Can dogs eat meat, fish and eggs? Yes, when they are plain, fully cooked and boneless. Lean turkey, pork, fish, shrimp and eggs all make good treats. The trouble comes from three things: raw meat and fish, which can carry bacteria and parasites; bones, which can choke a dog or tear the gut; and processed meats such as sausage, hot dogs, pepperoni and corned beef, which are loaded with salt and fat and are often seasoned with onion or garlic. Onion and garlic are toxic to dogs.
Good treats when plain and cooked: eggs, low-mercury fish, salmon, shrimp, lean pork and skinless turkey breast.
Fine once in a while, in small amounts: clams, lobster and scallops (cooked and out of the shell), and a little light tuna canned in water. Eggshell powder is only for dogs whose vet has recommended extra calcium.
Skip: chicken nuggets, corned beef, hot dogs, pepperoni and sausage. They aren’t poisonous, but they are too salty and fatty, and many contain onion or garlic.
Never: raw or undercooked meat, poultry, fish and shellfish; raw salmon or trout; rib bones and any cooked bones.
Can Dogs Eat Meat, Fish and Eggs: The safety chart
Plain cooked white meat. No skin, bones, stuffing or gravy.
What the verdicts mean:Safe means a healthy treat when prepared as described. In moderation means fine occasionally, with a catch. Avoid means don’t feed it on purpose; the section explains what to do if your dog has already eaten some. Where an ingredient is toxic, the note says so. Looking for bacon, ham, sardines, plain chicken or plain beef? They are in the second chart further down.
Five rules for feeding any meat, fish or egg
Keep it to 10%. Treats, including meat and eggs, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. The rest should come from a complete and balanced dog food.
Cook it through. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the FDA and the CDC all advise against feeding raw or undercooked meat, fish and eggs. PetMD, citing USDA figures, gives 145°F for whole cuts of beef and pork and 160°F for ground meat. The FDA’s safe temperature for fish is 145°F.
Serve it plain. No salt, butter, oil, sauce, gravy or seasoning. Onion and garlic are toxic to dogs in every form, including the powders used in rubs, breading and sausage.
Take out the bones, shells and skin. Bones and shells can choke a dog or injure the gut. Poultry skin and fat trimmings can upset the stomach and trigger pancreatitis.
Start small, and ask your vet first if your dog has had pancreatitis, has kidney or heart disease, has food allergies, has a sensitive stomach or eats a prescription diet.
Meat, fish and eggs dogs should never eat
Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, fish, shellfish and eggs. They can carry Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria and Campylobacter. A dog can pass these germs to people without looking sick. See raw beef and raw chicken below.
Raw salmon and trout. They can cause salmon poisoning disease. See salmon below.
Rib bones, poultry bones and any cooked bone. They splinter, break teeth and block or puncture the gut. See rib bones below.
Anything cooked or seasoned with onion or garlic. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, raw, cooked, dried and powdered forms have all poisoned animals, and the concentrated powders are involved most often. They damage red blood cells, and the signs of anemia can take several days to appear. See onions and garlic in our vegetable guide.
Fat trimmings, poultry skin and gravy. The FDA warns that these high-fat scraps can cause stomach upset and pancreatitis.
Processed meats as a regular treat. Sausage, hot dogs, pepperoni, bacon, ham and corned beef are all high in salt and fat.
When to call your vet
Call your vet right away if your dog swallows a bone or a piece of shell, eats raw salmon or trout, or eats food that contained onion or garlic. Call, too, if your dog shows any of these signs after eating meat, fish or eggs: repeated vomiting, diarrhea that lasts more than a day, blood in the vomit or stool, a painful or swollen belly, gagging, heavy drooling, pawing at the mouth, straining to poop, refusing food, fever, extreme thirst, wobbling, tremors, weakness or unusual tiredness. If your vet is closed, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is open around the clock at (888) 426-4435, and the Pet Poison Helpline is at (855) 764-7661. A consultation fee may apply. Don’t try to make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Can dogs eat chicken nuggets?
Not as a treat. Chicken nuggets aren’t toxic, and one that lands on the floor is unlikely to make a healthy dog sick. They are still junk food for dogs.
