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Pet Food Safety
Checker

Dropped food, a stolen snack, a curious kitchen raid - the same question comes up constantly: is this actually safe for my dog or cat? Some human foods are completely fine. Some are dangerous in small amounts. Tell us what they got into, and we'll help you understand the potential risks and what to do next - using the same safety data behind the food checker in the Supernormal app.

⚠ Caution - Can dogs eat cat food?

A few mouthfuls of cat food, once in a while, won't harm most dogs - it isn't toxic. But it's formulated for a cat's needs, not a dog's: depending on the product it can carry more calories or fat than a particular dog needs, so feeding it regularly can contribute to stomach upset and weight gain. A large amount of a high-fat cat food is the bigger worry for dogs prone to pancreatitis.

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Reference

Latest guides

More foods are added regularly, starting with the ones people ask about most.

Sources

Where these answers come from

Every food in the checker is checked against veterinary references before it goes live, and graded Safe, Caution or Unsafe. Three things shape those grades - and none of them is simply "is it poisonous?".

Cats are not small dogs. The MSD Veterinary Manual is blunt about it: cats develop nutritional deficiencies when fed diets formulated for dogs, because unlike dogs they need dietary vitamin A, arachidonic acid and taurine, and more arginine, niacin and vitamin B6. Taurine matters most - a deficiency can cause dilated cardiomyopathy and central retinal degeneration in cats. Caught in time it is largely reversible, which is why "not toxic" and "safe as a diet" are two different questions.

A rich, fatty raid carries its own risk. Quite apart from whether a food is poisonous, how much and how fatty it was matters: dietary indiscretion is a common risk factor for pancreatitis in dogs.

Extras add up. Obesity is the most common nutritional health problem in dogs and cats, and most treats are not complete and balanced - which is why several foods here are graded Caution rather than Unsafe. For what a complete diet should actually look like, see the WSAVA global nutrition guidelines.

If you think they have eaten something toxic, don't wait for symptoms. In the UK, Animal PoisonLine (01202 509 000) is a 24-hour service run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service for pet owners. In the US, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is on (888) 426-4435, 24 hours a day. Both charge a consultation fee. In an emergency your own vet comes first.

Not a diagnosis. This tool gives general guidance only - it can't account for your individual pet's health conditions, allergies or medication. If your pet may have eaten something toxic, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning signs, contact your vet promptly even if seemingly well. If poisoning is suspected, an animal poison-control service (Animal PoisonLine in the UK, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in the US) may also be able to advise on the risk and next steps.
FAQ

Quick answers

No. It's a fast first read using the same safety data as the Supernormal app's food checker, sourced from veterinary references. If your pet may have eaten something toxic, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning signs, contact your vet promptly even if they seem well - don't wait for symptoms. If poisoning is suspected, an animal poison-control service may also be able to advise on the risk and next steps.
We're building this out food by food, starting with the ones people search for most, and every entry is checked against veterinary sources before it goes live. If a food isn't listed yet, don't assume it's safe - check with your vet or search for it directly.
Safe means the food is generally considered non-toxic to dogs or cats when offered in appropriate amounts. Caution means the food isn't generally considered poisonous, but it may cause problems depending on the amount, how often it's given, or your pet's individual health - a small amount may be tolerated by some pets, but it isn't something to routinely feed without considering the risks. Unsafe means the food can cause significant illness or toxicity, particularly when eaten in certain amounts or forms. If your pet has eaten an unsafe food, check the recommended advice promptly rather than waiting for symptoms to develop.
Veterinary reviewed by Dr Jo de Klerk, BVetMed (Hons), MSc, PhD, MRCVS - reviewed 19 August 2026, last updated 21 September 2026. The guides behind every food listed here have now been reviewed by her and her comments applied; the short summary wording on this page is ours. Dr de Klerk qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2014 and is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (reg. 7088779). Each food added to this checker is reviewed before it goes live. How we review our health content. This checker is general information, not a diagnosis. It helps you understand the potential risks and decide what to do next, and it does not replace veterinary care. If your pet may have eaten something toxic, or seems unwell in any way, contact your vet.

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