Free tool
Can My Dog Eat That? — NZ Food Safety Checker
Your dog just ate something off the bench, or the kids want to share a snack with the cat. Search the food below and get an instant answer — safe, caution, or dangerous — with a full vet-sourced guide behind every result (79 foods and growing).
- alcoholSee the full guideRead the full guide for the answer.
- almondsBest avoidedFatty, often salted, and a choking/obstruction risk.
- applesGenerally OK in moderationPrepared apple pieces are fine — remove the core and seeds.
- apricotsSee the full guideRead the full guide for the answer.
- avocadoBest avoidedNot a dog treat — stone, skin and rich flesh all cause problems.
- bananaGenerally OK in moderationPlain banana in small amounts is fine as an occasional treat.
- blueberriesGenerally OK in moderationPlain blueberries are a good small treat.
- breadCaution — small, plain amounts onlyPlain baked bread isn't ideal; raw yeast dough and raisin bread are dangerous.
- broccoliCaution — small, plain amounts onlyTiny plain amounts only — no sauces, no large hard pieces.
- carrotsGenerally OK in moderationPlain carrot pieces are a great low-fat treat.
- cheeseCaution — small, plain amounts onlySmall plain amounts only — dairy upsets many dogs.
- cherriesSee the full guideRead the full guide for the answer.
- chocolateDangerous — do not feedTheobromine and caffeine are toxic to dogs.
- christmas cakeSee the full guideRead the full guide for the answer.
- cinnamonSee the full guideRead the full guide for the answer.
- coffeeSee the full guideRead the full guide for the answer.
- cooked bonesDangerous — do not feedCooked bones splinter and block or pierce the gut.
- corn cobsDangerous — do not feedCorn cobs are a classic intestinal blockage — kernels off the cob are different.
- cucumberGenerally OK in moderationPlain cucumber pieces are a fine crunchy treat.
- eggsGenerally OK in moderationPlain cooked eggs are fine — avoid raw egg and seasoned leftovers.
- garlicDangerous — do not feedGarlic is an allium, like onion — toxic to dogs.
- grapesDangerous — do not feedGrapes, raisins and currants can cause kidney failure — treat any amount as a vet call.
- ham and baconBest avoidedSalty, fatty processed meat — not for dogs.
- hot cross bunsSee the full guideRead the full guide for the answer.
- ice creamBest avoidedDairy, sugar and risky flavourings (e.g. chocolate).
- kiwifruitCaution — small, plain amounts onlySmall pieces of plain ripe flesh only — no peel or whole fruit.
- kumaraSee the full guideRead the full guide for the answer.
- macadamia nutsDangerous — do not feedMacadamias are toxic to dogs.
- mangoGenerally OK in moderationPlain ripe flesh is fine — remove skin and stone.
- mushroomsBest avoidedSkip mushrooms; wild/unknown mushrooms are a vet call.
- nutmegSee the full guideRead the full guide for the answer.
- onionsDangerous — do not feedOnions, garlic, chives and leeks damage red blood cells.
- orangesCaution — small, plain amounts onlyA little peeled flesh if tolerated — skip peel and seeds.
- peachesSee the full guideRead the full guide for the answer.
- peanut butterCaution — small, plain amounts onlyOnly plain, xylitol-free peanut butter — xylitol is highly toxic.
- pineappleGenerally OK in moderationPlain fresh flesh is fine — skip skin, core and syrup.
- plumsSee the full guideRead the full guide for the answer.
- popcornCaution — small, plain amounts onlyTiny amounts of plain air-popped only — never salty/buttery.
- porkCaution — small, plain amounts onlyTiny amounts of plain lean cooked pork only — no bones, fat or seasoning.
- potatoesCaution — small, plain amounts onlyPlain cooked only — raw or green potato is unsafe.
- pumpkinSee the full guideRead the full guide for the answer.
- raw chickenBest avoidedAd-hoc raw chicken is a food-safety risk.
- riceGenerally OK in moderationPlain cooked rice in small amounts is fine.
- saltSee the full guideRead the full guide for the answer.
- strawberriesGenerally OK in moderationPlain strawberries are fine as a small treat.
- teaSee the full guideRead the full guide for the answer.
- tomatoesCaution — small, plain amounts onlySmall amounts of ripe red flesh only — avoid green parts and the plant.
- walnutsBest avoidedFatty and mould-prone — best avoided.
- watermelonGenerally OK in moderationPlain flesh is fine — skip the rind and seeds.
- xylitol lollies and gumDangerous — do not feedXylitol sweets and gum are extremely toxic to dogs.
- yoghurtCaution — small, plain amounts onlyLimited plain yoghurt only — check for xylitol; dairy upsets many dogs.
Quick reference only, based on our vet-sourced guides (ASPCA / VCA / Pet Poison Helpline / SPCA). Always click through for the detail. If your pet has eaten something risky or seems unwell, contact a NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or the SPCA — don't wait.
If your pet ate something risky
Contact your NZ vet or nearest after-hours emergency clinicstraight away — with toxic foods, earlier is always better. Don't try home remedies (never make a pet vomit at home), and keep the packaging handy so the vet knows exactly what was eaten.
Keep reading
- Feeding Calculator — how much should your dog or cat eat per day?
- NZ Dog Food Guide — choosing the right everyday food
- Pet Emergency Kit NZ — be ready before something happens
FAQ
What foods are toxic to dogs?
The big ones to keep away from dogs include chocolate, grapes/raisins/currants, onions and garlic, xylitol (sugar-free lollies and gum), macadamia nuts, cooked bones and corn cobs. If your dog has eaten any of these, contact a NZ vet or after-hours clinic straight away.
What human foods can dogs safely eat?
In small, plain amounts: carrots, cucumber, banana, apple (no core/seeds), blueberries, strawberries, watermelon flesh, cooked eggs and plain cooked rice are generally fine for most dogs. Treats should stay under about 10% of daily energy.
What should I do if my pet ate something dangerous?
Contact your NZ vet or nearest after-hours emergency clinic immediately — don't wait for symptoms, and don't try home remedies like making your pet vomit. Have the packaging or food details ready if you can.
Where do these answers come from?
Every food links to a full PetMall Wiki guide that cites veterinary toxicology sources — ASPCA Animal Poison Control, VCA Animal Hospitals, Pet Poison Helpline and SPCA New Zealand. The checker is a quick index of those reviewed guides.
My food isn't listed — is it safe?
Not necessarily. If a food isn't in our list, don't assume it's fine. Check with your NZ vet before sharing it, and if your pet already ate it and seems off-colour, call the vet now.
Important: this checker is a quick reference built on our vet-sourced guides (ASPCA, VCA, Pet Poison Helpline, SPCA NZ) — it is not emergency advice. If your pet has eaten something dangerous or seems unwell, contact a NZ vet or after-hours emergency clinic immediately.
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- Dog FoodStart with food that matches your dog's life stage and activity level — and change brands slowly over 7–10 days.
- Dog TreatsTraining rewards and everyday treats — small, soft pieces work best for consistent reinforcement.
- Dog ToysA small rotation of chew, fetch, and puzzle toys usually works better than buying a large variety at once.
- Cat FoodStart with food that matches your cat's life stage — change brands slowly over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset.
- Cat ToysA small rotation of toys (feather wand, puzzle feeder, and comfort toy) usually works better than buying many at once.
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