Can dogs eat sweets and snacks? Mostly, no. Sugar isn’t poisonous to dogs, but cake, candy, cookies and other treats made for people are loaded with sugar and fat, and several common ingredients are toxic to dogs. Chocolate, the sweetener xylitol, raisins, macadamia nuts and nutmeg can all poison a dog. Of the 12 foods in this guide, only two make a reasonable treat: plain air-popped popcorn, and a little honey for a healthy adult dog.
Fine as an occasional treat: plain, air-popped popcorn, a few pieces at a time. A small amount of honey, for healthy adult dogs only.
Skip: plain cake, caramel, plain donuts, marshmallows, regular candy canes, licorice and maple syrup. None of them is poisonous, and a dropped bite won’t hurt a healthy dog, but they are sugar and fat with nothing a dog needs.
Keep away: gingerbread, which usually contains nutmeg, and Nutella and Oreos, which contain cocoa.
Never: chocolate in any form; sugar-free candy, gum, syrup or baked goods made with xylitol; anything with raisins or macadamia nuts.
Plain and air-popped only, a few pieces. No butter, salt, caramel or cheese. Remove unpopped kernels.
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 chocolate, gummy bears, sugar-free candy, cupcakes, pumpkin pie or Doritos? They are in the second chart further down.
Five rules for sweets and snacks
Keep it to 10%. Treats of every kind should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. The rest should come from a complete and balanced dog food.
Read the label every time. Look for chocolate or cocoa, raisins, macadamia nuts, nutmeg and xylitol. VCA Animal Hospitals says xylitol may also be listed as birch sugar, wood sugar or birch bark extract.
Treat “sugar-free” as a warning. For dogs, a sugar-free sweet can be far more dangerous than the regular one, because many are sweetened with xylitol.
Keep wrappers, sticks and bags out of reach. Pet Poison Helpline warns that foil and cellophane wrappers can cause a bowel obstruction that may need surgery.
Ask your vet first if your dog has diabetes, is overweight, has had pancreatitis or eats a prescription diet. For these dogs, even a small sugary or fatty snack can cause trouble.
Is sugar bad for dogs?
Sugar isn’t toxic to dogs, but it isn’t good for them either. PetMD’s vet-reviewed guide puts it plainly: dogs should not eat sugar, and while it isn’t toxic, it is very unhealthy for them in larger amounts. A dog that gets into sugar, candy or other sugary treats can have an upset stomach, gas, bloating, vomiting and diarrhea. PetMD adds that sugar will cause health issues if a dog keeps eating it over time. The American Kennel Club (AKC) adds that sugar can cause tooth decay and that sugary treats can contribute to obesity and, through it, to diabetes.
Rich sweets carry one more risk. Pet Poison Helpline says the high levels of sugar and fat in candy can lead to pancreatitis, a potentially fatal inflammation of the pancreas, and that the symptoms may not be noticeable for up to four days. The only sugar PetMD considers fine is the natural sugar in dog-safe fruit and vegetables, such as blueberries and strawberries.
Sweets and snacks dogs should never eat
Chocolate and cocoa, in any form. That means candy bars, brownies, chocolate cake and frosting, chocolate donuts, chocolate chips, hot cocoa mix and chocolate spreads. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the toxic compounds are theobromine and caffeine. Cocoa powder and unsweetened baking chocolate contain the most, followed by dark chocolate and then milk chocolate. The ASPCA says the darker the chocolate, the greater the risk. Merck says signs usually appear within 6 to 12 hours, and that about 1 ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight is potentially lethal to dogs. Much smaller amounts can make a dog ill. The AKC says to call your veterinarian immediately: if the chocolate was eaten less than two hours ago, the vet may be able to induce vomiting.
Sugar-free sweets made with xylitol. VCA Animal Hospitals lists sugar-free gum, candies, breath mints, baked goods, peanut butter and pudding snacks among the products that can contain it. VCA says a dog’s blood sugar can drop as soon as 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating xylitol, and that higher doses can cause liver failure within 24 to 48 hours.
