Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

Every pet owner should have this list of toxic foods that are harmful to dogs

Mary Johnson
By

You share a lot with your dog — playtime bonding sessions at the park, cuddle time on the sofa, and more — so it’s only natural to want to share a snack or two. While some people food is perfectly safe for your pup, there are also numerous human foods that are toxic to dogs you should know about.

We’ll provide a list of toxic food for dogs, so you’ll always have a quick reference guide on hand before you share a treat with your pup. (You may want to print out the list and hang it on your refrigerator to make sure everyone in the family sees it.) Here are foods you should never feed your dog.

A black and white dog licks pink ice cream from a cone.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

1. Alcohol

Dogs who ingest alcohol may suffer from moderate symptoms of intoxication, such as slight disorientation and depression, but alcohol can also cause severe diarrhea, seizures, shaking, and vomiting. Alcohol poisoning affects dogs within as little as 30 minutes after consumption, so take care not to leave alcoholic drinks unattended and clean up any spills right away. 

Recommended Videos

2. Avocado

Avocado toast may be your go-to breakfast, but you’ll want to resist the urge to share it with your pup. Avocado leaves, skins, and pits contain a toxic substance called persin, which can be fatal if ingested. The flesh of avocados also contains trace amounts of persin, but because it can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and heart damage, it’s not worth the risk. Lastly, avocado is a high-fat food, which can cause weight gain, digestive issues, and even pancreatitis. 

3. Candy, specifically chocolate and candies containing xylitol

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs. Theobromine and caffeine are part of a chemical group known as methylxanthines, which can lead to tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, increased heart rate, and potentially even death if ingested in large quantities. Xylitol, on the other hand, causes dangerously low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, and possibly even death. 

4. Coffee, tea, and caffeine pills

You may love a cup of hot coffee in the morning, but your morning joe is incredibly dangerous to your pup. Caffeine causes vomiting, diarrhea, high blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmia, which can be fatal if left untreated. Keep your dog away from tea, too, and caffeine pills should never be stored where your dog can access them.  

5. Garlic and onions

Garlic and onions, two of our favorite ingredients for flavorful meals, contain thiosulfate, a compound that’s toxic to dogs. If he eats enough of them, thiosulfate toxicity can damage your dog’s red blood cells, causing a dangerous condition known as hemolytic anemia. 

A Dalmatian investigates a fruit platter.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

6. Grapes and raisins

No one is entirely certain why grapes and raisins are so dangerous for dogs, but they should be avoided at all costs. Dogs may exhibit symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dehydration, and difficulty urinating. If left untreated, your pup may suffer kidney failure. 

7. Gum

If you keep chewing gum on hand to freshen your breath after a meal, make sure your dog can’t reach it. Not only do sugarless gums contain xylitol, which can be fatal if ingested, but eating large amounts of gum also can lead to dangerous intestinal blockages. You should take your dog to the vet immediately if you suspect he’s eaten gum. 

8. Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts make a delicious, buttery snack for humans, but they’re actually dangerous for your dog. As with grapes and raisins, experts don’t know exactly what component found in macadamia nuts causes problems for dogs, but the problems can be serious. Your dog may suffer from vomiting, weakness, depression, ataxia (impaired movement), and hyperthermia from snacking on just a handful of macadamia nuts. 

9. Salty snacks

While small amounts of salt won’t harm your pooch, he may experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if he eats enough of it. In severe cases, fluid retention, tremors, seizures, excessive thirst, and excessive urination have been reported. Salt poisoning can be fatal if your pup eats too much, so take him to the vet if you notice any of these symptoms. 

10. Yeast dough

Fully cooked bread is perfectly safe for your dog in moderation, but uncooked yeast dough may kill him. Uncooked dough continues to rise in your dog’s stomach, leading to uncomfortable distention that could cause bloat. Yeast dough also releases ethanol into your dog’s bloodstream, which can cause alcohol toxicosis. Contact your vet immediately if your dog eats raw dough. 

