Can dogs eat spices and condiments? A few, in small amounts. Plain ginger, a little cinnamon and a light sprinkle of black pepper in food won’t hurt most healthy dogs. But dogs don’t need any of them, and several common seasonings are dangerous. Garlic is toxic to dogs in every form, including garlic powder, and so are onion and chives. Nutmeg, large amounts of salt and anything sweetened with xylitol can poison a dog. Most sauces and dips, such as ketchup, mustard, hummus, barbecue sauce and salsa, are best kept off your dog’s plate.
Fine in small amounts: plain ginger, a little cinnamon (powder, never the essential oil), turmeric, and fresh herbs such as basil and rosemary. A light sprinkle of black pepper already in your dog’s food is not a problem.
Best avoided: ketchup, mustard, hummus, mayonnaise, soy sauce, barbecue sauce, salsa, hot sauce and other spicy foods. Most are not poisonous in a lick, but they are salty, sugary, fatty or spicy, and many contain garlic or onion.
Never feed: garlic, onion and chives in any form, including powders and garlic salt; nutmeg; large amounts of salt; anything sugar-free that lists xylitol (also called birch sugar); and food made with alcohol, such as vanilla extract.
Can dogs eat spices and condiments? The safety chart
Not toxic in small amounts. Problems start above about a teaspoon of powder, and only a little cinnamon essential oil. Watch the other ingredients in cinnamon baked goods.
Safe in small amounts and sometimes used for nausea. Ask your vet first if your dog takes NSAIDs, has a bleeding disorder, is having surgery, or is pregnant.
Mustard and mustard seeds irritate the stomach and can cause vomiting and diarrhea. A lick off a hot dog is unlikely to cause harm.
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. Toxic means it can poison a dog, so call your vet if your dog eats it. Looking for salt, nutmeg, onion powder, hot sauce, herbs, mayonnaise, soy sauce or barbecue sauce? They are in the second chart further down.
Five rules for spices and sauces
Your dog doesn’t need seasoning. A complete dog food already has everything your dog needs. Spices and sauces add risk, not nutrition, so plain food is always the safer choice.
Read the label for garlic and onion. The AKC says powders, flakes and soup mixes with garlic are the most potent forms because they are so concentrated, and that garlic stays harmful even when it is baked into bread or mixed into sauces. Seasoning blends, sauces, dips and gravies often contain one or both.
Check sugar-free products for xylitol. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says to check the label for xylitol, especially on products advertised as sugar-free or low sugar, and that it may also be listed as birch sugar or wood sugar. Pet Poison Helpline lists sauces and syrups among the foods that can contain it.
Watch the salt. Soy sauce, ketchup, chips and many sauces are salty. The ASPCA says too much salt can cause excessive thirst and urination, and in large amounts vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures and even death.
Ask your vet before using spices as a remedy. Ginger, turmeric and cinnamon are often sold as natural remedies for dogs. Ginger and turmeric can thin the blood, and the right amount depends on your dog. If your dog has a health condition or takes medication, check with your vet first.
Spices and condiments dogs should never eat
Garlic, onion, chives and leeks, in any form. The ASPCA says these Allium plants can cause stomach irritation and damage red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. That includes garlic powder, garlic salt, onion powder, dried onion flakes and garlic supplements. See garlic below and onions in our vegetable guide.
Nutmeg. Nutmeg contains a toxin called myristicin. PetMD says poisoning can occur with as little as 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg or two to three whole nutmeg seeds. See nutmeg below.
Large amounts of salt. The Merck Veterinary Manual says signs of salt poisoning can appear in dogs after about 2 to 3 grams of salt per kilogram of body weight. Don’t use salt to make a dog vomit. Pet Poison Helpline says salt should never be used for that. See salt below.
Xylitol. The FDA says a dog’s blood sugar can drop within 10 to 60 minutes of eating it. The ASPCA says liver damage can follow within 12 to 24 hours.
Alcohol, including vanilla extract. The ASPCA says alcohol is absorbed quickly and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, breathing trouble, tremors, coma and death. Dogster’s vet-reviewed guide says vanilla essences and extracts are not safe for dogs because of their alcohol content.
Cinnamon essential oil. Pet Poison Helpline says it takes more than a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to cause problems in most pets, but only a small amount of the essential oil.
