We all love treating our dogs like family—but some “harmless” human foods can be dangerously toxic for them.
From grapes to xylitol, even a small bite could spell big trouble.
Want to protect your pup? Here’s what you need to know:
- Why common foods can be toxic for dogs.
- Signs of poisoning you can’t afford to miss.
- Simple tips to prevent accidental ingestion.
Let’s dive into the list of foods to avoid and how to keep your dog out of harm’s way!
Table of contents
13 Toxic Foods for Dogs
1. Chocolate
Chocolate is toxic to dogs. It contains theobromine and caffeine.
They cannot break them down in time.
These substances build up, leading to serious health issues.
Dark and baking chocolates are very dangerous.
Just one ounce of baking chocolate can poison a small dog.
Brownies and chocolate chip cookies are risky, too.
They combine chocolate with sugar and fat, which can harm your dog.
Always check ingredient labels.
If your dog eats any chocolate, consult your vet immediately.
Symptoms of Poisoning
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Increased heart rate
- Restlessness, shaking, or seizures.
Practical Advice: Even a small amount of chocolate can be dangerous.
If your dog eats chocolate, call your vet right away.
Always store chocolate, including brownies and chocolate chips, out of your dog’s reach.
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs.
Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous.
Even small amounts can cause seizures or heart failure.
Seek immediate veterinary care if ingested.
2. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins contain toxins that are harmful to dogs.
Even a small amount can cause kidney failure.
Though the exact reason isn’t clear, these fruits are dangerous to all dogs.
A common mistake is leaving out foods like granola bars or cereals with hidden raisins.
In one case, a dog ate just a few raisins baked into a cookie and soon showed signs of kidney failure.
Symptoms
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Kidney failure, which can be fatal
Real-Life Example: A family’s dog ate some raisins from a holiday snack.
It soon became lethargic and started vomiting.
After a vet visit, the vet diagnosed it with kidney failure caused by the raisins.
The dog’s life was saved by prompt treatment.
It showed the severe risks of even small amounts of raisins.
Practical Advice: Keep all grapes and raisin-containing foods away from your dog.
Even if your dog has eaten these foods before without getting sick, it doesn’t mean they are safe.
If your dog eats grapes or raisins, call your vet immediately.
Even small amounts of grapes or raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs.
Be extra cautious with any foods that might contain these fruits.
If ingested, immediate veterinary care is crucial.
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3. Onions and Garlic
Onions, garlic, and other allium family foods (like leeks and chives) are toxic to dogs.
They damage red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Raw, cooked, or powdered, even small amounts can cause serious health issues over time.
Feeding dogs table scraps with garlic can harm their red blood cells.
This can cause severe anemia over time.
Symptoms may start mild but progress to pale gums, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.
It’s crucial to prevent regular exposure to garlic or onions.
Symptoms
- Weakness
- Pale gums
- Rapid heart rate
- Vomiting
- Blood in urine
Practical Advice: Watch out for foods that may contain onions or garlic, like soups or sauces. Even small amounts over time can cause problems.
Avoid giving dogs table scraps. They may contain onion or garlic.
Onions and garlic can cause anemia in dogs by damaging their red blood cells.
Even small amounts, whether raw, cooked, or powdered, can be harmful over time.
Avoid feeding your dog anything containing these ingredients.
4. Avocado
Avocados contain a toxin called persin. It is highest in the pit, skin, and leaves.
Even the flesh can upset a dog’s stomach, and the pit poses a choking hazard and risk of dangerous blockages.
With avocados common in guacamole and avocado toast, we must keep them away from dogs.
Even a small piece can cause stomach upset, and the pit can be life-threatening.
Symptoms
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Trouble breathing
- Fluid buildup around the heart
Practical Advice: Never give your dog any part of the avocado.
Be careful not to leave avocados where your dog can reach them.
If your dog swallows an avocado pit, see a vet right away.
Avocado, especially its pit, can choke dogs and block their intestines.
The flesh can also upset their stomachs.
Keep avocados away from your dog and contact your vet if ingested.
5. Alcohol
Even small amounts of alcohol can be very dangerous for dogs.
It affects their liver and brain in much the same way it affects humans, but it takes much less to cause harm.
You can also find alcohol in foods like rum cakes and even some raw dough.
Alcohol isn’t just found in beverages.
Fruits that ferment, like overripe apples or plums, can make a bit of alcohol.
They are just as dangerous.
Even cleaning products or household items with alcohol are a threat if a dog consumes them.
Symptoms
- Vomiting
- Staggering
- Slow breathing
- Seizures
- Death in severe cases
Practical Advice: Keep alcoholic beverages and alcohol-containing foods away from dogs.
Fermented foods and raw dough can also produce alcohol in a dog’s stomach, so be careful with these as well.
