As pet owners, we often share our favorite foods with our furry companions without realizing the potential dangers lurking in our kitchens. While many human foods are safe for pets, some common household items can be toxic or even fatal to dogs and cats.
Studies have shown that food-related poisonings account for a significant portion of hazardous exposure cases in pets.
According to data from the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, foods were responsible for 14.8% of reported incidents.1 When it comes to your dog’s diet, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Here are 20 common human foods toxic to dogs.
1. Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both methylxanthines that dogs can’t metabolize effectively. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for dogs, with baking chocolate being the most toxic.
Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, seizures and heart problems. If your dog ingests chocolate, the severity of the reaction depends on the type and amount consumed, as well as the dog’s size.
2. Grapes & Raisins
These seemingly harmless fruits can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. The exact toxic substance in grapes and raisins is unknown, making it difficult to determine a safe amount.
Even a small serving can be fatal to some dogs, while others may show no symptoms. Signs of grape or raisin toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, which can progress to more severe symptoms if left untreated. Here is a raisin toxicity calculator that can help you figure out how severe it is for your dog.
3. Onions & Garlic
All members of the allium family, including onions, garlic, leeks, and chives, are toxic to dogs. These foods contain compounds that can damage a dog’s red blood cells, potentially leading to anemia.
Symptoms may not appear for several days after ingestion and can include weakness, vomiting, and breathing problems. Garlic is considered to be about five times as toxic as onions for dogs.
4. Xylitol
This artificial sweetener is commonly found in sugar-free gum, candies, and some peanut butter brands. In dogs, xylitol causes a rapid drop in blood sugar and can lead to liver failure.
Even small amounts can be dangerous, with symptoms appearing within 30 minutes of ingestion. These can include vomiting, loss of coordination, and seizures. Always check labels for xylitol, especially on sugar-free products.
5. Macadamia Nuts
While the exact mechanism is unknown, macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, and hyperthermia in dogs. These symptoms typically appear within 12 hours of ingestion.
Even a small amount can cause problems, with some dogs showing symptoms after eating as few as six nuts. While rarely fatal, macadamia nut toxicity can cause significant discomfort and require veterinary care.
6. Avocado
Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. While the flesh contains less persin than other parts of the fruit, it’s still best to avoid giving avocado to dogs.
The biggest danger comes from the large pit, which can cause choking or intestinal blockage if swallowed. Additionally, the high fat content in avocados can lead to pancreatitis in some dogs.
7. Caffeine
Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages and foods can be very dangerous to dogs. Like chocolate, these contain methylxanthines that dogs can’t properly metabolize.
Ingestion can lead to restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors. In severe cases, caffeine toxicity can cause seizures and even be fatal. Keep all caffeinated products out of your dog’s reach.
8. Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause serious problems in dogs. Even small amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, and difficulty breathing.
In severe cases, alcohol can cause coma or even death. It’s crucial to keep all alcoholic beverages and foods containing alcohol well out of your dog’s reach.
9. Raw or Undercooked Meat
While dogs are carnivores, raw or undercooked meat can harbor bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli that can be harmful to dogs. These pathogens can cause severe gastrointestinal issues.
Additionally, raw eggs contain an enzyme that can lead to skin and coat problems. It’s always safer to feed your dog properly cooked meat and eggs to avoid these risks.
10. Salt
While small amounts of salt are necessary for dogs, too much can be harmful. Excessive salt intake can cause excessive thirst and urination, and in severe cases, sodium ion poisoning.
Symptoms of too much salt can include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, and seizures. Avoid giving your dog salty snacks and be cautious with homemade play dough, which often contains large amounts of salt.
11. Yeast Dough
Raw dough containing yeast can continue to rise in your dog’s stomach, causing gas to accumulate. This can lead to dangerous bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).
Moreover, as the yeast ferments the dough, it produces alcohol which can lead to alcohol poisoning. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and vomiting.
12. Nutmeg
This common baking spice contains myristicin, which can cause hallucinations and disorientation in dogs if consumed in large amounts. While it’s unlikely a dog would eat enough nutmeg to cause serious problems, it’s best to keep it out of reach.
Small doses might cause mild stomach upset, but large doses can lead to more severe symptoms like increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and even seizures. Be especially careful during the holiday baking season.
13. Dairy Products
Many dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzymes needed to digest milk and dairy products. While not toxic, dairy can cause digestive upset in many dogs.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs include diarrhea, vomiting, and gas. Some dogs may be able to tolerate small amounts of dairy, but it’s generally best to avoid it unless you’re certain your dog can handle it.
14. Almonds
While not as toxic as macadamia nuts, almonds can still pose a risk to dogs. They can block the esophagus or even tear the windpipe if not chewed properly.
Salted almonds are especially dangerous because of their high salt content. Additionally, the high fat content in almonds can lead to pancreatitis in some dogs.
15. Cinnamon
While cinnamon is not toxic to dogs, it can irritate the inside of their mouths, making them uncomfortable and sick. Inhaling cinnamon powder can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and choking.
In large quantities, cinnamon can lower a dog’s blood sugar, lead to liver disease, and cause vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in heart rate. It’s best to keep cinnamon and cinnamon-flavored foods away from your dog.
16. Corn on the Cob
While corn itself is not harmful to dogs, the cob can cause serious problems if swallowed. Corn cobs can easily become lodged in a dog’s small intestine, causing a dangerous blockage.
This is a particular risk for small and medium-sized dogs. Symptoms of an intestinal blockage include vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. If you suspect your dog has eaten a corn cob, contact your vet immediately.
17. Persimmons, Peaches & Plums
The problem with these fruits is not the flesh itself, but rather the seeds or pits. These can cause intestinal obstruction and inflammation of the small intestine in dogs.
The pits of peaches and plums also contain cyanide, which is poisonous to both humans and dogs. Always remove pits and seeds before sharing any safe fruits with your dog.
18. Raw Potatoes
Green or raw potatoes contain solanine, a compound that can be toxic to dogs. Cooking reduces the levels of solanine, making cooked potatoes safe in moderation.
Symptoms of solanine poisoning include gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, weakness, and confusion. Always ensure potatoes are fully cooked before sharing small amounts with your dog.
19. Rhubarb
The leaves of the rhubarb plant contain oxalic acid, which can cause kidney problems in dogs. While the stalks are less toxic, they can still cause gastrointestinal upset.
Symptoms of rhubarb poisoning can include drooling, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, tremors, and bloody urine. Keep rhubarb plants out of reach if you grow them in your garden.
20. Tobacco
While not a food, tobacco is often accessible in many households and can be very dangerous if ingested by dogs. Nicotine in tobacco can cause rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and cardiac arrest.
Symptoms of nicotine poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, constricted pupils, drooling, and seizures. Keep all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine gum, well out of your dog’s reach.
Remember, this list isn’t exhaustive, and many other foods can be harmful to dogs. When in doubt, it’s always best to stick to dog-specific foods and treats.
If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately. Quick action can often mean the difference between a scare and a tragedy.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.