When to call your vet
Call your vet right away, without waiting for symptoms, if your dog eats garlic or onion in any amount you can’t rule out as tiny (especially garlic powder, garlic salt, garlic bread or a garlicky dip), a spoonful or more of nutmeg, a large amount of salt or a salty food such as soy sauce, anything sugar-free that may contain xylitol, cinnamon or other spice essential oil, or vanilla extract. Have the package ready if there is one, and tell the vet what your dog ate, how much, when, and what your dog weighs.
For a lick of ketchup, mustard or a peppery sauce, most dogs get no more than an upset stomach. Call if you see any of these signs: repeated vomiting, a dog that can’t keep food or water down, diarrhea that lasts more than a day, a painful belly, refusing food, unusual tiredness, weakness, pale gums, fast breathing, red or brown urine, wobbling, tremors or seizures. Garlic and onion poisoning can be slow: the AKC says the more serious signs usually develop two to five days after a dog eats garlic, so keep watching for a week.
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. The ASPCA says kitchen remedies such as mustard don’t work for this, and Pet Poison Helpline says salt should never be used to make a pet vomit.
Can dogs eat black pepper?
A little, yes, but don’t add it. Black pepper is not toxic to dogs, and the pinch in a seasoned meal won’t hurt a healthy dog. It offers your dog nothing, though, and larger amounts irritate the stomach.
Why: None of the main references (the ASPCA, the AKC, PetMD or the Merck Veterinary Manual) has a guide to black pepper, so we used Hepper’s guide, reviewed by veterinarian Dr. Paola Cuevas. It says black pepper is not classified as toxic, but advises against feeding it. Black pepper gets its bite from a compound called piperine, which in large amounts can be intensely irritating to a dog’s digestive system and cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Hepper says that any amount beyond a light, incidental sprinkle can cause stomach upset, and that very small quantities will not seriously endanger a dog’s health.
Breathing it in: Hepper notes that even a small whiff of pepper can make a dog sneeze, and that breathing in a lot of it can cause breathing problems and, in severe cases, choking. Don’t shake pepper near your dog’s face or let them sniff the pepper grinder.
Hot peppers are a different matter. Chili peppers, cayenne, jalapeños and hot sauce contain capsaicin. PetMD says never to feed your dog hot peppers or food seasoned with spices that contain capsaicin, such as chili powder, because they can irritate the throat and stomach with a painful burning sensation. See spicy food and hot sauce in the second chart.
If your dog ate peppered food: A peppered steak scrap or a lick of gravy is unlikely to cause more than mild stomach upset. Check that the food had no garlic or onion, which are far more of a concern than the pepper. If your dog gets diarrhea, our guide to dog food for sensitive stomachs may help.
Watch for: Sneezing, drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea is repeated or lasts more than a day, or if your dog has trouble breathing after inhaling pepper.
Can dogs eat cinnamon?
Yes, a little. Cinnamon is not toxic to dogs, and the small amount in most baked goods won’t poison them. Large amounts of the powder and even small amounts of cinnamon essential oil can cause problems, and cinnamon treats made for people often contain ingredients that are dangerous.
Why: The ASPCA lists cinnamon as non-toxic to dogs. Pet Poison Helpline says cinnamon is generally well tolerated, but that it takes more than 1 teaspoon of powder to cause problems in most pets, and only a small amount of the essential oil. It says large overdoses of the powder or exposure to the oil can lead to low blood sugar, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in heart rate and liver disease. The AKC and PetMD repeat the same teaspoon figure.
Don’t let your dog breathe it in. Pet Poison Helpline says some dogs that eat the powdered spice directly inhale it, which is very irritating to the lungs and can cause coughing, choking, difficulty breathing and bronchospasm. Never let your dog lick up spilled cinnamon or chew a cinnamon stick.
Cinnamon rolls, cookies and pies: The AKC says the amount of cinnamon in most baked goods isn’t going to hurt your dog, but warns that some contain xylitol, chocolate or raisins. PetMD adds that cinnamon rolls and breads may contain nutmeg, raisins or xylitol and are high in fat and sugar. The cinnamon is rarely the problem; the rest of the recipe often is. See pumpkin pie and gingerbread in our sweets guide.
Health benefits? You will read that cinnamon helps dogs with diabetes, arthritis, heart health or memory. The AKC says cinnamon’s reputed health benefits for people haven’t been proven conclusively, and none of the veterinary references we checked recommends a cinnamon dose for diabetic dogs. If your dog has diabetes, ask your vet before adding anything to their food, and see our guide to dog food for diabetic dogs.
