Strawberries lead the way
Experts at Prestige analysed search data to uncover the foods people are most nervous about feeding their dogs. The term “can dogs eat strawberries” was searched an average of 24,000 times a month over the past year, making it the most common query.
Bananas came second with 20,000 searches, pineapple third with 17,000, while apples and tomatoes tied for fourth at 16,000. Blueberries rounded out the top five with 15,000 monthly searches.
Everyday foods spark everyday questions
The top 18 list included some surprises. Cheese (11,000 searches), popcorn (9,300), bread (7,100), nuts (6,900) and butter (4,400) all featured prominently.
Perhaps most surprising was chocolate — one of the best‑known toxic foods for dogs — which ranked at the bottom of the list with just 2,400 searches a month.
“We want to include our pets at the table”
Liv Reed from Prestige Granite, who gathered the data, said:
“It’s fascinating to see just how curious we are when it comes to sharing food with our dogs. Strawberries topping the list really made me smile, they’re a personal favourite in our house, and my dog is always by my side in the kitchen hoping for a taste.
“What surprised me most was how low chocolate ranked. It’s one of the best‑known toxic foods for dogs, yet it seems people are far more likely to question the safety of everyday items like cheese or bread. That really shows how much we want to include our pets in our daily lives, even at the dinner table.”
What to do if your dog eats something it shouldn’t
Liv also shared advice for pet owners who find themselves in a panic after a kitchen mishap:
- Stay calm, act quickly. Note what your dog ate and how much.
- Check reliable sources. Use trusted veterinary sites such as the PDSA or RSPCA.
- Call your vet immediately. Give them the details — don’t wait for symptoms.
- Don’t try to make your dog sick. This can cause more harm unless a vet advises it.
- Keep dog‑safe alternatives on hand. Fruits like strawberries, blueberries and apples (without seeds) make safe treats in moderation.
“Sharing food can be a lovely bonding moment, as long as you do your homework first,” Liv added.
Can dogs eat these foods?
Here’s how the most‑searched foods stack up when it comes to canine safety
| Rank | Food | Avg. Monthly Searches | Safe for dogs? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Strawberries | 24k | ✅ Yes, in moderation | Low‑calorie, high in fibre and vitamin C |
| 2 | Bananas | 20k | ✅ Yes, small amounts | Rich in potassium and fibre; high sugar so occasional treat |
| 3 | Pineapple | 17k | ✅ Yes, small amounts | Nutrient‑dense; avoid canned/dried with added sugar |
| 4 | Apples | 16k | ✅ Yes, remove seeds/core | Good source of fibre and vitamins; seeds contain cyanide |
| 4 | Tomatoes | 16k | ⚠️ Only ripe fruit, small amounts | Leaves, stems and unripe tomatoes are toxic |
| 5 | Blueberries | 15k | ✅ Yes | Safe, antioxidant‑rich “superfood” for dogs |
| 6 | Watermelon | 12k | ✅ Yes, seedless | Hydrating treat; remove seeds and rind |
| 7 | Cheese | 11k | ⚠️ Yes, but limited | Not toxic; many dogs lactose‑intolerant. Avoid blue cheese |
| 8 | Popcorn | 9.3k | ⚠️ Plain only | Air‑popped is safe; avoid butter, salt, flavourings |
| 9 | Grapes | 9.0k | ❌ No | Highly toxic; can cause kidney failure |
| 10 | Avocado | 8.4k | ⚠️ Flesh only, small amounts | Skin, pit, leaves contain persin toxin |
| 11 | Carrots | 7.5k | ✅ Yes | Safe raw or cooked; good for teeth and low‑calorie |
| 12 | Bread | 7.1k | ⚠️ Plain only | Safe occasionally; avoid raisin/garlic breads |
| 13 | Nuts | 6.9k | ⚠️ Depends on type | Peanuts/cashews safe; macadamia, walnuts toxic |
| 14 | Eggs | 6.6k | ✅ Cooked only | Nutritious protein; avoid raw due to salmonella risk |
| 15 | Butter | 4.4k | ⚠️ Not toxic, but unhealthy | High fat; can cause stomach upset/pancreatitis |
| 15 | Peanut | 4.4k | ✅ Yes, unsalted/plain | Safe in moderation; avoid xylitol peanut butter |
| 16 | Rice | 4.3k | ✅ Yes, plain cooked | Often used for upset stomachs; avoid seasoned/fried |
| 17 | Almonds | 3.5k | ❌ Best avoided | Not toxic but hard to digest; risk of obstruction |
| 18 | Chocolate | 2.4k | ❌ No | Contains theobromine; highly toxic |
With dog ownership rising across Swansea Bay and South West Wales, the findings underline how common these everyday questions are.
Pet owners here are just as likely to be searching online before sharing food — and the research shows they’re not alone in their concerns.
