avoid raw or seasoned shrimp.

lobster

DogSafe ✓

Safe for dogs in small cooked amounts — plain cooked lobster or crab is a protein-rich treat; avoid salt or seasoning.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — imitation crab contains additives and high sodium; plain real crab in tiny amounts is tolerable but unnecessary.

lamb

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — a lean red meat that's a good alternative protein source, especially for dogs with chicken allergies.

almonds

Caution ⚠

Caution for dogs — not directly toxic but can cause GI obstruction and are very high in fat risking pancreatitis.

cashews

Caution ⚠

Caution for dogs — high in fat; plain unsalted cashews in very small amounts are tolerated, but pancreatitis risk is real.

walnuts

DogToxic ✗

Toxic to dogs — especially black walnuts which contain juglone; moldy walnuts produce mycotoxins causing seizures.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — high fat content; black walnuts and moldy walnuts carry similar risks.

pecans

DogToxic ✗

Toxic to dogs — contain juglone and can develop mold toxins (aflatoxin); cause GI distress and neurological issues.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — high fat and juglone risk; not worth feeding.

bread

Caution ⚠

Caution for dogs — plain baked bread is not toxic but offers no nutritional value and adds empty calories; raisin bread is toxic.

honey

Caution ⚠

Caution for dogs — very high in sugar; not toxic in tiny amounts but avoid for diabetic or overweight dogs.

cinnamon

Caution ⚠

Caution for dogs — not toxic but can irritate the mouth, lungs, and GI tract; large amounts cause vomiting and liver issues.

peppers

DogSafe ✓

Safe for dogs — bell peppers are a great source of vitamins A, C, and E; red peppers have the most nutrients.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — not toxic, but spicy peppers can irritate the digestive tract and most cats will avoid them.

spicy food

Caution ⚠

Caution for dogs — spicy foods cause stomach pain, diarrhea, gas, and excessive thirst; no benefit and real discomfort.

soy

Caution ⚠

Caution for dogs — small amounts of plain tofu or edamame are tolerated, but soy is a common allergen and can disrupt thyroid function in large amounts.

duck

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — plain cooked duck is a great novel protein source, especially useful for dogs with chicken or beef allergies.

rabbit

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — lean, easily digestible protein that's a great choice for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.

venison

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — lean game meat rich in iron and B vitamins; excellent for dogs with chicken or beef sensitivities.

cod

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs when fully cooked — lean white fish is low in fat and provides quality protein and B vitamins.

beets

DogSafe ✓

Safe for dogs in small plain cooked amounts — a source of fiber, folate, and manganese; don't feed pickled beets (too much salt/vinegar).

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — not toxic but high in sugar and oxalates; not a suitable regular food for obligate carnivores.

lentils

DogSafe ✓

Safe for dogs in cooked amounts — a good fiber and plant protein source; large amounts have been linked to DCM concerns in large breeds.

CatCaution ⚠

Caution for cats — not toxic but cats cannot efficiently use plant proteins; keep portions minimal.

mackerel

Safe ✓

Safe for dogs — rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and B12; choose versions in water without added salt.

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Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your pet has eaten something potentially toxic, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately.