Your dog is so much more than a pet; they’re family, and so naturally, you want to spoil them rotten. But when it comes to pampering your pooch with tasty goodies, beware. Many common foods that are perfectly safe for humans are toxic to dogs.
Things like chocolate, grapes, macadamia nuts, onions, and avocados are bad news for pups. It’s also not safe to feed your dog raw meat, uncooked dough, caffeine, or leftover bones. Although some of these might not be toxic, they’re equally dangerous, posing risks like choking or gastrointestinal complications.
So maybe your fur baby is notorious for snatching yummies off the counter (or out of the trash), or they’re just really persuasive with their puppy-dog eyes. Either way, it’s vital to know what foods are a no-go and to protect your pooch from getting hold of them.
Keep These Off the Menu: Toxic Foods for Dogs
Here are 15 common foods that are toxic to dogs and what you can offer instead when your dog wants a snack (always in moderation, of course).
1. Chocolate
Most dog lovers know that chocolate is bad for dogs. However, it’s worth repeating, because it’s still a food that plenty of people keep around the house. It’s especially common around holidays like Halloween and Valentine’s Day when chocolate quantities seem to triple.
It’s too easy to forget that heart-shaped box of goodies on the counter or drop a couple of mini chocolate bars out of an overflowing trick-or-treat basket. Therefore, always remember to play it safe and keep your goodies well out of reach of your pups.
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine (which is another taboo for pups). The higher the cocoa content, the worse it gets, so dark chocolate and baking chocolate are even more risky.
If your dog gets hold of chocolate, look for these signs of poisoning: vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures.
Instead of chocolate, try: Carob treats. They look and taste similar to chocolate (at least to dogs), but they’re totally safe for your canine pal
2. Grapes (and Raisins)
Grapes and any form of them, like raisins, grape jam, etc., are like toxic ninjas for dogs. Why? Well, some dogs seem not to react to them, while others can go into sudden kidney failure.
But if your pup gets hold of grapes, don’t wait to see if they react because if they do, by the time they show signs, it could be too late. You need to be proactive on this one. As soon as your dog eats a grape (or you think they have), take them to the vet or animal clinic.
Unfortunately, researchers and scientists can’t pinpoint exactly why grapes do this. Therefore, experts recommend keeping all pieces and forms of the fruit away from your pet.
Signs of grape poisoning include: lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, increased thirst or urination.
Instead of grapes, try: Blueberries. Dogs can eat blueberries safely, and they’re packed with antioxidants.
3. Onions, Garlic, and Chives
Onions, garlic, and chives are popular additions to many meals, adding plenty of flavor. But make sure your pup doesn’t get any while you’re slicing, dicing, or chopping. Likewise, if you have dishes with these ingredients, avoid giving table scraps to your dog (which is better for them anyway).
It doesn’t matter if these foods are raw, cooked, or in powdered form; they’re all bad for dogs. They wreak havoc on your pup’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
If your dog eats onions, garlic, or chives, they might show these signs: weakness, pale gums, vomiting, elevated heart rate, and collapse.
Instead of chives, garlic, or onions, try: Carrots. Serve them cooked or raw and plain, and make sure to slice them into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
4. Avocados
Avocados contain persin, which is toxic to dogs. The pit also poses a major choking hazard and could lead to an intestinal blockage.
Signs of poisoning: upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing (in extreme cases), blocked intestines (if they eat the pit).
Instead of avocados, try: Pumpkin puree. Make sure it’s plain pumpkin, not pie filling, which contains sugar and spices.
5. Macadamia Nuts
Even small amounts of macadamia nuts are poisonous for dogs. These nuts are toxic even in small quantities.
Signs of macadamia nut poisoning: weakness (especially in the back legs), vomiting, tremors, fever.
Instead of macadamia nuts, try: Unsalted peanut butter. Dogs love peanut butter. Spread a small spoonful onto a treat licking mat to give your dog a tasty snack and a fun way to pass the time.
6. Xylitol (Ingredient in Sugar-Free Foods)
Xylitol is a common sugar substitute that’s in everything from gum and baked goods to peanut butter and toothpaste. It can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar when dogs ingest it, and it can also potentially lead to liver failure.
Signs of Xylitol poisoning: vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, sudden lethargy.