Alcohol is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, and can cause ethanol poisoning.
Desserts or sauces with alcohol are equally dangerous.
If ingested, seek immediate veterinary help.
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6. Caffeine
Caffeine, in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some meds, overstimulates dogs.
Even small amounts can cause rapid heartbeats, tremors, and other serious issues.
Energy drinks are dangerous to pets due to their high caffeine content.
Even small amounts can cause tremors or seizures.
Dispose of coffee grounds and tea bags safely, as they may still contain caffeine.
Symptoms
- Restlessness
- Fast heart rate
- Shaking
- Seizures
Practical Advice: Dispose of coffee grounds, tea bags, and any caffeine-containing drinks properly.
Even small amounts left in a cup can harm your dog.
If your dog consumes caffeine, call your vet immediately.
Caffeine overstimulates a dog’s nervous system.
It causes a rapid heart rate and tremors.
You should keep products like coffee, tea, and energy drinks away from dogs.
If someone ingests caffeine, contact your vet.
7. Xylitol
Xylitol, found in sugar-free gum, candy, some peanut butters, and baked goods, is toxic to dogs.
It causes rapid drops in blood sugar, leading to seizures and liver failure.
Xylitol is in non-food items, like toothpaste and medicines. So, always check labels.
Always read labels before giving your dog anything, especially if it’s sugar-free.
Keep gum, candy, and other xylitol-containing items well out of reach.
Symptoms
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Loss of coordination
- Seizures
- Liver damage
Practical Advice: Always read labels before giving your dog anything, especially sugar-free items.
Keep gum, candy, and other xylitol-containing items well out of reach.
Xylitol is a sugar substitute.
It can cause deadly drops in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
It’s found in many sugar-free products, so always check labels.
Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog ingests xylitol
8. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs, though the exact cause is unclear.
Even small amounts can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and temporary paralysis.
These are due to the effects on the nervous system.
Symptoms usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last up to 48 hours.
Most dogs recover with supportive care.
However, seek immediate vet help to prevent complications.
Symptoms
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Fever
- Hind leg weakness or paralysis
Practical Advice: Keep macadamia nuts, and most other nuts, out of your dog’s diet.
If your dog eats macadamia nuts, contact your vet right away.
Macadamia nuts can cause serious symptoms in dogs, even in small amounts.
These include weakness and tremors.
We still do not know the cause, but we should avoid them entirely.
If ingested, contact your vet without delay.
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9. Cooked Bones
While many dog owners give their pets bones to chew on, cooked bones can be dangerous.
They become brittle when cooked.
They can splinter, causing choking or injuries.
Eating splintered bones can cause peritonitis, a life-threatening infection.
It occurs when bone fragments puncture the stomach or intestines.
Symptoms
- Choking
- Bloody stool
- Difficulty passing stool
- Vomiting
Practical Advice: If you want to give your dog a bone, opt for raw bones and always supervise it.
Cooked bones, but, should never be given to your dog.
Stick to dog-safe chew toys as a better alternative.
Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking, blockages, or internal injuries.
It’s safer to give your dog raw bones or chew toys.
Always supervise your dog when chewing bones to avoid accidents.
10. Dairy Products
Many dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning their bodies can’t break down the sugar found in milk.
This can cause digestive upset such as gas, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Even dogs who can tolerate dairy should only have it in small amounts.
Although some dogs tolerate dairy better than others, it’s best to limit or avoid it.
Lactose-free dairy products are better for dogs than regular dairy.
But avoid high-fat options like cheese.
They can cause pancreatitis in dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Symptoms
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Practical Advice: If dairy upsets your dog’s stomach, switch to lactose-free options.
But it’s generally best to avoid dairy altogether.
Many dog-friendly treats don’t contain dairy.
Your dog can enjoy a tasty snack without the risk of digestive problems.
Most dogs are lactose intolerant.
Dairy can upset their stomachs, causing vomiting and diarrhea.
Even small amounts can cause discomfort.
Stick to dog-safe treats to prevent digestive issues.
11. Fatty Meats
Fatty foods like bacon, sausage, and chicken skin can cause pancreatitis in dogs.
They are dangerous. Pancreatitis is a painful, life-threatening condition.
It causes inflammation of the pancreas. It can be fatal if untreated.
High-fat foods trigger pancreatitis, which affects the pancreas that aids in digestion.
Delayed treatment can have severe consequences.
Dogs with recurrent pancreatitis may face chronic issues.
Thus, keeping fatty foods out of their diet is crucial.
Symptoms
- Vomiting (sometimes with bile)
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Fever
Practical Advice: It’s best to avoid giving your dog fatty foods or meat scraps.
If you want to share human food, stick to lean, unseasoned meats in small amounts.
If your dog shows any of the symptoms listed, seek veterinary care immediately.