Watch for: Vomiting, diarrhea, coughing or sneezing, and mouth irritation. Call your vet if your dog ate more than a teaspoon of cinnamon powder, any cinnamon essential oil, or a cinnamon treat that may contain xylitol, nutmeg, raisins or chocolate.
Can dogs eat garlic?
No. Garlic is toxic to dogs in every form: raw, cooked, dried, powdered or as a supplement. It damages red blood cells, and a large enough amount can cause serious anemia. Never give it to your dog on purpose.
Why: The ASPCA lists garlic as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Garlic belongs to the Allium family with onions, chives and leeks. The Merck Veterinary Manual says sulfur-containing compounds in these plants are thought to destroy red blood cells, and that garlic is 3 to 5 times more toxic than onion. Merck says dogs have been affected after eating raw, cooked, dehydrated or granulated onions and garlic, so cooking doesn’t make it safe. The AKC says powders, flakes and soup mixes with garlic are the most potent because they are so concentrated, and that even a small sprinkle of garlic powder could cause trouble for a small dog.
How much is too much? PetMD says as little as 2 grams of garlic per pound of a dog’s weight can cause stomach upset and vomiting. A garlic clove weighs about 5 grams, and PetMD says a 25-pound dog that eats 50 grams of garlic (about 10 cloves) will need treatment. The AKC adds that even relatively small amounts have poisoned dogs of all sizes. Some dogs are more sensitive: Pet Poison Helpline and the AKC say Japanese breeds such as the Akita and the Shiba Inu may be more sensitive to this kind of red blood cell damage. Because you rarely know exactly how much garlic is in a dish, call your vet rather than doing the math yourself.
Garlic bread, pizza and sauces: The AKC says garlic keeps its harmful compounds even when it is baked into bread or mixed into sauces, and that dogs shouldn’t eat it in any form, including pizza crust. See garlic bread in our grains guide.
Garlic for fleas or as a supplement: Some owners give garlic as a natural flea repellent. The AKC quotes two veterinarians: Dr. Michael Hyder does not recommend using garlic as a flea deterrent in any form, and Dr. Jamie Richardson says there’s no solid scientific evidence that garlic repels or kills fleas. Talk to your vet about a proven flea product instead.
If your dog ate garlic: Call your vet or a poison control line. PetMD says that if the garlic was eaten within the past two hours, the vet will likely make your dog vomit, then may give activated charcoal and check bloodwork. Dogs with anemia may need hospital care, oxygen and, in severe cases, a blood transfusion.
Watch for: Signs can be slow to appear. The AKC says a dog may have vomiting or diarrhea within a few hours, while the more serious signs usually develop two to five days later as damaged red blood cells break down. PetMD says it can take up to a week. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, tiredness, weakness, pale gums, fast breathing or heart rate, yellow gums or eyes, and red or brown urine.
Can dogs eat ginger?
Yes, in small amounts. Plain ginger is safe for most dogs and is sometimes used to ease nausea. It can thin the blood, though, so some dogs shouldn’t have it.
Why: The AKC says ginger in small amounts is safe for dogs and might even be good for them, and PetMD’s vet-reviewed guide agrees that dogs can safely eat ginger. VCA Animal Hospitals says ginger is used most as an anti-nausea and anti-vomiting supplement. The AKC says it is most widely used for nausea caused by motion sickness, and that it may also lessen gas and bloating.
How much: The AKC’s rule of thumb is never more than one-sixteenth of a teaspoon per pound of body weight, and to be on the safe side no more than a quarter teaspoon for small dogs and three-quarters of a teaspoon for larger breeds. PetMD gives similar amounts: less than a quarter teaspoon of raw ginger for dogs of 2 to 20 pounds, and about three-quarters of a teaspoon or less for dogs of 51 to 90 pounds. Peel it and grate or mince it finely into your dog’s food. PetMD says too much ginger can upset a dog’s stomach.
Who should skip it: The AKC says to avoid ginger in dogs with bleeding disorders, dogs having surgery soon and dogs taking NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory pain medicines), because ginger acts as a blood thinner. It also says to consult your vet if your dog has diabetes or heart disease, and that some vets advise avoiding ginger in pregnant and nursing dogs. VCA adds caution for dogs with gallbladder disease.
