19 Fruits & Vegetables That Are Bad for Dogs

While fruits and vegetables are healthy for us, some can be dangerous—even toxic—for dogs.

Knowing which ones to avoid is essential to keeping your furry friend safe and healthy.

• Learn why foods like grapes and onions are highly toxic and should never be given to dogs
• Spot the warning signs of poisoning caused by certain fruits and veggies
• Get tips to prevent accidental ingestion and keep harmful foods out of reach

With this guide, you can protect your dog from harmful foods and ensure they stay happy and healthy!

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19 Fruits & Vegetables That Are Bad for Dogs

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1. Grapes & Raisins

Why They’re Dangerous:

Grapes and raisins can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. 

Even small amounts can be life-threatening. So, it’s vital to avoid giving these to your pet.

Signs of Toxicity:

If your dog eats grapes or raisins, watch for symptoms. 

These include vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and lethargy. 

In severe cases, they may experience kidney failure, which can be fatal.

2. Cherries

Why They’re Dangerous:

Cherries have cyanogenic glycosides, which can produce cyanide. 

They are highest in the pits, stems, and leaves. 

Cyanide blocks oxygen absorption, making it highly toxic to dogs.

Signs of Toxicity:

Symptoms of cherry poisoning include: difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, and red gums. 

A large amount may cause shock or death.

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3. Onions & Garlic

Why They’re Dangerous:

Onions and garlic contain thiosulfates.

They harm a dog’s red blood cells and cause anemia. 

These foods can cause weakness, pale gums, and organ damage over time.

Signs of Toxicity:

Look out for weakness, lethargy, pale gums, and rapid breathing. 

Severe poisoning may require immediate veterinary attention.

4. Avocado

Why It’s Dangerous:

Avocados contain persin. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in dogs. 

The flesh, skin, and pit all contain persin, making every part of the fruit risky.

Signs of Toxicity:

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Ingesting the pit may also pose a choking hazard.

5. Mushrooms (Wild)

Why They’re Dangerous:

Wild mushrooms can have toxins that affect the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. 

Some species, like Amanita mushrooms, are particularly deadly.

Signs of Toxicity:

Watch for drooling, unsteady movement, vomiting, and seizures.

Wild mushroom poisoning can lead to serious health complications if not treated quickly.

6. Rhubarb

Why It’s Dangerous:

Rhubarb has oxalates. They can lower calcium in dogs. 

This may cause kidney damage or tremors.

Signs of Toxicity:

Symptoms include drooling, loss of appetite, and tremors. 

Severe cases may lead to kidney failure if left untreated.

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Emergency Steps if Your Dog Consumes a Toxic Food

If you suspect your dog has ingested harmful food, here’s what you should do:

1. Identify the Food and Quantity: Knowing what and how much your dog ate can help the vet provide the best care.
2. Call Your Vet or Pet Poison Control: Contact your vet or a pet poison control hotline for help.
3. Avoid Home Remedies: Unless a vet says so, do not induce vomiting or use home remedies. They may do more harm than good.
4. Bring the Food Sample: If possible, bring a sample of the food or its packaging to the vet.

These steps can make a crucial difference in your dog’s recovery.

7. Unripe Tomatoes

Why They’re Dangerous:

Unripe tomatoes and tomato plants contain solanine, a compound toxic to dogs. 

While ripe tomatoes are generally safe, avoid giving green tomatoes or any part of the plant.

Signs of Toxicity:

Look for vomiting, drooling, and muscle weakness. 

If your dog shows signs of solanine poisoning, seek veterinary care.

8. Potatoes (Green)

Why They’re Dangerous:

Similar to unripe tomatoes, green potatoes contain solanine. 

This can cause a range of symptoms, including digestive upset and even nerve issues.

Signs of Toxicity:

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. 

Overconsumption may lead to more severe health problems.

General Signs to Watch for with Toxic Foods

Many symptoms of food poisoning in dogs are similar regardless of the specific food.

Common signs include:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Lethargy or weakness
• Drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Tremors or seizures. If you see these, call your vet. Describe what happened. Early intervention is the key to recovery.

9. Apple Seeds

Why They’re Dangerous:

Apple seeds contain cyanide, which can be toxic to dogs over time if consumed in large amounts.

Signs of Toxicity:

Signs include rapid breathing, seizures, and collapse. 

A few seeds are unlikely to cause harm, but ingestion over time can lead to severe issues.

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10. Apricots (Pits & Leaves)

Why They’re Dangerous:

Apricot pits and leaves contain cyanide.

Additionally, the pits can be a choking hazard, especially for small dogs.

Signs of Toxicity:

Watch for panting, red gums, and lethargy.

Ingestion of apricots can lead to serious health consequences.

11. Spinach

Why It’s Dangerous:

Spinach is high in oxalates. They can hinder calcium absorption and harm kidneys over time.

Signs of Toxicity:

Symptoms include reduced appetite, weakness, and kidney issues. 

While spinach is safe in moderation, avoid excessive feeding.

12. Persimmons

Why They’re Dangerous:

The seeds and pits of persimmons can cause intestinal blockages. 

Additionally, persimmons may cause inflammation in a dog’s intestines.

Signs of Toxicity:

Look for abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

Severe cases may need surgery to remove blockages.

Safe Alternatives for Treats

Looking for dog-safe alternatives? Try these:

• Blueberries: High in antioxidants and safe in moderation.
• Cucumber: Low-calorie and hydrating.
• Carrots: Great for dental health and digestion. These options are healthy, low-risk ways to treat your dog. They have no hidden dangers.

13. Citrus Fruits (Lemons, Oranges, Limes)

Why They’re Dangerous:

The high acidity in citrus fruits can irritate a dog’s digestive system. 