Anything with raisins, sultanas or currants. This includes fruitcake, oatmeal raisin cookies, many carrot cakes and chocolate-covered raisins. The ASPCA says grapes and raisins can lead to kidney damage, and Pet Poison Helpline warns that just a small number of raisins can cause kidney failure. See grapes and raisins in our fruit guide.
Sweets and baked goods with macadamia nuts. The ASPCA says macadamia nuts can cause weakness, loss of coordination, depression, vomiting, tremors and a high body temperature in dogs.
Coffee, mocha and espresso desserts. The ASPCA groups coffee and caffeine with chocolate, because they contain the same kind of toxic compounds. That covers tiramisu, coffee cake made with real coffee and chocolate-covered espresso beans.
Nutmeg-heavy treats. Gingerbread, pumpkin pie and other spiced baked goods contain nutmeg, which the AKC says is toxic to dogs in larger quantities. See gingerbread below.
Raw donut, bread or pizza dough. Unbaked yeast dough is an emergency. See raw yeast dough in our bread and grains guide.
When to call your vet
Call your vet right away, without waiting for symptoms, if your dog eats chocolate, anything sweetened with xylitol, or anything containing raisins or macadamia nuts. Have the package ready, and tell the vet what your dog ate, how much, when, and what your dog weighs. Call, too, if your dog eats a large amount of any sweet, or shows any of these signs after getting into sweets or snacks: repeated vomiting, diarrhea that lasts more than a day, a painful or swollen belly, restlessness or hyperactivity, a racing heart, heavy panting, extreme thirst, wobbling or weakness, tremors, seizures, collapse, unusual tiredness or refusing food. Signs of pancreatitis can take several days to show.
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 cake?
No. A crumb of plain cake won’t hurt a healthy dog, but cake isn’t a treat for dogs, and many cakes contain ingredients that are toxic to them.
Why: Hepper’s vet-reviewed guide answers with a flat no. Cake adds nothing useful to a dog’s diet, and the guide warns that the amount of sugar in a cake can quickly overload a dog’s digestive system, which means an upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea. Fed regularly, cake leads to weight gain, and the guide links obesity to arthritis, heart disease and diabetes. Cake and frosting are also rich in butter and other fats.
Cakes to keep away from your dog: Chocolate cake and chocolate frosting; Hepper’s advice is to contact your vet immediately if your dog has eaten any amount of any type of chocolate. Sugar-free, “keto” and “diabetic” cakes and frostings, which may be sweetened with xylitol. Fruitcake, carrot cake and any other cake with raisins. Cakes with macadamia nuts, coffee or a lot of nutmeg. Dogster’s vet-approved guide to cupcakes lists the same dangers: chocolate, raisins and macadamia nuts are toxic, and the sugar, butter and milk can upset a dog’s stomach.
What to give instead: For a birthday, the AKC’s advice is not to feed your dog anything from the human bakery. Its dog birthday cake is made from xylitol-free unsalted natural peanut butter, whole wheat flour, baking powder and skim milk, with yogurt icing. Dogster suggests homemade “pupcakes” made with applesauce, pumpkin purée and oat flour. Keep the slice small: treats still count toward the 10% rule.
Watch for: After plain cake, mild vomiting or diarrhea is the most likely problem. Call your vet if it lasts more than a day or if your dog ate a large amount. Call right away if the cake or frosting contained chocolate, xylitol, raisins, macadamia nuts or coffee.
Can dogs eat candy canes?
No. A regular candy cane is hard sugar that can upset the stomach or choke a dog. A sugar-free candy cane may contain xylitol, which is toxic.
Why: Dogster’s vet-approved guide says dogs should not eat candy canes. Sugar-free candy canes can contain xylitol, and the guide states that there are no safe levels of xylitol for dogs. With a regular candy cane, it says the risk is generally limited to digestive irritation and discomfort, such as belly pain and diarrhea. The shape is a choking hazard, especially for small dogs and puppies, and the plastic wrapper can’t be digested. PetMD is just as direct: dogs should never eat peppermint candy, mints, gum or anything sweetened with xylitol. PetMD also warns that hard candy can be inhaled into the windpipe or block the gut.