Why: PetMD says nuggets are not a healthy snack for dogs, especially when fried. The frying oil can upset the stomach, high-fat food can lead to pancreatitis, and the coating may be seasoned with onion or garlic. Dogster’s vet-reviewed guide adds that nuggets are made from processed chicken with a lot of salt and additives, and that the breading causes digestive upset in some dogs. This applies to fast-food and frozen nuggets alike. None of the veterinary references we checked covers plant-based nuggets, so we can’t call them a better choice. If your dog gets one, check the label for onion and garlic.
What to give instead: Plain chicken. The AKC suggests unseasoned roasted, poached, grilled or baked chicken, taken off the bone. PetMD’s portions for plain cooked chicken are about 1 tablespoon for dogs of 2–20 lb, 2 tablespoons for dogs of 21–30 lb, up to a quarter cup for dogs of 31–50 lb, about a third of a cup for dogs of 51–90 lb, and about half a cup for dogs over 90 lb.
Watch for: Vomiting or diarrhea. Call your vet if your dog’s stomach is upset after eating nuggets, if your dog ate a lot of them, or if your dog has had pancreatitis before.
Can dogs eat clams?
Yes, a little, if the clam is cooked and out of its shell. The major veterinary references don’t cover clams for dogs, so this section relies on vet-written guides from Hepper and Dogster, plus the Merck Veterinary Manual.
Why: Clams contain vitamin B12, iron, lean protein and omega-3 fats, although one clam is too little to make a real difference to a dog’s diet. The risks matter more. Raw shellfish can carry E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria and Vibrio bacteria. Merck notes that raw clams also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys vitamin B1, and that cooking destroys the enzyme. The shells can lodge in the throat or gut and can break teeth. Clams are filter feeders, so they can also collect toxins from algae blooms. Cooking does not destroy those toxins. Hepper’s veterinarian calls illness from clams bought from a reputable seller exceedingly rare.
How to serve: Steam or boil the clams plain, take the meat out of the shell and chop it. Hepper’s advice is no more than one small clam for an average dog. Skip canned, pickled and jarred clams. Clam chowder is out as well: it usually contains onion or garlic, along with cream and bacon.
Watch for: Vomiting or diarrhea. Shellfish allergy is rare in dogs, but stop feeding clams and call your vet if you see itching, swelling, vomiting or diarrhea. Call right away if your dog swallows a shell.
Can dogs eat corned beef?
No. Corned beef isn’t poisonous, and a stolen bite won’t hurt most dogs. It is too salty and too fatty to feed on purpose.
Why: Corned beef is beef brisket cured in salty brine, which makes it far saltier than fresh beef. Dogster’s vet-verified guide, the only veterinary source we found that covers it, gives salt and curing nitrates as the main reasons to avoid it. The brine and spice mix can also include garlic and onion. Brisket is a fatty cut, and too much fat can upset the stomach and trigger pancreatitis. The ASPCA warns that large amounts of salt cause extreme thirst and urination and can lead to sodium poisoning, with vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors and seizures. The Merck Veterinary Manual adds that salt poisoning is unlikely when a dog has fresh water to drink.
Corned beef and cabbage: Plain cabbage is fine for dogs. The corned beef is not, and neither are any onions cooked in the pot.
If your dog ate some: For a small amount, put out plenty of fresh water and watch for vomiting or diarrhea. Call your vet if your dog ate a large amount, such as a whole can or package, or if you see repeated vomiting, tremors, wobbling or seizures.
Can dogs eat eggs?
Yes, when they are cooked. Plain cooked eggs are a healthy occasional treat for dogs and puppies.
Why: Eggs provide highly digestible protein, fatty acids, vitamins A, D, E and B12, iron and selenium. Raw eggs are a different story. They can carry Salmonella, which can make your dog and the people in your home sick. Raw egg white also contains avidin, which binds the B vitamin biotin. The Merck Veterinary Manual says biotin deficiency is very rare and that cooking destroys avidin. The ASPCA lists raw eggs among the foods to avoid.
