Human foods might seem harmless, but many pose serious risks to dogs. Every year, over 400,000 pet poisonings occur in the US, with household foods playing a major role. Knowing what food dog can not eat is essential for every pet owner to prevent emergencies like vomiting, seizures, or even death.
This comprehensive guide lists dangerous foods your dog must avoid, explains why they’re toxic, and shares safe alternatives. Always consult your vet for personalized advice, especially for breeds with sensitivities.
For more on safe options during tummy troubles, check what can dogs eat for an upset stomach.
Why Human Foods Can Be Toxic to Dogs
Dogs process food differently than humans due to variations in metabolism and digestion. Substances like theobromine in chocolate build up quickly in their systems, leading to toxicity. Cyanide in certain fruit pits or high fat content in meats can cause organ damage, blockages, or pancreatitis.
Toxicity levels depend on your dog’s size, age, breed, and health. Small breeds and puppies face higher risks from even tiny amounts. According to veterinary experts, prevention starts with awareness—stick to dog-safe treats and commercial kibble.
Dangerous Foods Dogs Cannot Eat
Here’s a detailed list of 23 common human foods that are harmful or outright toxic. Each includes symptoms and why to avoid them. Keep these out of reach to protect your furry friend.
A bottle of alcohol dangerous for dogs
1. Alcohol
Even small amounts of alcohol hit dogs harder due to their smaller size. It causes vomiting, breathing issues, coma, or death, mimicking human intoxication but faster.
2. Apple, Apricot, Cherry, and Plum Seeds/Pits
Fleshy fruits like apples are okay in moderation, but seeds and pits contain cyanide. This leads to oxygen deprivation, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, seizures, or worse. Pits also risk choking or intestinal blockages.
Avocado that can harm dogs
The creamy avocado flesh upsets stomachs, but pits cause GI obstructions. In rare cases, it triggers heart damage—best skipped entirely.
3. Avocado
Veterinarians note avocados affect other animals severely; dogs risk pancreatitis or blockages from pits.
4. Broccoli
Isothiocyanates in large quantities irritate the GI tract, causing gas or obstructions from stalks. Small bits occasionally are fine, but healthier options exist.
Coffee grounds toxic to dogs
5. Caffeine and Coffee Grounds
Methylxanthines speed up the heart, causing vomiting, seizures, tremors, and arrhythmias. Even grounds from your morning brew are risky.
Fatty meats like chicken skin, turkey skin, or ham trigger pancreatitis—a painful, potentially fatal inflammation. Bones splinter, piercing intestines.
For breed-specific diets beyond kibble, see what do huskies eat besides dog food.
Fatty meats like ham that dogs should avoid
6. Chicken/Turkey Skin, Ham, and Fatty Meats
7. Chocolate
Theobromine and caffeine vary by type—dark chocolate is deadliest. Symptoms: hyperactivity, diarrhea, heart issues, seizures. Call your vet immediately if ingested.
Chocolate bars harmful to pets
Grapes and raisins cause kidney failure via tartaric acid. Just a few can trigger vomiting, lethargy, and no urination.
8. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins toxic for dogs
9. Macadamia Nuts, Almonds, Pistachios
Macadamias cause weakness, vomiting, hyperthermia; six nuts suffice for small dogs. Other nuts pose choking risks.
Nuts like macadamia dangerous for dogs
Many dogs are lactose intolerant, leading to diarrhea from milk/dairy. Ice cream adds sugar/fat woes.
10. Milk and Dairy Products
Opt for low-fat cheese sparingly if tolerated.
Dairy products that upset dog stomachs
Wild mushrooms contain liver/kidney toxins; even store-bought ones risk hallucinations.
11. Mushrooms
Mushrooms potentially poisonous to dogs
Nutmeg’s myristicin induces hallucinations, seizures; cinnamon irritates mouths, drops blood sugar.
12. Nutmeg and Cinnamon
Spices like nutmeg unsafe for dogs
Alliums damage red blood cells, causing anemia. Powders in baby food sneak in easily.
13. Onions, Garlic, Chives, Leeks
Japanese breeds like Shiba Inus are extra sensitive.
Onions and garlic toxic to dogs
Excess salt disrupts electrolytes, leading to tremors or seizures.
14. Salt
Salt that can poison dogs
15. Spicy Food
Capsaicin burns GI tracts, causing ulcers and pain.
Cap dogs from anything spicy to avoid vet bills.
Xylitol crashes blood sugar, risks liver failure—even five gum pieces kill a 65-lb dog.
