Can they eat it?

African Violet
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Non-toxic flowering houseplant.

Alcohol
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Even small amounts cause vomiting, disorientation, low body temperature and breathing trouble. Includes raw bread dough and spilled drinks.

Almonds
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

Not toxic, but almonds are hard to digest and a choking or blockage risk, especially whole. Better skipped.

Aloe Vera
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea (the gel itself is less of an issue than the outer leaf).

Amaryllis
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Vomiting, drooling, lethargy and tremors; bulb is most toxic.

Anthurium
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Oral irritation, drooling and difficulty swallowing.

Apple (no seeds or core)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Slices of apple are a safe, crunchy treat - remove the core and seeds, which contain small amounts of cyanide compounds.

Apricot (flesh, no pit)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Ripe apricot flesh is safe in small amounts. Always remove the pit, which is a choking hazard and contains cyanide compounds if crushed.

Areca Palm
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Non-toxic - a safe way to get the palm look. (Not to be confused with toxic Sago Palm.)

Asparagus (cooked)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain cooked asparagus is safe in small pieces. Raw stalks are tough and a choking risk, so cook and chop it.

Asparagus Fern
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Berries cause stomach upset; repeated skin contact can cause irritation.

Avocado
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

The flesh causes mild stomach upset in dogs and cats, and the large pit is a choking and blockage hazard. Far more dangerous to birds.

Azalea / Rhododendron
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Vomiting, drooling, weakness and heart problems even in small amounts. Emergency.

Bacon
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

Very fatty and salty. An occasional tiny bite is not poisonous, but bacon is a common pancreatitis trigger and best kept off the menu.

Banana
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

A safe, sweet treat in small amounts for dogs; the sugar means moderation. Non-toxic to cats but rarely a favourite.

Basil, Rosemary & Thyme
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

These kitchen herbs are non-toxic to pets.

Beef (plain cooked)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain cooked lean beef is a safe protein for dogs and cats. Skip fatty cuts and any onion or garlic seasoning.

Beetroot (plain)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain cooked beetroot in small amounts is safe and may turn stools or urine pink, which is harmless. Skip pickled beets.

Begonia
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Tubers most toxic - mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting.

Bell pepper
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Sweet bell pepper (red, yellow or green) is safe and vitamin-rich in small pieces. Skip spicy peppers, which irritate the gut.

Bird's Nest Fern
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Not on the ASPCA list itself; NC State Extension's plant database gives it no poison characteristics, and its relative mother fern is on the ASPCA non-toxic list.

Blackberries
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

A safe, antioxidant-rich snack for dogs in moderation. Non-toxic to cats.

Blueberries
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

A safe, antioxidant-rich treat for dogs, given in moderation. Non-toxic to cats, though most cats are not interested.

Bones (raw, supervised)
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

Raw bones are a debated topic - they can crack teeth, splinter or cause blockages, and carry bacteria. If you feed them at all, do so under supervision and never cooked bones.

Boston Fern
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Non-toxic and a popular pet-friendly choice.

Bread (plain)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

A little plain baked bread is safe but offers little value - empty calories. Never give raw bread dough, which is dangerous.

Broccoli
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain cooked or raw broccoli in small amounts is safe for dogs. Large amounts can cause gas and stomach upset, so keep it to a garnish.

Bromeliad
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Non-toxic and colourful.

Brussels sprouts
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain cooked sprouts are safe in small amounts, but they are famously gassy - one or two is plenty for a dog.

Cabbage
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain cabbage is safe in small amounts but notoriously gassy in larger ones. A little cooked is easiest on the stomach.

Caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks)
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Similar to chocolate - restlessness, a racing heart, tremors and seizures. Coffee grounds and tea bags are surprisingly potent.

Caladium
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Burning mouth, drooling, vomiting and swelling.

Calathea / Prayer Plant
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Non-toxic, pet-friendly foliage.

Cantaloupe & melon (no rind)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Hydrating and safe in small pieces for dogs. Remove the rind and seeds. Non-toxic to cats, who rarely care.

Carrots
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Crunchy raw or cooked carrots are a low-calorie, safe snack for dogs. Cats can have a little cooked, though most are indifferent.

Cashews (plain, unsalted)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

A couple of plain, unsalted cashews are safe for dogs. They are fatty, so an occasional one or two only.

Cat Grass
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Oat, wheat, barley or rye shoots grown for cats to nibble - a good redirect for plant-chewers. Overeating grass can still make a cat vomit.

Catnip
Dogs: Safe Cats: Toxic

Many cats love it, but the ASPCA lists catnip as toxic to cats: eating it can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and it sedates some cats and stimulates others. The American Kennel Club counts it among non-toxic houseplants for dogs.

Cauliflower
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain cooked or raw cauliflower in small amounts is safe for dogs. Large amounts cause gas, so keep it modest.