How to serve: Hard-boil, scramble or poach the egg until it is fully cooked, with no butter, oil, salt or seasoning. Let it cool and chop it up. PetMD’s portions, once or twice a week, are a quarter of an egg for dogs of 2–10 lb, half an egg for dogs of 11–20 lb, one egg for dogs of 21–50 lb, one and a half eggs for dogs of 51–90 lb, and two eggs for dogs over 90 lb. The AKC treats eggs as an occasional snack, not a daily food, unless your vet says otherwise. The yolk holds most of the fat, so dogs that are prone to pancreatitis or eat a low-fat diet may need the white only, or no egg at all. Puppies can have small amounts of cooked egg.
Watch for: Egg allergy is uncommon. The signs are itchy or inflamed skin around the ears, paws or face, repeated ear infections, vomiting and diarrhea. If your dog eats a raw egg, the AKC says to keep an eye on your dog and call your vet if you see fever, vomiting, diarrhea or tiredness.
Can dogs eat eggshells?
Only as a fine powder, and only if your vet says your dog needs the calcium. Most dogs don’t.
Why: Eggshells are a source of calcium and trace minerals. A dog that eats a complete and balanced commercial food already gets the calcium it needs, and VCA Animal Hospitals warns that extra calcium can cause bladder stones, constipation and abnormal bone development. The risk is highest for large and giant breed puppies, which absorb the calcium they are fed and can develop skeletal problems. Broken shell is a hazard too: the AKC notes that the sharp edges can hurt a dog’s throat. For homemade diets, the veterinary nutritionists at Tufts say that adding eggshells does not reliably balance the recipe.
How to serve: If your vet has recommended a calcium supplement and agrees to eggshell, PetMD’s method is to bake or boil the shells to kill germs, grind them to a fine powder and sprinkle a small amount on your dog’s food. None of the references we checked gives a dose, so we don’t either. Your vet should set the amount for your dog’s size and diet.
Watch for: Constipation, and gagging or coughing if your dog swallows pieces of shell.
Can dogs eat fish?
Yes. Plain, fully cooked, boneless fish is a healthy treat for dogs.
Why: Fish is a good source of protein and omega-3 fats, and it is easy to digest when cooked. It is also an alternative protein for dogs with food allergies to common meats such as chicken. The species matters. Smaller, shorter-lived fish carry less mercury. The AKC and PetMD list salmon, whitefish, herring, flounder, cod, catfish, whiting and Arctic char as good choices. PetMD says to avoid shark, tilefish, swordfish, king mackerel and canned albacore tuna.
Fish to skip: Raw fish, which can carry Salmonella, Listeria and parasites. Fried fish and fish sticks, because the oil, butter and breading can cause vomiting, diarrhea and pancreatitis. Raw fish skin. Any fish cooked with garlic, onion or heavy seasoning.
How to serve: Steam, bake or grill the fish with no oil or seasoning, then remove every bone, along with the head, tail, fins and scales. PetMD measures portions in pieces of about 1 inch by a quarter of an inch: one piece for dogs of 2–20 lb, two or three for dogs of 21–30 lb, three to five for dogs of 31–50 lb, five to nine for dogs of 51–90 lb, and nine or ten for dogs over 90 lb. The AKC suggests fish no more than twice a week.
Watch for: Heavy drooling or pawing at the face can mean a bone is stuck. Call your vet immediately. Also watch for vomiting or diarrhea after a first taste.
Can dogs eat hot dogs?
Best skipped. Hot dogs aren’t toxic, and one stolen hot dog probably won’t harm a healthy dog. They are salty, fatty and easy to choke on.
Why: Salt is the biggest problem. The AKC and PetMD both point out that a 33 lb dog needs about 200 mg of sodium a day, and an average hot dog has more than 500 mg. Hot dogs are also high in fat, and many contain sodium nitrate, MSG, sweeteners, and garlic or onion powder. Dogs that gulp their food can choke on a chunk of hot dog.
If you use them for training: The AKC steers owners away from hot dogs altogether. PetMD allows tiny pieces as an occasional training reward, not a daily one. Its rules are to cook the hot dog, serve it plain with no bun or condiments, and cut it into slices about a quarter of an inch thick. Allow one slice for every 15 lb of dog, so a 60 lb dog gets a total of 1 inch of hot dog, cut into tiny pieces.
