Is it toxic to dogs? Food, plant and household checker

Type what your dog ate or chewed. You get the risk level, the main signs to watch for, what to do next, and the poison hotline numbers if it is serious.

Tim de JongUpdated October 2, 20267 min read

What did your dog get into?

123 matches

FoodToxic

Chocolate

What to do now

Call your vet or a poison hotline

Make the call even if your dog looks fine: some poisons take hours to show.

ASPCA Poison Control(888) 426-4435 Pet Poison Helpline(855) 764-7661

Both lines are open 24/7 and charge a consultation fee. Your own vet or the nearest emergency clinic is just as good a first call.

What it does and main signs

Vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Darker chocolate carries more risk.

What to do

Call your vet or a poison hotline. How serious it is depends on the type of chocolate, how much, and your dog's weight; the chocolate calculator shows the dose.

Calculator: Chocolate toxicity calculator

Source: ASPCA: People foods to avoid

Not a substitute for your vet. If your dog ate something that is not in this list, or you are unsure, call your vet or a poison hotline: not being listed does not mean it is safe.

What to do if your dog ate something toxic

Take the item away and check your dog's mouth for leftovers. Keep the packaging, label or a piece of the plant.
Work out what and how much your dog ate, when, and your dog's weight.
Call your vet, an emergency clinic or a poison hotline: ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24/7 and may charge a fee.
Don't make your dog vomit unless you are told to, and never use salt.

Do this before signs appear. Several poisons, including grapes, xylitol and some rat poisons, can look harmless for hours or days before the serious effects begin. If you are told to make your dog vomit, the hydrogen peroxide calculator shows the dose and when never to try it.

Which foods are toxic to dogs?

The ASPCA's list of foods to avoid covers chocolate, coffee and caffeine, grapes and raisins, onion, garlic and chives, macadamia nuts, xylitol, alcohol, yeast dough and too much salt. Five of these have their own calculators that work from your dog's weight and the amount eaten:

Chocolate toxicity calculator
Grape and raisin checker
Xylitol toxicity calculator
Onion and garlic toxicity calculator
Ibuprofen and painkiller calculator (ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, aspirin)

Plenty of everyday foods are fine when prepared plainly, such as carrots, blueberries, plain cooked chicken and plain rice. The AKC's guidance is to remove seeds, pits, bones and shells, skip seasoning, and keep treats to about 10% of daily calories. The list marks these as safe in moderation, and flags the ones with a catch (peanut butter with xylitol, corn on the cob, avocado pits) as caution. For more on sharing meals, see is it okay to share food with your dog?

Which plants and household items are poisonous to dogs?

The list has 43 plants, 11 household items, 8 garden and yard hazards and 9 medicines and drugs. The plants that most often turn serious are the sago palm, oleander, azaleas, foxglove, yew and autumn crocus, plus the bulbs of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils. Peace lilies, pothos, philodendron and monstera cause painful mouth irritation instead.

Indoors, the worst offenders are antifreeze, button batteries, zinc pennies, expanding glues and rat poison. Anything labeled as a rodenticide needs a call even if nothing seems wrong, because anticoagulant poisons cause bleeding several days later. For plant safety in your own garden, see how to keep dogs out of the vegetable garden.

What the risk levels mean

Every item is placed in one of four levels, based on how the source describes it. If sources describe an item differently, we show the more cautious level.

Risk levels and how many items sit in each.
Level	What it means	Items
Dangerous: call now	Can be life-threatening, sometimes in small amounts. Call a vet or poison hotline right away, before any signs.	23
Toxic	Known to poison dogs. Call your vet or a poison hotline for advice.	39
Caution	Not safe to treat as harmless: mild signs, a hazard in one part (pit, seed, bone) or only safe when prepared a certain way.	26
Safe in moderation	Listed by the source as safe or non-toxic for dogs, usually in small amounts and prepared plainly.	35

Risk depends on the dose too. A lick of chocolate and a whole bar are different problems, and a toy poodle is more at risk than a Great Dane from the same amount. That is why the calculators above use your dog's weight. Where no safe amount is known (grapes, raisins, xylitol), the checker treats any amount as a reason to call.

Full list by risk level

All 123 items, grouped by risk and in A to Z order. Each one links to the page it was checked against.

