We all know that look.

You're in the kitchen, opening a little something for yourself, and suddenly a dog appears next to you with "I haven't eaten since 2:03 PM" eyes, or a cat that didn't even ask permission to join, it's just already there.

But not everything that tastes good to us is suitable for them. There are foods that can be a small, safe treat, and some that can be dangerous even in small amounts.

We've prepared a simple and clear guide to help you understand what you can give, what to avoid, and when to consult a vet.

Important to know: The information on this page is general only and does not replace veterinary advice. Every dog and cat has its own age, weight, health condition, and sensitivities. In case of ingesting dangerous food, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, tremors, or abnormal behavior - contact a veterinarian immediately.

What can a dog eat?

The following foods can be given to dogs in small amounts, as a treat only, when they are plain, without salt, without seasoning, without sauces, and without bones.

Proteins suitable for dogs

• 
  Cooked chicken without bones or seasoning
  
• 
  Cooked turkey without bones or seasoning
  
• 
  Cooked lean beef
  
• 
  Cooked egg
  
• 
  Cooked fish without bones
  
• 
  Cooked salmon
  
• 
  Tuna in small amounts, in water, without seasoning
  

Fruits that dogs can eat

• 
  Apple without seeds or core
  
• 
  Banana in small amounts
  
• 
  Blueberries
  
• 
  Watermelon without rind or seeds
  
• 
  Melon in small amounts
  
• 
  Strawberries in small amounts
  
• 
  Mango without skin or pit
  

Vegetables that dogs can eat

• 
  Carrot
  
• 
  Cucumber
  
• 
  Pumpkin
  
• 
  Cooked sweet potato
  
• 
  Green beans
  
• 
  Peas
  
• 
  Broccoli in small amounts
  
• 
  Corn, only the kernels and not the cob
  

Other things you can give with caution

• 
  Peanut butter, only if it's xylitol-free
  
• 
  Plain unsweetened yogurt, in small amounts and only if the dog is not lactose intolerant
  
• 
  Cheese in small amounts and only if the dog tolerates it well
  
• 
  Plain cooked rice
  
• 
  Plain cooked quinoa
  
• 
  Plain popcorn without salt, butter, or additives
  

What should dogs not eat?

Some foods can be dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts. ASPCA lists chocolate, xylitol, caffeine, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, avocado, alcohol, and yeast dough among foods or ingredients to avoid for pets.

Foods dangerous for dogs

• 
  Chocolate
  
• 
  Grapes
  
• 
  Raisins
  
• 
  Onions
  
• 
  Garlic
  
• 
  Chives
  
• 
  Leeks
  
• 
  Macadamia nuts
  
• 
  Coffee
  
• 
  Tea
  
• 
  Caffeinated beverages
  
• 
  Alcohol
  
• 
  Chewing gum, candies, and products containing xylitol
  
• 
  Unbaked yeast dough
  
• 
  Cooked bones
  
• 
  Heavily spiced, salty, or fatty food
  

Foods to preferably avoid

• 
  Avocado
  
• 
  Almonds and nuts in general
  
• 
  Ice cream and sweets
  
• 
  Raw meat
  
• 
  Raw fish
  
• 
  Raw eggs
  
• 
  Lemon and lime
  
• 
  Green tomatoes, tomato stems, and leaves
  

What can a cat eat?

Cats are not small dogs. They need a diet primarily based on animal protein, so fruits, vegetables, and carbohydrates should not be a central part of their diet.

The following can be given only in small amounts, as an occasional treat, when they are plain, cooked, without salt, without seasoning, and without bones.

Proteins suitable for cats

• 
  Cooked chicken
  
• 
  Cooked turkey
  
• 
  Cooked beef
  
• 
  Cooked fish without bones
  
• 
  Cooked egg
  
• 
  A little liver, only in small amounts and not regularly
  

Additions that can be given in small amounts

• 
  Cooked pumpkin
  
• 
  Cooked carrots
  
• 
  Peas
  
• 
  Steamed broccoli in small amounts
  
• 
  Cucumber in small amounts
  
• 
  Cooked rice in small amounts, if necessary
  

What should cats not eat?

Cats are particularly sensitive to some of the foods we have at home. ASPCA notes chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and raw meat or eggs as foods to avoid for pets.

Foods dangerous for cats

• 
  Chocolate
  
• 
  Coffee
  
• 
  Tea
  
• 
  Caffeine
  
• 
  Onions
  
• 
  Garlic
  
• 
  Chives
  
• 
  Leeks
  
• 
  Grapes
  
• 
  Raisins
  
• 
  Alcohol
  
• 
  Chewing gum and products with xylitol
  
• 
  Cooked bones
  
• 
  Raw meat
  
• 
  Raw fish
  
• 
  Raw eggs
  
• 
  Spiced, salty, or fatty food
  

What about milk?

Despite the classic image of a cat with a bowl of milk, most adult cats are lactose intolerant to varying degrees. Therefore, it is best to avoid milk, cheeses, and yogurt, unless it is a product specifically designed for cats and recommended by a professional.

The Golden Rule of Pet Treats

If it's seasoned, fried, salty, sweet, with bones, with sauce, with onion, with garlic, or with artificial sweetener - it's not for them.

Want to treat them? Go for something simple, small, and safe.

Want to be truly sure? Consult your veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat chicken?

Yes, as long as it's cooked chicken, without bones, without salt, without seasoning, and without sauce.

Can dogs eat grapes?

No. Grapes and raisins are considered dangerous for dogs and can cause severe kidney problems.

Can dogs eat chocolate?

No. Chocolate is dangerous for dogs, especially dark chocolate and cocoa.

Can cats drink milk?

Preferably not. Many cats are lactose intolerant, and milk can cause diarrhea or digestive discomfort.

Can dogs have peanut butter?

Yes, in small amounts only, and only if it's natural and xylitol-free.

What do you do if your dog or cat ate something forbidden?

Don't wait to see "if it passes." Contact a veterinarian, tell them what was eaten, approximately how much, and when it happened.