What ginger won’t do: You may read that ginger can prevent or treat cancer, heartworm disease or bloat. The veterinary sources we checked don’t support that. The AKC mentions only that ginger may ease nausea from chemotherapy and can possibly reduce heartworm larvae in the blood, and Dogster’s vet-reviewed guide notes that the heartworm study used injected ginger, not ginger in food. Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) is an emergency: if your dog’s belly is swollen and they are retching without bringing anything up, go to a vet straight away.
Gingerbread, ginger snaps and pickled ginger: PetMD says gingerbread and ginger snaps are not OK for dogs, mainly because of nutmeg and the fat and sugar. See gingerbread in our sweets guide. The AKC warns against pickled ginger too.
Watch for: An upset stomach, with vomiting or diarrhea, if your dog has too much. VCA lists mild stomach upset as the main side effect. Stop and call your vet if your dog bruises or bleeds easily while having ginger.
Can dogs eat hummus?
No, it’s best not to share it. The main ingredient, chickpeas, is fine for dogs, but most hummus contains garlic, which is toxic to dogs, along with lemon juice, salt and sometimes hot spices.
Why: PetMD’s guide to chickpeas, written by veterinarian Dr. Sandra C. Mitchell, says that though hummus is primarily made from chickpeas, it’s not safe to feed your dog, because of ingredients such as garlic, onion and spices. Traditional hummus is made with chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and salt. Garlic is the real concern; see garlic above. Hepper’s hummus guide adds that the citric acid in lemon juice can upset a dog’s stomach.
What about the other ingredients? PetMD says freshly prepared, thoroughly cooked chickpeas are a safe and nutritious treat for dogs, but that canned chickpeas are usually high in sodium, so choose low-sodium cans and rinse them well. Hepper’s vet-reviewed tahini guide says dogs can eat tahini in small amounts, but that it is very concentrated and high in fat. See sesame seeds in our nuts and seeds guide, and olive oil in the second chart. Flavored hummus (roasted red pepper, jalapeño, “everything” or caramelized onion) adds more of the same problems.
A dog-safe swap: If your dog loves chickpeas, mash a spoonful of plain, cooked, unsalted chickpeas into their food instead. Make it without garlic, onion, lemon or salt.
If your dog ate hummus: A lick from a cracker is unlikely to cause more than a mild upset stomach. If your dog ate more than a lick, or you don’t know how much, call your vet, because the risk depends on how much garlic the dip contained and how big your dog is. Tell the vet the brand or recipe.
Watch for: Vomiting, drooling, diarrhea and belly pain in the first day; then, over the next week, the signs of garlic poisoning: weakness, tiredness, pale or yellow gums, fast breathing and dark urine.
Can dogs eat ketchup?
It’s best not to share it. Ketchup isn’t toxic in a small lick, but it gives a dog nothing useful, and it is salty and sugary. Some brands contain onion or garlic powder.
Why: The AKC says ketchup, while not toxic for dogs, is best left off the list of foods you share with your pet. Its tomato guide answers “no” to ketchup and tomato sauces, because tomato-based products often contain garlic, onions, salt or sugar, which can be harmful or irritating to dogs. Ripe tomatoes themselves are fine as an occasional snack, the AKC says; it’s the green parts of the tomato plant that contain the toxins solanine and tomatine. See tomatoes in our vegetable guide.
Sugar-free ketchup: PetMD says ketchup often contains sugar and salt, and Chewy’s vet-reviewed guide warns that sugar-free condiments can be an emergency if they contain xylitol. We found no veterinary source that names a ketchup brand made with xylitol, but check the label of any sugar-free or “no sugar added” sauce your dog gets into, and call your vet straight away if xylitol (or birch sugar) is listed.
Fries and chips with ketchup: PetMD says French fries should be avoided because of their fat and salt, and that many contain garlic powder or other seasonings. The AKC lists potato chips among the salty snacks to keep from dogs, and says too much salt can lead to sodium ion poisoning. See salt below.
If your dog ate ketchup: A lick off a plate or a hot dog won’t usually cause more than a mild upset stomach. Check the label for onion, garlic and xylitol. If your dog drank a lot from a bottle or packets, offer fresh water and call your vet.
Watch for: Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and belly discomfort. Dogs that are overweight or diabetic, or that eat a low-sodium diet, are better off with none at all.