Celery
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain celery is a safe, low-calorie crunch for dogs. Cut into small pieces to avoid choking; non-toxic to cats.

Cheese
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

Not toxic, but cheese is high in fat and most adult pets are lactose intolerant, so it often causes gas or loose stools. A tiny cube as a treat at most.

Cherries (flesh only)
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

The flesh is not toxic, but cherry pits, stems and leaves contain cyanide compounds and the pits cause blockages. Given the risk, cherries are best avoided.

Chewing gum & mints
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Caution

Most sugar-free gum and mints contain xylitol, which is deadly to dogs even in small amounts. Keep bags, pockets and handbags out of reach.

Chocolate
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Vomiting, restlessness, racing heart, tremors and seizures. Darker chocolate is far more dangerous. Try the chocolate toxicity calculator to gauge the dose.

Christmas Cactus
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Non-toxic, though the fibrous parts can cause mild upset if gorged on.

Chrysanthemum
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and skin irritation.

Cinnamon
Dogs: Safe Cats: Caution

A pinch of cinnamon is not toxic to dogs, but large amounts irritate the mouth and airways. Cats are more sensitive, so best avoided for them.

Coconut flesh & oil
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain coconut flesh or a little coconut oil is safe in small amounts. Large amounts can loosen the stools.

Cooked bones
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

Not toxic, but cooked bones splinter and can choke or perforate the gut. Skip them - raw feeding is a separate topic with its own rules.

Cooked chicken (plain)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain, boneless, skinless cooked chicken is a safe, gentle protein - often used for upset tummies. No onion, garlic, salt or seasoning.

Cooked plain potato
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain boiled or baked potato with no butter, salt or seasoning is safe in small amounts. Never green, raw or fried potato.

Corn kernels (off the cob)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain corn kernels off the cob are safe in small amounts. Never give the cob itself, which is a serious blockage risk.

Corn on the cob
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

The kernels are fine, but the cob is a classic intestinal blockage that often needs surgery. Never let a dog have the cob.

Cranberries (plain)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain fresh or dried cranberries are safe in small amounts. Skip sweetened or juice blends, and watch that dried mixes contain no raisins.

Croton
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Mouth and stomach irritation if chewed.

Cucumber
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Crunchy, hydrating and very low in calories - a safe treat for dogs. Non-toxic to cats, who may enjoy a nibble.

Currants
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Dried currants carry the same kidney-failure risk as grapes and raisins in dogs. Treat any ingestion as urgent.

Cyclamen
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Roots/tubers most toxic - drooling, vomiting; large amounts affect the heart.

Daffodil (bulbs)
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Bulbs are the worst part - vomiting, drooling, and at higher doses heart and breathing trouble.

Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Intense mouth burning and irritation, drooling, difficulty swallowing.

Dracaena
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Vomiting (sometimes with blood), drooling; cats may show dilated pupils.

Echeveria & Haworthia (succulents)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

These common succulents are non-toxic (unlike Jade and Aloe).

English Ivy
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Leaves more toxic than berries - vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.

Fatty trimmings & fried food
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

Rich, greasy scraps can trigger pancreatitis - vomiting, a painful belly and lethargy. Common after holidays and barbecues.

Figs (fresh)
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

Fresh fig fruit can irritate the stomach, and the fig plant and leaves are toxic to pets. Keep both fruit and houseplant out of reach.

Ginger (fresh, small)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

A small amount of fresh ginger is safe. Keep it to a sliver; too much can irritate the gut.

Grapefruit
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

The acidic flesh upsets stomachs and the peel and pith are more irritating still. Citrus is best kept away from both dogs and cats.

Grapes & raisins
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs even in small amounts, and the toxic dose is unpredictable. Vomiting, lethargy and reduced urination. Treat any ingestion as urgent.

Green beans
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain green beans are a safe, filling, low-calorie snack for dogs - the American Kennel Club says fresh raw beans are safe for most dogs in moderation, as are plain boiled or steamed ones. Skip salted canned beans, and add no salt, butter or seasoning.

Ham
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

Not toxic, but ham is very salty and fatty - it can trigger stomach upset or pancreatitis and adds far too much salt. Best avoided.

Honey
Dogs: Safe Cats: Caution

A tiny amount of honey is safe for healthy adult dogs but is pure sugar, so rarely and in trace amounts. Little value for cats, who cannot taste sweetness.

Hops (home brewing)
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Caution

Spent brewing hops cause a dangerous spike in body temperature in dogs. Panting, agitation and a racing heart. An emergency.

Hoya (Wax Plant)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Non-toxic trailing plant.

Hyacinth (bulbs)
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Bulbs cause intense drooling, vomiting and sometimes diarrhea.

Ice cream
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

Not usually toxic, but the sugar and dairy upset most pets, and some contain xylitol or chocolate, which are dangerous. A pet-safe frozen treat is better.

