Dogs are expert beggars, and many will eat almost anything. Some human foods are perfectly safe as treats, while others can cause serious illness or death. Knowing the most common foods toxic to dogs could save your pet’s life. Here’s a list of the most dangerous foods and what to do if your dog eats one.
Quick Answer: The most dangerous foods for dogs include xylitol (in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters), chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol, caffeine and raw yeast dough. If your dog eats any of these, call your vet, an emergency clinic or a pet poison hotline right away.
The Most Dangerous Foods
| Food | Why it’s dangerous | Possible effects |
|---|---|---|
| Xylitol | Causes a rapid insulin release | Low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure |
| Chocolate | Theobromine and caffeine | Vomiting, fast heart rate, tremors, seizures |
| Grapes, raisins, currants | Tartaric acid is the suspected toxin | Sudden kidney failure |
| Onions, garlic, leeks, chives | Damage red blood cells | Anemia, weakness |
| Macadamia nuts | Unknown toxin | Weakness, tremors, fever |
| Alcohol | Depresses the nervous system | Vomiting, low blood sugar, coma |
| Caffeine | Stimulant | Restlessness, fast heart rate, seizures |
| Raw yeast dough | Expands in the stomach and produces alcohol | Bloating, alcohol poisoning |
| Cooked bones | Splinter | Choking, gut injuries |
| Fatty foods | High fat | Pancreatitis |
| Avocado | Persin (mainly in pit, skin and leaves) | Stomach upset; pit can cause blockage |
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center lists these among common food toxins for pets.
Xylitol: Hidden in Many Products
Xylitol may be listed as “birch sugar.” It’s found in:
- Sugar-free gum and mints
- Some peanut butters and nut butters
- Sugar-free baked goods
- Some toothpastes and mouthwashes
- Some vitamins and medications
Even small amounts can be dangerous. Always check labels before sharing peanut butter.
Chocolate: The Darker, the Worse
| Type | Risk level |
|---|---|
| Cocoa powder, baking chocolate | Highest |
| Dark chocolate | High |
| Milk chocolate | Moderate |
| White chocolate | Low theobromine, but high fat |
Small dogs are at greater risk. Pet Health Man has more on what to do if your dog eats chocolate.
Grapes and Raisins
Some dogs develop kidney failure after eating even a few grapes or raisins, while others seem unaffected. There’s no known safe amount. Treat any ingestion as an emergency.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
- Stay calm and move your dog away from the food.
- Figure out what and how much was eaten, and when. Keep the packaging.
- Call your vet, an emergency clinic or a pet poison hotline right away. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).
- Don’t make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to. Home methods like salt or hydrogen peroxide can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
- Go to the vet if advised. Early treatment works best.
Safe Treats to Share
- Plain cooked chicken or turkey
- Carrots and green beans
- Apple slices without seeds or core
- Blueberries
- Plain cooked pumpkin
- Plain cooked rice
- Xylitol-free peanut butter in small amounts
Keep treats under 10% of daily calories. See is your dog overweight.
Preventing Accidents
- Store gum, candy, chocolate and baked goods out of reach.
- Keep purses and backpacks closed and off the floor.
- Secure trash cans.
- Teach guests and children what not to share.
- Train “leave it.”
When to Call Your Vet
Call right away if your dog ate: xylitol, chocolate, grapes or raisins, onions or garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol, caffeine or raw dough.
Get emergency care if your dog: is vomiting repeatedly, weak, shaking, having seizures, collapsed or has a bloated belly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a small amount of chocolate dangerous?
It depends on the type and your dog’s size. Call your vet or a poison hotline for advice.
Can dogs eat peanut butter?
Yes, if it doesn’t contain xylitol.
Are onions dangerous if cooked?
Yes. Cooked, raw, powdered and dried onions are all toxic.
Can dogs eat bread?
Plain baked bread is fine in small amounts. Raw dough is dangerous.
Is cheese safe for dogs?
Small amounts are usually fine, but cheese is high in fat and some dogs are lactose intolerant.
Are cherries safe?
The flesh is generally safe in small amounts, but pits, stems and leaves contain compounds that can release cyanide and are a choking risk.
Can dogs eat ice cream?
Dairy and sugar can upset many dogs’ stomachs, and some flavors contain xylitol or chocolate. Choose dog-specific frozen treats instead.
Are tomatoes safe for dogs?
Ripe tomato flesh is generally safe in small amounts, but green tomatoes, stems and leaves can cause stomach upset.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you’re worried about your pet’s health, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital.