Can dogs eat mustard?
No, keep it off your dog’s plate. A lick of mustard from a hot dog is unlikely to hurt, but mustard and mustard seeds irritate a dog’s stomach and can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Why: The AKC says mustard can upset a dog’s stomach and cause vomiting. Some veterinary-reviewed guides go further. Hepper’s guide, reviewed by Dr. Lauren Demos, says mustard seeds aren’t at all safe for dogs and that all types of mustard (yellow, Dijon, honey and whole-grain) are known to be toxic to dogs, and Dogster’s seasonings guide calls mustard and mustard seed or powder completely toxic. The ASPCA’s plant database lists mustard plants as toxic to horses, because of compounds that irritate the gut, but doesn’t list them for dogs. The sources agree on the advice: don’t feed it.
Other ingredients: Honey mustard adds sugar, and some mustards, dressings and sauces add garlic or onion. Mustard also turns up in barbecue sauce and many salad dressings. See barbecue sauce below.
Don’t use mustard to make a dog vomit. The ASPCA lists mustard among the kitchen items people try that don’t work for this. Call your vet or poison control instead.
Mustard greens: The leafy greens are a vegetable, not the condiment. Dogster’s vet-reviewed guide says mustard greens must be cooked before being fed to a dog, because raw ones may be hard to digest and cause tummy upset. Serve them plain, in small amounts.
If your dog ate mustard: A lick usually needs nothing more than fresh water and a watchful eye. If your dog ate a lot, or a mustard with garlic or onion in it, call your vet.
Watch for: Hepper lists loss of appetite, gas, tiredness, vomiting and diarrhea. Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea is repeated or lasts more than a day.
Other spices, herbs and sauces at a glance
Here are the other seasonings and sauces dog owners often ask about. Each has a short answer below the chart.
Contains alcohol. Call your vet if your dog drinks some.
Salt
The salt in a normal serving of dog food is fine. The problem is salty human food and large amounts. The ASPCA says excessive salt can cause extreme thirst and urination, and in large amounts vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, seizures and death. The Merck Veterinary Manual says signs can appear after about 2 to 3 grams of salt per kilogram of body weight, and that vomiting usually starts within several hours. Pet Poison Helpline lists homemade play dough, rock salt and de-icers, and drinking a lot of sea water as common causes. Keep salt shakers, soy sauce and salty snacks out of reach, and always leave fresh water out. If your dog has heart or kidney disease, see our guide to low-sodium dog food.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is toxic to dogs because of a compound called myristicin. PetMD says poisoning can occur with as little as 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg or two to three whole nutmeg seeds, and that foods containing nutmeg often don’t have enough to cause symptoms. Pet Poison Helpline also says the small amount used in recipes is very unlikely to cause serious harm, though mild stomach upset could occur. Signs of poisoning include disorientation, hallucinations, a fast heart rate, high blood pressure, dry mouth, belly pain and seizures, and they can last up to 48 hours. Call your vet if your dog eats nutmeg from the jar, a whole nutmeg seed or a large amount of a spiced food. The AKC notes that pumpkin spice blends contain nutmeg.
Onion powder and garlic powder
These are the most dangerous forms of onion and garlic because they are so concentrated. The AKC says powders, flakes and soup mixes with garlic are the most potent, and the Merck Veterinary Manual says dehydrated onion, onion powder and dry onion soup mix are among the most common causes of poisoning. They hide in seasoning blends, gravy, stock, sauces, chips, crackers and baby food, so read the label. See garlic above and onions in our vegetable guide.
Spicy food, chili powder and hot sauce
PetMD says never to feed a dog hot peppers or food seasoned with spices that contain capsaicin, such as chili powder, and the AKC says never to give a dog spicy peppers such as jalapeños or chili peppers. Dogster’s guide to hot sauce, reviewed by Dr. Ashley Darby, says no hot sauce is safe for dogs in any quantity, and that sauces such as sriracha also contain garlic. A taste can make a dog drool or vomit, or cause diarrhea. Offer fresh water, and call your vet if the signs are severe or the food contained garlic or onion.
Paprika
Dogster’s paprika guide, reviewed by Dr. Amanda Charles, says paprika isn’t toxic to dogs but that feeding it is not advisable, because it can irritate a dog’s mouth, nose and stomach. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, coughing and drooling.