Watch for: Thirst, a bellyache or loose stools, which should pass within a day. Offer plenty of water. Call your vet if your dog has vomiting along with diarrhea, if the signs last more than 12 to 24 hours, if your dog ate several hot dogs, or if your dog is prone to pancreatitis. Pawing at the mouth, trouble breathing and heavy drooling are signs of choking, which is an emergency.
Can dogs eat lobster?
Yes, a small taste of plain cooked lobster meat. Keep it occasional.
Why: PetMD says lobster is high in protein, iron, zinc and omega-3 fats, and that it is safe once cooked and taken out of the shell. It should not be fed in excess, because it is also high in sodium, iodine and cholesterol. The shell is the main danger. Sharp pieces can injure the mouth and gut, and larger pieces can choke a dog or cause a blockage. Raw lobster can carry bacteria and parasites. The butter and garlic that people eat with lobster are off the menu for dogs.
How to serve: Boil or steam the lobster with no salt, remove every bit of shell, and offer a few small pieces of the meat. None of the references sets a portion, so treat it like any other treat and stay within the 10% rule. Vet-reviewed guides from Dogster and Hepper add that puppies and dogs prone to pancreatitis should skip it, and that a first taste should be tiny, followed by a day or two of watching for a reaction.
Watch for: Itching, hives, vomiting or diarrhea. A swollen face or trouble breathing is an emergency. Call your vet if your dog swallows shell.
Can dogs eat pepperoni?
No. The AKC and PetMD both say dogs should not eat pepperoni.
Why: The AKC’s chief veterinarian, Dr. Jerry Klein, describes pepperoni as too spicy and too fatty for dogs. It can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and the fat puts dogs at risk of pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening. Pepperoni is very salty, and it is usually seasoned with garlic and onion, which are toxic to dogs. Turkey pepperoni is not a safer choice: the AKC says pepperoni is risky whatever meat it is made from. PetMD adds that pepperoni pizza is out too, because the cheese can cause digestive upset and pancreatitis.
If your dog ate some: Offer fresh water and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain or heavy drooling. PetMD says to call your vet if the signs last or get worse, if your dog ate more than a few bites, or if your dog has a condition such as pancreatitis. The AKC is more cautious and says to call your vet as soon as you know your dog got into the pepperoni.
What to give instead: Small pieces of plain cooked chicken or turkey, or a treat made for dogs. See our guide to the best dog jerky treats.
Can dogs eat pork?
Yes, in small amounts, when it is plain, lean and fully cooked. Raw pork, pork bones and processed pork are a different matter.
Why: Pork is a complete protein with vitamins B6 and B12, potassium and zinc. It is also richer than most meats. The AKC warns that pork fat is hard for dogs to digest and can cause indigestion and pancreatitis. Raw or undercooked pork can carry Trichinella spiralis, the parasite that causes trichinosis. The signs in dogs include an upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, tiredness, and muscle pain and stiffness. Raw pork can also carry Salmonella and Yersinia. Seasoned pork is a problem as well: the AKC names onion powder, garlic powder and nutmeg as toxic, and barbecue sauce is full of salt and sugar.
Pork to skip: Pork bones, raw or cooked, which splinter and can choke a dog or block the gut. Bacon, ham, sausage and pork rinds, which are high in salt and fat.
How to serve: Choose a lean cut such as tenderloin or a loin chop, trim the fat, and cook it with no seasoning. PetMD, citing USDA figures, says to cook chops and roasts to 145°F and ground pork to 160°F. Take the meat off the bone and cut it into pieces about half an inch across. PetMD’s portions are one piece for dogs of 2–10 lb, one or two for dogs of 11–20 lb, two or three for dogs of 21–50 lb, three or four for dogs of 51–90 lb, and four or five for dogs over 90 lb.
Watch for: Vomiting or diarrhea after a first taste. If your dog swallows a pork bone, go to the vet right away if you see vomiting, heavy drooling, abnormal stools or a loss of appetite.
Can dogs eat raw beef?
We don’t recommend it. The AVMA, the FDA, the CDC, VCA Animal Hospitals and PetMD all advise against feeding dogs raw meat.
