Foods Dogs and Cats Can't Eat: The Complete List

Updated June 2026 · Educational content — not a substitute for veterinary advice

At Mila's we cook with human-grade ingredients, but "human-grade" doesn't mean every human food is safe for pets. Some of the most ordinary items in a Jordanian kitchen — grapes, garlic, coffee — can seriously harm a dog or cat. Here's the list every pet parent should know by heart.

Highly dangerous — never feed these

• Grapes and raisins. Even a few can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. The toxic dose varies unpredictably between dogs, so treat any amount as an emergency.
• Chocolate, coffee and tea. Theobromine and caffeine overstimulate a pet's heart and nervous system. Dark chocolate and Arabic coffee grounds are the most concentrated sources.
• Onions, garlic and leeks. All members of the allium family damage red blood cells in dogs and cats, causing anemia — whether raw, cooked, or in powder form (check spice mixes and stock cubes).
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener). Found in sugar-free gum, sweets and some peanut butters. In dogs it triggers a rapid insulin release that can cause life-threatening low blood sugar and liver damage.
• Alcohol and raw yeast dough. Even small amounts cause vomiting, disorientation and breathing problems. Rising dough expands in the stomach and ferments into alcohol.

Risky — avoid or strictly limit

• Cooked bones. They splinter and can perforate the gut. (Slow-simmered bone broth is different — the bones are removed, and only the nutrients remain.)
• Milk and dairy. Most adult dogs and cats are lactose intolerant; dairy commonly causes diarrhea.
• Salty and spicy food. Table scraps seasoned for humans — especially cured meats and heavily spiced dishes — upset digestion and strain kidneys.
• Avocado. Contains persin, which is problematic for many animals in larger quantities.
• Macadamia nuts. Cause weakness, tremors and vomiting in dogs even in small amounts.
• Raw fish and raw eggs in excess. Risk of parasites and biotin deficiency. (Freeze-dried fish like our sardines is different — freeze-drying removes the moisture parasites need while keeping nutrients.)

Safe foods — in moderation

Plenty of fresh foods are genuinely good for pets, which is exactly what our recipes are built on: lean cooked beef and chicken, pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots, green beans, blueberries, and fish rich in omega-3. The rule of thumb: plain, cooked where needed, unseasoned, and no more than 10% of daily calories if it's outside their balanced meals.

If your pet eats something toxic

Don't wait for symptoms. Note what was eaten, how much, and when — then call your vet immediately. In Amman, several clinics run 24-hour emergency lines; keep your vet's number saved in your phone before you ever need it.

FAQ

Can dogs eat hummus?

No. Plain cooked chickpeas are fine in small amounts, but hummus contains garlic, lemon and tahini-level oils that don't belong in a dog's stomach.

Can cats drink milk?

Despite the stereotype — most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Fresh water and moisture-rich food serve them far better.

Is bread okay for dogs?

Plain baked bread in small amounts is not toxic, but it adds empty calories. Raw dough, however, is dangerous.