Candy canes to keep away from your dog: All of them, but above all sugar-free candy canes and any that are dipped in or filled with chocolate. At holiday time, hang candy canes high on the tree or leave them off it, and keep wrapped candy out of stockings a dog can reach.
If your dog ate one: Find the package and read the ingredients. If the candy cane was sugar-free, or you can’t tell, call your vet or a pet poison line right away. PetMD says xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar or even liver failure within hours. If it was a regular candy cane, watch your dog for the next day.
Watch for: Vomiting, diarrhea or belly pain after a regular candy cane. After xylitol: vomiting, weakness, staggering, tremors, seizures or collapse. If your dog swallowed the wrapper, Pet Poison Helpline says to watch for vomiting, a poor appetite, constipation and tiredness, which can point to a blockage.
Can dogs eat caramel?
No. Caramel isn’t toxic to dogs, but it is almost pure sugar, and caramel treats often come with chocolate, extra salt or xylitol.
Why: Hepper’s vet-verified guide says caramel is not considered toxic to dogs, but that it is pure sugar with no nutritional benefit for them. A dog that eats it may vomit or have diarrhea soon afterward. In the longer run, sugary treats add weight and feed the bacteria that cause cavities. The guide also points out that caramel is chewy, so a dog may swallow a piece whole and choke. Many caramels and caramel sauces are made with cream and butter, and the ASPCA notes that milk and other dairy products can cause diarrhea or other digestive upset in pets.
Caramel treats to keep away from your dog: Chocolate-caramel candy bars, because of the chocolate. Sugar-free caramels, caramel syrups and caramel coffee flavorings, which may contain xylitol. Caramel corn and kettle corn: PetMD says they contain sugar and could contain toxic ingredients such as chocolate and xylitol. Salted caramel adds salt that a dog doesn’t need. Skip caramel apples as well, and give a few plain slices of apple instead.
If your dog ate some: For a small piece of plain caramel, Hepper’s advice is to make sure your dog has water and to monitor them. Contact your vet if vomiting or diarrhea doesn’t settle within a day, or sooner if your dog seems unwell. If your dog ate a lot of caramel or other candy, PetMD says to contact your veterinarian immediately. Do the same if the caramel was sugar-free or came with chocolate.
Watch for: Vomiting, diarrhea, a painful belly, tiredness or a poor appetite over the next few days.
Can dogs eat donuts?
No. A bite of plain donut isn’t poisonous, but a donut is fried dough and sugar. The toppings and fillings are where the real danger is.
Why: We couldn’t find an AKC or PetMD guide to donuts, but their advice on what donuts are made of is clear. PetMD says dogs should not eat sugar, and that butter and other high-fat foods can lead to obesity and pancreatitis. Pet Poison Helpline warns that the high levels of sugar and fat in sweets can lead to pancreatitis, with symptoms that may not show for up to four days. Many donuts are also made with milk, which the ASPCA says can cause diarrhea or other digestive upset in pets.
Donuts to keep away from your dog: Chocolate-glazed, chocolate-filled and cocoa donuts. Sugar-free and “keto” donuts, which may contain xylitol. Donuts with raisins or macadamia nuts. Coffee- and mocha-glazed donuts, because of the caffeine. Spiced and pumpkin-spice donuts: the AKC warns that pumpkin spice baked goods may contain raisins, xylitol, chocolate, some nuts or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs, and the spice blend itself contains nutmeg. Raw donut dough made with yeast is an emergency; see raw yeast dough in our bread and grains guide.
If your dog ate one: Work out what kind of donut it was and how much is missing. After a piece of a plain or glazed donut, the most likely problem is a stomach upset. Keep fresh water out. If your dog’s stomach is unsettled, a bland diet for a day or two can help. Call your vet right away if the donut had any of the ingredients above, if a small dog ate several donuts, or if your dog has diabetes or has had pancreatitis.
Watch for: Vomiting, diarrhea, a poor appetite, tiredness or belly pain, which Pet Poison Helpline lists as signs of pancreatitis. After chocolate or xylitol, watch for restlessness, a racing heart, wobbling, tremors or seizures, and don’t wait for them to appear before you call.
Can dogs eat gingerbread?