Dangerous: call now (23)

Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) (household): Small volumes can lead to death if treatment is delayed. Stomach upset, a drunk-like state and organ failure follow. Sources include leaking vehicles, garages, sheds and RV plumbing. Source
Autumn crocus (plant): Bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression. Not the same as spring crocus. Source
Azaleas and rhododendrons (plant): Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, irregular heartbeat and low blood pressure, seizures and cardiac failure. Pet Poison Helpline says even a few leaves or flowers can cause serious signs. Source
Batteries (button and lithium cells) (household): Swallowed or punctured batteries leak alkaline or acidic material and cause corrosive injury; lithium batteries can also cause thermal burns. Drooling, mouth pain and pawing at the mouth; ulcers can develop hours later. Do not induce vomiting. Source
Castor bean (plant): Contains ricin in the seed. One or two seeds can cause severe stomach problems, organ failure and death. Source
Coins (pennies minted after 1982 contain zinc) (household): Zinc breaks down in stomach acid and is absorbed: vomiting, weakness, pale gums, jaundice, discolored urine and collapse. It can destroy red blood cells and damage the liver, kidneys and heart. Source
Foxglove (plant): Cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure and death. Source
Gorilla Glue and expanding adhesives (household): Popular expanding polyurethane glues expand and stick in the stomach, causing severe irritation and a potential blockage, which is a medical emergency. Source
Grapes (food): Can cause sudden kidney failure. Vomiting and diarrhea usually start within 6 to 12 hours; kidney failure can follow in 24 to 72 hours. No safe amount is known. Source Grape and raisin checker.
Hops (home brewing) (garden): Rapid onset of a life-threatening high fever, panting, fast heart rate, vomiting and seizures; can be fatal. Greyhounds, Labradors, Saint Bernards, pointers, Dobermans, Border Collies and American Cocker Spaniels are listed as predisposed. Source
Lily of the valley (plant): Contains cardiac toxins (cardenolides): vomiting and loss of appetite, then abnormal heart rate and rhythm, weakness and seizures. Source
Mouse and rat poison (rodenticides) (garden): Depends on the active ingredient (anticoagulants, cholecalciferol, bromethalin, phosphides). Anticoagulants cause blood-clotting failure and fatal bleeding, with weakness, trouble breathing and bleeding appearing several days after eating it. Others cause tremors and seizures. Corn gluten or cellulose-based products are non-toxic. Source
Naproxen (Aleve) (medicine): Very poisonous with a narrow margin of safety: as little as one 220 mg tablet can cause very serious signs, even in a large dog. Vomiting (possibly bloody), black tarry stool, weakness and pale gums. Source Ibuprofen and painkiller calculator.
Nicotine (cigarettes, vapes, pouches, gum) (medicine): Drooling and vomiting first, then abnormal heart rate and blood pressure, tremors, agitation, stupor, collapse and shallow breathing. Nicotine acts fast with a narrow safety margin. Some nicotine gum also contains xylitol. Source
Oleander (plant): Drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, colic and depression; death is possible. Contains cardiac glycosides. Source
Raisins, sultanas and dried currants (food): Vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, followed rapidly by kidney injury and failure. The suspected cause is tartaric acid. Hidden in baked goods and trail mix. Source Grape and raisin checker.
Raw bread dough and yeast dough (food): Raw dough expands in the warm stomach, which can cause bloating and stomach twisting (GDV), and the fermenting yeast makes alcohol that is absorbed into the blood. Signs: vomiting, unproductive retching, swollen belly, staggering, weakness, and in severe cases seizures, respiratory failure and coma. Source
Sago palm (plant): Extremely toxic, especially the seeds. Vomiting, bloody stool, increased thirst, bruising and bleeding problems, then liver damage and failure. Death is possible. Source
Slug and snail bait (metaldehyde) (garden): Drooling, vomiting, agitation, tremors and seizures, and a severe fever that is fatal if the nerve signs are untreated. Source
Tea tree oil (concentrated) (household): A few concentrated drops, swallowed or applied to skin, can cause severe poisoning: stumbling, weakness, tremors, organ damage and low body temperature. Pet products containing under 1 to 2% used as labeled are generally considered non-toxic. Source
Wild mushrooms (garden): Varies by species. Some affect the stomach and gut, some the nerves (loss of coordination, tremors, seizures), some the liver or kidneys. Signs can start within 15 to 30 minutes or take up to 24 hours. Pet Poison Helpline says Amanita, Galerina and Lepiota cause most fatal poisonings in pets. Source
Xylitol (sugar-free gum, candy, some peanut butter) (food): Life-threatening low blood sugar, even within 10 to 15 minutes of eating, and acute liver failure. Vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination can progress to seizures. Source Xylitol toxicity calculator.
Yew (plant): Sudden death from acute cardiac failure; early signs are muscle tremors, trouble breathing and seizures. Source