Turmeric
Turmeric is widely used in supplements for joint health in dogs. PetMD’s guide to herbs for joint pain, reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Coates, says high doses of turmeric can act as a blood thinner and cause stomach upset. Ask your vet before giving it, especially if your dog takes NSAIDs or other medicines, or is having surgery.
Basil
The ASPCA lists basil as non-toxic to dogs. The AKC’s dog-friendly garden guide says it can be added to a dog’s food in small quantities. Pesto is a different matter: it usually contains garlic.
Rosemary
The ASPCA lists rosemary as non-toxic to dogs, and the AKC’s garden guide includes it among herbs that are fine for dogs. Keep fresh herbs to a pinch.
Parsley
The ASPCA lists parsley as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, because it contains compounds called furanocoumarins that can make the skin sensitive to sunlight, but it says large amounts are needed to cause this effect. The AKC says curly parsley is generally considered the safest kind, and that spring parsley can be toxic. A sprinkle of curly parsley in a dog treat is fine; don’t feed it by the handful.
Mint
The ASPCA lists garden mint as toxic to dogs because of its essential oils, with vomiting and diarrhea after large amounts. A leaf in a homemade dog treat is not a concern. Mint candies, gum and breath mints are: the FDA lists sugar-free gum, candy and mints among the products that can contain xylitol. See sugar-free candy in our sweets guide.
Bay leaves
The ASPCA lists bay laurel as toxic to dogs because of its essential oils. It says bay leaves can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and that eating whole leaves in large amounts can cause a blockage. Take bay leaves out of soups and stews before sharing any plain leftovers.
Mayonnaise
Hepper’s mayonnaise guide, reviewed by Dr. Maja Platisa, says regular mayonnaise is not toxic to dogs, but that doesn’t mean they should eat it: a single tablespoon contains about 10 grams of fat. Garlic mayo and aioli add garlic, and homemade mayo made with raw egg can carry salmonella. A lick is fine. Dogs that have had pancreatitis or eat a low-fat diet should have none.
Soy sauce
Hepper’s soy sauce guide, reviewed by Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca, says the simple answer is no: there are around 900 milligrams of sodium in every tablespoon, and salt poisoning can cause nerve damage and even death. A lick off a plate should be fine. If your dog drank from the bottle or ate several packets, call your vet. PetMD also lists soy sauce among the salty foods to keep away from dogs.
Barbecue sauce
Dogster’s barbecue sauce guide, reviewed by Dr. Lauren Demos, says barbecue sauce is dangerous for dogs because of common ingredients such as onion and garlic (which are toxic even cooked or powdered), salt, sugar and sometimes sweeteners such as xylitol. Scrape the sauce off before sharing plain barbecued meat, and see meat, fish and eggs for which meats are safe.
Salsa
Dogster’s salsa guide, reviewed by Dr. Lauren Demos, says dogs should not eat salsa because it contains several ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Most salsa contains onion and garlic, chili peppers add capsaicin, and lime juice is very acidic and can upset a dog’s stomach. Plain ripe tomato on its own is fine.
Vinegar and apple cider vinegar
PetMD’s guide to apple cider vinegar, written by Dr. Barri J. Morrison, says it isn’t toxic, but that vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and lack of appetite commonly result when a pet is given it by mouth, and that it is not recommended for pets. It also says apple cider vinegar doesn’t kill fleas.
Olive oil
Dogster’s olive oil guide, reviewed by Dr. Amanda Charles, says olive oil is safe for dogs and can be a healthy source of fat as part of a balanced diet, but that one tablespoon has about 124 calories and 14 grams of fat. Start with about a teaspoon if you use it, and skip it for dogs that are overweight or have had pancreatitis. Flavored oils, such as garlic or chili oil, are out.
Vanilla extract
Dogster’s vanilla guide, reviewed by Dr. Ashley Darby, says natural vanilla beans are not toxic to dogs, but that vanilla essences and extracts are not safe because of their high alcohol content. The ASPCA says alcohol is absorbed quickly and that you should seek veterinary attention promptly. If your dog drinks vanilla extract, call your vet.
Low-sodium broth made for dogs, or your own broth made without onion, garlic or salt.
A food topper made for dogs. If your dog is a fussy eater, a complete wet food or one of the best dog food toppers adds flavor without the risk. Ask your vet before changing the diet of a dog with a health condition.
Sources
We checked every verdict in this guide against these veterinary 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.
