As loving dog owners, we want to share everything with our furry friends, including delicious human foods. However, many common household items that are perfectly safe for us can be extremely dangerous, even fatal, for dogs. Understanding what food dogs can’t eat is crucial for preventing pet poisonings, which sadly affect hundreds of thousands of pets annually. This comprehensive guide, reviewed by veterinary experts, serves as your essential “cheat sheet” to help keep your beloved companion safe and healthy. Knowing the distinction between safe and harmful foods is the first step in responsible pet care, safeguarding your dog from unexpected toxic exposures.
Why Certain Foods Are Toxic to Dogs
Dogs’ digestive systems and metabolisms differ significantly from humans, meaning their bodies process certain substances in unique ways. For instance, dogs metabolize the theobromine and caffeine found in chocolate much slower than humans, leading to a rapid buildup of these toxic compounds in their systems. This can quickly become fatal. Similarly, while the fleshy part of fruits like cherries is fine, their pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide, which can be problematic if consumed in large quantities. Moreover, fruit pits can cause digestive upset and potential obstructions.
Food toxicity can also vary based on a dog’s size, breed, and existing health conditions. A small dog, for example, will be far more susceptible to the effects of a toxic substance than a large breed. Therefore, always consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about specific foods your dog might have ingested or should avoid.
Dangerous Foods Dogs Cannot Eat: An Essential List
Many everyday household foods pose significant dangers, and are often toxic, to dogs. This list compiles some of the most common and dangerous items you must keep away from your canine friend. While this covers many problematic foods, it is not an exhaustive list.
1. Alcohol
Alcohol can have a deadly effect on dogs, even in small amounts, due to their smaller body size. The smaller the pet, the more dangerous even a tiny quantity can be. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in dogs mirror those in humans, including vomiting, breathing difficulties, coma, and even death.
2. Apple, Apricot, Cherry, and Plum Seeds/Pits
While the flesh of apples is safe, their core and seeds are not. Apple seeds contain cyanide, and though small amounts may not be immediately harmful, it’s safest to avoid them entirely. Apricot, cherry, peach, and plum seeds and pits also contain cyanide, which can lead to vomiting, irregular heartbeat, seizures, coma, and death by impairing red blood cell oxygen transport.
3. Avocado
Avocados are generally not a good choice for dogs. While the exact toxic mechanism in dogs is debated, some reports link avocado consumption to myocardial damage in canines. Furthermore, an intact avocado pit can cause a dangerous gastrointestinal obstruction. It’s best to keep this fruit off your dog’s menu.
Avocado is not a good choice for dogs, as the pit can cause GI obstruction and the fruit may cause issues.
4. Broccoli
Broccoli contains isothiocyanates, which can be harmful to pets in very large doses. Small amounts might be occasionally acceptable, but with many healthier and safer options available, it’s often best to avoid it. Broccoli stalks can also pose a choking hazard or cause an obstruction if swallowed whole.
5. Caffeine and Coffee Grounds
Caffeine contains methylxanthines, which can cause severe and potentially fatal symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and irregular heart rhythms. Ingestion of coffee grounds or highly caffeinated drinks can cause a dog’s heart to race, leading to tremors, arrhythmia, difficulty breathing, and other serious symptoms.
6. Fatty Meats (Chicken & Turkey Skin, Ham)
Fatty cuts of meat, including ham and poultry skin, are not healthy treats for dogs. Their high-fat content can trigger acute pancreatitis, a life-threatening illness with severe complications. Instead of feeding these to your pet, it’s safer to discard them.
It’s also crucial to avoid giving dogs cooked poultry bones. These bones can splinter easily, leading to internal obstructions or damage to the stomach and intestines. In severe cases, a puncture can cause a fatal abdominal infection.
7. Chocolate
Chocolate toxicity is a frequent cause of pet poisoning. Dogs absolutely cannot eat any chocolate product. Chocolate contains theobromine, a lethal compound, with darker chocolates having higher concentrations. It also contains caffeine, and some sugar-free chocolates may contain xylitol, both highly toxic to dogs. Dogs metabolize chocolate poorly compared to humans. Dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate are the most dangerous, but any type of chocolate can cause problems.
