Toxic Foods for Dogs: 10 Human Foods Dogs Shouldn’t Eat

As a responsible pet owner, it's crucial to be aware of the human foods that can be toxic and potentially life-threatening to our furry companions. While it's tempting to share our favorite snacks and treats with our dogs, many common household foods contain ingredients that can cause serious health issues or even fatal poisoning in dogs. By educating ourselves about toxic foods for dogs and keeping them out of reach, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our beloved canine friends.

Coffee

1. Chocolate and Caffeine 

Chocolate is dangerous for dogs due to two toxic nutrients, theobromine and caffeine³. These substances are stimulants that dogs cannot metabolize efficiently, leading to potential poisoning. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, rapid breathing, seizures, and an abnormal heart rhythm³. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate. 

Dark chocolate is the richest in these two nutrients to avoid, followed by milk chocolate. If you suspect your pup has eaten chocolate, determining how much and what kind can be critical information for your veterinarian.

Theresa LantzCompanion Animal Nutritionist

Garlic

2. Onions and Garlic 

Onions and garlic, as well as other vegetables in the allium family like chives, leeks, and shallots, contain compounds that can damage a dog's red blood cells and lead to anemia⁶. Ingesting even a small amount of onion or garlic can cause gastrointestinal upset like vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite in dogs⁶. Onion and garlic toxicity can occur whether the vegetables are raw, cooked, or in powdered form, so it's best to avoid feeding any form of these ingredients to your furry friend⁶. 

Artificial Sweetener

3. Xylitol 

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products like gum, candies, baked goods, and toothpaste. On some product packages, it may be labeled as “birch sugar”. It is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, leading to weakness, seizures, and even liver damage⁸. Even small amounts of xylitol can be dangerous, so it's crucial to keep any products containing this sweetener far away from your furry friend. If you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol, seek immediate veterinary attention as it can be life-threatening. 

Alcohol

4. Alcohol 

Alcohol is highly toxic for dogs and can lead to serious health issues. Even small amounts of alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, breathing issues, and in severe cases, coma or even death¹. Dogs are much more sensitive to the effects of alcohol than humans due to their smaller size and inability to metabolize it efficiently. It's crucial to keep all alcoholic drinks and foods containing alcohol away from pets to prevent accidental ingestion and potential life-threatening consequences.

Grapes

5. Grapes and Raisins 

Grapes and raisins may seem like harmless snacks, but they can be highly toxic to dogs, even in small quantities. These fruits contain a substance that can cause acute kidney failure in our canine companions⁷. The toxic compound responsible for this reaction is still unknown⁷, but the consequences can be severe and potentially life-threatening. Prevention is key, as there is no known safe amount for dogs to consume. Even a single grape is cause for a swift visit to the veterinarian!

Macadamia Nuts

6. Macadamia Nuts 

Macadamia nuts are a popular snack for humans, but they can be highly toxic to dogs. These nuts contain an unknown toxin that can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) in dogs⁴. Even a small amount of macadamia nuts can lead to serious side effects. If your dog has ingested macadamia nuts, it's crucial to seek veterinary attention immediately. Symptoms typically appear within 12 hours of consumption and can last for up to 48 hours⁴. Avoid feeding your dog any products containing macadamia nuts to prevent potential health risks.

7. Fatty Foods

Although not ‘toxic’ in the traditional sense, high-fat foods like bacon, butter, and fatty meats can spur a bout of pancreatitis in dogs, a potentially serious condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. Pancreatitis can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even organ damage or death in severe cases. The high fat content in these foods is difficult for a dog's digestive system to break down properly. If a dog experiences pancreatitis once, they can become more sensitive and prone to further attacks. It's best to avoid giving dogs any fatty human foods and stick to a balanced diet formulated for their nutritional needs.

Raw Yeast Dough

8. Yeast-Containing Dough

While the aroma of freshly baked bread might be irresistible for both humans and their canine companions, unbaked yeast-containing dough poses serious risks to dogs. When dogs ingest raw dough, the warm and moist environment of their stomachs creates an ideal condition for the yeast to ferment and multiply². This process not only produces alcohol as a by-product but also causes the dough to expand². Symptoms of bloatedness, such as retching without being able to vomit, a swollen abdomen, lethargy, and rapid heartbeat, require immediate veterinary attention. 

9. Moldy or Spoiled Foods

Moldy or spoiled foods can be highly toxic to dogs. These foods may contain various types of mold that produce mycotoxins, which are poisonous substances that can cause severe illness. Consuming moldy or spoiled foods can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, elevated body temperature, and seizures in dogs⁵. It's crucial to discard any moldy or spoiled foods and keep them away from your furry friend to prevent potential health issues.

Cooked Bones

10. Bones

Cooked bones can be extremely dangerous for dogs. While many pet owners think bones make a tasty treat, they can easily splinter and cause obstructions or punctures in the digestive tract. Cooked and smoked bones become dry and brittle, increasing the risk of splintering as the dog chews. These sharp bone fragments can puncture the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, leading to serious internal injuries and potentially life-threatening complications.

Conclusion and Safety Tips

Keeping your furry friend safe from toxic human foods is crucial for their well-being. Even small amounts of certain foods can lead to severe illness or even death in dogs. It's essential to be vigilant and take proactive measures to pet-proof your home and prevent accidental ingestion.

By being proactive and following these safety tips, you can help ensure your beloved companion stays healthy and happy, free from the dangers of toxic human foods.