Editorial Policy & Sources

Accuracy matters most when a pet's health is involved. This page explains how we create and maintain our content.

Sources we rely on

• Merck Veterinary Manual: toxic doses for chocolate (methylxanthines), xylitol, onion and garlic (Allium species) and macadamia nuts.
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: lists of foods that are dangerous for pets, and research on grape and raisin toxicity.
• Veterinary nutrition guidelines (including WSAVA and AAHA resources): the RER formula (70 × kg^0.75), life-stage multipliers and the 10% treat rule.
• Peer-reviewed research: for example, the 2020 Cell Systems study on epigenetic aging in dogs.
• USDA FoodData Central: calorie values for fruits, vegetables and other foods.
• ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant lists: the basis for every plant rating. Severity (mild, toxic, highly toxic) also draws on the Merck Veterinary Manual and Pet Poison Helpline.
• Merck Veterinary Manual drug and toxicology chapters: diphenhydramine dosing, human pain reliever (ibuprofen, acetaminophen) toxicity, rodenticides and gastrointestinal obstruction for our emergency guides.

Plant ratings

• Non-toxic: listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA. Large amounts of any plant can still cause mild stomach upset.
• Mildly toxic: usually causes mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting or diarrhea that resolves with supportive care.
• Toxic: can cause significant illness, especially from bulbs or tubers or in larger amounts.
• Highly toxic: can cause organ failure or death; emergency care is needed after any exposure.

Emergency guides and medication doses

Our "my pet ate…" guides and dosage calculators are written to help you act quickly and talk to your vet, not to replace them. They always tell you when to call a vet or poison line, and we never recommend inducing vomiting at home without veterinary instruction. Medication doses (such as Benadryl) are shown only as the commonly used veterinary dose with the safety conditions vets apply.

How our verdicts work

• Safe: not toxic and well tolerated served plain in treat-size amounts.
• In moderation: not toxic, but sugar, fat, acidity or lactose mean small portions.
• Caution: parts of the food are harmful or the risks usually outweigh benefits.
• Toxic: can cause poisoning; contact a vet after any ingestion.

When sources differ, we use the more conservative threshold and say so on the page.

Calculations

Every calculator shows the formula or data it uses. Results are estimates; individual pets vary because of breed, metabolism, health and activity.

Updates and corrections

Pages show a "last updated" date. If you spot an error, please tell us; we review every report and correct mistakes promptly.

Review schedule

We review our toxicity, plant and dosage content at least twice a year and whenever major sources (such as the Merck Veterinary Manual or ASPCA lists) are updated.

Independence

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