As loving dog owners, we often want to share every aspect of our lives with our furry companions, and that includes food. However, many human foods, while perfectly safe and even healthy for us, can be extremely dangerous, or even fatal, for dogs. Knowing What People Food Should Dogs Not Eat is crucial to ensure your pet’s well-being. This guide aims to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of common household foods that pose a significant risk to dogs, helping you keep your beloved canine safe and healthy.
Canine digestion and metabolism differ significantly from humans, meaning dogs process certain substances very differently. For instance, compounds like theobromine in chocolate or xylitol in sugar-free products can accumulate rapidly in a dog’s system, leading to severe illness or even death. Understanding these physiological differences is key to preventing accidental poisonings, which sadly affect hundreds of thousands of pets annually.
Why Certain Foods Are Toxic to Dogs
The disparity in canine and human biology is the primary reason some foods are toxic to dogs. Dogs’ bodies metabolize certain compounds much slower than humans, allowing toxins to build up to dangerous levels. For example, theobromine and caffeine in chocolate linger in a dog’s system for an extended period, leading to toxicity. Similarly, natural compounds found in fruit pits and certain vegetables can become problematic in large amounts or due to concentrated toxins.
Furthermore, a dog’s size, breed, and existing health conditions can influence the severity of a reaction to toxic foods. A small dog, a puppy with an undeveloped system, or an elderly dog with underlying health issues will likely be more vulnerable to even small amounts of a harmful substance. Always consult your veterinarian if you have any doubts about a specific food item or if your dog accidentally ingests something questionable. Preventing dogs from eating hazardous items is essential for their health, and knowing what food a dog cannot eat is the first step.
List of Common Foods Dogs Cannot Eat
Many everyday household foods can be dangerous, and often toxic, for dogs. While this list is not exhaustive, it covers some of the most common and critical foods to avoid.
1. Alcohol
Due to their smaller size, alcohol can have a much deadlier effect on dogs than on humans. Even minimal amounts can cause significant harm, with symptoms similar to human alcohol poisoning, including vomiting, breathing difficulties, coma, and even death.
A bottle of alcohol and a glass
2. Apple, Apricot, Cherry, and Plum Seeds/Pits
While the fleshy parts of apples are safe, their seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic in larger amounts. The pits of apricots, cherries, peaches, and plums also contain cyanide. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, irregular heartbeat, seizures, coma, and even death by preventing red blood cells from carrying oxygen properly. It is always best to remove all seeds and pits before offering any fruit to your dog.
3. Avocado
Avocados are not a recommended food for dogs. While the exact toxic mechanism in dogs is debated, they have caused myocardial damage in other species. More importantly, an intact avocado pit can cause a dangerous gastrointestinal tract obstruction if swallowed. Therefore, it’s safest to avoid this fruit entirely.
4. Broccoli
Broccoli contains isothiocyanates, which can be harmful to pets in very large doses. While tiny amounts might be tolerated occasionally, it’s generally best to avoid broccoli as many other healthy alternatives are available. Additionally, broccoli stalks can pose a choking hazard or cause an obstruction in a dog’s throat.
Broccoli florets
5. Caffeine and Coffee Grounds
Caffeine, found in coffee grounds, tea, and energy drinks, contains methylxanthines. These stimulants can cause severe and potentially fatal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and an irregular heartbeat. Even a small amount can lead to a racing heart, tremors, difficulty breathing, and other serious issues.
6. Chicken & Turkey Skin, Ham, and Other Fatty Cuts of Meat
High-fat foods like chicken or turkey skin, ham, and other fatty meat trimmings are detrimental to dogs. Their high-fat content can trigger acute pancreatitis, a life-threatening illness with severe complications. Furthermore, cooked bones from chicken or turkey should also be avoided as they can splinter, causing internal damage, obstruction, or even puncturing the stomach or intestines, leading to fatal abdominal infections. This is a critical consideration when thinking about what type of bones can dogs have.