No. Ginger is not the problem. Gingerbread usually contains nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs in large amounts, along with a lot of sugar and butter.
Why: PetMD’s vet-reviewed guide says dogs should not eat gingerbread, and calls nutmeg the biggest risk. Nutmeg contains a compound called myristicin. According to the AKC, myristicin can cause high blood pressure, hallucinations, an increased heart rate, abdominal pain or seizures in dogs. PetMD adds that large amounts of cloves and allspice can also be dangerous, that the sugar can contribute to weight gain and dental disease and can worsen diabetes, and that high-fat foods such as the butter in gingerbread put dogs at risk for pancreatitis. Gingerbread houses are worse: PetMD notes that they often include icing, candy, chocolate or sugary decorations, all unsafe for dogs.
How much is a problem: It depends on the amount and the size of the dog. Pet Poison Helpline says the small amount of nutmeg used in recipes is very unlikely to cause serious toxicity, although mild stomach upset could occur. PetMD’s example is that a large dog who eats one small cookie might be fine, while a much smaller dog who eats more could get quite sick. It adds that even one cookie can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness and belly discomfort. Check the ingredients of ginger snaps and other spiced cookies too: many contain nutmeg or cloves, and all of them are high in sugar.
If your dog ate some: PetMD’s advice is not to panic, but to act quickly. Call your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline, especially if your dog ate a large amount or shows symptoms. Don’t try to induce vomiting or give activated charcoal at home unless your vet recommends it.
Watch for: Vomiting, diarrhea, trembling, tiredness, disorientation, a dry mouth or seizures. Pet Poison Helpline says the signs of a large nutmeg ingestion can last up to 48 hours. For a festive treat, PetMD suggests gingerbread-style dog treats made with dog-safe ingredients such as flour, cinnamon and molasses, and no nutmeg.
Can dogs eat honey?
Yes, in small amounts, if your dog is a healthy adult. The AKC says honey is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. Don’t give raw honey to puppies or to dogs with a weak immune system, and don’t give honey to a dog with diabetes unless your vet agrees.
Why: Honey is sugar. The AKC warns that its high sugar content can lead to obesity if a dog gets too much, and that sugar can cause tooth decay, so it suggests brushing your dog’s teeth after feeding honey. Raw honey carries a second risk. PetMD explains that it can contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that cause botulism, a potentially fatal disease of the nervous system. For that reason PetMD says to avoid raw honey for puppies under one year old and for dogs with a compromised immune system, such as those on chemotherapy. The AKC says honey should not be given to diabetic dogs and suggests a lower-sugar treat such as cucumber.
What about the health claims? Honey is often said to soothe sore throats and coughs, ease allergies and calm stomach ulcers. The AKC says there haven’t been many conclusive scientific studies validating these claims, and that honey isn’t guaranteed or even likely to help with allergies. PetMD says it isn’t clear whether honey helps a dog’s cough, and that honey shouldn’t be used in place of prescription antibiotics. If your dog is coughing, itching or off its food, see your vet first to find the cause.
How much: PetMD suggests these amounts, no more than once or twice a week: 1/8 teaspoon for an extra-small dog (2 to 10 lb), 1/4 teaspoon for a small dog (11 to 20 lb), 1/2 to 1 teaspoon for a medium dog (21 to 50 lb), 2 teaspoons for a large dog (51 to 90 lb) and 1 tablespoon for an extra-large dog (91 lb and over). Start with less, and check with your vet first, especially if your dog is overweight or has diabetes.
How to serve: Let your dog lick it from a spoon, or drizzle it over a slice of banana. Honey-flavored foods are a different matter. Honey cereal, honey-roasted nuts and honey graham crackers are sugary snacks, and none of them is a way to give a dog honey.
Watch for: PetMD lists a decreased appetite, tiredness, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting as signs that a dog has had too much sugar.
Can dogs eat licorice?
No. Licorice candy is sugar with no benefit for dogs, and real black licorice contains a compound that can cause problems if a dog eats a lot of it.
