Foods dogs can't eat: full list with danger level
Guide summary
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- 3 min
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- Updated
The most dangerous foods for dogs are chocolate, grapes and raisins, xylitol, onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol and caffeine. If your dog eats any of them, call your vet or a pet poison hotline even if they don't have symptoms yet.
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List of foods dogs can't eat
| Food | Danger | What it causes |
|---|---|---|
| Xylitol (sugar-free gum, candy and baked goods, some peanut butters, toothpaste) | Very high | A sudden drop in blood sugar within minutes and liver damage. Small amounts can be fatal |
| Grapes and raisins | Very high | Acute kidney failure. There's no known safe amount |
| Chocolate and cocoa | High (the darker, the worse) | Vomiting, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures. See what to do if your dog ate chocolate |
| Onions, garlic, leeks, chives (raw, cooked or powdered) | High | Destroy red blood cells and cause anemia, sometimes days later |
| Alcohol | High | Low blood sugar, body temperature and breathing; coma |
| Raw yeast dough | High | Expands in the stomach and produces alcohol |
| Macadamia nuts | Medium-high | Weak back legs, tremors, fever |
| Coffee, tea and energy drinks | Medium-high | Effects similar to chocolate: abnormal heart rhythm, restlessness |
| Cooked bones | Medium-high | Splinter: perforations and blockages |
| Very fatty foods (bacon, turkey skin, ham, holiday leftovers) | Medium | Pancreatitis, vomiting and diarrhea |
| Fruit pits and seeds (peach, plum, cherry, avocado) | Medium | Intestinal blockage; some seeds contain toxic compounds |
| Avocado | Low-medium | Upset stomach; the pit can cause a blockage |
| Milk and dairy | Low | Diarrhea in lactose-intolerant dogs |
| Too much salt (chips, pretzels, cured meats) | Low-medium | Intense thirst, vomiting; in large amounts, sodium poisoning |
What to do if your dog eats something on this list
- Take the food away and work out how much they ate and when.
- Keep the package or label.
- Call your vet, a 24-hour emergency hospital or a pet poison hotline with your dog's weight and those details: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 ($89 per incident).
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
If you notice vomiting, tremors, seizures, weakness or pale gums, go straight to an emergency vet. Review the warning signs.
Human foods dogs can have (in moderation)
As an occasional treat, without salt, sugar or seasoning, and in small pieces:
- Fruit: apple without seeds, banana, seedless watermelon, blueberries, pear without seeds.
- Vegetables: carrots, zucchini, green beans, cucumber, plain cooked pumpkin.
- Protein: skinless, boneless cooked chicken or turkey, hard-boiled egg, cooked boneless fish.
- Grains: cooked rice, cooked oatmeal.
Remember the 10% rule: treats shouldn't make up more than 10% of your dog's daily calories.
Frequently asked questions
Which fruits are toxic to dogs?
Grapes and raisins are the most dangerous, because they can cause kidney failure. Also avoid the pits and seeds of fruits like peaches, cherries and plums, and avocado.
Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Plain peanut butter is fine as an occasional treat, but always check the label for xylitol (sometimes listed as "birch sugar"). Xylitol-sweetened peanut butter can be deadly for dogs.
Can dogs eat ham?
A small piece once in a while usually won't cause problems, but ham is very salty and fatty, and holiday ham and fatty leftovers are a common trigger for pancreatitis. It's best not to make it a habit.
How quickly does a toxic food take effect?
It depends on the food. Xylitol can drop blood sugar within 10-60 minutes; chocolate causes symptoms within 6-12 hours; onions can take several days to cause anemia. That's why you should call your vet even if your dog seems fine.
Sources
This article is for general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet's health, call your vet clinic.