Why: Raw beef can carry Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria. When the FDA tested 196 samples of raw pet food, 15 contained Salmonella and 32 contained Listeria monocytogenes. A dog can carry these germs and shed them in its saliva and stool without looking sick, which puts the people in the house at risk. The CDC says the risk is highest for children under 5, adults aged 65 and older, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems. Freezing and freeze-drying lower the number of germs but do not kill them all. As for the benefits raw feeders describe, such as a shinier coat and smaller stools, the veterinary nutritionists at Tufts say there is no scientific evidence that raw diets are healthier. They also cite a study in which 60% of 95 homemade raw diets had major nutritional imbalances.
What to give instead: Plain cooked beef. PetMD says to trim the fat, skip the seasoning, remove any bones, and cook steak to 145°F and ground beef to 160°F. Its portions, in small bite-size pieces, are one piece for dogs of 2–20 lb, one or two for dogs of 21–30 lb, two to four for dogs of 31–50 lb, four to six for dogs of 51–90 lb, and six to eight for dogs over 90 lb.
If you choose to feed raw anyway: Talk to your vet first, and read our guide to frozen raw dog food. Follow the FDA’s handling advice: thaw the food in the refrigerator, keep it away from other food, wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, disinfect bowls and surfaces, and don’t let your dog lick your face.
Watch for: A small piece of raw beef dropped while cooking will probably cause no trouble. Call your vet if you see sudden watery or bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, tiredness or a loss of appetite.
Can dogs eat raw chicken?
No. The AKC and PetMD both recommend against feeding dogs raw chicken.
Why: Raw chicken can carry Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobacter. These can make a dog sick, and a dog can also pass them to people without showing any signs. There is a second, rarer risk. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists eating raw chicken as a risk factor for acute polyradiculoneuritis, a sudden paralysis also known as coonhound paralysis. It is thought to be an immune reaction to Campylobacter on the meat. It starts with weak back legs and can spread to all four legs within a day or two. Most dogs begin to improve within three weeks with nursing care, but full recovery can take two to six months. Raw chicken necks and other bony pieces add a choking and blockage risk.
What to give instead: Plain cooked chicken, taken off the bone. The portions are in the chicken nuggets section above. In your own kitchen, the FDA says not to rinse raw meat, because the juices can splash germs onto other food and surfaces.
If your dog ate raw chicken: A small piece of boneless raw chicken is unlikely to cause a problem. Watch your dog for the next few days and call your vet if you see vomiting, diarrhea (especially with blood), fever, tiredness or a loss of appetite. If your dog swallowed bones, don’t try to make your dog vomit. Go to the vet at once if you see gagging, heavy drooling, repeated vomiting, a painful belly, bloody stool or straining. Call your vet, too, if your dog becomes weak or wobbly in the back legs in the weeks afterward.
Can dogs eat rib bones?
No. That goes for pork and beef ribs, raw and cooked, and for dogs of every size.
Why: PetMD lists the risks: broken teeth, choking, bone splinters that pierce the gut and cause a serious infection called peritonitis, and intestinal blockages. The fatty meat left on a rib can also trigger pancreatitis. Cooked bones are the worst, because cooking makes them brittle. The AKC adds that rib fragments can lodge in the colon and cause pain and constipation. Raw bones carry bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria as well. In 2017 the FDA warned owners about packaged bone treats, including rib bones, after receiving reports of about 90 sick dogs, around 15 of which died.
What about other bones? The sources disagree. PetMD and VCA Animal Hospitals say dogs should not have bones of any kind. The AKC is more relaxed about large raw beef or bison bones that are too big to swallow, given under supervision, but it also says never to give cooked bones. We side with the stricter advice.
If your dog ate a rib bone: PetMD says to see your vet or an emergency clinic right away. Don’t try to make your dog vomit at home. Signs of trouble can appear hours or days later: gagging, heavy drooling, vomiting, tiredness, a painful belly, constipation or diarrhea, pale gums and a loss of appetite.
What to give instead: A chew that carries the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which both PetMD and VCA recommend. Stay nearby while your dog chews it.
Can dogs eat salmon?
Yes, when it is cooked. Never feed raw or undercooked salmon.