Why: Dogster’s vet-verified guide says licorice is not healthy for dogs and shouldn’t be given as a regular snack. Black licorice made with real licorice extract contains glycyrrhizin. The guide says large doses over time are thought to lead to electrolyte imbalances and high blood pressure, that dogs with heart, liver or kidney disease may be more susceptible, and that because dogs are smaller than people, less licorice might be needed to produce a harmful effect. Red licorice typically has no licorice extract in it at all. It is sugar, flavoring and artificial color. Either way the sugar adds calories, and Dogster links obesity to joint problems, pancreatitis and diabetes.
Licorice to keep away from your dog: Sugar-free licorice above all. Dogster warns that it is definitely possible for licorice to contain xylitol, so check the ingredients. Keep the wrappers and bags away too.
What about licorice root? Licorice root is a herb, not a candy. Dogster notes that it is used in veterinary herbal medicine at appropriate doses, and that the root itself is not toxic, but that side effects can occur with prolonged exposure. It is not recommended during pregnancy. That makes it something for your vet to prescribe and dose, not a supplement to give at home.
If your dog ate some: Dogster says a single piece found on the floor is unlikely to do any real damage. Licorice may still cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Call your vet if your dog ate a large amount, if the licorice was sugar-free, or if your dog has heart, liver or kidney disease.
Can dogs eat maple syrup?
Better not. Pure maple syrup isn’t toxic, and a lick from a plate won’t hurt a healthy dog, but it is concentrated sugar. Sugar-free and some artificial syrups contain xylitol, which is toxic.
Why: The vet sources don’t fully agree, so here is what each says. Hepper’s vet-approved guide says natural maple syrup is safe in moderation, as a rare treat in very small quantities. PetMD’s veterinarian says the sugars in syrup aren’t healthy for dogs and can contribute to obesity, and concludes that if you say yes to the pancake, you should say no to the syrup. Dogster’s vet-verified guide agrees: most syrups aren’t toxic to dogs, but they aren’t healthy for them, so your dog shouldn’t have any. We side with skipping it.
What about the nutrients? Maple syrup does contain small amounts of minerals such as zinc and manganese, and some antioxidants. Hepper points out that because a dog can only have a very small amount, your dog won’t be getting much of the beneficial ingredients. No veterinary source we checked recommends maple syrup for a dog’s health.
Syrups to keep away from your dog: Sugar-free, “lite” and diet syrups, and artificial maple-flavored syrups. Dogster warns that artificial maple syrups can contain artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, and PetMD says artificial syrups sometimes contain it. Read the label before any syrup goes near your dog’s bowl.
If you share breakfast: A small piece of plain pancake with no syrup or butter is the safer choice. As with any sugar, ask your vet before giving syrup to a dog with diabetes.
Watch for: A dog that laps up a lot of regular syrup may get an upset stomach. If the syrup contained xylitol, Dogster says to contact your vet straight away and not to wait for signs to appear. The signs of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, trouble walking, tremors, tiredness and seizures.
Can dogs eat marshmallows?
No. Plain marshmallows aren’t toxic, but they are sugar and air. Sugar-free marshmallows may contain xylitol, which is toxic.
Why: The AKC’s answer is no: though not all marshmallows are toxic to dogs, they certainly aren’t good for your dog. Marshmallows are made from sugar, corn syrup, gelatin and vanilla extract, with a coating of cornstarch or confectioners’ sugar. They have little if any nutritional value, and the AKC says the sugar and calories make them especially dangerous for dogs with diabetes or weight problems. PetMD is slightly more relaxed about a single one: a plain little mini-marshmallow once in a while is probably OK for an otherwise healthy dog. It still concludes that it’s best to avoid feeding your dog marshmallows altogether, calls them a choking hazard, and says they should never be given to dogs that are small or young, or that have diabetes or pancreatitis.
Marshmallows to keep away from your dog: Sugar-free marshmallows. A veterinarian quoted by the AKC explains that xylitol can cause dangerously low blood sugar, leading to seizures and even death if the dog is not treated properly. Also keep away chocolate-coated marshmallows, s’mores and marshmallows floating in hot chocolate. If you were planning to use a marshmallow to hide a tablet, see our guide to the best foods to hide dog pills in for better choices.