Symptoms of chocolate ingestion include hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, abnormal heart rhythm, and seizures. If your dog consumes any amount of chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and can cause a range of serious symptoms.
8. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are exceptionally dangerous for dogs and can cause severe problems, including acute kidney failure. The tartaric acid present in these fruits is highly toxic to a dog’s kidneys, and even a small amount can wreak havoc.
Symptoms of raisin or grape poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, changes in urine output (from excessive to none). Rapid veterinary intervention is critical if ingestion occurs.
9. Macadamia Nuts, Almonds, and Pistachios
Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause painful symptoms such as weakness, overheating, and vomiting. The exact mechanism of toxicity is unknown, but these nuts are considered dangerous, with as few as six nuts potentially causing severe poisoning in a small dog.
While macadamia nuts are the most perilous, other nuts like pistachios and almonds can be choking hazards, especially if flavored or spiced. It’s generally best to avoid feeding nuts to dogs due to potential risks.
10. Milk and Dairy Products
Milk and other dairy products should be approached with caution. While some dogs can tolerate them, many are lactose intolerant or allergic, experiencing diarrhea and gas after consuming cow’s milk. Ice cream is also unhealthy due to high sugar and fat content. As an alternative, consider freezing small pieces of safe fruits. Cheese, in small quantities, can be acceptable, but opt for lower-fat varieties as treats.
11. Mushrooms
It is safest to avoid feeding mushrooms to your dog entirely. Wild mushrooms can contain a variety of toxins that may lead to kidney and liver failure, vomiting, diarrhea, hallucinations, and red blood cell damage. While washed, white grocery store mushrooms might be okay, choosing a different, safer treat is always preferable.
Wild mushrooms can contain various toxins that can cause kidney and liver failure, vomiting, and other severe symptoms in dogs.
12. Nutmeg and Cinnamon
Dogs should never be given foods containing nutmeg. This spice can induce hallucinations and severe vomiting due to the compound myristicin, which is particularly potent in high doses or for smaller dogs. If your dog ingests any amount of nutmeg, contact your veterinarian.
Cinnamon is not toxic, but it can irritate a dog’s mouth and, in some cases, lead to dangerously low blood sugar, which can have serious health implications for your pup.
13. Onions, Garlic, Chives, and Leeks
Many pet owners are unaware that herbs from the allium family—including onions, garlic, chives, and leeks—are highly unsafe for dogs. These plants contain sulfoxides and disulfides that can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia in both dogs and cats. Be diligent about reading labels, as onion and garlic powders are often hidden ingredients in many prepared human foods, including baby food. All allium plants can cause potentially fatal anemia, with certain Japanese breeds like Akitas and Shiba Inus being particularly sensitive.
14. Salt
Excessive salt intake can disrupt the fluid balance in a dog’s cells, leading to tremors, seizures, diarrhea, or even a coma. Whether from rock salt, homemade play dough, or potato chips, resist those pleading eyes and do not let your dog consume high-salt items.
15. Spicy Food
Keep all spicy foods away from your dog. Hot and spicy ingredients can cause vomiting, stomach ulcers, or diarrhea, resulting in significant pain for your pet and potentially costly emergency veterinary visits.
Spicy food can cause stomach ulcers and diarrhea in dogs, leading to painful symptoms.
16. Sugar-Free Gum and Candy (Xylitol)
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in numerous human foods, including sugar-free gum, candy, and many baked goods. In dogs, even small amounts can cause a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar, leading to weakness and seizures. Some dogs may also develop liver failure. Cases of xylitol poisoning are increasing, with the amount of xylitol in just five pieces of gum potentially fatal for a 65-pound dog. Always check labels for this ingredient before sharing any human food or product with your dog.
17. Tomatoes and Raw Potatoes
Tomatoes and potatoes fall into a “safe in some forms, unsafe in others” category. A ripe, red tomato is generally safe, but the green parts of the tomato plant, including unripe green tomatoes, contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs. Similarly, baked or boiled potatoes without additives are typically safe in small quantities. However, raw potatoes also contain solanine and are therefore toxic to dogs.