Instead of sugar-free foods, try: Natural peanut butter. The fewer ingredients, the better. Always read labels.
7. Alcohol
There isn’t really any reason to give your dog alcohol, but sometimes a curious pup could find themselves lapping up a spilled cocktail. Alcohol affects dogs much faster than it does humans, and it can be deadly.
Signs of alcohol poisoning: vomiting, lack of coordination, drowsiness, slowed breathing, unconsciousness.
Instead of alcohol, try: Dog-safe beer (yes, it’s a thing). Or give your pup a bowl of no-salt broth or broth-based treats specifically made for dogs.
8. Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, Energy Drinks)
You might need a cup of coffee before you can function in the morning, but caffeine overstimulates your dog’s nervous system and heart. It only takes a few licks to send Fido into overdrive. But it’s important to remember that caffeine isn’t just in coffee. Chocolate, tea, and energy drinks are other common caffeine culprits.
Signs of caffeine poisoning: hyperactivity, restlessness, rapid breathing, tremors, seizures.
Instead of coffee, try: A frozen dog-safe popsicle. Look in the freezer section of your local pet store to find some yummy options that are safe for your pup.
9. Leftover Bones
Bones may not be toxic for dogs in the sense of being poisonous, but they’re still very dangerous. Although the classic stereotype is to give dogs leftover chicken bones, etc. it’s a big no-no. The bones can crack and splinter, and can cause choking, blockages, and internal injuries.
Signs your dog is in trouble from eating bones: gagging, drooling, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain.
Instead of cooked, leftover bones, try: Synthetic bones made specifically for dogs.
10. Raw Dough
Again, you likely aren’t tossing your dog balls of raw dough on purpose. However, if you’re cooking or baking, be aware of any pieces that drop on the ground. If your dog scoops them up, the unbaked dough can rise in their stomach, leading to a life-threatening emergency.
Signs of issues from eating raw dough: bloating, vomiting that doesn’t seem to produce anything, disorientation, difficulty standing.
Instead of raw dough, try: Dog-safe baked treats.
11. Salt (in Large Quantities)
If your dog snags one of your potato chips, you don’t need to panic. However, too much salt can lead to salt toxicosis.
Signs of salt poisoning: vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, excessive thirst or urination, seizures.
Instead of salty treats, try: Unsalted, plain popcorn (air-popped).
12. Milk and Dairy Products
This is another one that although not exactly toxic, it could cause your dog some problems. Although not all dogs are lactose intolerant, many are. Therefore, eating or drinking too much dairy can lead to an upset stomach and complications.
Signs of lactose intolerance: bloating, excessive gas, loose stools.
Instead of milk or dairy products, try: Lactose-free yogurt or doggy ice-cream.
13. Fat Trimmings and Grease
You might have the best intentions when you’re sneaking your pup a bit of bacon fat, but think again. High-fat foods can trigger pancreatitis.
Signs of pancreatitis: vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, a hunched posture, decreased appetite.
Instead of fatty foods, try: Lean, cooked chicken or turkey. Make sure the meat isn’t fried, has no skin, and is unseasoned.
14. Apple Seeds and Pits from Stone Fruits
Feeding your dog a small bit of apple is actually a healthy snack, but the apple seeds are another story. The seeds contain cyanide (yep, you don’t want to eat them either). Pits from stone fruits (cherries, peaches, etc.) are also toxic and pose choking and blockage risks.
Signs of poisoning: difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, red gums, shock.
Instead, try: Sliced apples or peaches. Make sure to dispose of all seeds and pits.
15. Raw Eggs, Meat, and Fish
Raw foods potentially carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli.
Signs of illness from eating raw foods: vomiting, fever, diarrhea, lethargy.
Instead, try: Cooked eggs (scrambled, no butter or salt) or plain cooked meat.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
If your dog gets into something on this list (or you’re unsure about something your dog eats), don’t wait for a reaction. Also, do not induce vomiting. Call your vet or the ASPCA Pet Poison Control (888) 426-4435 immediately. Time is of the essence in these situations, and it’s better to overreact than to wait and see.
Be ready to provide information about what your dog ate and how much they ate. If the packaging is available, have it ready to give more information on ingredients. Monitor your dog for symptoms and changes.
For more tips on keeping your dog safe, check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog.