What food is bad for dogs?
Learn about the foods that can be harmful to dogs. Keep your pup safe and healthy with Tesco Pet Insurance and Mars Petcare*.
Published: 29 May 2026
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Why you need to watch what your dog eats
Some dogs are driven by food and will eat anything. Some steal from the cupboards or the kitchen counter. And some beg so relentlessly, it can be hard to resist their sad, puppy-dog eyes.
But a dog’s digestive system is different to ours. Some foods that are harmless or healthy for us can cause stomach upset or toxic reactions in dogs. And that can result in an emergency visit to the vet and a claim on your pet insurance.
Here, we explain which foods are safe for dogs to eat, which aren’t, and which ones are only suitable in small amounts. It’s based on the latest research from Mars Petcare* and the Waltham Petcare Science Institute*.
Why can’t dogs eat the same food as humans?
Research from Mars Petcare* highlights how a dog’s body is unique. From their digestive system to their teeth to how they taste.
The differences in a dog’s biology explain why some human foods can make them very unwell, very quicky. And why a lot of emergency pet insurance claims relate to the sudden ingestion of dangerous foods.
For Tesco Pet Insurance claims relating to dogs eating toxic foods, the average payout is £475.23**. So the cost of treating your dog could be expensive without insurance.
- Dogs have 42 teeth, designed for cutting, tearing and grinding.Dogs have 42 teeth, designed for cutting, tearing and grinding.
- Their teeth enamel is 5 x thinner than ours, increasing the risk of damage from certain foods.Their teeth enamel is 5 x thinner than ours, increasing the risk of damage from certain foods.
- A dog has a highly expandable stomach, designed to cope with large meals.A dog has a highly expandable stomach, designed to cope with large meals.
- Food moves through a dog’s intestine in 12–30 hours, compared to 30 hours-5 days for a human. This affects how they process certain foods and how long toxins stay in their system.Food moves through a dog’s intestine in 12–30 hours, compared to 30 hours-5 days for a human. This affects how they process certain foods and how long toxins stay in their system.
- A dog’s stomach is more acidic than ours. It’s designed to break down tough substances and kill harmful bacteria.A dog’s stomach is more acidic than ours. It’s designed to break down tough substances and kill harmful bacteria.
- Their sense of smell is up to 10,000 x stronger than ours. So even food stored high up or sealed away can be extremely tempting.Their sense of smell is up to 10,000 x stronger than ours. So even food stored high up or sealed away can be extremely tempting.
- Dogs have fewer taste buds than humans. So they don’t always recognise bitter or dangerous flavours.Dogs have fewer taste buds than humans. So they don’t always recognise bitter or dangerous flavours.
- Their digestive system has evolved to handle some grains and starches. But many human foods are toxic to dogs.Their digestive system has evolved to handle some grains and starches. But many human foods are toxic to dogs.
Can dogs eat chocolate?
No. Chocolate is one of the most dangerous household foods for dogs.
It contains theobromine and caffeine. These can cause agitation, excitability, tremors, convulsions and heart problems. And in severe cases, death.
The biggest risks with chocolate and dogs
- The smaller the dog, the bigger the riskThe smaller the dog, the bigger the risk
- Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are the most dangerous. They contain the most theobromine - the toxic component.Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are the most dangerous. They contain the most theobromine - the toxic component.
If your dog eats chocolate, call your vet immediately.
What fruit and vegetables can dogs eat?
Some fruit and veg can be excellent, low calorie treats for dogs. But others can trigger vomiting, diarrhoea and organ damage. And, in serious situations, even life threatening emergencies.
It’s essential to know which fruit and veg is safe for your dog. And which ones you should avoid.
What vegetables can dogs eat?
It’s safe to serve the following vegetables to your dog, either cooked or raw, in bite sized pieces.
- CarrotsCarrots
- PeasPeas
- Green beansGreen beans
- CourgetteCourgette
- CucumberCucumber
- Broccoli (small amounts)Broccoli (small amounts)
- Spinach (small amounts)Spinach (small amounts)
You can also give your dog some sweet potato, as long as it’s been cooked first.
What vegetables can dogs not eat?
The following vegetables can cause toxic reactions or serious digestive problems in dogs, even when cooked.
- OnionsOnions
- ShallotsShallots
- GarlicGarlic
- LeeksLeeks
- ChivesChives
These vegetables are also unsafe for dogs to eat.