16. Sugar-Free Gum/Candy (Xylitol)
Xylitol gum deadly for dogs
Green tomato parts/potatoes have solanine, toxic like nightshade.
17. Tomatoes and Raw Potatoes
Ripe red tomatoes okay sparingly.
Unripe tomatoes harmful to pets
Nicotine causes rapid symptoms: vomiting, seizures, coma.
18. Tobacco
Act fast on butts or cigars.
Tobacco products dangerous for dogs
Yeast ferments into alcohol; dough expands painfully.
19. Yeast and Raw Dough
Raw dough that expands in dog stomachs
Raw meat risks bacteria like Salmonella; bones choke.
20. Raw Meat
Raw meat unsafe for dogs
Rhubarb leaves’ oxalates bind calcium, risking kidney failure.
21. Rhubarb
Rhubarb leaves toxic to dogs
22. Star Fruit
Same oxalate crystals as rhubarb—avoid entirely.
Star fruit harmful for pets
Carbonation/additives cause bloating; stick to plain water.
23. Flavored/Seltzer Water
Seltzer water not ideal for dogs
Safe Human Foods Dogs Can Eat
Not all people food is off-limits. Here’s 13 healthy options in moderation. For a full overview, read what can dogs eat and what can they not eat.
Fruits like apples safe for dogs without seeds
1. Apples, Oranges, Bananas
Seedless flesh provides crunch and vitamins.
Antioxidant-rich berries boost immunity.
2. Blueberries and Blackberries
Berries beneficial for dog health
3. Cantaloupe, Mango, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Watermelon
Pit/seed-free, hydrating treats.
Low-cal veggies aid weight control.
4. Carrots, Cucumber, Celery
Vegetables like carrots good for dogs
Low-fat cheese for tolerant dogs.
5. Cheese
Cooked eggs offer protein; great for upset tummies.
See what can a dog eat for an upset stomach.
Eggs as a healthy dog treat
6. Eggs
Unsalted nuts sparingly due to fat.
7. Peanuts, Peanut Butter, Cashews
Peanut butter safe in moderation for dogs
Air-popped popcorn (no kernels) for fun.
8. Popcorn and Corn
Coconut aids skin; honey vitamins.
9. Coconut and Honey
Coconut and honey treats for dogs
Cooked, plain shellfish/fish twice weekly max.
10. Shrimp and Fish
Skinless turkey protein boost.
11. Turkey
Turkey meat safe without skin
12. Grains, Wheat, Quinoa
Watch allergies.
Green beans: low-cal, fiber-rich.
13. Green Beans
Green beans as nutritious dog snacks
Which Dogs Face Higher Risks?
Small breeds, puppies, seniors, and those with conditions like kidney disease are vulnerable. For specifics on forbidden foods, explore what food dog can not eat.
Prevention Tips for Toxic Food Exposure
Store goodies high or locked. No table scraps. Train family—no sneaky treats. Holiday vigilance key.
Emergency Steps if Your Dog Eats Toxic Food
Watch for vomiting, lethargy, bloating. Call vet/poison hotline ASAP with details. Skip inducing vomit unless advised.
Keep Your Dog Safe and Healthy
Armed with this list of what food dog can not eat, you can treat confidently with safe picks. Prioritize vet check-ups and quality pet insurance for peace of mind. Share your dog’s favorite safe snacks in comments!
Sources
- WebMD: Top 10 Dog Poisons (2023)
- Colorado State University: Chocolate Toxicity (2023)
- AKC: Fruits/Veggies for Dogs (2024)
- AKC: Alcohol in Dogs (2023)
- PetMD: Apples for Dogs (2022)
- Chewy: Plums for Dogs (2023)
- Merck Vet Manual: Avocado Toxicosis (2024)
- ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid
- AKC: Human Foods for Dogs (2024)
- PetMD: Nuts for Dogs (2023)
- PetMD: Milk for Dogs (2024)
- PetMD: Nutmeg for Dogs (2023)
- VCA Hospitals: Allium Toxicity (2024)
- AKC: Tomatoes for Dogs (2024)
- AKC: Potatoes for Dogs (2023)
- AKC: Cigarette Butts (2023)
- Preventive Vet: Dough Toxicity (2024)
- Pet Poison Helpline: Rhubarb
- Rover: Carbonated Water (n.d.)
- PetMD: Fruits for Dogs (2024)
- AKC: Green Beans (2022)
- CDC: Pet Food Safety (2024)