Why: Cooked salmon is rich in omega-3 fats, protein and B vitamins, and it is low in mercury. Raw salmon is dangerous. Raw or undercooked salmon and trout can carry a fluke infected with the bacterium Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which causes salmon poisoning disease. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the disease occurs in the Pacific Northwest, from northern California to Alaska. Signs usually appear five to seven days after a dog eats infected fish, although they can take as long as 33 days. They include a high fever, vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), loss of appetite, weakness and swollen lymph nodes. Without treatment, up to 90% of affected dogs die within 7 to 10 days. Prompt treatment with antibiotics greatly improves a dog’s chances.
How to serve: Bake, steam, grill or boil a boneless fillet with no oil, butter, salt or seasoning, and check it for small bones. PetMD’s portions of cooked salmon per week are 1–2 oz for dogs of 2–20 lb, 2–3 oz for dogs of 21–30 lb, 3–4 oz for dogs of 31–50 lb, 4–6 oz for dogs of 51–90 lb, and 6–8 oz for dogs over 90 lb. The AKC suggests salmon no more than once a week. Cooked, unseasoned salmon skin is fine in small amounts. Canned salmon is fine too: choose salmon packed in water and rinse it to remove some of the salt. The veterinarian quoted by the AKC advises against smoked salmon. If your dog loves salmon, see our pick of the best salmon dog foods.
Watch for: If your dog eats raw salmon or trout, call your vet right away. Don’t wait for signs to appear. Tell the vet what your dog ate and when.
Can dogs eat sausage?
No. PetMD says most sausage is not safe for dogs and should not be used as a treat.
Why: Sausage is much higher in fat and salt than plain chicken or beef, and too much fat can lead to pancreatitis. Garlic and onion are common sausage seasonings, and both are toxic to dogs. That covers breakfast links and patties, bratwurst and Vienna sausages. Turkey sausage is not a safer choice: PetMD says it is high in sodium, preservatives and additives, often including garlic and onion. Raw pork sausage carries the same risks as other raw pork.
If your dog ate some: A healthy adult dog that eats a small piece of plain sausage will probably be fine. Offer water and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness or a loss of appetite. Call your vet as soon as you can if your dog ate a large amount, if the sausage contained onion or garlic, or if your dog seems to be in pain.
What to give instead: Plain cooked chicken, turkey, beef or salmon, or a few pieces of carrot or green bean.
Can dogs eat scallops?
Yes, a small amount, cooked and plain. The major veterinary references don’t cover scallops, so this section relies on vet-reviewed guides from Dogster and Hepper.
Why: Scallops are lean. Dogster gives about 94 calories, 17 grams of protein and less than 1 gram of fat for a 3 oz serving, along with magnesium, potassium and vitamin B12. A dog-size portion is too small for that to matter much, so think of scallops as a treat, not a health food. Raw scallops can carry Salmonella, Listeria and parasites, so sashimi and ceviche are out. Fried scallops, and scallops seared in butter or oil, can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and fatty food can set off pancreatitis. Garlic and onion are toxic to dogs. The shells can break teeth, cut the mouth and block the gut. Like clams, scallops can also collect algae toxins that cooking does not destroy, although illness in dogs is rare.
How to serve: Use only the white muscle. Rinse it, steam, boil or bake it until it is cooked through, and cut it into small pieces. Neither guide gives a number, only a small amount of chopped scallop on rare occasions. Hepper’s veterinary reviewer advises against scallops for puppies.
Watch for: Call your vet if you see tiredness, refusing food, vomiting, severe diarrhea or blood in the stool. Shellfish allergy is rarely reported in dogs, but watch for itching for a day or two after a first taste.
Can dogs eat shrimp?
Yes. A few plain cooked shrimp make a good treat for dogs and puppies.
Why: Shrimp are low in fat, calories and carbohydrates, and they provide vitamin B12, niacin, phosphorus and antioxidants. They are also high in cholesterol, which is why the AKC says to keep it to a few. Raw shrimp can carry bacteria that cause vomiting, diarrhea and belly pain. The shell and tail are a choking hazard and can block the gut, especially in small dogs.