Toxic (39)

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, paracetamol) (medicine): Stomach upset, blood abnormalities and liver failure. Dogs have a narrower margin of safety than people. Also found in many cold, flu and fever products. Source Ibuprofen and painkiller calculator.
Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor) (food): Rapid onset of lethargy and difficulty walking, plus vomiting. ASPCA lists vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, changes in blood pH, coma and even death. Source
Amaryllis (plant): Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling, loss of appetite and tremors. Source
Aspirin and salicylates (medicine): Stomach and gut signs, breathing changes, raised body temperature, bone marrow suppression, kidney failure and nervous system signs after wrong doses. Also in Pepto-Bismol, some topical products, sunscreen and wintergreen oil. Source Ibuprofen and painkiller calculator.
Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) (garden): Toxins such as microcystins and anatoxins can cause stomach upset, organ injury, neurological signs and skin blisters. Source
Chives (food): Same Allium family as onion and garlic: red blood cell damage leading to anemia, plus nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Source Onion and garlic calculator.
Chocolate (food): Vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Darker chocolate carries more risk. Source Chocolate toxicity calculator.
Chrysanthemum (plant): Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, incoordination and skin irritation. Source
Coffee, tea and caffeine (food): Hyperactivity, stomach upset, changes in heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure, and tremors and seizures. A lick or two is usually minor, but grounds, beans, tea bags and supplements are concentrated sources. Source Coffee grounds to stop dog digging: does it work?
Daffodils (plant): Vomiting, drooling and diarrhea; large amounts can cause convulsions, low blood pressure, tremors and heart rhythm problems. Bulbs are the greatest risk. Source
Dieffenbachia (dumb cane) (plant): Intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Source
English ivy (plant): Vomiting, abdominal pain, heavy drooling and diarrhea. The foliage is more toxic than the berries. Source
Fireworks (household): Chemicals in unlit or spent fireworks can cause stomach upset, burns to the paws, lips, nose and mouth, and in some cases organ injury or seizures. Noise also causes severe stress and escape attempts. Source
Flea collars (chewed or swallowed) (medicine): Depending on the active ingredient: lethargy, walking drunk, dilated pupils, seizures, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, slow heart rate and blood pressure changes. Remove the collar promptly. Source
Garden fertilizer (garden): Small amounts may cause only mild stomach upset, larger amounts can cause severe poisoning: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, trouble breathing and discolored gums. Many products also contain herbicides or pesticides. Source
Garlic (food): Gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage that can lead to anemia (weakness, collapse). Source Onion and garlic calculator.
Hand sanitizer (household): Ethanol causes rapid onset of neurologic signs, vomiting and a slow breathing rate. Severity depends on amount and your dog's size. Source
Homemade play dough (household): Homemade dough contains a large amount of salt, which causes salt poisoning: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive thirst, and in severe cases tremors, seizures, coma and death. (Recipes with cream of tartar add another risk, see the grape and raisin checker.) Source
Hyacinth (plant): Intense vomiting, diarrhea (occasionally bloody), depression and tremors. Source
