Can My Dog Have a Taste of Pie?

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

It’s always tempting to share the bounty of your table with your dog—but while a small bite of pie might not cause any issues, it’s definitely not recommended. Pies for humans often contain unsafe ingredients like sugar, raisins, spices, or onions.

The type and amount of pie also make a difference. “One lick of whipped cream is less concerning than a dog eating a large amount of chocolate pecan pie,” explains Dr. Huyn Han DVM, veterinarian with TelaVets.

Here’s everything you need to know about whether dogs can eat pie, which ingredients to watch out for, plus what to do if your dog steals some pie.

Pie Ingredients That Upset a Dog’s Stomach

Pies designed for humans often contain ingredients that can cause digestive upset for dogs, including:

• Fat
• Dairy
• Sugar
• Spices
• Some kinds of fruit, including rhubarb

Some ingredients can even be toxic for dogs and cause serious symptoms. Dangerous ingredients include:

• Raisins
• Walnuts
• Nutmeg
• Chocolate
• Macadamia nuts
• Alliums (like onions, garlic, leeks, and chives)
• Xylitol (often found in sugar-free peanut butter)

What Part of a Pie Can a Dog Eat?

Different parts of pies can pose different levels of risk. “A small bite of plain pie crust won’t usually cause harm, but it’s empty calories and not healthy for dogs long-term,” explains Dr. Han. Pie fillings are much more likely to cause gastrointestinal issues.

Here’s what to look out for in popular pies, plus what you can swap them with if you’d like to make a dog-friendly dish.

What To Do If Your Dog Stole a Pie

“If your dog gets into pie, call your veterinarian right away with a list of the ingredients,” says Dr. Han.

While you’re waiting for an appointment, keep an eye out for these symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lack of appetite

It’s also important to give your veterinarian as much information as possible. “Having the recipe (or box label), an approximation of how much pie the dog ate, the dog’s weight, and any other health concerns will help the vet determine the next step,” explains Dr. Katie Merkatoris, veterinarian with JustAnswer Pets.

Dr. Merkatoris adds that sometimes an emergency vet visit will be required, and other times, you may be asked to monitor your dog at home. “Most health concerns are within the first few days after ingestion, but digestive issues like diarrhea can sometimes last longer. Always check with your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns! That is what we are here for!”

How much your dog ate matters

If your dog ate some pie, the amount and type they ate makes a difference. But it’s always best to ask your vet for advice. “Lots of factors that go into a dog’s risk of developing health concerns after ingesting pie, but in general, the more of a toxic ingredient the animal eats and the smaller the animal’s body size, the bigger concern,” says Dr. Merkatoris.

Your vet is the best person to advise whether your dog is at risk, and what treatment might be needed. If your dog ate pie containing toxic ingredients like raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, or xylitol, it’s always best to treat it as an emergency.

Dog-Friendly Pie Recipes

Even though most pies aren’t suitable for dogs, that doesn’t mean they have to miss out! If you’d like your dog to join in holiday celebrations, then prepare a dog-friendly pie crust ahead of time. Then, fill it with some delicious, dog-safe ingredients, like:

• Canned pumpkin and peanut butter
• Cranberry and chicken
• Minced beef and dog-safe vegetables
• Apple and cheese