Jade Plant
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Vomiting, lethargy and incoordination; reason unknown.

Kalanchoe
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Common houseplant - vomiting and diarrhea, rarely heart rhythm changes.

Kiwi (peeled)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Peeled kiwi flesh in small pieces is safe for dogs in moderation. Skip the skin, which is hard to digest.

Lantana
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Vomiting, diarrhea, and with large amounts, liver effects.

Lettuce
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain lettuce is safe and mostly water. Fine as a crunchy nibble; too much can loosen the stools.

Lily (true lilies and daylilies: Easter, Tiger, Asiatic, Day)
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Deadly to cats - even pollen or vase water can cause fatal kidney failure. A cat near any true lily or daylily is an emergency. Milder stomach upset in dogs.

Liver (cooked)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain cooked liver is a nutritious treat in small amounts. Too much over time can cause vitamin A build-up, so keep it occasional.

Macadamia nuts
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Caution

In dogs, cause weakness (especially the back legs), tremors, vomiting and fever within 12 hours. Usually not fatal but distressing.

Mango (no pit or skin)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Soft mango flesh is a safe, sweet treat in small pieces. Remove the large pit, which is a choking and blockage hazard.

Milk & dairy
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

Most adult pets are lactose intolerant, so milk, cheese and ice cream often cause gas and diarrhoea. The 'saucer of milk for cats' is a myth.

Money Tree (Pachira)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Non-toxic.

Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant)
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Mouth and throat irritation, drooling, vomiting.

Mushrooms (store-bought, plain)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain shop-bought culinary mushrooms are safe cooked and unseasoned. Wild mushrooms are a different matter and can be deadly - never allow those.

Mustard
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

Prepared mustard and mustard seeds can irritate the stomach and cause vomiting. Keep condiment-covered food away from pets.

Nutmeg
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

In baking amounts it is mostly harmless, but a large dose of nutmeg can cause disorientation and a racing heart. Watch holiday treats.

Oatmeal (plain cooked)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain cooked oatmeal is a safe, fibre-rich treat in moderation. Serve plain with no sugar, milk or flavourings.

Oleander
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Affects the heart - drooling, vomiting, abnormal heart rate. Emergency.

Onion, garlic, chives & leeks
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Damage red blood cells and cause anaemia - cooked, raw or powdered. Cats are especially sensitive. Weakness, pale gums and dark urine, often a day or two later.

Orange (peeled, no seeds)
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

A little peeled orange is not toxic to dogs, but the acidity and sugar upset many stomachs. Cats dislike citrus and the oils and peel can irritate them - best skipped.

Parlor Palm
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Non-toxic and easy-going.

Pasta (plain cooked)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain cooked pasta with no sauce is safe in small amounts. Skip anything with garlic, onion or rich sauce.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Not a true lily, but irritating - burning mouth, drooling, vomiting. (Far less dangerous than true lilies.)

Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Caution

A dog favourite and safe - but check the label first: some brands contain xylitol, which is deadly to dogs. Cats gain little from it.

Peanuts (plain, unsalted)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

A few plain, unsalted, shelled peanuts are safe for dogs. Avoid salted or flavoured nuts; nuts are high in fat, so keep it small.

Pear (no seeds or core)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Ripe pear slices are a safe treat - remove the core and seeds, which contain traces of cyanide compounds.

Peas (plain)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Fresh, frozen or thawed plain peas are a safe, low-calorie snack. Skip tinned peas, which are high in salt.

Peperomia
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Non-toxic, compact and easy.

Phalaenopsis Orchid
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Non-toxic - moth orchids are pet-safe.

Philodendron
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Calcium oxalates - mouth irritation, drooling, pawing at the face, vomiting.

Pilea (Chinese Money Plant)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Not on the ASPCA list itself, where other Pilea species are non-toxic; NC State Extension describes it as safe for pets. Easy to propagate.

Pineapple (flesh)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Small pieces of fresh pineapple are safe for dogs; the sugar means moderation. Skip the tough skin and core.

Plain cooked egg
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

A fully cooked, plain egg is a safe protein boost in moderation. Avoid raw egg, which risks bacteria and a biotin issue over time.

Plain cooked rice
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain white rice is easy to digest and a staple of bland diets for upset stomachs. Serve plain, with no butter or seasoning.

Poinsettia
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Reputation is overblown - usually just mild drooling or stomach upset.

Polka Dot Plant
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Non-toxic and pet-friendly.

Pomegranate
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

Not toxic, but the seeds and tannins commonly cause stomach upset and vomiting. A few arils are unlikely to harm, but it is easily skipped.

Ponytail Palm
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Non-toxic.

Popcorn (plain, air-popped)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain air-popped popcorn is a safe occasional snack. Skip butter, salt and any unpopped kernels, which can crack teeth.

