Human Foods Boston Terriers Should Never Eat | Best Dog Food for Boston Terriers

General nutrition information compiled from product labels and published sources, not veterinary advice. Your veterinarian is the right person to choose a diet for your dog, especially one with a health condition.

Boston Terriers are small, curious and very good at begging. A bite of the wrong people food can matter more for a dog that tops out at 25 pounds or less. This FAQ covers what can Boston Terriers not eat, which human foods dogs can't eat at all, and which snacks are generally fine.

The toxic-food answers follow the list kept by ASPCA Animal Poison Control. We did not test any food ourselves. A veterinarian decides what is right for an individual dog.

The Basics

What can Boston Terriers not eat?

The ASPCA lists chocolate, grapes and raisins, xylitol, onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol and caffeine among the foods that can poison dogs. Raw yeast dough and very fatty scraps are also on the cautionary side. The sections below go through each one.

Why does a Boston Terrier's small size matter?

The AKC classes for the breed run from under 15 pounds up to 25 pounds, according to Wikipedia's summary of the AKC standard. A small body means a small amount of a harmful food can be a larger share of what the dog can handle. That is why we treat any suspected exposure as worth a call.

Is a tiny taste of a toxic food okay?

Do not count on it. Reactions depend on the food, the amount and the individual dog, and we cannot predict them from a web page. If your dog ate something on the list, call for advice instead of waiting to see what happens.

Foods on the Toxic List

Can Boston Terriers eat chocolate?

No. The ASPCA names chocolate as toxic to dogs, and it says darker and baking chocolates are the more concerning kinds. Chocolate contains compounds in the caffeine family. Keep candy, cocoa and baked goods well out of reach.

Are grapes and raisins safe for Boston Terriers?

No. The ASPCA lists grapes and raisins as foods that can harm dogs, including with kidney problems. The reason is not fully understood, so there is no known safe amount. Watch for them in trail mix, cereal and baked goods.

What is xylitol and why is it dangerous?

Xylitol is a sweetener found in some sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods and a few nut butters. The ASPCA warns that it is poisonous to dogs. Read the ingredient list on anything sweet before it goes near your dog.

Can Boston Terriers eat onions and garlic?

No. The ASPCA lists onions, garlic, chives and leeks as harmful to dogs, and cooked, raw and powdered forms all count. This matters for leftovers, because soups, gravies and seasoned meats often hide them.

Are macadamia nuts a problem?

Yes. The ASPCA lists macadamia nuts as toxic to dogs. Cookies and snack mixes that contain them are an easy way for a dog to get into trouble.

Can Boston Terriers have alcohol?

No. The ASPCA lists alcohol as dangerous for dogs, and that includes unattended drinks, some desserts and raw dough made with yeast. Clear glasses away at parties, because a small dog can reach a low coffee table.

What about coffee, tea and other caffeine?

The ASPCA lists caffeine as harmful to dogs. That covers coffee grounds, tea bags, energy drinks and some supplements. Dispose of used grounds and tea bags where your dog cannot dig them out.

Is raw bread dough dangerous?

Yes. The ASPCA warns about raw yeast dough because it can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol as it ferments. Baked bread is a different matter, but keep rising dough on a high shelf.

Are fatty scraps and cooked bones okay?

Fatty trimmings and rich leftovers are best avoided, and the ASPCA also cautions against bones from the table. They can upset the stomach or cause injury. If your dog is on a weight plan, they also add calories quickly.

Safe Snacks and Everyday Questions

Can Boston Terriers eat peanut butter?

Plain peanut butter is often given to dogs, but check the label first. If xylitol appears in the ingredients, do not feed it. Because the breed's weight matters for breathing, keep any spoonful small and count it as part of the day's treats.

Which fruits and vegetables can Boston Terriers eat?

Plain carrot sticks and apple slices without seeds or core are common choices. Introduce one new food at a time and in a small piece. Skip anything on the toxic list above, and ask your veterinarian about foods you are unsure of.

Can Boston Terriers eat plain cooked chicken?

Plain, boneless cooked chicken without onion, garlic or heavy seasoning is a common dog treat. Remove skin and fat. Use it sparingly so it does not crowd out a complete and balanced diet.

Do treats and snacks count toward daily food?

Yes. Vet Times, reporting on a PLOS One study, found 62.5 percent of 104 tested Boston Terriers had some grade of brachycephalic airway obstruction, and weight control is part of breathing health. Our label comparison of Boston Terrier foods lists the calories that each brand publishes, so you can plan around them.

If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic

Who should I call first?

Call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic, or contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control. Look up the current number on the ASPCA website, and keep it with your vet's after-hours details. A consultation fee may apply, so check with the service.

What should I tell them?

Have the name of the food, how much your dog may have eaten and when. Note your dog's weight, any symptoms and the product package if there is one. Clear details help the professional advise you quickly.

Should I make my dog vomit at home?

Only if a veterinarian or poison control tells you to. Some substances cause more harm coming back up, and a flat-faced breed can inhale vomit more easily. Follow the professional's instructions instead of home remedies.

Does an upset stomach always mean poisoning?

No. Atopic dermatitis and allergic skin disease are listed among Boston Terrier conditions on Wikipedia, and one fresh-food company, Nom Nom, says corn and soy are common food triggers. That is a commercial claim, not clinical evidence. If your dog has repeated itching or stomach upset, your veterinarian can sort out the cause.

Sources

Toxic-food information follows the ASPCA Animal Poison Control list; check the ASPCA's own site for the current full list.