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) (medicine): Stomach ulcers (vomiting and diarrhea with blood), kidney problems from heavy urination to no urine at all, and depression, coma and death in severe cases. Never give it to a dog. Source Ibuprofen and painkiller calculator.
Iris (plant): Drooling, vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea. The rhizomes (underground stems) contain the most toxin. Source
Laundry and dish detergents (household): Drooling, vomiting and aspiration pneumonia; corrosive types can cause mouth, throat and stomach ulcers. Source
Leeks (food): Allium family: red blood cell damage leading to anemia, plus nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Source Onion and garlic calculator.
Macadamia nuts (food): Weakness, hind limb weakness and inability to walk, severe lethargy, vomiting, tremors, high body temperature and joint stiffness. The high fat can also trigger pancreatitis. Signs start within about 12 hours; ASPCA expects recovery in 24 to 72 hours. Source
Marijuana and cannabis (edibles, plants) (medicine): Stumbling, dazed behavior, sleepiness or excitation, vomiting, drooling, dilated pupils, uncontrolled urination, low blood pressure and body temperature; in severe cases collapse and seizures. Pet Poison Helpline says there is no safe dose of psychoactive marijuana for pets. Smoke can also harm. Source
Mistletoe (plant): Vomiting and diarrhea; larger amounts can cause low blood pressure with a stumbling gait. Source
Moldy food and compost (food): Tremor-causing mycotoxins in moldy bread, pasta, cheese, nuts and compost cause vomiting, drooling, agitation, incoordination, tremors, seizures and fever. Organ damage is possible. Source
Monstera (Swiss cheese plant) (plant): Insoluble calcium oxalates: oral irritation, burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Source
Mothballs (household): Vomiting, mothball-scented breath, pale or brown gums, weakness, trouble breathing, tremors, seizures and liver or kidney damage. Dogs are more likely than cats to actually eat them. Source
Onions (food): Damage to red blood cells that can lead to anemia, plus nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Japanese breeds such as Akitas and Shiba Inus are more susceptible. Source Onion and garlic calculator.
Peace lily (plant): Intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Source
Philodendron (plant): Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause mouth pain and swelling, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing; rarely, severe throat swelling. Source
Pothos (devil's ivy) (plant): Oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Source
Rhubarb (plant): Kidney failure, tremors and drooling after eating the plant. Source
Salt, salt dough and rock salt (food): Vomiting and diarrhea, then stumbling, disorientation, tremors, seizures, collapse and death. Common sources are salt-dough ornaments, homemade play dough, salt de-icer and drinking lots of salt water. Never use salt to make a dog vomit. Source
Star fruit (carambola) (food): Sour star fruit holds dangerous amounts of soluble oxalates: vomiting, drooling, weakness, tremors, low blood calcium and kidney damage. Sweet varieties contain minimal oxalate. Source
Tomato plant (leaves, stems, green fruit) (plant): Drooling, loss of appetite, severe stomach upset, depression, weakness, dilated pupils and a slow heart rate. ASPCA says ripe fruit is non-toxic; the unripe parts contain solanine. Source 9 tips on how to keep dogs out of the vegetable garden
Tulips (plant): Vomiting, depression, diarrhea and drooling. The highest concentration of toxin is in the bulb. Source
Windshield wiper fluid (household): Contains methanol (sometimes with ethylene glycol): drunk-like incoordination, low blood sugar, slow breathing and low blood pressure. Ethylene glycol can cause irreversible kidney failure. Source