18. Tobacco
Tobacco and nicotine-containing products are highly dangerous and unhealthy for dogs. Exposure can cause a range of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, rapid or labored breathing, agitation, abnormal heart rate, wobbliness, muscle weakness, fluctuating blood pressure, seizures, and tremors. More significant or frequent exposure can lead to blue gums, coma, and ultimately be fatal. Dogs’ curious nature means they might ingest cigarette butts or other tobacco products found on walks or in ashtrays. If your dog gets into tobacco, immediate veterinary attention is required.
19. Yeast and Raw Dough
Yeast and raw dough are unsafe for dogs for multiple critical reasons. Raw dough can expand rapidly in a dog’s stomach, causing severe pain, bloating, and potentially life-threatening gastric torsion or rupture. Additionally, the yeast and sugar in raw dough ferment, producing alcohol, which can lead to alcohol toxicity. This is a severe condition requiring immediate medical intervention.
Raw dough can expand in a dog's stomach, causing severe pain, bloating, and potentially life-threatening gastric torsion.
20. Raw Meat
Never feed your dog raw or undercooked meat. Raw meat can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which can sicken dogs just as they can sicken humans. Furthermore, bones in raw meat can present choking hazards or cause internal injuries.
21. Rhubarb
Rhubarb, commonly used in desserts, is not safe for pets. Its leaves contain soluble calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested in sufficient quantities, these crystals can bind with calcium in the body, leading to a dangerous drop in calcium levels and potentially renal failure. Symptoms include tremors, weakness, drooling, bloody urine, changes in thirst and urination, and vomiting.
22. Star Fruit
Similar to rhubarb, star fruit also contains soluble calcium oxalate crystals. Therefore, it is best to prevent your dog from snacking on this fruit due to the potential risks.
23. Flavored and Seltzer Water
Always opt for fresh, clean water for your dog over anything flavored or carbonated. Flavored and seltzer waters can contain added ingredients like sugar or salt that are unsafe for pups. While plain seltzer water might be acceptable in very small, urgent amounts, it can still cause gas and bloating. Sticking to plain water is always the safest choice.
Safe Foods for Dogs: A Complementary List
While it’s important to know what food dogs can’t eat, there’s also a long list of healthy and safe human foods your dog can enjoy in moderation. Some popular safe choices include plain cooked chicken or beef (in small amounts), apples (without core/seeds), green beans, and carrots.
Here are a few popular options that can make great treats:
- Fruits: Apples (flesh only), oranges (small amounts), bananas (peeled), blueberries, blackberries, cantaloupe, mangoes (no pit), peaches (no pit), pears (no core/seeds), pineapples (no core/rind), watermelon (no rind/seeds).
- Vegetables: Carrots, cucumbers, celery, green beans (raw or plain cooked). These are great low-calorie options, especially for overweight dogs.
- Proteins/Fats: Cooked eggs, plain unsalted peanuts and peanut butter (xylitol-free), cashews (unsalted, unflavored), plain air-popped popcorn (no butter/salt), plain cooked corn (off the cob), small amounts of coconut (no shell, caution with milk/fresh), honey, plain fully cooked shrimp (no shell/tail), plain cooked fish (boneless, e.g., salmon, sardines), plain cooked turkey (no skin/fat/bones).
- Dairy (in moderation): Small amounts of low-fat cheese if your dog isn’t lactose intolerant.
- Grains: Small amounts of wheat, other grains, and quinoa (monitor for allergies).
Dogs Most at Risk from Toxic Foods
While all dogs should avoid toxic foods, certain groups are at higher risk if exposure occurs:
- Small Breeds: Due to their lower body weight, smaller dogs are more vulnerable to toxic substances, especially with items like chocolate.
- Puppies: Young dogs have less developed digestive and immune systems, making them more susceptible to harm from certain substances.
- Elderly Dogs: Older dogs may face higher risks due to pre-existing health conditions.
- Dogs with Pre-existing Conditions: Conditions like diabetes or kidney disease can significantly increase a dog’s risk from toxic food ingestion.