Pork (plain cooked)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain cooked pork in moderation is safe. It is fatty, so keep portions small, and never offer seasoned, cured or raw pork.

Pothos (Devil's Ivy)
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Very common - oral irritation, drooling and vomiting if chewed.

Pumpkin (plain)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain cooked or tinned pumpkin (not pie filling) is safe and its fibre can help with mild digestive upsets. A spoonful is plenty.

Raspberries
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Safe for dogs in moderation. They contain a trace of natural xylitol, so keep to a small handful; fine in tiny amounts for cats.

Raw or green potato
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

Green or sprouting potato contains solanine, which upsets the stomach. Plain cooked potato in small amounts is fine.

Raw yeast dough
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Rises in the warm stomach, causing painful bloat, and ferments into alcohol. A double danger - call your vet straight away.

Rhubarb
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

The leaves are high in oxalates and toxic, causing drooling, vomiting and, in severe cases, kidney trouble. Keep pets away from the plant and stalks.

Sago Palm
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

All parts, especially seeds, are highly toxic - vomiting, then liver failure. A true emergency for both cats and dogs.

Salmon (cooked, boneless)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Fully cooked, boneless salmon is a safe, omega-rich treat. Never feed raw salmon to dogs - it can carry salmon poisoning disease, which is serious.

Salt & very salty snacks
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

Large amounts (crisps, jerky, playdough) cause excessive thirst, vomiting and, in extreme cases, salt poisoning. Keep treats low-salt.

Sardines (in water)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain sardines packed in water are a safe, omega-rich treat in small amounts. Avoid those in brine, oil or sauce.

Schefflera (Umbrella Plant)
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting.

Shrimp & prawns (cooked, plain)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain cooked, shelled shrimp is a safe occasional treat. Remove the shell, tail and vein, and skip anything seasoned or fried.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if eaten.

Spider Plant
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Non-toxic. Cats love to bat at it; overeating any plant can still cause mild tummy upset.

Spinach
Dogs: Safe Cats: Caution

Small amounts of plain spinach are fine for dogs. It is high in oxalates, so go easy, especially with cats or any pet prone to urinary or kidney issues.

Stone-fruit pits (cherry, peach, plum)
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

The flesh is usually fine, but pits can block the gut and contain cyanide compounds if crushed. Remove all pits first.

Strawberries
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

A safe, vitamin-rich treat in small amounts for dogs. Non-toxic to cats, though the sugar means only a bite or two.

Sweet potato (cooked, plain)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain cooked sweet potato is a safe, fibre-rich treat for dogs. Serve mashed or in cubes with no butter, salt or spices.

Tomato (ripe only)
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

Ripe red tomato flesh is generally fine in small amounts, but the green parts, stems and leaves of the plant contain solanine and are toxic. Never offer green tomato or the plant.

Tulip (bulbs)
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Concentrated in the bulb - mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting.

Tuna (canned, occasional)
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

A little canned-in-water tuna is not toxic, but it is not nutritionally balanced and cats can become hooked on it. Give rarely and in tiny amounts.

Turkey (plain cooked)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain, skinless, boneless cooked turkey is a safe lean protein. No skin, bones, salt, onion or gravy.

Walnuts
Dogs: Caution Cats: Caution

Best avoided - walnuts are fatty and, if mouldy, can carry tremorgenic toxins that cause shaking and seizures. Black walnuts are especially risky.

Watermelon (no seeds or rind)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Hydrating and safe for dogs in small pieces - remove the seeds and rind. Non-toxic to cats, who rarely care for it.

Wild mushrooms
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Some garden and woodland mushrooms are deadly and hard to identify. Store-bought culinary mushrooms are fine. If a wild one is eaten, treat as an emergency and bring a sample.

Xylitol (sugar-free sweetener)
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Caution

In dogs, tiny amounts trigger a dangerous blood-sugar crash and liver failure. Found in sugar-free gum, sweets, some peanut butters and baked goods. Vomiting, weakness, collapse. An emergency.

Xylitol peanut butter & baked goods
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Caution

Any food sweetened with xylitol (some peanut butters, sugar-free baking, protein bars) can cause a fatal blood-sugar crash and liver failure in dogs. Always read the label.

Yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

A spoon of plain, unsweetened yogurt is safe for many dogs. Avoid any with sweeteners, and skip it if your pet is very lactose-sensitive.

Zucchini & courgette
Dogs: Safe Cats: Safe

Plain zucchini is a safe, low-calorie vegetable for dogs, cooked or raw. Non-toxic to cats.

ZZ Plant
Dogs: Toxic Cats: Toxic

Not on the ASPCA list; NC State Extension rates it medium toxicity to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate) - vomiting and diarrhea if leaves are eaten. Wash hands after handling.

Cautious general guidance (ASPCA-aligned), not veterinary advice - when unsure, ask your vet.

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