- Green tomatoes - toxic until ripeGreen tomatoes - toxic until ripe
- Wild mushrooms - some are highly toxicWild mushrooms - some are highly toxic
- Raw potatoes - they contain solanine, which is toxic to dogsRaw potatoes - they contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs
Is fruit good for dogs?
Many fruits offer vitamins, fibre and hydration. However, research from Mars Petcare highlights that:
- dogs have fewer taste buds, so overly sweet fruits aren’t necessarydogs have fewer taste buds, so overly sweet fruits aren’t necessary
- a dog’s expandable, highly acidic stomach can sometimes struggle with sugary foodsa dog’s expandable, highly acidic stomach can sometimes struggle with sugary foods
You should think of fruit as a treat for your dog - fed in moderation and always cut into safe bite-sized pieces.
What fruit can dogs eat?
These fruits are safe for your dog to eat in moderation.
- Apples (no seeds, pips or cores)Apples (no seeds, pips or cores)
- BlueberriesBlueberries
- StrawberriesStrawberries
- BlackberriesBlackberries
- Bananas (small portions, because they’re high in sugar)Bananas (small portions, because they’re high in sugar)
- Watermelon (seedless only)Watermelon (seedless only)
- Mango (no pit)Mango (no pit)
- Pineapple (small portions)Pineapple (small portions)
What fruit can dogs not eat?
The following fruits pose a toxic and/or choking hazard to your dog and should always be avoided.
- Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas - even tiny amounts can cause severe kidney failure.Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas - even tiny amounts can cause severe kidney failure.
- Fruit pits and seeds - including peach stones, apple seeds and cherry pits. Many contain cyanide and can cause choking or intestinal blockage.Fruit pits and seeds - including peach stones, apple seeds and cherry pits. Many contain cyanide and can cause choking or intestinal blockage.
- Cherries - the pits contain cyanide, which is toxic and can lead to organ failure.Cherries - the pits contain cyanide, which is toxic and can lead to organ failure.
- Citrus fruits - including lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit. They’re too acidic and can cause stomach upset. Highly toxic for cats but not recommended for dogs either.Citrus fruits - including lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit. They’re too acidic and can cause stomach upset. Highly toxic for cats but not recommended for dogs either.
Are grapes safe for dogs?
No. Grapes are highly dangerous and must never be given to dogs or cats. Even one grape can cause vomiting, lethargy and severe kidney failure.
Can dogs eat raisins?
No. Raisins are toxic to dogs and cats and can cause sudden kidney failure.
Dried grapes, such as sultanas and currants, are also toxic to dogs and cats.
- 44.6% of Tesco Pet Insurance claims for dogs eating toxic foods are related to raisin and grape toxicosis**.44.6% of Tesco Pet Insurance claims for dogs eating toxic foods are related to raisin and grape toxicosis**.
Human foods that are bad for dogs
It’s not just fruit and veg and chocolate you need to watch out for. These foods can also be dangerous for dogs.
- Bones - Small bones, like chicken bones, can be dangerous if eaten by a cat or dog. They can easily splinter and could prove fatal.Bones - Small bones, like chicken bones, can be dangerous if eaten by a cat or dog. They can easily splinter and could prove fatal.
- Milk and dairy - Many dogs are lactose intolerant. Dairy products can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.Milk and dairy - Many dogs are lactose intolerant. Dairy products can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Raw eggs - Can contain salmonella and cause food poisoning. Raw egg white can also block your dog’s absorption of B vitamin biotin.Raw eggs - Can contain salmonella and cause food poisoning. Raw egg white can also block your dog’s absorption of B vitamin biotin.
- Meat trimmings - The high fat content can cause stomach pains, diarrhoea or pancreatitis. Meat trimmings - The high fat content can cause stomach pains, diarrhoea or pancreatitis.
- Caffeine - includes tea, coffee and energy drinks. Like chocolate, caffeine can cause hyperactivity, tremors, seizures and heart problems. And in the most serious cases, even death.Caffeine - includes tea, coffee and energy drinks. Like chocolate, caffeine can cause hyperactivity, tremors, seizures and heart problems. And in the most serious cases, even death.
- Alcohol and hops - Don’t let your dog near alcoholic drinks or foods containing alcohol. It can cause similar signs in pets as it does in their owners when drunk in excess. And hops in beer is toxic for pets.Alcohol and hops - Don’t let your dog near alcoholic drinks or foods containing alcohol. It can cause similar signs in pets as it does in their owners when drunk in excess. And hops in beer is toxic for pets.