Preventing Dogs from Eating Harmful Foods
Accidents happen, but proactive steps can minimize the risk of your dog ingesting unsafe human food:
1. Store Foods Out of Reach
Ensure all toxic foods are inaccessible to your dog. Keep dangerous items on high shelves or locked in cabinets that your dog cannot open.
2. Avoid Feeding from Your Plate
Resist the urge to feed your dog from your plate or while you’re cooking. It’s safest to only offer treats specifically formulated for dogs. This helps reinforce the boundary that human food is not for them.
3. Educate Family Members and Guests
Inform all family members, including children, and guests about the dangers of feeding human food to your dog. Emphasize that no matter how tempting it is, they should never sneak food to your pet.
4. Exercise Caution During Holidays
Be especially vigilant during holidays. The busy atmosphere and abundance of food can make it easy to let your guard down. Always be prepared: keep contact information for emergency veterinarians (available 24/7, including holidays) and poison control readily accessible.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, immediate action is crucial.
Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of food toxicity, which vary depending on the substance ingested. These can include listlessness, distress, pain, vomiting, bloody stools, or a bloated, hard-to-the-touch stomach (which can indicate a life-threatening condition).
If you observe these symptoms, do the following:
- Call your veterinarian or poison control immediately. Time is critical for successful treatment and shorter hospitalization.
- Gather information. Be ready to provide details such as the type of food eaten, the estimated amount consumed, and the time of ingestion.
- Avoid home remedies unless advised by your vet. Remedies vary greatly depending on the toxic agent, and even inducing vomiting can be harmful in certain situations.
Dog Care Story Can Help You Keep Your Dog Healthy
Navigating the complexities of what food dogs can’t eat, along with other household toxins, can be challenging. Dogs don’t always have discerning tastes, but by following this guide and remaining vigilant, you can significantly help protect your dog from harmful foods.
Fortunately, there are many safe and healthy human foods to enjoy with your pup! Discover which safe treats your dog loves, and offer them as rewards. If you are ever unsure about any food, always consult your veterinarian. what foods can i not feed my dog
Remember, staying informed and prepared is the best way to ensure your canine companion lives a long, happy, and healthy life. For more detailed information, explore our other articles such as what human food can dogs eat safely and what fruits dogs can t have.
References
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- “What happens if a dog eats chocolate?” (10/2023), Colorado State University.
- “Fruits and vegetables dogs can or can’t eat,” (3/2024), American Kennel Club.
- “What to do if your dog drinks alcohol,” Jerry Klein (7/2023), American Kennel Club.
- “Can dogs eat apples?” Hector Joy (12/2022), PetMD.
- “Can dogs eat plums?” Katie Koschalk (7/2023), Chewy.
- “Avocado (Persea spp) Toxicosis in Animals,” Cristine Hayes (9/2024), Merck Veterinary Manual.
- “People foods to avoid feeding your pets,” (n.d.), ASPCA.
- “People foods dogs can and can’t eat,” (3/2024), American Kennel Club.
- “Can dogs eat nuts?” Amanda Ardente (1/2023), PetMD.
- “Can dogs drink milk?” Sandra C. Mitchell (1/2024), PetMD.
- “Can dogs have nutmeg?” Barri J. Morrison (11/2023), PetMD.
- “Onion, garlic, chive, and leek poisoning in dogs,” Renee Schmid et al. (2024), VCA Animal Hospitals.
- “Can dogs eat tomatoes?” Anna Burke (10/2024), American Kennel Club.
- “Can dogs eat potatoes?” Katherine Ripley (11/2023), American Kennel Club.
- “What to do if your dog eats a cigarette butt,” (6/2023), American Kennel Club.
- “Dough & dogs: Why it’s bad and what you can do,” Lisa Goldstein (7/2024), Preventive Vet.
- “Rhubarb,” (n.d.), Pet Poison Helpline.
- “Can dogs drink carbonated water?” Heather Logue (n.d.), Rover.
- “What fruits can dogs eat?” Ellen Malmanger (2/2024), PetMD.
- “Can dogs have green beans?” Anna Burke (8/2022), American Kennel Club.
- “About pet food safety,” (4/2024), CDC.
