Grains Dogs Can and Can't Eat

Quick safety groups

Use these groups to separate plain grains from processed or seasoned products.

Watch sauces, salt, sugar, and dough

Grain-based foods often become risky through butter, salt, onion, garlic, chocolate, raisins, xylitol, yeast dough, or frying.

Review toxic foods

Grain risk notes

Plain cooked grains are different from chips, crackers, cookies, and desserts.

Avoid raw dough, raisin bread, garlic bread, and chocolate baked goods.

Keep portions small because grains can add calories quickly.

Check labels for xylitol, high sodium, and unsafe mix-ins.

Usually OK in small amounts

Plain, appropriate portions are the main rule.

Popcorn

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Popcorn to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Bread

SMALL AMOUNT A small dog should only get a fingernail-sized piece; a large dog can have a small bite occasionally. Do not feed bread daily because it adds calories without much benefit, and avoid bread for dogs with weight, diabetes, grain sensitivity, or special diet needs unless your vet approves.

Rice

SMALL AMOUNT A small dog should get a spoonful-sized portion; a large dog may tolerate a few tablespoons when it fits the diet plan. Rice should be occasional unless your veterinarian gives a bland-diet plan, because frequent rice adds calories and carbohydrates.

Oatmeal

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Oatmeal to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Oats

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Oats to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Quinoa

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Quinoa to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Brown Rice

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Brown Rice to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Pasta

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Pasta to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Sourdough Bread

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Sourdough Bread to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

White Rice

SMALL AMOUNT Keep White Rice to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Cheerios

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Cheerios to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Grits

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Grits to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Spaghetti

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Spaghetti to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Graham Crackers

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Graham Crackers to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Granola

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Granola to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Tortillas

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Tortillas to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Jasmine Rice

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Jasmine Rice to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Cornbread

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Cornbread to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Crackers

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Crackers to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Noodles

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Noodles to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Banana Bread

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Banana Bread to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Wheat Bread

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Wheat Bread to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Cereal

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Cereal to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Rice Cakes

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Rice Cakes to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Ritz Crackers

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Ritz Crackers to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.

Corn Tortillas

SMALL AMOUNT Keep Corn Tortillas to a small occasional amount, adjusted for your dog's size and normal diet.