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener) - found in gums, sweets and baked goods. Can cause life-threatening low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and liver damage.Xylitol (artificial sweetener) - found in gums, sweets and baked goods. Can cause life-threatening low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and liver damage.
- Macadamia nuts - Can cause tremors, lameness and stiffness in dogs.Macadamia nuts - Can cause tremors, lameness and stiffness in dogs.
Common household items your dog should avoid
A dog’s strong sense of smell and curiosity makes household hazards more tempting than you might think. So always keep these things out of your dog’s reach.
- Lilies - Can cause kidney failureLilies - Can cause kidney failure
- Antifreeze - Can cause kidney failureAntifreeze - Can cause kidney failure
- Cleaning productsCleaning products
- Human medicineHuman medicine
- BatteriesBatteries
- Garden chemicalsGarden chemicals
What food is bad for cats?
If you also have a cat, many of the same rules around human foods apply. You can learn more in our guide - What food is bad for cats?
What the experts from Mars Petcare* say
"Certain foods are common causes of intoxications (poisonings) in pets, and fatalities can occur. Dogs are far more commonly affected as they have less discriminating food habits compared to cats.
Generally, prognosis is much improved when early treatment is initiated. And the vet is informed of what, when and how much of a food item or plant is ingested."
Prof Anne Marie Bakke (DVM, PhD Nutrition)
Global Nutrition Technical Advisor
Waltham Petcare Science Institute
What to do if your dog eats something dangerous
Acting calmly and quickly gives your dog the best chance of a full recovery.
1. Act immediately and try to stay calm.
2. Call your vet, even if your dog seems fine.
3. Give full details - what they ate, how much, and when.
4. Don’t try to make your dog sick, unless your vet tells you to.
5. Keep packaging or fruit pits to show your vet.
Looking after your dog’s health and wellbeing
Dogs bring a lot of joy into our lives. But owning a pet is a big responsibility. And they can take a lot more looking after than you might realise.
For more advice about looking after a dog, see our guide - Looking after dogs.
Dog training with The Dogfather
Got a naughty dog that steals your food when you’re not looking?
Get top tips and expert advice in these guides from Tesco Pet Insurance and TV’s Graeme Hall:
How Tesco Pet Insurance can help
If your dog eats something they shouldn’t, it can lead to expensive treatment and unexpected vet bills.
Tesco Pet Insurance can help to protect both your pet and your pocket, with:
- Cover for any age of cat or dog. We provide pet insurance from 8 weeks old to very old. There’s no upper age limit.Cover for any age of cat or dog
We provide pet insurance from 8 weeks old to very old. There’s no upper age limit. - 24/7 vetfone helpline. Get advice for your pet by phone or video call, whenever you need it. From behavioural and nutritional issues to age-related medical problems.24/7 vetfone helpline
Get advice for your pet by phone or video call, whenever you need it. From behavioural and nutritional issues to age-related medical problems. - Direct payments to your vet. We can pay claims direct to your vet, if they accept direct payments. Excesses apply.Direct payments to your vet
We can pay claims direct to your vet, if they accept direct payments. Excesses apply.
Your options with Tesco Pet Insurance
With Tesco Pet Insurance, you can choose from 3 different types of cover:
- Lifetime Pet InsuranceLifetime Pet Insurance
- Maximum Benefit Pet InsuranceMaximum Benefit Pet Insurance
- Time Limited Pet InsuranceTime Limited Pet Insurance
You can save money on all our Pet Insurance policies with your Clubcard. And if you insure more than one pet with us, you’ll get a multi pet discount on each policy.
You can learn about the importance of pet insurance in our guide - Why is pet insurance important?
Help for Pet Insurance customers
Find out how to manage your policy or make a claim if you have Tesco Pet Insurance.
Important information
Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd.
vetfone is provided by Vetsdirect Ltd.
You'll find complete details of the cover, monetary limits, exclusions, excesses and terms in our policy documents.
About our sources
*Mars Science & Diagnostics - A Better World For Pets, 2025.
*Waltham Petcare Science Institute
**Tesco Pet Insurance claims payment data, January 2025-February 2026. Provided by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd.
Learn about dog and puppy insurance
Find cover for your canine friend and save money with your Clubcard. Choose Lifetime Pet Insurance, Maximum Benefit or Time Limited.