CAN MY PET
EAT THAT?
Pets explore the world through their mouths, and they can end up chewing on some crazy things. So, which foods are OK for pets? Which foods pose the greatest risk? Use this list to find out.
Fruits & Veggies
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Grapes & Raisins
Maybe for dogs
Grapes and raisins have been associated with kidney failure in some types of dogs.
Never for cats
Grapes and raisins may even cause acute kidney failure in cats.
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Bananas
Occasionally for dogs and cats
Bananas offer potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, biotin, and copper. Bananas are also high in sugar, so use them more as a treat than a meal — and make sure to remove the peel.
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Apples
Yes for dogs
High in fiber and protein, this fruit is a great source of vitamins A and C. Do not feed your dog the core or seeds, both of which contain arsenic.
Rarely for cats
Apples are safe for cats so long as the stems, leaves, and especially seeds are removed from the apple.
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Berries
Blueberries, strawberries
Yes for dogs
With strong antioxidant properties, blueberries especially are considered a superfood for humans and dogs alike.
Yes for cats
While cats can’t detect sweet flavors, they can appreciate the wet, juicy texture.
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Melons
Cantaloupe, watermelon
Yes for dogs and cats
Pets can eat a little cantaloupe now and again, but make sure you remove any seeds.
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Citrus Fruits
Oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes, etc.
Never for dogs and cats
Ingesting citrus fruits can cause pets to experience gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea.
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Cherries
Yes for dogs and cats, if you’re careful
Cherry pits contain cyanide, which is toxic to pets. The fruit of a cherry is considered safe.
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Avocados
Rarely for dogs and cats
Avocados contain persin, which may cause mild stomach upset in dogs.
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Onions/Garlic
Never for dogs and cats
Both can cause anemia, and serious damage to the red blood cells.
Human Favorites
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Chocolate
Never for dogs and cats
Both caffeine and theobromine are toxic for dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous.
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Spicy Food
Never for dogs and cats
Spicy foods can upset a dog’s stomach and digestive tract, and capsaicin in hot foods can cause pain in your pet’s mouth.
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Alcohol
Wine, beer, liquor
Never for dogs and cats
Grapes and hops can be toxic to dogs and cats. Even the lowest amount of alcohol or fermented content can be toxic for cats.
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Dairy
Rarely for dogs and cats
Dairy products may upset your pet’s digestive system, which could lead to diarrhea and food allergies.
Miscellaneous
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Xyletol
Found in gum, toothpaste, candies, etc.
Never for dogs and cats
Ingestion can cause a life-threatening drop in a dog’s blood sugar, as well as liver damage.
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Raw Bread Dough
Never for dogs
The yeast in raw dough can cause stomach expansion, resulting in tissue damage and difficulty breathing.
Never for cats
While cooked bread and dough are considered harmless for cats, raw yeast can kill a cat in a matter of hours.
Related Pet Care Articles
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Understanding Calories in Your Pet's Food | Hill's Pet
Learn how to determine how many calories your dog or cat needs each day, as well as how to count their calories and what to do if they're getting too many.
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Can I Feed My Pet Fruit? | Hill's Pet
Discover which fruits are safe for your dog or cat, and which ones are toxic. For fruits that are safe, learn tips for how much you can give them.
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Importance of DHA in your Pet's Food
Learn about DHA - Docosahexaenoic Acid- a natural omega-3 fatty acid that is essential in the development of the brain and nervous system in kittens.
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Vitamins
Vitamins can be divided into two main groups depending on whether they are soluble in fat or water. In addition, there is a group of vitamin-like substances that are similar to vitamins without fitting exactly into the categories.
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Carbohydrates
The nutrients that supply us with energy are carbohydrates, proteins and fat.
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Fats
Dietary fats are required to supply energy: dietary fat provides the pet with 2.25 times more calories per weight unit than protein or carbohydrates.