Pet-Safe Food & Plant Checker
Is it safe or toxic for dogs and cats? Search any food or houseplant below to see species-specific safety information, severity, and what to do if your pet already ate it. For the full picture of why these items are dangerous, read our complete guide to toxic foods and plants.
Commonly Searched Foods & Plants
How to use the Food & Plant Safety Checker
Type a food or houseplant — grapes, lilies, chocolate — into the search box, or tap one of the common items below. You will see a separate verdict for dogs and for cats, a plain-language explanation, and what to do if your pet already ate it. Items marked "full guide" open an in-depth page with warning signs, safer alternatives and answers to common questions.
What the labels mean
- Safe: not expected to cause harm in normal amounts, though anything new can upset a stomach.
- Safe in moderation: not poisonous, but fat, sugar or other factors mean it should be an occasional, small treat at most.
- Toxic: can cause illness or poisoning. The severity tag tells you how urgent it is: Mild (upset stomach or irritation), Serious (needs veterinary advice) or Emergency (call a vet or poison control immediately).
Why dogs and cats get separate answers
The two species process many substances differently, so one combined verdict would hide the real risk to whichever pet is more vulnerable. True lilies are the clearest example: they barely bother most dogs, but a little pollen can seriously harm a cat.
What this tool can't do
It cannot account for your pet's size, age or health, or for how much was actually eaten, and it only covers a selection of common items. If your pet has eaten something and you are worried, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center rather than relying on a website.
In-depth food and plant guides
These pages go beyond the quick verdict, covering the most-searched questions pet owners ask:
Foods and drinks
Plants
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my dog or cat ate something toxic?
Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately — don't wait to see if symptoms appear. If your pet is having trouble breathing, is unconscious, or you're in a life-threatening emergency, go straight to the nearest emergency vet clinic.
Is the Food & Plant Checker a substitute for calling my vet?
No. This tool is for general information only, so you can quickly check common household items — it's not a diagnostic tool and can't account for your pet's size, health history, or how much they actually ate. Always contact a vet or poison control directly if your pet has ingested something.
Why do dogs and cats react differently to the same food?
Dogs and cats metabolize many compounds differently — cats, for example, are generally more sensitive to onions, garlic, and citrus oils than dogs, while dogs are far more prone to grape and raisin toxicity. That's why this tool always shows separate results for each species instead of one combined verdict.