Citrus peels, seeds, and stems contain essential oils that are also toxic.

Signs of Toxicity:

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.

Citrus can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, especially if large amounts are ingested.

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Preventive Tips for Avoiding Accidental Ingestion

• Keep Harmful Foods Out of Reach: Store toxic foods in closed cabinets or high shelves.
• Educate Family Members: Make sure everyone knows not to feed the dog certain foods.
• Teach the “Leave It” Command: This can help prevent your dog from grabbing dangerous items.

14. Pomegranates

Why They’re Dangerous:

Pomegranates have tannins and anthocyanins. 

In dogs, they can upset the digestive system if eaten in large amounts.

Signs of Toxicity:

Symptoms include vomiting and abdominal pain.

 Pomegranates can upset dogs’ stomachs, but not as much as other fruits.

15. Plums (Pits & Stems)

Why They’re Dangerous:

The pits and stems of plums contain cyanide. 

Additionally, the pits are a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockages.

Signs of Toxicity:

Look for drooling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. 

Immediate attention is necessary if your dog eats plum pits.

16. Raw Asparagus

Why It’s Dangerous:

Raw asparagus is tough to digest and can cause stomach upset. 

Cooked asparagus is safe but has minimal nutritional benefits for dogs.

Signs of Toxicity:

Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. Raw asparagus may upset your dog’s stomach. 

Cooked asparagus is easier to digest but has fewer health benefits.

17. Leeks & Chives

Why They’re Dangerous:

Leeks and chives are in the onion family. 

They contain thiosulfates that can damage dogs’ red blood cells, causing anemia.

Signs of Toxicity:

Look for weakness, pale gums, and lethargy. 

Severe anemia from these foods can be life-threatening and requires immediate care.

18. Nuts (Macadamia & Walnuts)

Why They’re Dangerous:

Macadamia nuts and walnuts can harm dogs. 

They cause tremors and weakness. 

They also pose a choking hazard, especially for smaller dogs.

Signs of Toxicity:

Symptoms include tremors, vomiting, and weakness.

If ingested, immediate veterinary help is advised, as these symptoms can escalate.

19. Elderberries

Why They’re Dangerous:

Unripe elderberries can irritate the digestive system. 

They may cause vomiting and toxicity in dogs.

Signs of Toxicity:

Look for vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. 

Cooked elderberries are safe for humans. 

But, they are risky for dogs. So, avoid them.

Myths vs. Facts about Dog Nutrition

Dogs can eat some fruits and vegetables, but many misconceptions exist about what is safe. Here are some common myths:

• Myth: A small piece of any fruit is harmless.
  • Fact: Even small amounts of some foods, like grapes or raisins, can cause serious health issues.
• Myth: Dogs only get sick if they eat large amounts.
  • Fact: For some foods, like cherries or onions, even a small amount can be dangerous.

Clarifying these myths helps keep dogs safe. 

It ensures only pet-safe foods are given.

Recommended Read: 13 Toxic Foods for Dogs (Avoid #9 Like The Plague!)

Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables to Watch Out For

Certain fruits and vegetables become more popular during specific times of the year.

During holidays, foods with raisins (like fruitcake) or nuts may be left within reach. 

This increases the risk of accidental ingestion.

In summer, gatherings often have grapes, avocados, and plums. 

These foods can harm dogs if they eat them. 

Always be mindful of these seasonal foods and keep them away from pets.

How to Prevent Access to Toxic Foods

It’s vital to keep harmful foods away from your dog. 

This prevents accidental ingestion. 

A few simple steps can greatly reduce toxic fruit and vegetable exposure.

Practical Tips for Safe Food Storage

1. Dog-Proof Cabinets: Use childproof locks on lower cabinets or pantries. Store foods like onions, raisins, and nuts there. This simple measure stops curious dogs from sniffing or eating dropped items.
2. Counter Awareness: Dogs are skilled at reaching countertops, especially larger breeds. Avoid leaving potentially harmful foods unattended on counters. Consider a high bowl for fruits like grapes and avocados. They are often left out in kitchens.
3. Trash Control: Dogs are known to rummage through trash for food scraps. Use trash cans with secure lids. Or, hide trash bins behind closed doors. Dispose of fruit pits, onion peels, and other dangerous items securely.
4. Educate Family and Guests: Accidental poisonings often happen at gatherings. Guests may not know what’s toxic to dogs. Post a small list of “no-go foods” for your dog in the kitchen, or kindly inform guests not to feed your pet without asking.

Supervise During Family Meals and Events

Dogs often hover around food during family meals.

A quick swipe can be trouble if a toxic food is dropped. Watch your dog at gatherings. 

Use “stay” or “leave it” to prevent them from getting too close to risky foods. 

A safe space, like a separate room or dog bed, can help.

It reduces the chance of your dog accidentally eating something during meals.

Conclusion

To keep your dog safe, know which foods are toxic to them. 

Then, take steps to prevent access to them. 

While fruits and vegetables can be healthy for us, some are harmful or even deadly for dogs. 

You can treat your dog safely. 

Just avoid the 19 foods above. 

Instead, use safe options like blueberries, carrots, and cucumbers.

For your dog’s safety, consult your vet before adding any new food.

A little caution goes a long way, ensuring your furry friend stays happy, healthy, and out of harm’s way.

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⚠️ Quiz: The #1 Dog Food To AVOID (causes weight gain, saps energy & harms your dog’s gut)

A: Chicken
B: Beef
C: Pork
D: Fish
E: Vegetables

Make your selection above or click here to skip straight to the answer.

==> Click Here To Discover #1 Dog Food To Avoid

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