A man feeds his Akita bites of a croissant.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Keep your pup safe

While some of the foods on this list cause mild symptoms, others can have potentially fatal consequences. Puppy-proof your home by keeping food, medications, and toxic plants out of reach. Make sure you give your dog human foods that are safe for him to eat. When in doubt, stick to healthy dog treats instead of sharing your meals with your pup. Most importantly, contact your vet if you think your dog has eaten something toxic.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mary Johnson
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Why does my dog have diarrhea? (and when it’s time to see the vet)
Your dog has the runs — should you run to the vet?
A close-up of a husky in sunlight

Being a dog parent can be a joyful experience — no matter what your boss thinks of you, you can count on your pup to show you affection when you walk in the door. In exchange for their unconditional love and affection, dogs require that we take care of them and — sigh — pick up their poop (your neighborhood's code enforcement requires the latter, to be more precise). Cleaning up after a dog also gives pet parents a role they may not have expected when they brought their furry friend home: Poop inspector.

Poop is a sign of a dog's overall health. Regular, firm stool that resembles a caterpillar is one sign your pup is feeling well. If the stool is loose, you may need an answer to the question, "Why does my dog have diarrhea?" That depends. While we can't answer the question definitively, we can provide some common causes of diarrhea and what to do.

Read more
Why do dogs like peanut butter so much? It’s more than just taste
Here's why peanut butter makes a great snack for dogs
Dog licks its nose while sitting

Every pet owner knows that a small scoop of peanut butter goes a long way toward making you a better pet parent, at least in the eyes of your pooch. A spoonful of PB is the perfect snack for many owners when trying to get Fido to take a pill or do a trick, but why do dogs like peanut butter in the first place? Like so many things, it's mostly evolution with a little human encouragement along the way.

Why do dogs like peanut butter?
Interestingly, while wolves and domestic cats are carnivores, dogs are officially omnivores. That means that they eat all kinds of foods, including meat and fruits, nuts, and veggies. Your pet cat can't really taste sweet things, but your dog definitely can (you knew that though, right). So it's a safe bet that part of the reason canine pets crave peanut butter and other similar treats is their insatiable sweet tooth.
Additionally, nuts, even in butter form, contain quite a bit of protein. Like us, pets need this to thrive and feel full. Of course, our buds will naturally seek out food that's good for them, like high-protein snacks. Lastly, one theory suggests that nut butters might smell meaty to animals. If that doesn't resonate with you, remember dogs have a sense of smell AT LEAST 10,000 times ours.
We may never get a definitive answer on exactly why pups go crazy for this gooey stuff — perhaps it's the smell, the sugar, or the protein. Most likely all three. And best of all, your dog's favorite snack is always whatever you happen to be eating. Don't be surprised if they start licking their chops any time you reach for the peanut butter jar for your own sandwich.

Read more
These 4 diabetic dog treats are healthy, tasty, & can be made in 30 minutes
Diabetic dog treats that are both healthy and delicious
a dog with his back to the camera reaches for a treat that a woman holds out

A diagnosis of canine diabetes can throw any dog owner for a loop, but with the right dietary management, these pups can live just as long and happily as any other. They don’t have to miss out on anything — even treats for diabetic dogs are becoming simpler to find... and to make! Homemade diabetic dog treats are a great option that gives pet parents more control over their furry friend’s diet, even just for treats. Every owner of a diabetic dog should consider them!
These treats are not only safe for diabetic dogs, but they’re also easy to make. Some take as little as five minutes! With diverse ingredients from veggies to protein and even a little fruit, you’ll have plenty of options to give your health-conscious pup something yummy. Who said healthy had to be boring?

What to look for in a healthy treat for diabetic dogs
When your dog has been recently diagnosed with diabetes, you may feel pressure to change every little thing about their diet. The good news is that many ingredients you have at home are perfectly suitable for your diabetic dog, and if you already make dog treats at home, you may not have to make as many changes as you thought.

Read more