Fatty meats can trigger pancreatitis in dogs, a serious and painful condition.
Avoid sharing fatty foods like bacon or sausage.
Stick to lean meat options to keep your dog’s diet healthy.
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12. Raw Dough
Raw dough that contains yeast can be very dangerous if eaten by dogs.
When raw dough expands in a dog’s stomach, it can cause painful bloating.
The fermentation of yeast also produces alcohol, which can lead to ethanol poisoning.
If a dog eats raw dough, the yeast expands in its stomach.
This causes painful bloating.
The dough also produces alcohol, which can intoxicate the dog.
Symptoms
- Swollen abdomen
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Stumbling or disorientation
Practical Advice: Keep raw dough away from your dog, especially when baking.
If your dog consumes raw dough, take it to the vet right away.
Raw dough can expand in a dog’s stomach and ferment.
This can cause bloating or alcohol poisoning. Keep raw dough out of reach, especially during baking.
13. Blue Cheese
Blue cheese contains a substance called roquefortine C, which is toxic to dogs.
Even small amounts of moldy cheese can severely harm dogs.
It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors.
Blue cheese is just one of several moldy or fermented foods that can be dangerous for dogs.
The fungus that gives blue cheese its distinct flavor can produce toxins harmful to pets.
Other cheeses that use similar fermentation processes, like Roquefort, can pose similar risks.
Symptoms
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle tremors
- Fever
Practical Advice: Avoid giving dogs any moldy or strong cheeses, like blue cheese.
Moldy food is risky for dogs.
So, always ensure any cheese or food you give them is fresh and safe.
Blue cheese has a toxin, roquefortine C.
It can cause vomiting and tremors in dogs.
Moldy cheeses are particularly harmful and should be avoided entirely.
Keep all cheese products out of your pet’s reach.
How to Prevent Accidental Ingestion
Pet-Proofing Your Home: Dogs are curious.
They may get into food they shouldn’t.
Pet-proofing your home is an easy way to prevent accidental ingestion.
Keep food stored in sealed containers, and make sure your dog can’t open pantry doors or access counters.
Use childproof locks on kitchen cabinets and keep all toxic foods well out of reach.
Also, train your dog to stay out of the kitchen. This will reduce temptation.
Training Tips: Teach your dog commands like “leave it” or “drop it.” They can help prevent accidents.
These commands are especially useful if your dog tries to snatch food from the floor or a table.
Safe Treat Alternatives: Give your dog healthy, dog-safe treats.
Avoid risky human foods.
Most dogs enjoy carrot sticks, apple slices (no seeds), and sweet potatoes.
They are great snack options.
They’re nutritious and much safer for your pet.
Use pet-safe trash cans and dog-proof latches on cabinets to keep harmful foods out of reach.
Installing baby gates in the kitchen during meal prep can help prevent accidents.
What to Do in Case of Poisoning
If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, act quickly.
Time is critical, and early treatment can make a big difference.
Immediate Steps: Stay calm. Assess how much your dog ate and when it happened.
Then call your vet or a poison control hotline immediately.
The Pet Poison Helpline and ASPCA Poison Control can guide you on what to do next.
Do Not Induce Vomiting Unless Told to Do So: Inducing vomiting can sometimes cause more harm.
If your dog ate sharp objects, like cooked bones, forcing it to vomit could cause more injuries.
Always follow your vet’s instructions.
Emergency Vet Visits: If your vet advises an emergency visit, bring evidence of what your dog ate.
This helps determine the best treatment.
Your dog may need blood tests for toxins.
It may need activated charcoal to absorb the poison.
Lastly, it may need IV fluids to avoid dehydration.
Emergency Protocol: During an emergency vet visit, the vet will ask what your dog ate and run blood tests.
They may give activated charcoal to absorb toxins.
They will start IV fluids to prevent dehydration.
In severe cases, your dog might need to stay for further monitoring and treatment.
If your dog eats something toxic, act fast to avoid serious problems.
Contact a vet now. Follow their guidance to treat your dog.
Conclusion
Caring for your dog means more than feeding them and loving them.
It also means knowing what is safe for them to eat.
Even small amounts of toxic foods can be deadly.
These include chocolate, grapes, and xylitol.
You can help keep your dog safe and healthy.
Understand the risks and be careful about what you feed them.
Mistakes happen, but it’s important to act quickly if your dog gets into something they shouldn’t.
Knowing what to do and contacting your vet as soon as possible can often save your dog’s life.
Finally, share this information with other pet owners.
Many don’t know that some foods can harm dogs.
Raising awareness can keep pets safe.
Consider printing out a list of toxic foods and keeping it handy in your kitchen.
To keep your pet happy and healthy, knowledge and preparation are key.
⚠️ 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