If your dog ate some: PetMD says to check the ingredients for xylitol or chocolate. If there is either, or if your dog has symptoms, get veterinary care right away. After one or two plain marshmallows, monitor your dog for signs of digestive upset. The AKC says to call your veterinarian immediately if your dog eats multiple marshmallows; if it happened within the last couple of hours, the vet will most likely induce vomiting.
Watch for: Vomiting, diarrhea, a loss of appetite, tiredness, stumbling, tremors or seizures. The AKC warns that if vomiting, diarrhea and a poor appetite persist, the dog could be at risk for pancreatitis.
Can dogs eat Nutella?
No. Nutella contains cocoa, and chocolate is toxic to dogs. It is also mostly sugar and fat.
Why: A veterinarian writing for Dogster puts it this way: Nutella, despite its low content of cocoa, is considered toxic for dogs. Cocoa contains theobromine and caffeine, the two compounds that make chocolate dangerous. According to that vet, Nutella is about 7.4% cocoa, a low concentration, and the size of the dog matters most. Sugar is the first ingredient on the label, and the vet warns that too much sugar, fat and hazelnuts can trigger pancreatitis. The hazelnuts themselves are not toxic to dogs. PetMD’s veterinarian also rules Nutella out as a topping, because it contains sugar and chocolate.
How much is a problem: A lick is unlikely to poison a dog. The Dogster vet says a teaspoon should not cause severe signs in a healthy 10-pound dog, and that if the amount is very small, you probably have nothing to worry about. The risk rises with the amount and falls with the size of the dog, and it adds up if the Nutella was spread on brownies, chocolate cake or anything else containing chocolate. The same goes for other chocolate-hazelnut spreads.
If your dog ate some: Take the jar away and work out roughly how much is gone. Then call your vet with that amount and your dog’s weight. The Dogster vet’s advice is that it’s best to always seek veterinary attention if your dog has ingested Nutella. There is no antidote for chocolate poisoning, only supportive treatment, and a vet can do the most before signs appear.
Watch for: Vomiting, great thirst, restlessness or hyperactivity, a fast heartbeat, heavy panting, unsteady walking and muscle tremors. The Dogster vet says signs can begin within 2 hours, and the Merck Veterinary Manual says they usually appear within 6 to 12 hours. A poor appetite, tiredness, diarrhea, fever and belly pain over the following days can point to pancreatitis.
Can dogs eat Oreos?
No. Oreos contain cocoa, which is toxic to dogs, plus a lot of sugar and fat. One cookie is unlikely to poison a dog, but a stack of them can, especially in a small dog.
Why: Pet Poison Helpline says Oreos contain several ingredients that are not safe for pets to eat, so it is best to save this snack for yourself. It describes Oreos as relatively low in chocolate. A dog that eats a single Oreo is unlikely to have any severe signs, while a dog that eats a larger quantity may get an upset stomach, pancreatitis or chocolate poisoning. How many it takes depends on the dog’s age, weight and health. A veterinarian writing for Hepper adds the numbers: one cookie has about 50 calories, 4.2 grams of sugar and 2.1 grams of fat. An average 22-pound (10 kg) dog needs only around 500 to 600 calories a day, so even one cookie is a big chunk of that. She also notes that the palm oil in Oreos is not toxic but has a laxative effect.
Oreos to keep away from your dog: All of them. Fudge-covered and dark chocolate versions carry more chocolate, and the ASPCA says the darker the chocolate, the greater the risk. Vanilla-flavored sandwich cookies may have no cocoa, but they have the same sugar and fat. Check the label of any sugar-free cookie for xylitol. Keep the package out of reach as well: the Hepper vet warns that a dog that tears open the packaging can swallow it, and that it can cause a dangerous blockage.
If your dog ate some: Count how many are missing and check whether any packaging was swallowed, then call your vet. Pet Poison Helpline says you should contact your veterinarian to make sure your dog is okay, and to call right away if your dog is acting differently or showing any signs of chocolate poisoning. Don’t try to make your dog vomit at home. For a mild stomach upset, the Hepper vet suggests small, frequent meals of a bland diet and plenty of water, and advises against withholding food or water.