Caution (26)

Aloe vera (plant): Vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea. ASPCA says the gel is considered edible, while the plant's other parts cause the signs. Source
Avocado (food): Pet Poison Helpline calls avocado non-toxic to dogs; the persin it contains mainly affects birds, rabbits and horses. The real risk is the seed, which can cause an intestinal obstruction. The AKC still advises dogs to avoid it. Source
Bone meal, blood meal and organic fertilizer (garden): Causes gastrointestinal distress; large ingestions can cause intestinal blockages or pancreatitis. Source
Bones (cooked, and chicken bones) (food): ASPCA says bones can cause obstruction or injury to the digestive tract, sometimes needing surgery. The AKC notes cooked chicken bones splinter easily and can cause choking or puncture the gut. Source Are raw chicken bones good for dogs?
Cherries (pits and stems) (food): Cherry pits release cyanide only if chewed and crushed. If a whole pit is swallowed, poisoning is not expected, but a pit can cause stomach upset or an intestinal blockage depending on your dog's size. The AKC says to avoid the plant parts. Source
Cinnamon (food): The AKC says cinnamon can irritate the mouth, upset the stomach, and, if the powder is inhaled, cause coughing and breathing trouble. Source
Corn (off the cob) (food): Corn kernels are fine, but the cob is the risk: it can cause an intestinal blockage, so remove corn from the cob. Source
Eucalyptus (plant): A few leaves or dilute oil usually cause mild signs such as nausea, but highly concentrated essential oil can cause severe nerve signs and, rarely, kidney impairment. Source
Flea and tick spot-on (dog products) (medicine): Pet Poison Helpline rates dog products as low to moderate risk. Signs are rare in dogs: tingling or excessive scratching and drooling. Bathing with liquid dish soap removes greasy residue. Dog products must never be used on cats. Source
Holly (plant): Vomiting, diarrhea and depression. ASPCA notes the leaves and berries are of low toxicity. Source
Hydrangea (plant): Vomiting, depression and diarrhea. Cyanide poisoning is rare and usually it just upsets the stomach. Source
Ice cream (food): High in sugar and often a problem for dogs that can't digest lactose, so it can cause stomach upset. Check for chocolate, xylitol, macadamia and raisins in flavors. Source
Iron supplements and hand warmers (medicine): Vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain and in worse cases shock, tremors and heart or liver damage. Pet Poison Helpline rates the risk to dogs as mild but depends on the amount of elemental iron relative to body size. Some vitamins also contain xylitol. Source
Lavender (plant): Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Source
Milk and dairy (food): Many dogs lack enough lactase to digest milk, so dairy can cause diarrhea and digestive upset. Source
Mint (plant): Vomiting and diarrhea after large ingestions (essential oils). Source
Other nuts (walnuts, pecans, pistachios) (food): ASPCA warns that nuts' high oil and fat content can cause vomiting, diarrhea and potentially pancreatitis. The AKC adds that almonds can block the esophagus or tear the windpipe, and salted nuts add salt risk. Source
Peaches and peach pits (food): The flesh is fine in small amounts (skip canned fruit in syrup). The pit contains cyanide-releasing compounds, which matter only if chewed thoroughly, and a swallowed pit can block the gut in a small dog. Source
Peanut butter (food): Nutritious in small amounts, but the AKC says to read the label: some brands contain xylitol, which is dangerous to dogs. Source Xylitol toxicity calculator.
Poinsettia (plant): ASPCA lists it as irritating to the mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting, but generally over-rated in toxicity. Source
Poison ivy, oak and sumac (garden): Pet Poison Helpline calls these mildly toxic to dogs: the oily urushiol sap can upset the stomach if eaten and irritate hairless skin on contact. Source
Raw meat and raw eggs (food): ASPCA advises against raw or undercooked meat and eggs because of bacterial contamination such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Source
Snake plant (mother-in-law's tongue) (plant): Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Source
Spinach (food): The AKC lists spinach as safe but not recommended: it is high in oxalic acid, which blocks calcium absorption. Source
Tomatoes (ripe fruit) (food): ASPCA says ripe tomato fruit is non-toxic, while the green parts (stems, leaves, unripe fruit) contain solanine. The AKC says to mostly avoid tomatoes. Sauces may contain onion or garlic. Source
Yucca (plant): Typically only mild vomiting and diarrhea and possibly pupil dilation. Sharp leaf tips can injure. Source

Safe in moderation (35)