7. Chocolate
Chocolate toxicity is one of the most widely known dangers for dogs. It contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which dogs cannot metabolize efficiently. The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of these toxic compounds. Symptoms include hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, abnormal heart rhythm, and seizures. Any ingestion of chocolate warrants an immediate call to your veterinarian.
Pieces of chocolate
8. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs and can cause acute kidney failure. The toxic component, tartaric acid, can wreak havoc even in small quantities. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and changes in urination, progressing to no urine production.
9. Macadamia Nuts, Almonds, and Pistachios
Macadamia nuts are particularly dangerous, causing symptoms like weakness, overheating, and vomiting, even from as few as six nuts in a small dog. While the exact mechanism is unknown, they are considered toxic. Other nuts like almonds and pistachios can be choking hazards or problematic if seasoned or spiced. Therefore, avoiding all nuts is generally the safest approach.
10. Milk and Dairy Products
While some dogs can tolerate small amounts of milk or dairy, many are lactose intolerant or allergic, leading to gastrointestinal upset like diarrhea and gas. High-sugar and high-fat dairy products like ice cream are also unhealthy. Small quantities of low-fat cheese might be acceptable as an occasional treat, but caution is advised.
Milk being poured into a bowl
11. Mushrooms
It’s best to err on the side of caution and prevent your dog from eating any mushrooms. Wild mushrooms can contain various toxins that may cause kidney and liver failure, vomiting, diarrhea, hallucinations, and damage to red blood cells. Even store-bought white mushrooms, while potentially safer, are best avoided given the risks.
12. Nutmeg and Cinnamon
Nutmeg contains myristicin, a compound that can cause hallucinations and severe vomiting in dogs, especially in high doses or for smaller dogs. Cinnamon is not toxic but can irritate a dog’s mouth and, in some cases, lead to low blood sugar, which can have serious health consequences. Both spices are best kept away from your canine companion.
13. Onions, Garlic, Chives, and Leeks
All members of the allium family—onions, garlic, chives, and leeks—are highly toxic to dogs. They contain sulfoxides and disulfides that can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. This includes powders found in many prepared foods. Certain Japanese breeds like Akitas and Shiba Inus are particularly sensitive, but these plants are dangerous for all dogs.
14. Salt
Excessive salt intake can disrupt a dog’s cellular fluid balance, leading to symptoms like tremors, seizures, diarrhea, or even a coma. Whether it’s rock salt, homemade play dough, or salty snacks like potato chips, it’s crucial to prevent your dog from consuming too much sodium.
15. Spicy Food
Spicy foods should be entirely off-limits for dogs. Hot and spicy ingredients can cause painful vomiting, stomach ulcers, and diarrhea, potentially leading to emergency veterinary visits.
Sugar-free gum and candy packaging
16. Sugar-Free Gum and Candy (Xylitol)
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products, including gum, candy, and baked goods. In dogs, even small amounts of xylitol can cause a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), leading to weakness, seizures, and potentially liver failure. The ingestion of xylitol requires immediate veterinary attention, as it can be fatal.
17. Tomatoes and Raw Potatoes
The ripened red flesh of a tomato is generally safe for dogs, but the green parts of the plant and unripe green tomatoes contain solanine, which is toxic. Similarly, cooked potatoes (without additives) are safe in small amounts, but raw potatoes also contain solanine and are toxic. Always ensure tomatoes are ripe and potatoes are thoroughly cooked and unseasoned.
18. Tobacco
Tobacco products, containing nicotine, are highly dangerous and unhealthy for dogs. Exposure can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, agitation, abnormal heart rate, wobbliness, muscle weakness, seizures, and tremors. Significant exposure can result in blue gums, coma, and can be fatal. If your dog ingests any tobacco, seek immediate veterinary care.
19. Yeast and Raw Dough
Raw dough containing yeast is extremely hazardous for dogs. The dough can expand in their 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 severe alcohol toxicity and requires immediate medical intervention.
