Can my pet eat it?
Foods, plants, medicines and household products, for dogs and cats: red or yellow, with what to do.
Another kind of pet? The signs not to wait on, for 20 pets
It’s not on our list: that doesn’t mean it’s safe. When in doubt, call your vet.
AlcoholDangerous
Vomiting, trouble breathing, tremors, even coma. It’s absorbed fast.
Dog: Dangerous Cat: Dangerous
AntifreezeDangerous
It damages the kidneys: signs can come 2–3 days later. To the vet right away.
Dog: Dangerous Cat: Dangerous
Read more: antifreeze · If it already ate it: what to do now
BonesDangerous
They can injure or block the gut, sometimes needing surgery.
Dog: Dangerous Cat: Dangerous
Chocolate and cocoaDangerous
Theobromine and caffeine: vomiting, racing heart, tremors, seizures. The darker it is, the more dangerous.
Dog: Dangerous Cat: Dangerous
Chocolate: the dose per kilo · If it already ate it: what to do now
Sources: Merck Veterinary Manual, “Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals”, ASPCA, “People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets”
Coffee, tea, energy drinksDangerous
Caffeine works like the toxic part of chocolate.
Dog: Dangerous Cat: Dangerous
Read more: coffee, tea, energy drinks · If it already ate it: what to do now
Grapes and raisinsDangerous
Can damage a dog’s kidneys. The evidence is about dogs: keep them away from cats too.
Dog: Dangerous Cat: Caution
Read more: grapes and raisins · If it already ate it: what to do now
Human anti-inflammatoriesDangerous
They can irritate the stomach and cause kidney problems. Never give human medicines.
Dog: Dangerous Cat: Dangerous
Read more: human anti-inflammatories · If it already ate it: what to do now
Sources: PDSA, “Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)”
Macadamia nutsDangerous
In dogs: weakness, tremors, fever, usually within 12 hours.
Dog: Dangerous Cat: Caution
Read more: macadamia nuts · If it already ate it: what to do now
Onions, garlic, chivesDangerous
They damage red blood cells and can cause anemia. Cats are more sensitive than dogs.
Dog: Dangerous Cat: Dangerous
Read more: onions, garlic, chives · If it already ate it: what to do now
Raw yeast doughDangerous
It rises in the stomach and produces alcohol.
Dog: Dangerous Cat: Dangerous
Read more: raw yeast dough · If it already ate it: what to do now
XylitolDangerous
A sweetener in gum, “sugar-free” sweets, some peanut butters and toothpastes: in dogs it makes blood sugar drop and can damage the liver. The FDA says it seems less dangerous for cats.
Dog: Dangerous Cat: Caution
Read more: xylitol · If it already ate it: what to do now
Sources: ASPCA, “People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets”, U.S. FDA, “Paws Off Xylitol; It’s Dangerous for Dogs”
Acetaminophen (paracetamol)Caution
For a cat, part of one tablet can be enough. Never give human medicines without your vet.
Dog: Caution Cat: Dangerous
Read more: acetaminophen (paracetamol) · If it already ate it: what to do now
Sources: International Cat Care, “Paracetamol poisoning in cats”
AvocadoCaution
The real danger is for birds and rabbits.
Dog: Caution Cat: Caution
CitrusCaution
The fruit causes at most a little stomach upset; leaves, peels and seeds in quantity irritate more.
Dog: Caution Cat: Caution
Coconut and coconut oilCaution
Little harm in small amounts, but it can cause diarrhea.
Dog: Caution Cat: Caution
Read more: coconut and coconut oil · If it already ate it: what to do now
Dog flea treatments on cats (permethrin)Caution
A tiny amount is enough for a cat: tremors, twitching, seizures. Even contact with a freshly treated dog.
Dog: Caution Cat: Dangerous
Read more: dog flea treatments on cats (permethrin) · If it already ate it: what to do now
LiliesCaution
For cats, a bit of a leaf, pollen licked off the fur or the vase water is enough: kidney damage.
Dog: Caution Cat: Dangerous
Milk and dairyCaution
Many dogs and cats can’t digest lactose, so milk can give them diarrhea.
Dog: Caution Cat: Caution
Read more: milk and dairy · If it already ate it: what to do now
NutsCaution
Very fatty: vomiting, diarrhea, sometimes pancreatitis.
Dog: Caution Cat: Caution
Raw meat and eggsCaution
Bacteria like Salmonella, dangerous for you too.
Dog: Caution Cat: Caution
Read more: raw meat and eggs · If it already ate it: what to do now
Very salty foodsCaution
Thirst; in large amounts, also tremors and seizures.
Dog: Caution Cat: Caution
Read more: very salty foods · If it already ate it: what to do now
What other pets can eat
Rabbit Guinea pig Hamster Pet rat Ferret Canary Budgies Cockatiel Lovebirds Tortoise Red-eared slider Leopard gecko Bearded dragon Goldfish Betta fish
Sources
- ASPCA, “People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets” (checked on October 9, 2026)
- Merck Veterinary Manual, “Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals” (checked on October 6, 2026)
- U.S. FDA, “Paws Off Xylitol; It’s Dangerous for Dogs” (checked on October 9, 2026)
- International Cat Care, “Lily poisoning in cats” (checked on October 9, 2026)
- International Cat Care, “Paracetamol poisoning in cats” (checked on October 9, 2026)
- International Cat Care, “Permethrin poisoning” (checked on October 9, 2026)
- PDSA, “Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)” (checked on October 9, 2026)
- RSPCA, “Antifreeze poisoning in cats” (checked on October 9, 2026)