Watch for: Vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, an abnormal heart rhythm and seizures are the signs of chocolate poisoning that Pet Poison Helpline lists. Repeated vomiting, belly pain and tiredness can also mean a blockage from packaging, which needs urgent veterinary attention. According to Pet Poison Helpline, dogs that ate one or a few Oreos generally do very well.
Can dogs eat popcorn?
Yes, if it’s plain and air-popped, a few pieces at a time. Buttered, salted and sweet popcorn are not for dogs.
Why: The AKC’s answer is “yes and no”. Popcorn itself is not bad for dogs. Popped kernels contain fiber and small amounts of magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc, and plain, air-popped popcorn makes a nice occasional treat. The toppings are the problem. The AKC says butter, oil, salt and other toppings can cause intestinal upset, and that the fats add to the risk of obesity. PetMD agrees: completely plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs to eat in small portions, but popcorn covered in butter and salt is very unhealthy for dogs. Butter can cause an upset stomach, obesity or pancreatitis, and too much salt can cause salt poisoning.
Popcorn to keep away from your dog: Buttered and salted popcorn, including most microwave and movie-theater popcorn. Kettle corn and caramel corn, which PetMD says contain sugar and could contain toxic ingredients such as chocolate and xylitol. Flavored popcorn seasoned with onion or garlic powder, because onion and garlic are toxic to dogs.
How to serve: Air-pop it with no oil, butter or salt, and set your dog’s share aside before you season your own. Pick out the unpopped and half-popped kernels. The AKC warns that kernels can get stuck in dogs’ teeth and pose a choking hazard, and PetMD says that in very small dogs unpopped kernels can also cause an intestinal blockage.
How much: PetMD’s serving sizes are one to two pieces for an extra-small dog (2 to 20 lb), two to three pieces for a small dog (21 to 30 lb), five to six pieces for a medium dog (31 to 50 lb), a small handful for a large dog (51 to 90 lb) and a handful for an extra-large dog (91 lb and over). For more on corn itself, see corn in our bread and grains guide.
Watch for: After buttered or flavored popcorn: an upset stomach, gas, stomach pain, diarrhea or vomiting. PetMD says to get veterinary care right away if a small dog eats multiple unpopped kernels or if your dog is choking.
Other sweets and snacks at a glance
These foods don’t have their own section in this guide yet. Here is the short version from the references listed below. The five rules above apply to all of them.
Food
Verdict
Key note
Chocolate (milk, dark, baking, cocoa powder)
Toxic
Contains theobromine and caffeine. The darker the chocolate, the greater the danger. Call your vet right away. See the list above.
White chocolate
Avoid
The Merck Veterinary Manual calls it a negligible source of theobromine, but it is still fat and sugar, and the fat in chocolate products may trigger pancreatitis.
Sugar-free candy, gum and mints
Toxic
Often sweetened with xylitol. Blood sugar can drop within 30 minutes to 2 hours. This is an emergency. Call your vet right away.
Gummy bears and gummy candy
Avoid
Sugar, and a choking hazard. A few can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Sugar-free gummies may contain xylitol, and gummies made with THC or CBD are dangerous for dogs.
Hard candy and lollipops
Avoid
Can choke a dog, be inhaled into the windpipe or block the gut. Wrappers add to the risk.
Cupcakes
Avoid
The same as cake: sugar, butter and milk, and often chocolate, raisins or macadamia nuts, which are toxic. See cake.
Pumpkin pie
Avoid
The AKC says dogs shouldn’t eat it. The sugar, fat and dairy can upset the stomach, and the spice mix contains nutmeg. Plain pumpkin is fine.
Doritos and flavored chips
Avoid
A chip or two is no cause for panic, but chips are salty and fatty, and some flavors contain onion and garlic, which are toxic. See tortilla chips.
Better treats for a dog with a sweet tooth
Dogs do enjoy sweet flavors, and there are safer ways to give them. Instead of marshmallows, the AKC suggests carrots, green vegetables or blueberries. A few slices of banana or apple (no seeds or core), a strawberry, a cube of seedless watermelon or a piece of carrot all make good treats. So do treats made for dogs. Whatever you choose, it still counts toward the 10% rule.
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.