African violet (plant): Listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Source
Apples (food): Safe and low in protein and fat. Remove the core and seeds: the seeds contain a small amount of cyanide and the core and stem can choke. Source
Bananas (food): Fine as an occasional treat, but high in sugar. Peels aren't toxic yet are hard to digest and can cause a blockage. Source
Basil (plant): Listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs. Source
Blueberries (food): Low in calories and a safe treat, fresh or frozen. Small dogs can choke on them. Source
Boston fern (plant): Listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs and cats. (Other plants called ferns are different species: check the exact name.) Source
Bread (plain, baked) (food): Small plain amounts are harmless but add only carbs. Raisin bread and garlic bread are not safe, and raw dough is dangerous. Source
Broccoli (food): Safe in small amounts. The AKC's chief veterinarian says it's fine under 10% of the daily intake, and that more than 25% is considered toxic. Florets can irritate the stomach and stalks can obstruct small dogs. Source
Carrots (food): A safe, low-calorie snack. Cut into bite-size pieces to prevent choking, and wash or peel. Source
Cheese (food): Fine in small amounts if your dog isn't lactose intolerant. Pick lower-fat varieties. Source
Chicken (cooked, plain) (food): A good protein source when unseasoned. Remove all cooked bones, which splinter. Some dogs are allergic to chicken. Source
Christmas cactus (plant): Listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Source
Cilantro (coriander) (plant): Listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs. Source
Cucumber (food): Safe, low-calorie and hydrating. Plain only: pickles contain harmful salt and spices. Source
Easter lily (plant): ASPCA lists the Easter lily as non-toxic to dogs, but it is highly dangerous to cats (kidney failure). Another lily species may differ: check the exact plant, and keep cats away. Source
Eggs (fully cooked) (food): Safe when fully cooked. Raw egg white can contribute to biotin deficiency, and raw eggs carry bacteria. Source
Green beans (food): Safe as long as they're plain (no salt, butter, onion or garlic). Source
Mango (food): Safe as an occasional treat once the pit and skin are removed. The pit holds small amounts of cyanide and is a choking and blockage risk. Source
Oranges (food): Safe in small quantities. Remove peel and seeds. The sugar and acid can upset a sensitive stomach. Source
Parlor palm (plant): Listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs and cats. Not the same as the toxic sago palm. Source
Peanuts (food): Safe in moderation. Avoid salted varieties. Source
Pineapple (food): Raw pineapple in small amounts is fine. Skip canned (syrup), the core and the spiky skin. Too much can cause diarrhea. Source
Plain yogurt (food): Plain yogurt with live cultures is fine. Avoid added sugar and artificial sweeteners (xylitol). Source
Popcorn (plain) (food): Air-popped and unsalted only, with no unpopped kernels. Butter, salt and flavorings are not suitable. Source
Pumpkin (food): Safe, and can help with both diarrhea and constipation. Use plain 100% pumpkin, not pie filling. Source
Rice (food): Plain boiled white rice is easy to digest and often used for upset stomachs. Brown rice is harder to digest. Avoid seasoning. Source
Rosemary (plant): Listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Source
Roses (plant): Listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs. Thorns can still injure the mouth and paws, and rose fertilizer and sprays are not safe. Source How to keep my dog from eating my rose bushes
Salmon and fish (cooked) (food): Good source of omega-3s when thoroughly cooked and boned. The AKC suggests limiting fish and says tuna only in small amounts because of mercury and salt in canned fish. Source
Shrimp (food): Safe, low in fat and calories, when cooked and all shell is removed. Source Can dogs eat crab rangoon?
Spider plant (plant): Listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs and cats. Source
Strawberries (food): Safe in moderation. Remove stems and leaves and cut up for small dogs. Avoid canned or syrup-packed strawberries and anything with xylitol. Source Can dogs with kidney disease eat strawberries?
Sunflower (plant): Listed by ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Source
Turkey (food): Safe as lean, plain meat. Remove bones, skin and excess fat, and avoid seasonings (stuffing often contains onion and garlic). Source
Watermelon (food): Safe and about 92% water. Seeds and rind can cause choking or an intestinal blockage, and too much can cause diarrhea. Source

Frequently asked questions

What if the item I'm looking for isn't in the list?

Call your vet or a poison hotline. No list covers everything, and an item missing from this checker is not a sign that it is safe. Have the product label, plant name or a photo ready, plus your dog's weight and roughly how much was eaten.

Do the poison hotlines cost money?

Usually yes. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 are open 24/7 and may charge a consultation fee (Pet Poison Helpline lists $89 per incident). Your own vet or the nearest emergency clinic is an equally good first call and may cost less.

Should I make my dog vomit?

Not unless a vet or poison hotline tells you to. Vomiting can make some poisonings worse, for example with batteries, corrosive cleaners or when a dog is already drowsy. Never use salt or salt water, which can cause salt poisoning. If a professional does advise it, our hydrogen peroxide calculator shows the dose and the situations where you must never try it.

Is a plant listed as toxic always dangerous?

No. The ASPCA list marks a plant as toxic to dogs if eating it can cause any harm, and the harm ranges from a mild upset stomach (poinsettia, hydrangea) to heart failure or death (sago palm, oleander, yew). This checker splits them into caution, toxic and dangerous so you can see which is which. The ASPCA also notes that any plant material may cause vomiting and stomach upset.

Are lilies toxic to dogs?

It depends on the plant. The ASPCA lists the Easter lily as non-toxic to dogs, but lilies are highly dangerous to cats, causing kidney failure, so keep them out of a home with a cat. Several other plants with lily in the name (peace lily, lily of the valley) are toxic to dogs for completely different reasons, so check the exact plant.

Sources

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