Raw meat with bones
20. Raw Meat
Feeding your dog raw or undercooked meat carries risks of bacterial contamination from Salmonella or E. coli, which can harm both dogs and humans. Additionally, bones in raw meat can pose a choking hazard or cause internal injuries. It is always safer to feed thoroughly cooked meat.
21. Rhubarb
Rhubarb, commonly used in desserts, is unsafe for pets. Its leaves contain soluble calcium oxalate crystals that, if eaten in sufficient quantities, can bind with calcium in the body. This causes a dangerous drop in calcium levels and can lead to renal (kidney) 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 and should not be given to dogs. Ingestion can lead to similar adverse effects, including potential kidney issues.
23. Flavored and Seltzer Water
It is always best to give your dog fresh, clean, plain water. Flavored and seltzer waters can contain added sugars, salts, or artificial sweeteners (like xylitol) that are dangerous for pups. While plain seltzer water might be okay in very small amounts in an emergency, it can cause gas and bloating, making plain water the superior choice.
What Dogs Are Most at Risk if They Consume Toxic Foods?
While all dogs should avoid toxic foods, some are more vulnerable to severe reactions:
- Small Breeds vs. Large Breeds: Smaller dogs are at higher risk due to their lower body weight, making even small amounts of toxins more concentrated and dangerous.
- Puppies: Young dogs have less developed digestive and immune systems, increasing their susceptibility to certain substances and infections.
- Elderly Dogs: Older dogs may have pre-existing health conditions that compromise their ability to process toxins, putting them at greater risk.
- Dogs with Pre-existing Conditions: Dogs with conditions like diabetes or kidney disease are particularly vulnerable to toxic foods, which can exacerbate their health issues. Knowing what vegetables can a diabetic dog eat is especially important for owners of at-risk pets.
How To Prevent Dogs from Eating Toxic Foods
Preventing your dog from consuming unsafe human food requires vigilance and proactive measures:
1. Store Foods Out of Reach
Keep all dangerous food items on high shelves, in secure pantries, or in cabinets that your dog cannot access. This minimizes the chance of accidental ingestion.
2. Avoid Feeding Dogs from Your Plate
Resist the urge to share food from your plate, even if it’s a small treat. This prevents your dog from developing a habit of begging for human food and reduces the risk of inadvertently giving them something harmful. It’s safest to only provide treats made specifically for dogs.
3. Educate Family Members and Guests
Ensure everyone in your household, including children and visitors, understands the importance of not sneaking food to your dog. Make them aware of the specific foods that are dangerous.
4. Be Careful During Holidays
Holidays often involve an abundance of human food and a busy atmosphere. This can make it easier for dogs to access forbidden items. Be extra cautious during these times, securing food and keeping a close eye on your pet.
What To Do if Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
If your dog consumes a toxic food, acting quickly is critical for a positive outcome.
- Recognize Symptoms: Be familiar with common signs of food toxicity, which can vary depending on the substance. These may include listlessness, distress, pain, vomiting, bloody stools, or a bloated, hard stomach.
- Call for Help Immediately: Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center right away. Time is of the essence, as prompt treatment significantly improves recovery chances.
- Provide Key Information: Be prepared to tell the veterinary professional what food was eaten, the estimated amount, and when it was ingested.
- Avoid Home Remedies: Do not attempt home remedies or induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian. Some remedies can be harmful depending on the type of toxin ingested.
Pets Best Can Help You Keep Your Dog Healthy
Navigating the world of human foods and understanding what people food should dogs not eat can be challenging. Dogs, with their curious nature, sometimes get into things they shouldn’t. By following this guide and remaining vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of your dog encountering harmful foods.
Fortunately, there’s also a vast array of safe and healthy foods that your dog can enjoy. Discover what human food can I give to my dog from our list of approved treats, and reward your good girl or boy with something delicious and safe. If you’re ever uncertain about a specific food, always consult your veterinarian for guidance. Pet insurance, such as plans offered by Pets Best, can also provide peace of mind and support for unexpected incidents involving toxic ingestions, often including access to a 24/7 Pet Helpline for immediate expert advice.
