The Low Down on Risky Foods

RFFDMSUK
Jun 29, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Feb 18

What Dogs Can and Cannot Eat: A Clear, Practical Guide for Pet Owners

With so much conflicting information online, it’s easy to feel unsure about which foods are suitable for dogs. Some items are genuinely unsafe, while others have been misunderstood for years. This guide brings together well‑established safety information to help you make informed choices with confidence.

🚫 Foods Known to Be Unsafe for Dogs

Chocolate

Chocolate contains compounds dogs cannot process effectively. If a dog eats chocolate, contact a veterinary professional straight away and share details of the type and amount consumed.

Grapes, Raisins, Sultanas & Currants

These fruits have been linked to serious adverse reactions in dogs. Avoid them entirely.

Check out our Fruits, Vegetables & Seeds Blog for more details information.

Macadamia Nuts

These nuts are associated with weakness, tremors, and digestive upset in dogs.

Onions

All forms of onion contain compounds that can affect red blood cells in dogs.

Xylitol (Birch Sugar)

A common sweetener in sugar‑free products. Even small amounts can be dangerous for dogs. Always check labels.

Mouldy Food

Mould can contain toxins that may cause neurological signs. Keep compost and food waste securely stored.

Alcohol

Dogs are extremely sensitive to alcohol. Even small amounts can cause serious adverse effects.

✅ Foods Commonly Considered Safe (When Prepared Correctly)

Garlic

Garlic contains much lower levels of the compounds found in onions and is included in some commercial dog foods. Use sparingly and appropriately for your dog’s size. See our Garlic Blog for more detail including cautions

Rosemary

Culinary rosemary is generally considered safe. Concentrated extracts or essential oils may not suit all dogs, especially epileptic dogs.

Pitted Fruits

Peaches, apricots, and cherries are fine once pits and stems are removed.

Avocado Flesh

Avoid the skin, leaves, and pit. The peeled fruit is generally considered safe in moderation.

Pork

Pork used in UK pet food is processed to strict safety standards.

Edible Mushrooms

Mushrooms safe for humans are generally considered safe for dogs once cooked. Avoid wild mushrooms unless professionally identified.

See our Mushroom Blog for more details!

Foods That Aren’t Toxic but May Harm Dogs

Rice

Rice is widely used in commercial diets, but many dogs do not digest it well. It is also high in carbohydrates, which many owners prefer to limit as dogs are Carnivores, although facultative carnivores, they can digest some carbs such as plant matter, but struggle with grains

Instant Gravy

Many gravies contain high levels of salt, fats, and additives such as wheat flour, sugar, milk powders, palm oil, starches, and onion powder. These ingredients may not be suitable for dogs.

🟡 Foods to Use With Care

Sweet Potato

Nutritious but best fed:

Lightly steamed for digestibility
Without skin
In moderation due to starch and natural sugars

Avoid vines and raw sweet potato.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin offers fibre and micronutrients, but consider:

Choosing organic where possible
Light steaming for digestibility
Using plain canned pumpkin only
Grinding seeds before feeding
How to Dry Organic Pumpkin Seeds:
1️⃣ Remove seeds from an organic pumpkin and clean off pulp/debris
2️⃣ Spread seeds in a single layer on a paper bag or paper towels
3️⃣ Allow to air dry overnight