How to serve: Steaming is the method the AKC prefers. Boiling, grilling and baking are fine too, as long as you add no butter, oil, salt or seasoning. Remove the shell, tail and vein, and cut the shrimp into small pieces. Skip fried, breaded, coconut and tempura shrimp. PetMD’s portions, in medium shrimp, are half a shrimp for dogs of 2–20 lb, one for dogs of 21–30 lb, two for dogs of 31–50 lb, three for dogs of 51–90 lb, and up to four for dogs over 90 lb.
Watch for: Stop feeding shrimp if your dog seems uncomfortable afterward. Go to the vet for vomiting, heavy diarrhea, blood in the vomit or stool, weakness or collapse, or if your dog gets sick after eating raw shrimp.
Can dogs eat tuna?
Only a little, and only rarely. The sources disagree on tuna, and the AKC’s answer is no.
Why: Tuna are large fish that live a long time, so they build up far more mercury than fish such as salmon or flounder. The AKC says neither canned nor raw tuna is considered safe for dogs. It also says not to panic over a stolen bite, because a tiny amount will not cause mercury poisoning. PetMD is a little more relaxed. It allows a small amount of cooked tuna as a rare treat for adult dogs, and it lists light tuna canned in water among the safe fish. PetMD says never to give tuna to puppies or small dogs, and to avoid albacore, which has more mercury than light tuna. Tuna packed in oil can upset the stomach and can lead to pancreatitis. Raw tuna, including sushi, can carry parasites and bacteria.
How to serve: If you share tuna at all, make it a bite or two of light tuna canned in water, drained, with nothing added, and only once in a while. No reference gives a safe amount by weight, so we don’t either. Salmon, whitefish, herring and flounder are better choices. If you have a cat, keep your dog out of the cat’s tuna-based food.
Watch for: Mercury poisoning is unlikely after a single taste. It is a risk for dogs that eat tuna regularly or eat a large amount. The signs include vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood), tremors, loss of coordination, vision problems and hair loss. Go to the vet immediately if you see them.
Can dogs eat turkey?
Yes. Plain, fully cooked turkey with the skin and bones removed is safe for dogs.
Why: Turkey is rich in protein, riboflavin and phosphorus, and it is a common ingredient in dog food. The problem is the way people cook it. The skin, butter and oil are fatty, and the FDA warns that fat trimmings and roasted poultry skin can cause stomach upset and pancreatitis. Stuffing and seasoning often contain onion and garlic. Gravy is salty and fatty. Cooked turkey bones are brittle and can cut the mouth, choke a dog, or block or pierce the gut.
How to serve: Offer white meat only. Remove the skin, the fat and every bone, and cut the meat into cubes of about 1 inch, or smaller for a small dog. Plain cooked ground turkey is fine too. PetMD says to skip deli turkey, smoked turkey, turkey bacon, turkey sausage and turkey burgers, which are high in salt and seasonings. Dark meat from the legs and thighs is higher in fat. None of the references gives a clear portion by weight, so keep it to a few cubes, within the 10% rule.
Watch for: If your dog swallows a turkey bone, call your vet right away. After a fatty helping of skin or trimmings, watch for the signs of pancreatitis: vomiting, a painful belly, diarrhea, fever and a loss of appetite.
Other meats, fish and eggs at a glance
These foods don’t have their own section in this guide yet. Here is the short version from the AKC and PetMD. The five rules above apply to all of them.
Food
Verdict
Key note
Bacon
Avoid
Rich, fatty and salty. The AKC warns that a large amount can cause pancreatitis.
Beef, cooked
Safe
Plain and lean, with the fat trimmed and no bones. See raw beef for portions.
Chicken, cooked
Safe
Plain and off the bone. Chicken is one of the more common food allergens in dogs. See chicken nuggets for portions.
Ham
Avoid
High in salt and fat. A small dropped piece is not a worry, but don’t feed it on purpose, and never give a ham bone.
Raw eggs
Avoid
They can carry Salmonella. Cook eggs first. See eggs.
Sardines
Safe
Choose sardines packed in water with no added salt. Their small, soft bones are safe to eat.
Sources
We checked every verdict in this guide against these veterinary and public health references in October 2026. This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your own veterinarian.
An individual with a profound affection for animals, who was brought up in an environment surrounded by dogs, cats, and chickens. A self-taught enthusiast in the realm of pet care. At present, the proud caretaker of two rescued felines and two lovely mixed-breed canines.
